BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Diggin’ Depot is giving kids a giant sandbox filled with toys to dig, build and explore, while parents get a chance to catch their breath with a hot cup of coffee and a little quiet time.
The new indoor play cafe in Birmingham features a vibrant atmosphere, a parent retreat and sand - a lot of it. Diggin’ Depot has 40 tons of sand for kids to practice motor skills and get messy in a controlled space.
Brooklyn Meidl, the general manager of Diggin’ Depot, said the play cafe is great for sensory play.
“We have 40 tons of Baha Play Sand in our sandbox,” Meidl explained. “So kids are able to dig, dump, play, create and just really get that sensory play that is so good for their imaginations.”
Meidl said the sand also doesn’t stick to kids while they play.
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According to Calcean, the manufacturer of Baha Play Sand, the sand is specifically made for play, right down to its smooth and round shape. Additionally, the company says its sand is sterilized and non-toxic.
The space, owned by Eric and Lori Watts, isn’t just for kids.
“One thing that I’ve loved seeing, too, is not only the kids going bonkers, but I have seen parents reconnect with their inner child and just make these amazing memories and get with their kids eye-to-eye and just have so much fun,” Meidl said.
For parents not wanting to go digging in the sand with their kids, the Parent Retreat is just for them.
The Watts designed Diggin’ Depot with the whole family in mind. That included a cafe for parents to grab a hot drink and relax while the kids play.
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A 90-minute play session costs $16 per child and an additional $14 per sibling. Two adults per family are admitted for free with additional adults and older siblings costing $5 each. The price includes access to over 100 toys for the kids to play with.
Diggin’ Depot is open 8:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon until 3 p.m. on Sundays. Meidl, however, encouraged anyone wanting to visit to make reservations through their website.
She said the play cafe keeps capacity under 22 children at a time.
“Please just sign up online so, that way, we don’t have to turn you away because the saddest thing for us is when kids come in excited and raring to go and when we’re at capacity,” Meidl said. “We just want to make sure that parents are able to truly relax and enjoy their time and that all of our kids have time to play.”
Diggin’ Depot is located in Legacy Park at Riverchase at 2057 Old Montgomery Highway.
For more information, including membership pricing and how to book your kid’s next party, visit DigginDepot.com.
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