By 1812Blockhouse
Little Sprouts Playhouse opened Thursday with a ribbon cutting at The Ontario Center, tucked beside the indoor entrance to Avita Hospital. The celebration, hosted by the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, marked more than a business opening. It felt like a warm welcome to a space built specifically for kids who need room to move, imagine, and learn.
A Thoughtful Approach to Play
Inside, the lights are soft and the space feels intentional. Little Sprouts is Montessori-inspired, meaning everything is sized for young children and encourages hands-on exploration. No overstimulation. No flashing screens. Children ages 0–6 can crawl, climb, build, and pretend in a setting designed for them to make their own choices.
Parents can grab a coffee or donut while keeping an eye on the action. There’s seating around the play areas, free Wi-Fi, and enough space to exhale. It’s a rare combination: a play space where kids are happy and parents can actually sit down.
Drop In or Celebrate a Birthday
Little Sprouts offers open play throughout the week, and birthday parties are available. Staff members emphasize that playtime here isn’t about wearing children out. It’s about giving them freedom and independence in a safe place.
When You Can Visit
Here are the regular open play hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Pricing
- $10 per child (0–12 years old)
- Babies not yet crawling are free with a paying sibling
- Two adults are included; additional adults are $5
A Spot That Understands Young Families
Parents of early risers will appreciate the morning hours. Snacks and drinks are offered on site, so there’s no need to pack a bag or detour through a drive-thru. With free Wi-Fi, it’s also a place to catch your breath and answer a couple emails while your toddler digs into imaginary play.
Little Sprouts Playhouse is now open at 2209 Richland Mall West Entrance in Ontario. It’s a new option for families looking for something simple: a safe, clean place where kids can just be kids.
If you visit, you may leave with a child who’s happily worn out and a feeling that someone finally built a space that gets what young families need.
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
