New Tea Play Place set to open in early to mid October

By Garrett Ammesmaki,

Editor

A new play place is looking to become a hub for the Tea community while giving parents a place to unwind and let their kids run loose.

Tea Play Place is set to open in early to mid October at 910 N. Main Ave., and looks to offer a variety of different experiences for both kids and their caregivers, according to business owner Beth Hintz.

“I’m hoping it will be a one-stop shop,” Hintz said, “and a community hub with great resources for parents.”

The play place will include in-door slides and tunnels, as well as a variety of toys that will be rotated every four months so frequent visitors will have plenty of chances at playing with something new. There will also be a weekly story time, different crafts and sensory play, as well as music classes for kids and weekly yoga sessions for both caregivers and their children.

Hintz plans to host onsite dulas, dietitians and lactation consultants once a week, as well as various different workshops and classes for both new and experienced parents alike.

Drip and cold brew coffee by Central Dakota Perk will be available, as well as a snack bar stocked by Aunty J’s of Lennox.

The almost 4,000 sq. foot space is taking up residence at the former location of Early Explorers. Hintz said construction has made it a more “open-concept” space for Tea Play Place.

It includes a fenced in backyard and a separate baby area for children up to 18 months.

The grand opening for Tea Play Place is tentatively scheduled for October 9, as they are waiting on some construction to be finished.

A day-pass is $12, but Hintz is offering both monthly and yearly memberships as well. Children 12 months and under are free. Any child must be accompanied by a caregiver.

For more information you can visit their website at teaplayplace.com.

Hintz and her family moved to Tea last year after her husband accepted a position at Dockendorf Equipment Co.

Born and raised in Lake Forest, Illinois, Hintz moved to Tea from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She received her certification in early childhood development from the University of White Water Wisconsin back in 2014. The mother of two has nearly a decade of experience in child care.

“I’m excited to share this with the community, and give them a place to play around,” Hintz said.