FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. —
The Playhouse Children's Museum in Fuquay-Varina opened in December, and already it's finding fans among young kids and families in the area. The indoor play space is the creation of Rob and Jolene Ehlers, who moved to Holly Springs about three years ago and have five young kids themselves - ages 2 to 8.
"They are the reason we started this museum," Jolene tells me.
Rob also is a full-time dentist, who works with kids. And Jolene is a stay-at-home mom and life coach. I checked in with the couple to learn more about what they're building in Fuquay-Varina. Here's a Q&A.
Go Ask Mom: What's the back story behind the Playhouse Children's Museum. Why was this something you thought was needed?
Rob and Jolene: When we moved here we realized that the options for indoor play for kids was limited. Raleigh offers some great options, but it also has several obstacles such as traveling, parking, overcrowding, coordinating nap schedules, etc. We knew that this area has great families eager to find a safe, comfortable indoor space for kids, and about 18 months ago we decided that since there wasn’t one already in our community, then we could just do it ourselves. We truly just saw a need in our community and we are trying to fill it.
GAM: What's the space like inside? What do you have? What ages are they best for?
RandJ: Our space is 3500 square feet of fun! We have custom built play houses that include a grocery mart, a playhouse, a service station featuring a car that you can actually work on and take parts on and off, a barn, a doctor’s office, and a construction site. Plus, we have a light table with magnet tiles, a reading nook, a dedicated toddler section, and giant building blocks. One of the things we love most about our layout is that you can sit anywhere in the room and you’ll be able to see the whole space. As a mom of 5 little ones, it’s such a relief to be able to keep an eye on all of them at the same time. Our museum is geared for ages 10 and under.
GAM: You're also planning some special programs. What will those be like?
RandJ: We are so excited about the potential of this space! We were able to host a special Santa event this Christmas where young families were able to come and play and spend personal time with Santa. It was amazing to be able to offer something other than waiting in line! Plus, it provided some kids the opportunity to get more comfortable with Santa before the photos or even try again if they were too nervous the first time. Santa was then able to walk around and play with the kids as they explored the museum!
We also plan on having things like Easter Egg hunts and Halloween trick or treating. We also would love to host special events for our first responders by providing educational classes and meet and greets with them. Plus, we were able to host a private class by The Nurtured Nest this past December and it was incredible. We absolutely plan to continue to work with that organization as well as others! Our website will always be updated with details on our Special Events page.
GAM: What's been the biggest challenge in all of this as you got the museum open?
RandJ: We feel incredibly blessed that we have not had any challenge thus far that we have not been able to overcome! As this is our first business venture, of course we have had many opportunities to learn and grow, but we have wonderful employees, patient guests, faithful fans, and excited children who have made every minute of this a worthwhile adventure!
GAM: What are your hopes for the future?
RandJ: Our biggest dream for this museum is simply to provide an enjoyable, comfortable space for families to play and spend time together. We hope that our guests and community enjoy the convenience of such a close indoor play space and purchase memberships so that we can get to know everyone better! The more we get to know our community and our guests, the better we are able to serve them! We hope to be able to continue to provide a one of a kind experience for everyone who comes!
Go Ask Mom features local parents every Monday.
