“to help children thrive through their natural desire to play, while providing a community space for caregivers to connect and feel supported.”
About Us
At Back to Play, we strive to provide children with
a safe environment to explore, learn, and engage
in child-led play. We are a non-profit
organization that believes in the power of play
and aim to provide a nurturing environment for
kids to enjoy. We promote the physical, mental,
and emotional development of youth while
providing parents with an opportunity to connect
with other families. We want our families to have
access to the resources they need to provide
their children with meaningful, interactive
experiences that will last a lifetime.
Come visit!
We regularly host special events and activities
to bring families together and create lasting
memories. From holiday celebrations and
themed parties to educational workshops,
there’s always something exciting happening!
Why Choose Us?
- Safe and Clean Environment: We prioritize the
safety and cleanliness of our facility to ensure a
healthy and worry-free experience for all families. - Inclusive and Welcoming: Our center is open to
families of all backgrounds and circumstances,
promoting a community where everyone feels
welcome. - Professional and Caring Staff: Our team is
dedicated to providing the best possible
experience for families
Get ready to play!
Get ready to play!
Our playroom is available for all ages! Whether you have an infant practicing tummy
time or an 8 year old with a vivid imagination, we want everyone to get Back to Play!
We do not have a strict shoes or socks policy; we understand children all have different
preferences! Please note that our back sensory room is painted concrete so grip socks
may be convenient for the littler members.
We also have a calming room available for any children (or adults!) that prefer a quieter
space to play, need a reset of the sensory orientation, or just simply enjoy a darker,
quiet room. It is also available for nursing parents and older children that wish to have
somewhere away from the magic of loud play and want to sit and color, read, or work
on puzzles. Need more quiet? We also have noise canceling headphones at the front
desk you are welcome to use during your visit!
Children must be supervised during their play
by an adult (18+)
Children must be supervised during their play
by an adult (18+)
Open Play (Single pass)
under 2 years: $5 (once mobile! Babies are free!)
Over 2 years+: $10 first child, $8 each additional child
EMS/Military/Teacher/Nurse/Social Worker discount 20% off
Open Play is valid for the whole day! You may leave and come back to continue your session
Play Packages
(valid for 12 months)
5 play dates: $35- save $15!
10 play dates: $70- save $30!
20 play dates: $125- save $75!
Discounts still apply, let us know at the front
desk!
Monthly Memberships
$25 per month for the first child; $10 each additional child
(ex. 4 children=$45/month)
Membership includes access to our playroom during all open play hours, any evening open play events, as well as all ticketed events during the holidays and summer. You would just need to RSVP!
All foster and adoptive youth receive 50% off ALL services (please bring in most recent court order
or letter from a caseworker for initial verification)
We are a non-profit organization with a mission to support families,
need help paying? Click here
Play Options
"Been here many times! It is a much needed place to
the littles in our community. I appreciate how much
the activities and the toys change to keep my child
interested. It's always fun to come back and see all the
changes! The sensory room is always fun, especially
for my child who isn't about getting dirty, it gives her
a safe space to explore. The town is better off having a
space like this for our children!"
Kat G.
Sarah C.
"Great place for kids. Awesome
environment. Tons of options for kids to
play with and the owners were wonderful."
Lindsey H.
"A friend and I took our 2 years olds here. This place is
perfect for toddlers! Made a rainy day playdate so much
more fun. She offers 2 large spaces. The main area has a
wide variety of toys, things to climb on and little set ups.
The back area had sensory tables, water play and art
supplies. And offers complementary coffee and water.
For this tired mama was a huge bonus! Can’t wait to go
back!"
What
families are
saying
What
families are
saying
Kevin A.
"This place rocks. I can get my work
done on the wifi, have a cup of coffee
and my kid is having a blast!"
- Diapers and wipes available at no cost; we all
get in a pickle sometimes and forget things or
just need some extra help. We’ve got you
covered! - Need to get out of the house for your
appointment? We welcome families and
community workers for occupational therapy,
speech therapy, First Steps, Parents as
Teachers, ABA, and more. Private playroom
options available too - Foster families we see you! You receive 50% off
ALL of our services, and we are also a great spot
to have supervised visits. Your licensing agency
can reach out about no cost visits, and even rent
out our office space by the hour for therapeutic
visits too.
Nonprofit Family Support Center
Join us on our journey to create a
thriving community where families can
grow and learn together. Your support,
whether through donations,
volunteering, or participating in our
programs, makes all the difference.
Together, we're building a brighter
future for Jefferson County families.
Thank you for being part of our mission!
Your generous donations play a pivotal role in transforming our nonprofit playroom
into a space of boundless joy and comfort for children and families. Here's a glimpse
of what your support achieves:
$25 donation=
Month supply of Diapers
and Wipes for those
who may forget or need
these necessities. It
ensures every visit is
free from stress for
caregivers.
$75 donation=
Covers three months of
a play membership for
one child, specifically
those who are seeking
admission support and
apply for assistance.
$150 donation=
Cover the cost of a
birthday party for a
local family; includes
decorations and private
playroom access for
their birthday
celebration
What we’re doing
Infant Support and
Post Partum Help
We provide postpartum
support to provide connection
and resources for parents. We
recognize the lack of services
for this common parent
challenge nationwide, and also
in our county. We also have
items designated to help these
caregivers available in our
space such as wraps, carriers,
diapers and wipes, infant scale
and measuring mat. Join our
new Monthly Moms Circle,
more info here.
Home School
Support
We aim to support families
that are homeschooling
and looking for extra
friends and learning
adventures. We host a
workshop and a play date
once per month on
Fridays. We aim to provide
learning experiences as a
group that families may
not otherwise have in their
home curriculum. Click
HERE to learn more.
Community Support
We host events and
educational resources as
often as our schedule allows
us to bring more to our
families for free! Check our
events calendar for visitors
such as the Children's
Advocacy Center, Jeffco
Health Department,
Compass Health, JFCAC, The
Salvation Army, and more.
Next Caregiver workshop is
booked, but join the waitlist
and get more info here.
Community Outreach
We connect with other
organizations, agencies,
and individuals as often as
we can. Come see us
throughout Jefferson
County's family events and
the city of Desoto's
parades! We attend as
many events we can to
share our mission and the
importance of play! Our
next event is scheduled for
Saturday April 5th; get info
here.
Basic Birthday Bash $150
- 2 Hours of Private Playroom Fun
- Access to all play structures
- Perfect for those looking for a classic playtime celebration with little mess!
Colorful creations celebration $225
- 2 Hours of Private Playroom Fun
- Access to all play structures PLUS:
- Sensory Bins, Water Table, Enclosed Art Area with coordinating coloring pages for your theme!
|
|
|
|
|
|
two party packages and add on’s
available
2025 Parties
Add on’s available (require 6 week notice):
- All birthday parties include:
- Full playroom access with back party room set up with tables and chairs to decorate
- Kitchenette for your own food and drinks (outlets available)
- Access to our birthday donated decorations to add to your fun
- Option of streaming your own music
Please note that our next available reservation is in October. We reserve one family per date as a wait list in the event that a family cancels their reservation.
All parties must be booked by email to info@backtoplaymo.org
At Back to Play, we understand that homeschooling is a
rewarding yet sometimes challenging journey. We are offer
a dedicated space and time for homeschooling families to
connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources.
Our group aims to enrich your homeschooling adventure
through workshops, play dates, and expert-led sessions.
Monthly Workshops and Play dates
We invite you to join us on the first Friday of every month for our
workshops and play dates.
- Open to all families, and participation in our workshops and
play dates are free. - We greatly appreciate a contribution of $10 per family for
supplies and activities to help us continue offering valuable
resources.
Get Involved
To be part of our homeschooling support or to stay updated on
upcoming workshops and play dates, please check out our
Facebook events, email info@backtoplaymo.org, or stop by the
playroom and check us out!
- Home school Support
and Workshops
April
workshop
Let's welcome spring together with our April home school workshop! We will be letting the
kiddos PAINT our front windows to decorate for the spring season! We will also have
supplies for children to make their own seed starters, learn about common birds you
may see and hear in our area, explore flower pressing and art creations, and make bird
seed cookies to put in your yard for the birds we talk about.
Make sure to wear clothes you can paint in and feel free to bring your own lunch or
snacks! We can't wait to see the wonderful art you bring to our front windows that
families can see when they visit!
Friday April 4th at 10 am
Parent Education and Mentors
Free or low cost courses, support, and mentorship for biological parents seeking reunification, as well as co-parenting and attachment solution based education for families.
Youth and Family Services
Our office is available to support clinicians serving families
in Jefferson County.
CPR and BLS Courses
EMS provided quarterly courses for the general public,
parents, fosters parents, caregivers, and more with grant-
funded heart-health cards.
Building
Toward our
Goals
Foster Care and Domestic Visit Location
We aim to host case workers, volunteers, and court
approved supervisors for family visitation in a more
engaging and supportive play space
Bark to Play
Incorporating a resident therapy dog in the playroom during
operational hours and events. We’re working hard behind
the scenes to secure grant funding to bring animal support
to our families.
More Community Support Groups
We plan to expand support groups for the community with therapist led meetings for neurodivergent families, single parent households, and bereaving caregivers.
info@backtoplaymo.org
Contact Us
Phone
636-789-8354
hours of Operation for Open PLay
Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9- 3 pm
Saturdays 9-2 pm
Please check our calendar and Facebook page for special events and evening open play
Address
200 S Main Street, Desoto MO 63020
Free street parking on Main Street, ADA accessible
Back to Play will/does not discriminate on the account of race, color, sex,
religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity
or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and
procedures concerning access to services.