Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Want to make Megan King-Popp smile? Run to the white clapboard Ice Cream Shoppe at Urban Fort Play Café and holler, “Who wants ice cream?”
Serving pretend ice cream is her son Gideon’s favorite pastime, so naturally, it makes her happy—but it’s also a sure sign that this former teacher has found her niche. After a successful Indiegogo campaign, Urban Fort (1854 Russell) opened late last year in McKinley Heights.
Patrons come from all over to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee (from Blueprint Coffee) and bite to eat (Whisk pastries and light café fare), and watch their little ones play.
“One family traveled over an hour to visit,” says King-Popp, who's worn many hats over the past 20 years: nanny, preschool teacher, daycare owner, mother.
“With so many amazing children’s museums and centers in St. Louis, we know there is no shortage of spaces for kids,” she says. “However, for parents, these sprawling locations can be exhausting.” Urban Fort provides a small-scale alternative.
