Leaving the house as a new parent requires grit, determination, and a whole lot of preparation. It’s a struggle that Kristen and Kevin Smith—the parents of a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old—know all too well. Their new business venture is designed to help parents conquer that out-of-the-house anxiety. Nestled in the centrally located Clayton/DeMun neighborhood, TotSpot Social (6451 Clayton) is designed to function as an indoor play space, a café (with snacks approved by the Smiths’ toddlers), and a birthday party-planning dream. Here’s what to know before you go.
The Background
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Kristen, who has a marketing background, and Kevin, a corporate attorney, met at the University of Missouri–Columbia and always dreamed of opening a business together. A wedding and a few kids later, and they knew an indoor play space was the perfect fit, professionally and personally.
“When we had our second child, it was just so hard to get out and juggle the naps, the feeding schedule, and the needs of both kids; that’s why we set out to create a place that basically will make it easy and enjoyable for parents to get out with their kids,” Kristen says. “We found the perfect space, so there’s enough room for kids to explore but it’s not too big, so parents [won’t] lose sight of their kids… The goal is for parents to be able to relax and kids can have fun.”
While making plans, their sons provided input as well. “Our 4-year-old was the one who came up with the idea of snacks for the business,” Kevin says with a laugh, adding that their son also suggested Band-Aids, a play kitchen, and a train table.
“I think parents of littles, ourselves included, are going to be most excited to have a place where the kids can play but also a place that feels enjoyable for them,” Kristen says. “We’re not just designing this for the kids; we’re also designing it for adults. They can bring the kids and also invite people without kids to come and hang out.”
TotSpot will offer two-hour play sessions for ages from newborns to 6-year-olds at $15.45 per session.
The Space
TotSpot Social opens in the morning for early risers, but also has hours in the early evening, when adults with or without kids can mingle. TotSpot Social’s dozen play stations include an indoor climbing gym, a pretend play area, a baby area, arts and crafts, and activity tables.
“We’re planning everything that we can to encourage independent play,” Kristen says. “Basically, we’re trying to make it so that the kids can play by themselves without having to constantly run back to their parents.”
TotSpot also has a baby care room, including a nursing chair and a side table, and bathrooms will include a changing table and toddler potty. The duo has attempted to anticipate every need of potential guests, from access to amenities like refrigeration and hot water for bottles.
“With a little one, when you’re walking out the door, you always have to think, Did I pack all these things?” Kristen says. “The idea with TotSpot is that you really shouldn’t have to pack a lot of things. If you forget something, from wipes to a sippy cup, I plan to have extras to make it easy.”
Special Events
The owners plan to host workshops, classes, and other public events, from mommy-and-me yoga to lactation support to sensory classes. The couple is also excited to host birthdays. “Between throwing birthday parties myself and talking to our other parent friends, we know how much work goes into hosting a birthday party,” Kristen says. “You end up so busy during the party that it can sometimes be hard to enjoy the actual party. So we’re going to have a dedicated party helper who will [help take] care of all of the administrative items and prep work, so parents can just be present and enjoy the party.”
Kristen and Kevin are partnering with party vendors, including The Cup, The Cakery, Party Hop Shop, Clementine’s Creamery, and Krafted Banner Co.
Kristen recommends reaching out as soon as you know your party date to secure your spot, as multiple families have already booked parties.
