Storybook Play Cafe Sparks Imagination in Greenwood

Written by Ashley Dykton

Southsiders, there is a new play café near you, and it is like stepping into a story! Best for children under the age of 5, Storybook Café is a welcome new attraction in Greenwood where young children can explore and let their imaginations soar.

Storybook Play Cafe: Sparking Imagination

Christina Gutzwiller was inspired to open Storybook Play Café after visiting a play café out of state. Loving the concept of an intimate space where kids can safely play, she wanted to bring this to her local community. A mom of a 4- and a 7-year-old, she wanted to create a safe space where parents could work from one of the tables while their child or children embarked on an imaginative journey through the Storybook Play Café’s play village.

Outside of Greenwood Park’s KidCity and the Johnson County library play spaces, there were no other viable options of places to take young children to on the south side. There are so many great options for kids 6 and over but nothing specifically for toddlers and preschool-aged children.

As a nurse at St Francis, Christina has a passion for taking care of people, and stepping into Storybook Play Café, this passion is apparent in the level of attention to detail. Christina and her husband, Ryan, have poured their heart and soul into this business and welcome comments and feedback from their guests. They are continuously adapting and implementing changes to best suit their customers’ needs.

Explore a Miniature Medieval Fairytale Village

The theming of Storybook Play Café is supposed to represent a village during medieval times. Children are encouraged to explore the different themed structures and castle, and to imagine themselves as a hero from their favorite fairytale.

Each separate “house”, the castle play structure, and the log were designed by Intermountain Playscapes out of Utah. The play structures include a blacksmith shop with woodworking and building toys, a dress shop with pretend play outfits that include princess, prince, and firefighter costumes, a market with food toys, a bakery, and a doctor’s office.

The flooring by the wooden, themed buildings is soft play grass. In this area, there are floor toys, a picnic table, and a crawl-through tunnel. There is a designated play area for babies with a foam mat, toys, and a protective barrier. There is also a bookcase tree for story time, and there is plenty of seating available from which parents and caretakers can keep a watchful eye.

The showpiece at Storybook Café is the castle-themed play structure with a slide, tire swing, and foam flooring. The castle is named “Bryce’s Castle” after the valiant knight, Bryce Clausen. Bryce was a 14-month-old Greenwood resident who passed away in 2019 from Krabbes Disease, a genetic degenerative neuromuscular disease that often results in death. Bryce made a lasting impact in Greenwood, and his legacy lives on through “Bryce’s Bill.” This new state law makes Krabbes Disease, Pompe, and Hurler’s Syndrome all part of newborn screenings.

Refreshments and Snacks at Storybook Play Cafe

Need a little snack or a caffeine fix while working and playing at Storybook? The cafe part of this business has you covered. You’ll find a wide variety of bakery treats, including bagels, coffee cakes, and cake pops, as well as kid-friendly favorites like apple sauce pouches, Uncrustable sandwiches, and more. Kids can even order fairytale-themed beverages like the Princess Steamer, the Pirates Hot Chocolate, or a Giant Peach Smoothie.

Storybook Play Café offers plenty of coffee drink options for the grown-ups and proudly brews Black Rifle Coffee, which is veteran-owned and returns a percentage of proceeds back to veterans. Outside food and drinks are not allowed except for infant formula/food and items for special dietary needs.

Hosting Birthday Parties and Events

Storybook Play Cafe is a great place to host a birthday party or special event. Events need to be reserved at least 30 days in advance. Get more information by emailing info@storybookplaycafes.com.

Special Events

Storybook Play Café is still in its infancy stage, learning how to channel its ideas into executing great events and fun for its guests. For the most up-to-date information regarding events at the cafe, be sure to visit the Storybook Cafe website and social media for more information.

Toddler Tuesday

Tuesday mornings, enjoy a specific time slot event for children 3 years old and younger. Each week from 8 to 9 am, enjoy a special discount rate of $5.99 per child.

Once Upon a Parents’ Night

Storybook Play Café will periodically have a parents’ night out event. This is a 2-hour time slot event where children (ages 3 and up ONLY) can play and enjoy a story time and fun activities. The fee is $25 per child and includes a magical drink and an enchanted lunch pack.

Sensory Inclusion Hours

Storybook Play Café will have an occasional sensory hour from 8 to 9 am for 5.99. During this special designated time, the café will be less busy with limited capacity, lights will be dimmed, and other adjustments made to create an environment that isn’t overstimulating and overwhelming.

Admission and Hours

*The following information is accurate at the time of publishing, but subject to change. Please verify pricing and hours directly with the venue before you visit.

Prices

The current rate is 11.99 for a child’s admission. This rate is good all day and does not have an hour limit. Guests can come and go freely throughout the day with a handstamp.

Children under 1 are admitted free with a paid sibling.

Punch Pass

Storybook Play Café does have punch cards available for purchase. The Buy 5 Get 1 Free Play Session option is $59.95, or opt for the Buy 10 Get 3 Free Play Sessions pack for $119.90.

Adults are encouraged to play with their children. For safety and sanitization, Storybook Play Café asks that adults remove their shoes and wear socks or request shoe covers from a play attendant.

Prior to playing, a waiver must be filled out for EACH child who is playing. The waiver is accessible online and is valid for one year.

Grippy socks are also required for children playing. Bring your own, or if you don’t have a pair, they can be purchased there for $3.