Frequently Asked Questions:
🌈 General
What is The Bright Side Play Place?
The Bright Side is a joyful indoor play space for young children and a welcoming place for grownups, too. We’re designed for open-ended play, connection, and community building.
Where are you located?
We are in Downtown St. Albans, Vermont. We are located at 133 N. Main Street, Suite 15, between Danform Shoes and Feldman’s Bagels.
What ages is The Bright Side for?
Our space is designed primarily for children ages 0–8, but older siblings who can play gently are welcome. All equipment is selected with early childhood safety and development in mind.
👶 Babies & Toddlers
Are infants free?
Newborns (under 4months) are free. Babies who can’t yet walk are “Pre Walkers” and are $5.
⏱️ Visits & Scheduling
How long can we stay?
Most visits will be structured as 2-hour play sessions. This helps with crowd flow, comfort, and cleaning. If space allows, you will be able to extend your stay.
Do I need to book ahead?
We recommend pre-booking, especially on weekends and during winter months, to guarantee your spot.
Can I drop in?
Yes- drop-ins are welcome!
🧼 Cleanliness & Health
How do you prevent illness from spreading?
Keeping families healthy is a top priority. We have:
Clear sick-day policies
Frequent toy sanitizing
Daily deep cleaning
Staff trained in hygiene best practices
We also kindly ask families to stay home if anyone is feeling unwell.
🧦 Safety & Rules
Do kids wear shoes?
No- play areas are sock-only for children and adults. Grip socks are required for kids for liability reasons and are available for purchase.
Do adults need to stay?
Yes. This is a caregiver-supervised space- grownups remain responsible for their children at all times.
☕ For Grownups
Is there seating for adults?
Absolutely! We’ll have comfortable seating so caregivers can relax while supervising.
Will there be coffee or snacks?
We offer coffee for free for grown ups, and water is available for purchase.
Can I work while my child plays?
Yes! Many caregivers use play spaces as light coworking time. Just remember your child remains your responsibility.
🎉 Parties & Memberships
Do you offer birthday parties?
Yes! We offer simple, stress-free party packages so you can celebrate without the cleanup at home.
Will you have memberships?
Yes- memberships will be available for families who plan to visit often. They offer the best value and help support our community space.
💛 Inclusion & Community
Is The Bright Side inclusive?
Very much so. We are building this space with inclusivity and accessibility in mind. We welcome diverse families and are committed to being a supportive community space for all.
Do you offer discounts?
We plan to offer limited discounted or donor-supported admissions for foster families, kinship caregivers, and families facing financial barriers when possible. If cost is a barrier and you are a beneficiary of programs like WIC, SNAP, etc, please reach out for our benefit pricing.
Military families receive 20% off memberships, parties, and first visits with the code PURPLE.