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 — especially during Vermont’s long winters.
Where are you located?
We are opening in St. Albans, Vermont. Our exact address and opening date will be announced as soon as everything is finalized.
What ages is The Bright Side for?
Our space is designed primarily for children ages 0–6 (early elementary kids may still enjoy parts of the space). All equipment is selected with early childhood safety and development in mind.
👶 Babies & Toddlers
Are infants free?
Infants under 6 months/ pre walkers are free with a paid sibling. We’ll also have a small, cozy baby area designed just for our littlest visitors.
Do you have a baby-safe area?
Yes! We will have a separate soft play zone for babies and early crawlers so they can explore safely.
⏱️ 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 may 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 when capacity allows.
🧼 Cleanliness & Health
How do you prevent illness from spreading?
Keeping families healthy is a top priority. We will have:
Clear sick-day policies
Frequent toy rotation and sanitizing
Daily deep cleaning
Hand-sanitizing stations
Good ventilation and air filtration
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 liability reasons and will be 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 plan to offer simple drinks, coffee, and packaged snacks. Some for sale, some included. You’re also welcome to bring your own nut-free snacks.
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 will 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.