Highlighting Another Incredible Play Space: The Tot Spot in Oneida, NY

I first met Tanya, the owner of The Tot Spot Play Center, when she signed up for my Play Cafe Academy program and enrolled in my group coaching program, The Play Maker Society. Tanya, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, quickly worked through the program content and worked alongside her supportive husband and family to open her doors just a few short months after enrolling! Does Tanya look familiar to you? You may remember her from her PCA testimonial on our YouTube channel here!

Her passion for creating an inclusive and accessible space for children to play in her area has always been evident and I am in AWE of all she has accomplished in such a short time.

Since The Tot Spot is only just two hours away from me, I decided to take my kiddos for the day and visit Tanya and see her incredible new business! I knew from pictures that The Tot Spot featured a creative and fresh take on indoor play, but I was truly blown away by the heart and soul she clearly poured into her space.

I wanted to highlight 3 of my favorite parts of her space, but you can view a full tour (done by Tanya) below! If you ever find yourself near Central New York, The Tot Spot is an absolute MUST to take the children to!

1) THE SEASONAL IMAGINATIVE PLAY

I absolutely love that Tanya decorates for the seasons and plans to change up her play equipment frequently. I can tell that if we were frequent visitors, my little ones would never be bored!

When we visited it was near the holidays and her space featured a kitchen with a fully-decorated (child-friendly) Christmas tree and a Christmas tree “farm” with play-animals! My 4-year-old son LOVED that he could dress up as a farmer and pet the livestock- even down to the boots!

2) THE COZY ATMOSPHERE

I absolutely love that Tanya has seating in the middle of her space (so that parents can relax and have a cup of coffee while their children play all around them, within eyesight!) and I love that she chose couches.

I felt so relaxed chatting with her at The Tot Spot and I could see my children well no matter where I chose to sit. 

As soon as I walked in the door I felt that “warm and fuzzy” feeling that you likely get when walking into your best friend’s house. But, no offense to my friends, Tanya’s baked goods and coffee quite honestly put theirs to shame!

The beauty of an intimate atmosphere is that my children and I left the space feeling connected and recharged-- not exasperated and frazzled. I could totally see myself taking them there a few times a week after school just to keep them away from screens and using their imaginations!

3) THE DETAILS AND PERSONAL TOUCHES

While I loved the seasonal imaginative play features and the intimate atmosphere, I think my FAVORITE part about Tanya’s space was all of the personal touches and small details she included. She and her mother-in-law HAND-MADE dozens of sensory bottles and wall features for a more focused play experience and my boys loved working on their fine-motor-skills with the wall games that covered the space!

Tanya was even sweet enough to take the time and show both of my children how to use the equipment and explained to me, their caregiver, why each piece of equipment was chosen based on her knowledge and experience in child development and occupational therapy.

When my little one with some sensory-issues started feeling overwhelmed and perhaps a bit over-stimulated, Tanya came to the rescue with all sorts of toys and manipulatives for him to sit and play within quiet. I appreciated her attentiveness (and preparedness!) so much as both a parent AND a fellow business owner!

Again, if you ever find yourself near Oneida, New York I highly recommend checking out The Tot Spot! I guarantee it is unlike any other indoor play experience you’ve seen and if your kiddos are anything like mine they’ll be occupied for hours!

Have a question or something to add? Feel free to leave a comment!

IF YOU WANT TO SKIP OVER (MOST OF) THE DIFFICULTIES I FACED WHILE I WAS GETTING MY BUSINESS OFF THE GROUND, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ MORE AND JOIN US OVER IN PLAY CAFE ACADEMY! SEE YOU THERE.

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