South Hills welcomes Stay ‘n Play, a new indoor play space for Pittsburgh families
Cold days are ahead for Pittsburgh but there’s a new indoor play space to provide your family with a respite from the falling temperatures.
On November 10, the Beth El synagogue in Scott Township opened the doors to Stay ‘n Play, a public play space featuring two indoor play spaces and one outdoor playground.
At a cost of just $5 a visit for the first child and $3 a visit for the second (punch cards will also be offered at a rate of $40 for 10 visits for the first child and $20 for 10 visits for the second child) kids can explore, jump, create and play. There is no charge for accompanying adults and children under the age of six months are admitted at no cost. The space will be open from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday-Friday year-round.
The space offers a “manipulatives room” where kids can delve into imaginative and dramatic play, bring out their inner Van Gogh at an art table, tackle puzzles, water tables and trains or read quietly in the reading area.
The “gross motor room” features tricycles, riding vehicles, balls, a climbing slide and more.
Lori Nemec, program and communications manager for Beth El, said the three congregation members who spearheaded the creation of Stay ‘n Play – Bonnie Gordon, Randi Daffner and Karen Frank – wanted to find a use for the space that once housed a nursery school.
“The space was perfectly set up for this use and we really wanted to find a way to be a bigger part of the community – not just the Jewish community, but the Pittsburgh community as a whole,” Nemec said.
Organizers plan to start offering a story time in December and will launch a Challah baking activity on Fridays, where children can learn to bake their own Challah bread using the space’s kitchen. They may offer structured art programs in the months to come.
“We want this to be a secular, fun and comfortable space for families to enjoy,” Nemec said.
A few things to remember when planning your visit. You must remain with your child while they play. You don’t need to be a member of the Beth El congregation to enjoy the play space. And the prices listed above will be offered as an introductory rate and the punch cards will not expire. Finally, the building is Kosher, so while small snacks will be offered for purchase on the honor system, you cannot bring meat inside the Stay ‘n Play.
For more information, visit the Stay ‘n Play Facebook page or call the synagogue at 412-561-1168.
Looking for other indoor play spaces in the South Hills? Check out the Seesaw Center, Snapology and Lilliput Towne Center.
