Schoolhouse Play & Cafe — Local services in Town of Oyster Bay

I was really excited to see Schoolhouse Play & Cafe open in Farmingdale. Schoolhouse Play & Cafe is nestled behind Back in Time and Elise's Niece's cafe in this beautiful white building.

My daughter was not old enough to participate in the classes before the grand opening however we are just at the age to begin taking classes there.

We took our first class this past Sunday and booked the 45 minute educational class and 45 minute open play. It was so easy to see the available classes and open play online and to see the theme each week.

We booked in for the Dino class and arrived a few minutes early. For parking, you can park on Main Street for street parking (free) or utilize the CVS lot across the street.

First impressions, the Schoolhouse Play & Cafe, was bright, light and airy. It was SO clean and you can tell each aspect of the play & cafe was so intentionally thought out and purposeful. I was so appreciatively of it also being a shoeless place. There were little cubbies to place your shoes and also coat racks to hang purses, bags or jackets.

We were greeted by Miss Anna and Miss Dana. I loved how there were two instructors for the class and how they assisted each other throughout the class. It flowed very seamlessly.

Since it was Dino week, the class incorporated different stories, activities, crafts with dinosaurs. I also appreciated the intention behind the lesson planning for the class. Some classes you can go to you are not sure what you are doing and this was complete opposite. There were instructions but also the ability for the little ones to be little ones and have movement, play and seated tasks.

After the great lesson, we were welcomed into the open play space. It was so beautiful - even prettier than instragram. Even though it's brand new, you can tell it's a clean space and well maintained. I am extra appreciative of that because of all the germs, you can feel safe here with the cleanliness. My little one is a little past one and I felt the open play was great for her. There were so many new things to interact with without feeling overloaded and also peers ranging close to her age.

I loved our first experience with Schoolhouse Play and Cafe and look forward to many more ahead!

Highly recommend checking this place out with your...

It was our first time booking a lesson and free play, and we brought my 18-month-old niece and my 3-year-old. The creative, age-appropriate lesson included songs, two crafts, and sensory play with toys like Mr. Potato Head, Magna-Tiles, bubbles, and noise makers—perfect for engaging all the senses.

After the structured lesson and craft time, we got to explore the playroom, which is absolutely adorable and so thoughtfully designed. There’s a play BBQ area, post office setup, camper, retro diner, toy collection, reading nook, multiple types of blocks, a market, a doctor’s office, and even a full Montessori corner. Everything is spotless, organized, and clearly designed with little ones in mind. I especially appreciated the “ick bucket” for anything that ends up in a kid’s mouth—such a practical and smart touch!

The staff and owner were fantastic, and it was no surprise to learn the owner has an MSED in education—you can see that background reflected in every detail of the space. We’ll definitely be back and are excited to use their adorable passport system, where kids can track their class visits and earn a...

If you’re a new mom or a mom wondering if you should try a class at Schoolhouse, do it! You won’t regret it. I’ve tried classes at other places and I honestly hated them, I felt anxious and uncomfortable. You will not feel that here!! Everybody at schoolhouse is sooo welcoming and inclusive, you’ll feel right at home. Their classes are interactive and move quick to keep the kids attention which I love because my 15m old is hard to keep still. My son loves it here. Their new play room is amazing also, they have so many different little rooms for the kids and also some other smaller activities for younger kids as well. I can’t write this without mentioning Elise’s Nieces Cafe and Back in Time. Both schoolhouse and Elises are located at Back in Time vintage store which has the cutest items for your home and Elises Nieces bakery has treats to die for! Don’t worry if you forget a snack for your child- Elises has them too! The businesses are run by a mom and her two daughters and they’re an amazing family!

I promise you’ll love...