HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Hopkinsville is home to a new kids play cafe as The Play Parlor opens inside Joelle’s Cake + Coffee. The space connects directly to the bakery, allowing families to select a sweet treat or coffee to enjoy while the kids explore. The expansive room is focused on creative play, featuring a tiny town with a bakery, auto shop, firehouse, and vet office.

A kid sized stage is built for young creatives, with costumes ready to dress up in. There is also a dedicated crafting area, with a variety of materials for kids of all ages to create with. Bench seating lines the walls of the space allowing families to comfortably sit while keeping an eye on their kids.

“I’m a single mom so I have my kids all the time and I was constantly seeking out play cafes as an option to let them be screen free and run around,” Owner Ashley Yates told Christian County Now. With the cafe already attracting families with young kids, expanding into the Play Parlor felt like a natural transition.

With the help of family and friends, she has been able to paint and construct the adjacent space over the past few months, officially opening to the public in September.

The boutique bakery has been open in Hopkinsville since 2016, selling aromatic baked goods including a variety of cookies, cupcakes, macarons, and seasonal offerings along with their coffee menu. They recently moved to their current Fort Campbell Boulevard location within the last year, with Yates inspired to go through with expanding when the building next door was vacated.

“For me, growing up imagining and doing theater and creative play was such a huge part of my upbringing. It’s so important for kids to be able to use their imagination,” she said. “I just wanted to offer something that’s right here, local and for the Hopkinsville community.”

Visitors can purchase a two hour play pass or a monthly membership. Due to limited capacity, people are encouraged to reserve a time on the Joelle’s Cake + Coffee website, but walk-ins are accepted. Their location is also open for birthday parties on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. A full list of guidelines and FAQ’s can be found on their website.

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