The Playful Space — Local services in Bakersfield

The Playful Space has quickly become one of my favorite small businesses to support. Emily is fantastic; always with a smile and a can do attitude. She rolls with the punches and is able to correct when things may not go the way as planned. What's even better, she has a broad range of programs that can appeal to anyone.

We (my 3.5 year old son and I) have attended several Mom and Me Playdates and have loved every one of them. The price tag can feel like sticker shock, but it is without a doubt worth every penny. She sets up several stations for the kids to free roam in between. There are no rules, which makes it so nice to for the kids to lead the activities, dive into their creative side, and really learn through play. There is always 2 to 3 craft-type projects for the kids to take home and a plethora of snacks. And she themes them for each month which means there is always something new!

I have also attended her Adult Workshops. She provides a safe space for women to come and discuss a multitude of topics in a way that makes you feel heard and understood. Plus, she encourages art in forms that I have not previously been comfortable with, and now I own several of the tools she has shown. Friendships are forms, laughs are shared, and a lasting impression is made. I am looking forward to attending a retreat with her later this year.

In addition, Emily has formed a partnership with our local library to do mini play dates twice a month. She brings a craft project for the kids to enjoy which is complimented with stories read by the fantastic librarians. It's a free event open to everyone and is wonderful!

If nothing else, you need to follow her on Instagram (@theplayfulspace) because she constantly posts uplifting images, community opportunities for experiencing the arts, and occasional challenges to get you bringing a little art to your daily life.

I have nothing but good things to say about Emily and the Playful Space. Anyone with young kids should attend a playdate at least once and any woman looking to do something for herself should attend a workshop. You will walk away happy...

My journey with The Playful Space has been extraordinary. I was scrolling instagram one day and saw a post about a Halloween playdate. I signed up quickly and added the date into my calendar. I showed up on time and was ready to play with my 3.5 year old autistic son. The playdate did not go as I imagined. I left after 5 minutes crying. I knew my son was different but it hit me very differently that day. Emily, the founder of The Playful Space, came to offer me support and I refused her support. I was too overwhelmed. I left and was upset for the remainder of the day. Emily, reached out to me with kind words. I decided that day I would take my son in for another evaluation. Emily encouraged me to go to a creative journaling event. I had no idea what toI was doing but there was not any judgment from her or the attendees. I enjoyed the time with the support of everyone. I even met another woman who has an autistic son. I then signed up for a 1:1 journaling and coffee date. I admittedly told Emily I did not want to take my son anywhere else. She encouraged me to keep trying and I followed her lead. We attended an event and Calm and Emily and Bonnie were inclusive and accepting of my son. I strongly believe in therapy by play and I felt this is what my son was receiving. It wasn't too structured and my son "The Sensory Seeker" was laughing and full of joy. Today we chose to continue with a water playdate through The Playful Space. Once again my son found happiness in the sensory stations and the water. I recommend The Playful Space to children who are autistic seeking sensory (and all other types of children as well). The journaling journey that Emily has guided me through has led me to ultimate acceptance. I plan to keep supporting this beautiful...

What can I say about this AMAZING business! Emily is the epitome of happy days and sunshine rays! Do you ever miss the carefree parts of childhood where you had no guilt in playing. No mom or dad guilt? When was the last time you colored? She has found a way to bring creativity, healing, play and just pure fun all together. As a mother of 5 daughters, a wife, and an The Business Solutionist, I am constantly helping others to create a business and life that works for them. The beauty of being able to pour into others has been profound. Emily is one of the few people who has consistently poured into me. We have worked together collaborating and I remember working with her one time when I was actually meant to be helping her with business solutions. Boy was I having a rough time. I know I came in our meeting looking CRAZY. She hugged me and said, "Today, let it be about you." I won't spill all her heart tug secrets in what she does but she had me do some fun activities and I promise you during one of them (for context it was a gloomy day as well) as I was writing, the sun rays came out and just warmed me. It was perfection. I cried...and yes I do cry a lot 😂 but for others and their experiences my heart strings are always pulled and that day they were pulled because of her love and intentional care. I've been HONORED to be in some amazing spaces with Emily doing her thang! As she would say: I'm a life long Fan Girl of her! If you want to connect with that side of you that got lost in adulthood, responsibilities, trauma, growing pains, etc. Please go see her. Watch how much fun and...