By Sara Beth Williams–
A new indoor playground celebrated its grand opening last month at the corner of Antelope Road and Sunrise Boulevard in Citrus Heights.
Ely’s Play House employee Lizeth Quevedo said a grand opening featured cookies and coupons to local restaurants. After being open for less than one month, the kids’ play center already has a full slate of birthday parties booked through the end of December.
The former location used to be home to Yippie’s Playcenter, which opened in 2019, but closed less than a year later.
According to the center’s website, Ely’s Play House is designed for infants and children up to eight years old and admission is $15 for one child with one free adult entry. Siblings are $10 each.
After thoroughly inspecting the existing, two-level play structure, which had been custom-ordered by the previous owner, new business owner Riyleen Singh chose to lease and keep the original play structure.
Along with the brightly colored play structure, the 6,000-square-foot space includes another playroom for younger toddlers with a toddler slide, small play houses and other toys, an infant “crawler” room and an open area with seating for birthday parties. Families can also purchase snacks at a small snack bar.
Singh said inspiration for opening the new indoor playground was her three-year-old daughter, for which the business is named after.
“This is her playhouse. I’m just an employee,” Singh said, adding that her daughter frequently joins her during the weekends at the Play House.
Singh said she takes safety seriously and follows all CDC guidelines. During the day, staff regularly sanitize with organic products safe for children, and after closing, staff thoroughly sanitize all playrooms and structures with a 10 percent bleach solution.
Nearby businesses have been very supportive and encouraging, Singh said. Quevedo also said feedback from the community regarding Ely’s Play House has been “amazing.”
When asked about community concerns regarding the location of the play center, Singh said homelessness is still an issue in the shopping center overall, but noted a nearby sports bar has tight security and there have been no problems affecting her business.
Ely’s Play House offers monthly memberships, which include free unlimited visits and entry into weekly classes like Learn to Dance and ASL signing for toddlers. The center also offers birthday packages.
Prices on their website range from $170 for the smallest package to $550 for a private party, which includes food, party decor and drinks for up to 20 children. Party add-ons are also available, including the option to add costumed characters, at $180 each.
Each party can be customized to the customer’s theme of choice. Ely’s staff said themed parties thus far have included princess, mermaid and Roblox, to name a few. A full list of available birthday party themes is available at Elysplayhouse.com.
Ely’s Play House is located at 7777 Sunrise Blvd., suite #1700.
