Play Theory Café, a new family-friendly venue, is set to open on May 30 at 2221 NE Third St. in Bend, bringing the city its first hybrid play café designed specifically for young children and their caregivers. The 3,775-square-foot space will provide a safe, immersive environment designed for kids to explore, learn and socialize, while parents and caregivers enjoy relaxation and community in a comfortable café setting.
Play Theory Café will combine an indoor playground with a stylish café that includes cozy seating, high-quality local food and an array of activities for young children. With an emphasis on imaginative play, active learning, STEM and support for families, the café meets a growing need in Bend, especially among the area’s many remote-working parents.
“We believe every child should have access to safe play, education and quality nutrition, while also giving caregivers a moment to relax,” says Eylene Pirez, founder of Play Theory Café. “Our mission is to provide a welcoming environment for families that supports parents in the journey of raising healthy children.”
Play Spaces for Exploration and Growth
Play Theory Café will offer several dedicated play areas designed to engage children in various developmental stages. While non-school aged children are the primary focus, there are a variety of activities for older children as well.
Pretend Town — a miniature interactive role-play village with a market, cafe, veterinary clinic, fire station, mail center, road and construction zone to foster creative skills and language development.
Playground — a custom CedarWorks structure including slides, climbing elements and ramps, providing a full-body, interactive experience that encourages movement and motor skill development.
STEM Space — four fixed exhibits that explore flight, wind, light, magnetism, gravity and biology, as well as a rotating monthly exhibit to inspire an early love of science.
Infant Area — a clean, soft play space with sensory toys for non-walking children and early-stage toddlers.
Classroom/Event Room — serving as an arts and crafts room with pottery painting, coloring, slime crafting and more.
Relaxation, Community and High-Quality Café Options
The café will feature a range of specialty coffees, tea, beer, wine, snacks and a comprehensive breakfast and lunch menu, including popular selections from Bend’s own Sparrow Bakery, as well as allergy-friendly options. The calm eating area with lounge seating will include live, closed-circuit TV cameras for full visibility of play areas so caregivers can relax and enjoy a comfortable, low-stress experience while their littles play.
Classes and Events that Meet Community Demand
With a strong community focus, Play Theory Café will feature music, STEM and language classes tailored for young children. The café’s weekday classes provide essential educational activities and socialization options for children while offering caregivers a chance to connect. The café will host seasonal events, such as holiday-themed celebrations, new parent meet-up days, family photo sessions, storytime, character events and information sessions with local experts, all designed to entertain and foster connections within the community.
Birthday Celebrations at Play Theory Café
Play Theory Café will make birthdays easy and memorable with a reservable party room or the ability to rent the entire space, complete with a dedicated party leader and cafe operator.
Families can choose from tasteful decor themes or design their own, with a photobooth and festive balloon garlands included in all celebrations. With a range of party options from budget-friendly to full planning concierge service, the Café can meet the needs of parties large and small for stress-free events.
Grand Opening Details and Membership Options
Play Theory Café will open its doors in Spring 2025. The café will offer several admission fee options, including day passes, multi-play passes, class passes and monthly unlimited memberships. Open play will be unlimited in time to offer flexibility to caregivers’ schedules. A private room is available for birthdays, special events and camps for children will also be offered to engage children during school breaks.
About Play Theory Café:
Play Theory Café is Bend’s premier destination for families seeking a clean, safe and engaging environment for children. Founded, owned and operated by Eylene Pirez, a working scientist and mother of three, Play Theory Café offers an inclusive blend of educational play, socialization and relaxation for both children and caregivers. The diverse play areas cater to multiple learning styles, from imaginative play to STEM exploration, while our comfortable cafe provides quality refreshments and a space for parents to unwind and connect. Play Theory Café is more than a play space – it’s a community hub where families are empowered to connect, learn and grow together.
playtheorycafe.com • info@playtheorycafe.com • 541-555-1234
