While Leah Tokle was vacationing in Florida, she realized the weather wasn’t exactly the most beach-appropriate for her and her kids. Instead, she stumbled upon a small indoor play cafe and was instantly taken by the concept.
“The play cafe had a row of storefronts, a party space, and some large climbing structures,” shares Tokle. “So I messaged Hope about wanting to open a similar place.”
Hope Kirby, who is an early childhood educator, was immediately on board. Soon after, the concept of The Little Local was born, and they weren’t playing around with the turnaround.
“We loved the idea of an open concept play space,” shares Kirby, “Especially one with no blind spots so that parents, grandparents, babysitters, and family members can keep an eye on their children while taking a breather.” In just 21 days, the local play space was up and running.
Tokle and Kirby, who both grew up in Grinnell, recently returned to settle down with their families. “We wanted to raise our girls around our families,” says Tokle, “but we wanted access to a space like this without going to Iowa City or Des Moines.
When you enter the play center, you’ll immediately be welcomed by recognizable Grinnell businesses and colorful murals adorning the walls. “Kids deserve opportunities to have fun and to have a space that feels like a second home,” says Kirby. At The Little Local, children can play as a dentist under the Family Dentistry playhouse or work as a staff member at the mini-version of Total Choice Shipping & Printing.
Many of these mini storefronts were inspired by personal connections. For example, Tokle’s husband runs a construction business, Back 40, which is now a playhouse at the center.
“I also grew up with Ginette [McFarland>’s son,” laughs Kirby, “so we have a Dari Barn storefront, too.” And the Pagliai's storefront? There is no clear connection, but Kirby calls it a “local hometown staple.”
Hence the name of the play center.
“Ultimately, we wanted this space to be by the moms, for the moms,” says Tokle. And so far, the space is attracting moms and beyond — fathers, grandparents, and babysitters are all coming to spend the day at The Little Local, which plans to be open year-round.
“We are having families coming from out of town, too,” shares Kirby. “Montezuma, New Sharon, Tama, Toledo…and even some visitors from Texas!”
The Little Local is geared for children ages 0-5, but it goes without saying that even kids under 12 enjoy playing here, too. People can purchase play passes online through a monthly membership or day pass, and book the venue for private birthday parties and baby showers. The storefront also has a QR code to scan and book a play pass for a last-minute activity.
Another great perk of a membership with The Little Local is finding other parents to socialize with. From only children and transplants to Grinnell, the space is the perfect opportunity to meet people outside the school system. Parents can buy snacks and energy drinks, too, but can also bring in food from local restaurants!
The Little Local is open Mondays through Friday, 8 AM-6 PM, and over the weekend, 8 AM-12 PM. You can also call the play center at 641-990-3314 to schedule field trips and purchase gift certificates at increments of $25. Join The Little Local team for their “Adopt-A-Stuffy” event on Sat., Aug. 8, too — puppy supplies limited to ticket holders.
“Even my velcro baby — who is always attached to my hip — loves it. She wanders around this place on her own,” Tokle laughs. Enjoy their new space on 913 Main St. in downtown Grinnell and visit their member directory to view their passes: https://www.grinnellchamber.org/directory/the_little_local/
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
- Nikki Armstead — Grinnell Chamber
- Karen Dillon — Grinnell Remodeling
- Sarah Smith — Grinnell College & Grinnell College Community Connections
- Natalie Pavey — Cirks Financial Services
- Sarah Bacehowski — OnMedia
- Sonya Horn — Pioneer Bookshop, Grinnell College
- Mike McGuire — Inspired Tech
- Dedee Lehman — All In Real Estate Inc.
- Dan McCue — McCue & Associates LLC - American Family Insurance
- Leah Tokle — The Little Local
- Teresa Phipps — Ramsey-Weeks Insurance
- Hope Kirby — The Little Local
- Trent Arment — MCG - Mahaska Communication Group
- Jackie Rhoades — Walmart Grinnell
- Geneva Knobbe — Grinnell Motors
- Jennifer McAlexander — JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security
- Evan Petig — The Grinnellian
- Jess Dawson — REMAX Partners Realty- Grinnell
- Tom Cirks — Cirks Financial Services
- Libby Eggert — Grinnell College & Grinnell College Community Connections
- Fran Conn
- Donnette Ellis — Grinnell College with Grinnell College Community Connections
- Desiree Strayer — German Plumbing Heating and Cooling
- Rachel Arseneault — Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate
- Monica St. Angelo — Grinnell Area Arts Council
- Mike Beasley — Paparoni's - Grinnell, Iowa
- Yesenia Mozo — Grinnell Chamber
- Monique Shore — PFLAG Grinnell Poweshiek
- Not Pictured: Royal Roland — Roland & Roland
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