KALONA

Over the last 15 years or so, a new business concept has been developing: that of the play café. Neither coffee shop nor playground only, it manages to merge both ideas, bringing parents and children together into one stimulating space for both parties.

The idea was inspired by children’s museums, which offer children unique and educational play experiences. At the same time, parents admit they want more adult connections and conversation. With an indoor play café, children and parents both get what they need: kids play under parental supervision, and parents meet and socialize with each other at the same time.

When Lambs & Ivy Play Café opens in Kalona this January, local families will be able to experience this for themselves.

The idea for a local play café started to take shape for proprietor Megan Hardman earlier this year.

“I thought about it this summer, just wanting a place to go with the kids that’s out and about, but they still learn stuff,” Hardman says. “But also someplace to go with mom friends, [where] we can hang out and talk and the kids will just play.”

The Iowa Children’s Museum in Coralville hit those marks, but Hardman preferred someplace smaller and less chaotic. When she visited The Play Café in Cedar Rapids, it was more what she had in mind. She began investigating the concept as a business idea for herself.

She and husband Zach, who owns Hardman Painting Company in Kalona, started looking for a space where they could start their own play café. In late October, a storefront in the Bulltowne Plaza opened up, and the Hardmans took possession the following month, beginning to paint and build out the space into their own custom play area, drink station, and conversation nooks.

The objective, Hardman says, is to create a “Montessori-vibe” when it comes to interior design. “Instead of going with the typical colors for kids, we’re trying to make everything more aesthetically pleasing for moms,” she says, avoiding an atmosphere that is “overwhelming and loud.”

A soothing maple toy kitchen has already found its way into the space; plywood sheets marked with pencil lines await attention from Zach, who is next building a silo.

Hardman is well-equipped to run her own business. Having been office manager at The Appliance Barn for almost five years and having helped manage the Kalona Coffeehouse for a while, she concedes, “I’ve got some practice running businesses.”

The name of the play café comes from the 1943 novelty song, “Mairzy Doats,” that Hardman’s grandpa, whom the grandkids called “Fafa,” sang to them when they were young. The line, “Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy," struck Hardman as inspirational.

“It fits our overall goals of being a place for children (lambs) and a place where families can connect (like growing ivy),” she explains.

There are several ways families can enjoy Lambs & Ivy Play Café. Kids can enjoy play sessions, which begin at $3 per child for two hours; “pay as you play” is an option, as are one- and three-month memberships, which include free open play, one free drink per month, and discounts on party packages and events.

The space can be reserved for birthday parties; parents can bring in their own food and desserts, and kids will have the play space to themselves. Eventually Hardman hopes to work with local vendors so that she can provide treats like cupcakes and pizza.

The play café will also host events; the first is coming up on Dec. 14 and 19, a Ladies’ Night wrapping party, where bringing friends is encouraged and supplies are provided for an admission fee of $15.

Hardman is already off to a solid start, having promoted the play café at Christmas in Kalona as well as on Facebook. Branded t-shirts are available in adult and kid sizes, and she has sold memberships and birthday party packages.

The expectation is that Lambs & Ivy Play Café will fully open with the new year in January 2024.

Lambs & Ivy Play Café is located in the Bulltowne Plaza, 219 1st St., Kalona. Learn more and stay up to date on Facebook and Instagram.