Play, learn and grow: Little Sprouts Playhouse to open in The Ontario Center

ONTARIO — Picture this: a parent sipping coffee in a cozy café corner while their child builds a tower of blocks nearby — no rushing, no television screens and no stress.

That’s the kind of peaceful chaos Heather Schell envisioned when she created Little Sprouts Playhouse, which opens in November inside The Ontario Center.

After more than a year of planning, a soft launch for Little Sprouts Playhouse is set for Nov. 4 through 7 and a grand opening on Nov. 8.

A space for kids — and caregivers

Schell has spent the last nine years working as an occupational therapy assistant in a variety of settings, including schools. Her background helped shape her vision for Little Sprouts Playhouse, which she began developing shortly after her daughter, Mia, was born.

“I wanted a place caregivers of young children could go to unwind and connect with others,” Schell said. “My design is just as much focused on the adults as it is the children.”

Her two children, three-year-old TJ and one-year-old Mia, inspired the idea. Schell said she looks forward to the new friendships her family will make as Little Sprouts Playhouse grows.

Little Sprouts Playhouse will offer open play sessions throughout the week and on weekends. Semi-private and private party rentals will also be available on weekends.

Schell said every inch of Little Sprouts Playhouse was intentionally designed with early learning in mind.

“Our toy selection is specially curated to be Montessori geared,” Schell said. “You’ll find a lot of open-ended toys that can be used in different ways and spark imagination, as well as educational and STEM toys.”

Schell encourages caregivers to let children explore independently unless invited to join in. The play environment and toys will rotate often to keep things fresh and encourage new skills and discoveries — a core Montessori principle.

A small café inside the playhouse will offer light snacks, refreshments and an espresso machine, giving parents a chance to relax while their little ones play.

Artwork covers the walls of Little Sprouts Playhouse painted by Allison Pence Art.

Schell plans to host a variety of special events, including music classes, story times, mommy-and-me sessions, caregiver support groups and even character meet-and-greet days.

“It’s best to follow our socials to stay updated,” Schell said. “We’re also encouraging community members who’d like to partner or host an event to reach out.”

Little Sprouts Playhouse is seeking community sponsors. Sponsorship levels range from $100 to $1,000 and come with perks like ad space facing the Avita Hospital entrance and private rental opportunities.

Clover Hill Early Learning Center will sponsor a dress-up station in the main playroom. Apple of My Eye Imaging Studio will sponsor little baby doll carts.

Why the Ontario Center

At first, Schell passed on the idea of opening inside the Ontario Center. But as the mall’s new owners began revitalizing the space, she saw opportunity.

“The new owners are investing a lot of money to make it more attractive and bring new business in,” she said. “Since our business is geared toward ages 0–6, being located in the Ontario Center makes it easy for parents with older children to find recreation nearby, too — with the new arcade and roller rink coming.”

Schell and her family live in Lucas, but Ontario already feels like home.

“We do all our shopping and dining here,” she said. “It just made sense.”

Schell is passionate about keeping money in the community and building relationships with other small businesses.

“I love the idea of my money going to local families,” she said. “From food offerings to party entertainment vendors, I knew I wanted to incorporate as many local businesses as possible.”

That local focus carries into Little Sprouts Playhouse birthday party packages, which Schell designed to be completely stress-free.

“When parents book a party add-on, we do all the leg work,” she explained. “We contact the vendors, make sure everything is ready and waiting when the family arrives — so they’re not running around trying to pick up a million things while also taking care of their child.”

Schell said she’s still looking for more local vendors interested in partnering.

“We’ve already had great local interest,” Schell said. “Anyone wanting sponsorship details can email us at contact@littlesproutsplayhouseoh.com.”

She is also currently hiring, especially for weekend positions. Interested applicants can visit the Little Sprouts Playhouse website and click the careers link at the bottom of the page.

As the grand opening nears, Schell said she’s most excited about seeing the space come alive.

“I’m looking forward to new friendships for myself and my children,” she said. “They’ll be spending a lot of time here — and I want this to be a place where everyone feels welcome.”

To stay connected and follow upcoming events and membership details, visit Little Sprouts Playhouse on Facebook or go to littlesproutsplayhouseoh.com.