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Newly Opened Wildflower Play Studio Offers a Unique Take on Play

This thoughtful indoor play place in South Sound encourages imaginative, child-led play

Devon Hammer
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Published on: January 29, 2025

young boy pushing a truck in the lavender-scented sand pit at Wildflower Play Studio in Enumclaw
Photo:
Devon Hammer

From the lavender-scented sandbox to the calming music and aesthetically pleasing toys, you’ve never experienced an indoor play place quite like this. Wildflower Play Studio in Enumclaw began offering open play sessions in November and has quickly become a much-needed sanctuary for South Sound tots and their caregivers. My 2-year-old and I had the opportunity to check it out on a particularly frigid and foggy morning, making our introduction to the warm, bright space that much more inviting.

Child-led, creative play

Owner Kylie Engle describes her vision for Wildflower Play Studio as a child-led space that sparks imagination and creativity. A place where everything is a “yes,” and there’s no right or wrong way to create. It was important to her to create a welcoming environment where kids can get messy, make new friends and burn energy — without feeling overstimulated.

As I admired the beautiful neutral-colored toys and flower mural on the wall upon entering the play studio, my son made a beeline for the main attraction: a gigantic sandbox filled with ultrafine sand, construction trucks, a mud kitchen, and a climbing wall. I am fairly certain he could have stayed in there for our whole hour-long session; digging holes, burying trucks and climbing the ladders. Kids must take off shoes and socks to enjoy this area of the play place (and the fine sand does create a bit of dust, so keep that in mind).

young boy exploring the sandbox at Wildflower Play Studio
Dig and play in the huge sandbox. Photo: Devon Hammer

Another highlight for my son was the fan and scarf cannon, where you can shoot scarves through a large plastic tube to see them go flying into the air. He also took advantage of the painting station, where he painted some little wooden hearts to take home for his siblings. He then made his way to the Magna-Tile area, where he built a tower with clear tiles adorned with whimsical flower stickers on a lit table.

boys playing with the scarf cannon at Wildflower Play Studio, an indoor play place in Enumclaw
The scarf cannon adds to the wonder at Wildflower Play Studio. Photo: Devon Hammer

I followed as he wandered over to the shelves of wooden toys, blocks and other various shapes — all in their natural wood tones — offering endless open-ended play opportunities. He found some darling wooden cars and built a ramp and let the cars zoom. It was refreshing to let him take the lead and watch his little imagination take over. I, for one, was busy finding inspiration for our own playroom at home — if only it could look like this gorgeously simple space.

toddler playing with wooden cars at an indoor play place in Enumclaw
Wooden toys inspire imaginative play. Photo: Devon Hammer

He also tried out the toddler-sized climbers with slides and ride-on toys, which satisfied his large motor play needs. We didn’t get to the playdough station set up in a cute play tent, or some of the other loose parts building materials in shelves lining the walls, there was too much to explore!

young child climbing at an indoor play place in Enumclaw
Kids will love climbing and exploring. Photo: Devon Hammer

Open play sessions, classes and events at Wildflower Play Studio

Wildflower Play Studio offers one- or two-hour play sessions, Tuesday–Friday. The studio sometimes offers additional open play times and days, so it is important to follow them on Facebook for updates. Walk-ins are welcome, but they also take reservations on Facebook. (They are working on a website.)

Wildflower Play Studio offers so much more than just open play sessions, and I’m excited to explore some of their other offerings (especially since they don’t require potty training!). They operate a preschool in a wonderful separate room in the building for ages 2–5 with an emphasis on music and art. Preschool tuition includes an open play session on the day of class.

The studio also hosts Parents Night Out events on select weekend evenings for $50 per child. Additionally, they offer family parties where kids and their caregivers can enjoy crafts, activities, storytime, treats and open play. Activities celebrate upcoming holidays and events, such as Valentine’s Day.

girls playing at Wildflower Play Studio, an indoor play place that encourages child-led play
Open play sessions, classes and events all encourage imaginative play at the studio. Photo: courtesy Wildflower Play Studio

Even parents of older kids will be excited to learn of their fantastic drop-off camps, such as a Super Bowl-themed camp with football-inspired crafts and activities so parents can enjoy the game uninterrupted. During mid-winter break, they have daily drop-off camps for ages 2–8, and you can choose to pay per session or for the entire week.

I’m especially excited about their preschool drop-in sessions, where you can drop off your 2–3-year-old Monday–Thursday from 8:30–10:30 a.m., or your 3–4-year-old from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., for $40 per session. I love the flexibility — this would be so helpful when I need to get some shopping done.

This spot is also a fantastic place to host a birthday party. You get the whole studio to yourself and can bring your own food and drinks. They even offer darling decoration packages or you can choose to bring your own.

Indoor birthday party in Enumclaw
Book a charming birthday party and get the studio to yourself. Photo: courtesy Wildflower Play Studio

A community for parents with young kids

Wildflower Play Studio strikes the perfect balance of engaging, imaginative play in a calm, soothing environment. This play space was a refreshing break from the usual loud, colorful and overstimulating play places we are used to. You won’t find any flashy attractions here (though the sandbox is pretty impressive) — just the essential tools young kids need to engage in the important work of play.

Parenting young kids can be isolating and exhausting, and getting out of the house can be critical. I am so glad local parents have this wonderful option to turn to when they need a change of scenery and the chance to connect with others in the throes of toddlerhood. These are the types of places we should all be rooting for, as they play a vital role in strengthening our communities and enriching our families. My toddler is already talking about playing with the big trucks in the sand so we will be back soon!

If you go to Wildflower Play Studio …

Location: Wildflower Play Studio is located at 2541 Griffin Ave. in Enumclaw.

Hours: Wildflower Play Studio offers one- or two-hour play sessions on Tuesday–Friday between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Follow their Facebook page for additional hours and events.

Cost: Play sessions cost $15 per child for one hour; $25 per child for two hours; siblings are half off. A monthly membership costs $120 per month and includes unlimited play plus other perks. They also offer open-play punch cards with a discounted rate.

Birthday party packages cost $250–$400.

More info: Wildflower Play Studio has a parking lot and restrooms on-site.

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