What do you get when you combine Montessori with Waldorf, sprinkle in a decade of early childhood experience, add a dash of imagination, and top it all off with bottomless coffee for parents? 068’s newest gem: Little Sprouts Play Place.
Part playground, part learning lab, this indoor play space designed for children ages 0 to 6 (with room for big siblings, too) is a safe, welcoming spot for little ones to climb, build, and imagine for hours on end—while parents and caregivers can take a breath, connect, and watch their kids grow through play.
After more than a decade working as a teacher and behavior therapist, founder Michelle Sawin noticed a gap between highly structured programs and wide-open playgrounds. “Parents either had to commit to full-time classes or let their kids aimlessly run it out at the park,” she says. “I wanted to create something in between—a space where children can learn through play, and parents can be part of the experience too.”
And so, Little Sprouts was born. Walk in and you’ll find a bright, white, sunlit space filled with open-ended toys and natural materials. Sawin intentionally avoids plastic wherever possible, opting instead for oversized building blocks, climbing structures, and changeable obstacle courses that encourage creativity and problem-solving. The result? Kids stay engaged far longer than you’d expect. “One little boy was here for three hours,” she recalls with a smile. “When it was time to leave, he told his mom, ‘I didn’t even get to everything!’”
Parents are encouraged to join in the play—or not. “Some kids thrive independently, others need a little help,” Sawin says. “Either way, parents can feel confident their child is safe and supported.” Helpful “insight invites” posted around the space offer tips and tricks for making play more enriching, turning everyday moments into learning opportunities.
The space is deeply personal for Sawin, who moved from Rhode Island to Brookfield to be closer to her niece, Lily. At just 11 months old, Lily is both the inspiration and the “real boss” behind Little Sprouts. “I wanted to build a place I’d feel good about bringing her to,” says Sawin.
Little Sprouts also reflects her family’s hands-on support. Sawin and her father Scott built the playhouses together, and her mother and sisters regularly pitch in with parties and daily operations.
Admission is designed with flexibility in mind: $38 per day includes full-day reentry, so families can pop in, leave for naps or meals, and return later. Sibling discounts, memberships, and half-day options are also available. On weekends, Little Sprouts transforms into a party venue, with packages ranging from DIY to full-service celebrations.
Perhaps the best part? Michelle herself. She’s on the floor chatting with parents, disinfecting every 60 minutes, and celebrating milestones like first steps right alongside families. “Every child is different, and I’ve tried to create something for everyone here,” she says. “I’m proud of what we’ve built.”
Little Sprouts Play Place, 15 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT. littlesproutsplayplace.com. Or call (203) 817-1415 •
