PlayLab Inc

It’s finally happening! We are proud to announce private playdates at PlayLab Eagle Rock will be available, beginning October 10! Please click the link for details and to book. Can’t wait to see you all...from at least 6ft away. https://mailchi.mp//new-parenting-talk-broadway-babies-mus

Our friends at @ruggishco featured us in their blog this month! learn more about how we plan to continue to support parents and kids after reopening https://ruggishco.com//how-is-the-pandemic-changing-play-s

We are reopening soon! If all goes well, we plan to re-open by early October! We are taking baby steps to minimize risk, in accordance with state and local guidelines, and we are going to start with opening the outdoor area at our Eagle Rock location ONLY. (Since indoor playspaces are still prohibited from opening, our Pasadena location will remain closed until restrictions ease.) Because the restrictions greatly reduce our maximum capacity, we are temporarily suspending ou...r usual open play/ drop-in system. Instead, we are also going to try a new private reservation-based approach to your visits. We are still working out the details, but would love your advice and feedback on the plan: PlayLab Eagle Rock will offer four private slots every day, 7 days a week. When you reserve a slot, you have EXCLUSIVE use of the outdoor deck area and toys for 90 minutes. Nobody else will be there, just your family, quarantine buds, and one of our staff members. You’ll be able to book your reservation on our website, as well as see available times- it will be very convenient and easy. In between each slot, we will be cleaning and sanitizing the premises and toys, so that it’s fresh and ready for the next visitor. You’ll be able to bring your quarantine buddies, or just enjoy it all to yourself. We’ll offer two tiers of pricing- you can reserve a visit for up to 6 people for $80, or up to 10 people for $100. There will be some limitations with this new approach: Until further notice from the state and city, we won’t be able to offer the interior play areas, nor do we feel it’s currently safe enough to open up the snack areas or coffee bar. They will remain closed. (You will still be able to use the restroom, though) We will also be VERY strict on our wellness policy, and will be screening visitors before they enter- which may include asking questions about recent illness, conducting temperature checks, as well as requiring visitors to wear masks (except for ages 2 and under) and washing hands before playing. We won’t be offering any private birthday parties for the time being, just these 90 minute private visits.

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!! You guys! Our amazing friend, upstairs neighbor, mom of three, AND New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson Ph. D., has just released her new book, THE BOTTOM LINE FOR BABY: From Sleep Training to Screens, Thumb Sucking to Tummy TimeWhat the Science Says. Have you ever just wanted a cheat sheet for those oh, so challenging parenting questions? In her amazing new book, she tackles more than sixty common new-parent concerns and offers clear, s...cience-based information in short but thorough explanations that let parents feel confident that they’re basing their decisions on the most credible, up-to-date information. Full of warmth, wit, and expert wisdom,THE BOTTOM LINE FOR BABY will help parents prioritize what they really need to know and do during the first year of precious life. As Dr. Bryson writes, Ultimately, knowledge is power. Inform yourself. Then trust yourself. You know your child better than anyonethat’s the bottom line. If you’d like to be entered into a drawing to win a free copy of her new book, just comment below and tag a friend or two

It’s been a while since we’ve sent out our last message to our community- how are you doing? We hope you’re staying safe, healthy, and strong and that everything is going OK. We also want to update you on our plans for re-opening. When we wrote last, we were hopeful that we'd be able to open by July. However, early last month Governor Newsom issued statewide orders for indoor playspaces (and several other business categories) to close down again (or remain closed). As of... today, those orders are still in effect. Also, we have keeping an eye on the case counts and waiting for them to decrease before we open again. Since the state cases are still rising, it doesn't feel safe for us to open our doors yet. However, we will ro re-open when we can and when it is safe to do so. Hopefully that happens in sometime in the fall- we will keep you posted! We have been giving a lot of thought as to the best way to continue serving our community, and how we can be as safe as possible when we are able to re-open. As time goes on, we've been revising our plans and approaches to how we will run the playspaces so that you and your family, as well as our team and staff, can be as safe as possible when visiting PlayLab. Sincerely, Carrie & Jason PlayLab Founders

Any parents looking for a fun virtual dance class for your child? Ms. Allena is offering her amazing West African Dance (and art!) class virtually this summer! Your family will learn to dance to the beat of West African drums, design a bracelet using African beads and shells while learning history, and explore the traditions of African masks while making one of your very own. She will mail you everything you need, 2 African wraps, beading supplies, and a materials list so your ready to dance and create!

Hello Friends! It’s been a while since we’ve sent out a message to our community- how are you doing? We hope you’re staying safe, healthy, and strong and that everything is going OK. We have been giving a lot of thought as to the best way to continue serving our community, and how we can be as safe as possible when we are able to re-open. We’ve been studying the recommendations of the CDC, and talking with medical professionals and other businesses and schools. It’s clear ...that we will have to make some temporary adjustments to the play environments, materials and toys, and how we gather to play. BUT We’d love to hear from you! We want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. If you have a few minutes to chat on the phone, please respond to this email, or message us on social media. We would love to hear directly from you all about what we can to to help make you feel safe when visiting PlayLab again. If you’d like to share with us by phone, reply with your number and some good times to reach you. Or just shoot us a message anytime. As a thank you for the conversation, we’ll give you a free day pass!

Our oldest, Linley, turned 5 today! She was hoping to have a big Donuts and Dragons themed party with her friends at our Eagle Rock location. We had a fun family celebration at home instead with help from some of our favorite small businesses @shopmercimilo @bcdonuts_pasadena @bklynparty

How’s everyone doing out there? We’ve been doing some work around the spaces! Painting, reflooring, and Jason built this gorgeous new display shelf Missing you all!

Private play dates for now, and missing you all

In the spirit of lifting up small and parent run businesses during these strange times, please check out the cuteness that is @elenestbaby Katie, the founder, saw a need for a better bath towel for babies and toddlers so she grabbed her sewing machine and got to work designing this huggable, hooded, wearable work or art! It’s hands free so no need to juggle a slippery babe and grab for a towel while trying to wrap up that wet baby burrito Bonus that it can be worn as a robe when your kiddo gets older I’m putting a link to Katie’s website in our bio and message me for a discount code. A portion of the proceeds from each towel sold goes to maternal health

Lauren Archer @loveofalittleone is offering virtual support for new parents! She’s a great resource and can offer help with breastfeeding, basic newborn care and behaviors, bottle feeding, gas issues, routine management, sleep strategies, processing your birth, partner support, and more We are also super excited that Lauren will be facilitating a moms’ group at PlayLab once we are able to open again. Link for support is in our bio. @mamanielaco

One of our amazing PlayLab moms is posting some super fun play ideas on @athomewithlittles She’s got some great ideas for rainy day play and keeping bodies and brains busy in the best possible ways!

So...it’s day 2 of social distancing and we are already starting to lose it. This is Hangy the hanger monster. I’ve been glued to social media the past few days, mostly seeing how families are managing. It’s been so beautiful to see parents sharing ideas and working together-even when we are separated. While we are closed I’d love to share some play ideas, activities for parent self care, and anything else that can help get us through this with our sanity. Please message me directly with any resources or ideas we can share! Bonus if they help support your own family business during this challenging time. I’ll also keep you updated on The Adventures of Hangy #flattenthecurve