Exciting news for families across Perth and Kinross! Caralyn Bowers, a local mum of three, is set to re-open her beloved children’s soft play centre and cafe, ‘Stay and Play,’ on Princes Street this coming Wednesday. This highly anticipated re-launch promises a vibrant, inclusive, and affordable space for young children and their parents, revitalizing a much-needed service within the city centre.
The journey for ‘Stay and Play’ began in 2023 when Caralyn first brought her vision to life. However, the arrival of twins necessitated a temporary pause in operations. Now, with her twins, Aliyah and Orlah, reaching nine months old, alongside her older daughter Nylah, Caralyn is eager to re-establish the business, driven by a desire to create a venture where her own children can be actively involved. A Nurturing Environment for Little Ones
Caralyn’s background in children’s education, holding a bachelor’s degree and currently pursuing a social work qualification, deeply influences the ethos and design of ‘Stay and Play.’ Her personal and professional experiences have shaped a space that goes beyond just play, focusing on a holistic and developmental approach for youngsters.
The soft play area is thoughtfully designed as an enchanting ‘soft play village,’ encouraging imaginative and interactive roleplay among children. Recognising diverse needs, the centre will also feature a dedicated dark sensory room, offering a calming and stimulating environment for children who benefit from sensory engagement. A comfortable baby corner provides a safe and engaging space for the youngest visitors, ensuring that ‘Stay and Play’ caters to various age groups.
With a capacity to comfortably accommodate up to ten adults accompanied by their children, the centre fosters a warm and intimate atmosphere. Caralyn emphasises that the accompanying cafe is a key component, offering a relaxed setting where children are encouraged to express themselves freely. “Kids are often told to be quiet in cafes, and I feel like that’s not fair on them,” Caralyn notes, highlighting her commitment to creating a truly child-friendly dining experience. Supporting Local and Staying Affordable
A cornerstone of Caralyn’s re-launch strategy is making ‘Stay and Play’ genuinely affordable for local families, especially as the festive season approaches. Conscious of the rising costs associated with family activities, she aims to keep the entrance fee at an accessible price point, around £2.50. This contrasts sharply with other local soft play options, which can charge significantly more for younger children.
The financial model is built on supporting local businesses while offering value to customers. Instead of high entry fees, ‘Stay and Play’ plans to generate revenue primarily through its cafe, which will proudly serve a selection of local produce. Collaborations with esteemed local suppliers like The Bean Shop for coffee, Starfish Bakes and Cakes, and Shelly’s Treats ensure that visitors can enjoy high-quality, delicious refreshments while supporting the regional economy.
Caralyn firmly believes in the power of local support: “We’ll lose more places if we don’t use them.” Her initiative is not only about providing a fantastic family amenity but also about drawing people into Perth city centre, fostering community spirit, and bolstering other independent enterprises. Engaging Sessions and Special Events
‘Stay and Play’ will operate two dedicated play sessions daily, seven days a week, providing consistent opportunities for families to visit. Beyond regular play, Caralyn has exciting plans for special events and themed shows. Early successes include a sold-out Ms Rachel tribute show and an upcoming K-Pop themed event, demonstrating the diverse and engaging programming envisioned for the centre.
The re-opening of ‘Stay and Play’ is poised to be a welcome addition to Perth’s family-friendly offerings, promising an enriching experience that is both community-focused and budget-conscious.
The journey for ‘Stay and Play’ began in 2023 when Caralyn first brought her vision to life. However, the arrival of twins necessitated a temporary pause in operations. Now, with her twins, Aliyah and Orlah, reaching nine months old, alongside her older daughter Nylah, Caralyn is eager to re-establish the business, driven by a desire to create a venture where her own children can be actively involved. A Nurturing Environment for Little Ones
Caralyn’s background in children’s education, holding a bachelor’s degree and currently pursuing a social work qualification, deeply influences the ethos and design of ‘Stay and Play.’ Her personal and professional experiences have shaped a space that goes beyond just play, focusing on a holistic and developmental approach for youngsters.
The soft play area is thoughtfully designed as an enchanting ‘soft play village,’ encouraging imaginative and interactive roleplay among children. Recognising diverse needs, the centre will also feature a dedicated dark sensory room, offering a calming and stimulating environment for children who benefit from sensory engagement. A comfortable baby corner provides a safe and engaging space for the youngest visitors, ensuring that ‘Stay and Play’ caters to various age groups.
With a capacity to comfortably accommodate up to ten adults accompanied by their children, the centre fosters a warm and intimate atmosphere. Caralyn emphasises that the accompanying cafe is a key component, offering a relaxed setting where children are encouraged to express themselves freely. “Kids are often told to be quiet in cafes, and I feel like that’s not fair on them,” Caralyn notes, highlighting her commitment to creating a truly child-friendly dining experience. Supporting Local and Staying Affordable
A cornerstone of Caralyn’s re-launch strategy is making ‘Stay and Play’ genuinely affordable for local families, especially as the festive season approaches. Conscious of the rising costs associated with family activities, she aims to keep the entrance fee at an accessible price point, around £2.50. This contrasts sharply with other local soft play options, which can charge significantly more for younger children.
The financial model is built on supporting local businesses while offering value to customers. Instead of high entry fees, ‘Stay and Play’ plans to generate revenue primarily through its cafe, which will proudly serve a selection of local produce. Collaborations with esteemed local suppliers like The Bean Shop for coffee, Starfish Bakes and Cakes, and Shelly’s Treats ensure that visitors can enjoy high-quality, delicious refreshments while supporting the regional economy.
Caralyn firmly believes in the power of local support: “We’ll lose more places if we don’t use them.” Her initiative is not only about providing a fantastic family amenity but also about drawing people into Perth city centre, fostering community spirit, and bolstering other independent enterprises. Engaging Sessions and Special Events
‘Stay and Play’ will operate two dedicated play sessions daily, seven days a week, providing consistent opportunities for families to visit. Beyond regular play, Caralyn has exciting plans for special events and themed shows. Early successes include a sold-out Ms Rachel tribute show and an upcoming K-Pop themed event, demonstrating the diverse and engaging programming envisioned for the centre.
The re-opening of ‘Stay and Play’ is poised to be a welcome addition to Perth’s family-friendly offerings, promising an enriching experience that is both community-focused and budget-conscious.