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Classes at Schoolhouse Play & Cafe

Classes at Schoolhouse Play & Cafe are run by Taylor Carney, a former teacher who decided to leave her position to be a stay-at-home mom. Her passion for teaching and love of children shine through in her classes. Taylor runs a tight 45-minute class. Children are consistently moving from one activity to the next, catering to their short attention spans.

Classes have sensory bins, gross motor activities, a read-aloud, songs, and crafts. My 4-year-old loved the pirate-themed class she went to. It started off with jewel sensory bins, then moved on to Taylor's animated reading of Pete the Cat and the Treasure Map. All activities of the class followed the curated pirate theme. After class, children let loose in the open play area, which is smartly hidden behind doors. 

RELATED: Top Mommy-and-Me Baby Classes on Long Island

The classes are especially perfect for younger kids. 

Open Play at Schoolhouse Play and Cafe

Open play sessions can be booked in 90-minute intervals. The space's "village" setting is very charming, with unique features such as a campsite and a camper. There is a baby area with lots of sensory toys; just remember to put anything your baby puts in their mouth into the yuck bucket. My teething 10-month-old was more than happy to shove a few toys in her drooly mouth.

The village also has a grocery store, a diner, and a doctor's office. There is a small reading nook for littles who need to decompress, or babies who love to turn the pages of a board book. Since we did the class and open play combo, we had 45 minutes in the village. My oldest wasn't ready to leave, but a promise of baked goods at Elise's Niece's Cafe did the trick. 

Birthday Parties at Schoolhouse Play & Cafe

Birthday parties are offered on Saturdays and Sundays only, from 3-5pm. They include up to 15 kids maximum, two pizza pies, juice/water for kids, one cupcake per kid, tableware, and balloons. Kids will get 90 minutes to play in the village and then have time to eat pizza and cupcakes. Add-ons for adults are available, including pizza and desserts from Elise's Niece's Cafe. Themed decor can also be added for an additional fee.  

RELATED: Top Birthday Party Places for Toddlers and Preschoolers on Long Island

Grab a post-playtime snack from Elise's Niece's Cafe when you're done at Schoolhouse Play & Cafe. 

Food at Schoolhouse Play & Cafe

The courtyard with patio tables in front of Schoolhouse Play & Cafe is perfect for a packed lunch. We opted to get some delicious sweet treats at Elise's Niece's Cafe, and we were not disappointed. The cafe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Elise's Niece's Cafe, Schoolhouse Play & Cafe, and Back in Time Vintage Home Decor, which are in the same retail cluster, are owned and operated by members of the same family. 

Cobb's Corner Bar, which is next to the cafe, serves up alcoholic beverages if you need a little pick-me-up. Schoolhouse

Know Before You Go:

• The entrance to Schoolhouse Play & Cafe is behind Back in Time Vintage Home Decor and Elise's Niece's Cafe. Walk through the alleyway and into the courtyard to find the entrance.
• On-street parking is available on Main Street and along Grant Avenue.
• There is a bathroom equipped with a changing table inside the Schoolhouse Play and Cafe. 
• Book open play or classes through the online reservation system here.

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All photos by the author.