WISH-TV | wishtv.com
Parents looking for a place to get work done while their kids play now have a new weekday refuge.
The Little Village Playroom in Carmel was created by a working mom for working parents.
The new facility on Carmel’s west side opened a few weeks ago at 9850 N. Michigan Road.
Sample
Amy Sample, a mother of two, said she decided to open the new playspace because she saw a need for working parents to get a break from the regular routine. But she says that despite having kids, work never stops.
“I’ve got her hollering ‘Mommy, Mommy!’ in the background of this interview. That’s exactly the point,” said Sample.
Parents can work in the cafe area with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, while children can peruse life as a grocery store clerk or veterinarian.
The Little Village Playroom will also offer sensory play areas, story time and an activity center.
“You’re separated a little bit from your kids as far as the location goes. There are adult tables for you to sit at and have your coffee, and there’s the play area for the kids but you can see them 100 percent of the time,” said Sample.
Parents like Shana Polk, who brought her two kids to the Little Village Playroom Friday, said the playroom is a godsend.
“We’re off our nap schedule. This would be a perfect place for me to come. So I could work on my laptop, and I have the ability to work remotely if I need to and they could just play and I could take a breath,” said Polk.
Polk said the new play area also provides a nice break from pricey day care bills. “Oh my God! Child care alone is more than my mortgage. So, this is a nice option,” said Polk.
They says it takes a village, and Sample saw a need and created one.
“Just to have that community of people to go to, that was the most important part to me. Just to see that unfold, I’ve been so grateful,” said Sample.
Sample said the space will be available for birthday parties on weekends and the activity center will play host to things like toddler yoga. Sample said all activities will be led by people specially trained in working with children.
Parents can get a membership or pay by the day. Drop-in rates, according to the playroom’s website, are as follows:
- $15 per child 9 months or older
- $10 per child newborn to 9 months or free with paid sibling
- $10 per child 9 months or older with paying sibling
- $5 per additional sibling
Passes, group rates and unlimited memberships are also available.