A local playspace may have new owners and a new name, but it still offers the same great fun for children.
Last summer, Donna and Phil Antosca sought new owners for their business, “Let’s Go Have Fun,” a playspace located at 1480 N. Main Street, Suite C in Madison geared toward children ages 6 months to 12 years. Ryleigh Brown answered the call.
“Working with children has always been my passion,” Brown said. “From an early age, I knew I wanted to make a difference in kids’ lives.”
Brown completed an early childhood program in high school, babysat throughout her teenage years and earned an Early Childhood Education Associate’s Degree while working at a preschool. She explored some other career paths, but always felt drawn back to working with children. When the Antoscas’ business went up for sale, Brown, who shares a toddler with her fiance Hunter, knew she had found her calling.
“It felt like fate,” she said. “I had never visited before, but the moment I walked in, I knew God put this opportunity in our path for a reason. I’m excited to create a warm, welcoming space where kids can play, learn and make memories while parents relax and connect. This is more than just a business to me; it’s a way to build a strong, supportive family community and I can’t wait to share it.”
As a mom herself, Brown said kids’ play areas are vital to the local community. She said it’s important to have a supportive space where both kids and parents can connect, and noted there aren’t many options available in the local area.
“I’ve realized just how much we need these gathering places not just for children to play and grow, but also for moms to build friendships, share experiences and support one another,” Brown said.
Not too many changes have been made yet, Brown said, but the biggest may be the name. “Little Play Cafe” offers a large, open playspace for children. Brown said the toys that were once in multiple rooms have been combined into a large area, allowing parents to stay in the main space and interact comfortably all while easily keeping an eye on their children as they play and explore.
“Our future goal is to revamp and enhance our play space to make it even more fun and engaging for kids,” Brown said.
In addition to the play area, there’s also Hershey’s Ice Cream which is available for sale to all, including those who just want to stop by for a treat and the cafe plays host to birthday parties with private bookings available.
Brown said so far, the response to the business has been wonderful.
“We’ve had such amazing support from the community and we’re so grateful for everyone who has stopped by, shared kind words and continues to support Little Play Cafe,” she said. “Seeing families come together, kids laughing and playing and parents connecting has been so rewarding. We’re excited to keep growing and creating a fun, welcoming space for everyone.”
Little Play Cafe is open to children 12 months to 10 years of age. The play space includes something for everyone including arcade games, basketball and air hockey that older children enjoy. Day passes are $12 for the first child and $10 for each additional child. Monthly membership passes are also available for $30 for the first children, $50 for two children and $10 for each additional child. The cafe is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours vary depending on birthday party reservations. Hours are typically posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569150474321.
Up next for the business is an Easter celebration. Little Play Cafe will host an Easter Play Date April 6, 2-6 p.m. with an egg hunt, outdoor activities, a food truck and bunny pictures. The Easter Bunny will be on-site 2-4 p.m. Photos with the bunny are $25 and include a family photo and a children photo. Admission to the Easter Play Date is $20 per child. RSVP to the event via Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/events/1684021332486544. For more information regarding the business, email littleplaycafe13@gmail.com or visit littleplaycafe.net.
