Charming Star Playroom, the newest indoor play space on the Main Line, is set to open its doors on September 1, 2018. Owner Daile Haverdink, along with her husband Rick, and her mom Stacey (owner of Stacey’s Face Painting) have transformed a retail spot off West Chester Pike in Newtown Square, into a bright, thoughtful, and functional space for the six and under crowd.  

Daile, a Newtown Square native herself, grew up accompanying her mom to parties and events where she engaged with families and created face paint masterpieces for kids of all ages. This experience, combined with her education in art and teaching, as well as becoming a mother herself, helped Daile decide to open her own kid-centric business.

“I wanted to be able to balance motherhood and a career,” said Daile. “While owning your own business can be nerve-wracking, I feel like this is where I belong.”

Upon entering this space, the detailed, hand painted murals that bookend the main play area will immediately grab everyone’s attention. Little visitors, and their caregivers (who need to remain on the play floor at all times), will find a large open space that’s filled with a variety of ride-on toys, a dress up station, a puppet theater, small pieces of climbing equipment, two ball pits, a reading nook, and toys that are developmentally appropriate for this age group. There are plenty of comfy couches and chairs for the parents, and rockers for those moms who need to stop and nurse. Don’t forget to look up to see all the magic hanging from the ceiling and make sure you search for the toys Rick made himself.

“I wanted to create a safe, clean place that was visually stimulating,” said Daile when asked about her goals for the space.

In addition to the large play area, patrons will find a cafe space stocked with snack and drink essentials; these are reasonably priced. There are easy to clean high chairs and plenty of tables for taking short breaks from all the fun.

Charming Star will have open play hours Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm, and from 9 am until noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors are encouraged to like their Facebook page so they can get the latest information on the twice weekly special events. These will include pizza parties, themed breakfasts, and play sessions geared to those with sensory challenges. Fees for the fun are $10 for the first child and $8 for additional siblings, while caregivers are free. Remember socks because the play floor is shoe free.

Weekend afternoons will be reserved for birthday parties. In addition to playtime, pizza, drinks and all the paper products (plus that the mess and madness isn’t at your house), party-goers can choose from a variety of add-ons like face painting and magicians, while the grown-ups can BYOB or opt for the open coffee bar.

For more information about their upcoming opening and future events, visit the Charming Star Facebook page.

The Charming Star Playroom can be found at 4627 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square or by phone at 484-427-7063.

Photographs by Sarah L. Bender