Penticton has a number of cafés, from chains to local specialty shops, but a new one, aimed at a much younger crowd, is opening its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday.
Tricia and Chris Hearnes, owners of the Jumping Beans Play Cafe, said they found while chatting with other parents there was a need for a café that catered to both parents and children.
“I have three kids of my own. It’s something I have really wanted for myself, the community and my family. It was a big hole in the family attractions for Penticton,” said Tricia. “We just decided it needed to happen and we were the right people to do it.”
Jumping Beans, which has taken over the old Curves location at 197 Warren Ave., caters to families by offering a large indoor play area for the children, combined with a café where parents can relax while watching their kids.
“There is a fee for the children to play, because we are mainly a playspace for kids,” said Tricia, noting that they have drop-in rates for one-time visitors, and annual and sibling passes, depending on need.
“For parents, we are bringing in sandwiches and baked goodies from Wouda Bakery, so we will have a full selection of that. We will also have a variety of other snacks. We have full coffee service, so you can get your espresso, your tea, your latte, whatever you like and have a seat,” said Tricia.
“That’s on the parent‘s side. For the kids, when you first walk in, you get to see this beautiful wood play structure we have,” said Tricia. “We designed this ourselves to be just what we wanted it to be. There is a couple of slides, there is climbing features.”
The Hearnes have set up a long list of play areas, designed to appeal to children of all ages, including a reading corner, art centre, train table, sand/water table, puzzle wall and pretend play area.
There is also a baby and toddler area, filled with soft, safe furnishings and toys for them to explore.
“And it’s fenced in so they won’t be going out and being in the path of other kids going around,” said Tricia. “We also have a bouncy house that is going to be running at certain times during the day.”
Jumping Beans opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17 with Mayor Andrew Jakubeit cutting the ribbon.