A new space designed for young children to play and explore has opened in Owensboro. Little Explorers Cafe offers families a place to connect while their little ones engage in creative, interactive play.
Little Explorers, located at 410 Southtown Boulevard, across the road from Lowes, officially opened Thursday, welcoming children ages 6 months to about 7 years old. The facility features a dedicated area for children 24 months and younger, while the larger space is designed for those ages 2 to 7.
“We know how important the developmental years are, and schools just don’t have the time to incorporate as much play as they used to,” said Jen Dill, manager of Little Explorers Cafe. “Learning through play is one of the best ways children grow, so we designed our facility to give them that opportunity.”
The play area features high-quality equipment from CedarWorks, a company known for its sturdy, solid-wood playgrounds. The structures include smooth acrylic panels for visibility, slides with safety padding, a fire pole, and a unique bridge that allows children to interact with their parents from below.
Each of six themed playhouses within the facility is stocked with toys to encourage hands-on learning. In the Vet Center, children can pretend to care for stuffed animals with stethoscopes and toy medical kits. The Auto Zone area includes small car engines with tools for kids to practice taking apart and putting back together, along with dollies that mimic a real mechanic shop.
“We really wanted to create something immersive for the kids,” Dill said. “Every playhouse is filled with toys, so there’s plenty for everyone.”
Unlike many traditional indoor play centers, Little Explorers Cafe encourages parents to actively participate.
“We don’t want this to be a place where parents just sit and watch,” Dill said. “We want them out there making memories with their kids.”
While adults are encouraged to join in the fun, the facility is not a drop-off center. Parents must remain on-site, though there is a designated area with outlets and guest Wi-Fi for those who need to work while their children play.
To maintain a comfortable atmosphere, the facility will monitor the number of children playing at any given time. While the exact capacity is still being determined, Dill estimates about 30 to 50 children can play comfortably. If the space becomes too crowded, a waitlist system will be implemented.
The owners, Dylan and Alex Rexing, were inspired to create the space after seeing a need for more family-friendly activities in Owensboro.
“They love this city and wanted to do something good for kids and families,” Dill said.
In addition to play areas, Little Explorers Cafe will offer a variety of refreshments, including coffee, lattes, hot chocolate, hot tea, sodas, bottled water, and sweet treats. As warmer weather arrives, the menu will expand to include Lotus refreshers, lemonade, and sweet tea.
Birthday party packages are also available, ranging from a basic one-hour rental of the party room for $75 to a full private facility rental for $500. Monthly and yearly membership options will be offered, along with a play pass bundle that gives one free visit after the purchase of 10 passes.
Little Explorers Cafe will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday; and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The facility will be closed on Tuesdays.
Admission is $12 per child for an all-day play pass, with adults admitted for free.
More information, including birthday party reservations and memberships, can be found at LilExplorersCafe.com or by calling 270-414-0401.
