An Oasis for Children on the UWS – Play Street Museum

Jul 9, 2026 by The Jewish Voice And Opinion Staff

By: The Jewish Voice And Opinion Staff

The extreme NYC weather sent us looking for climate-controlled, child-friendly play spaces. We discovered the Play Street Museum UWS, located in an unassuming storefront at 805 Columbus Ave, New York. This clean, engaging space, where toddlers and young children can safely explore, was hidden in plain sight. Despite having a large welcoming sign out front offering Parties, Playtime, Events, and Crafts, we have unknowingly walked by many times.

Play Street Museum is a child-friendly discovery zone. They named it “museum” rather than a play center or an indoor playground because, like museums, it presents interactive exhibits designed to build fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. Just like an adult wanders through a museum at their own pace based on what catches their eye, children independently explore this massive space.

The space feels like a Disney Town Square, warm and welcoming, and clean.

The UWS Play Street Museum is located on one floor (no stairs or elevators needed), making it stroller-friendly, and with high 25-foot ceilings, it feels enormous. It is set up like a small town, with stores on the perimeter, letting older children try on career options. There is a marketing office with a telephone, desk, and computer screen (jacket is hanging in the corner), a vet/pet store with bunnies and puppies, a grocery store with bins of plastic fruit and vegetables, a doctor’s office with crutches, and a bakery/deli with magnetic buns, and of course, ice cream, just to name a few of the stores.

In the center of the square, there is a fire truck, a garbage/recycling truck (with seats that are low enough that toddlers can climb up and drive), and a massive train table (with a center area cut out allowing toddlers to reach everything). They even have a private area where younger babies can play with softer toys.

Play Street Museum designed the space to entice and engage children up to age 8. All their exhibits are interactive, have no small parts, and encourage children to use their imagination. While toddlers stack the fruits and vegetables outside the grocery store into carts, older children can stock the shelves and play out familiar family roles.

Our Experience

We brought two 18-month-old boys to explore the space and wondered how long they would last. To our surprise, they remained engaged throughout the entire 90-minute session. In fact, they wanted to stay longer and were the last to leave. They moved from one activity to the next. Because the space provides caretakers with unrestricted views, the toddlers could exercise their independence.

The plastic fruits and vegetables were an immediate hit, as were the big trucks and trains. As they acclimated to the space, they explored musical instruments, wooden trucks, stuffed animal pets, and more. We were fortunate that the older children often included the toddlers in their play and were well behaved, sharing with the smaller patrons.

If the toddlers could talk, they would give it a 10 out of 10. There was lots to do, and they could do it all themselves.

Adult Seal of Approval

We were positively impressed by the cleanliness. The Play Street Museum staff were continually cleaning and straightening up (even during the session). They devote half an hour between sessions to cleaning. It looked spotless. Much of the floor areas were carpeted, which was perfect for our toddlers. We went on a hot, humid day and were delighted with the cool, air-conditioned space.

The selection of items for each store was well thoughout there were no small pieces, creating an inclusive, safe exploration space. The Museum was full of things to touch, but not overly crowded, keeping the space controlled and not overwhelming. The toys were simple, powered by imagination.

Play Street Museum is a franchise, founded in 2014 by Courtney Muccio, an early childhood educator and the mother of four young children living in Dallas, Texas. It offers a clean space for young kids to engage in self-directed, imaginative play. Play Street Museum Upper West Side opened in 2024 and is locally owned and operated by James and Kristina Payne.

How Play Street Museum Works

There is no membership. Walk-ins are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a caretaker who is expected to supervise their play (and provide a signed waiver). It is a shoe-free space for both adults and children. No food is allowed.

Children select a snack on their way out (many of the options were certified kosher).
Patrons can register online for a 90-minute session.
The number of children in the Museum is limited to 11.

Note: Babies under a year, and siblings over 9 are free when accompanying a paying sibling.

Monday–Friday:

- - - Session 1 – 8:30–10:00 AM
    - Session 2 – 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
    - Session 3 – 12:30–2:00 PM
    - Session 4 – 2:30–4:00 PM
    - Session 5 – 4:30–6:00 PM