Stacy Holbrook
Contributing Writer

(Stacy Holbrook/FAN – Michelle and Dustin Holbrook have created an indoor play and conversation space in Eaton Rapids.)

Wild Roots Play Café, located at 101 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids,  is a place for everyone to enjoy a moment away from the hustle of everyday life; a place to make new friends, enjoy a snack and have a fun time.  

Michelle Holbrook had a vision to provide a safe place for children of all ages to play, learn and make new friends, a place that was community friendly, that offered fun, interactive activities and snacks. Sharing this vision with her husband, Dustin Holbrook, the vision became a reality.  

The reality (after a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, Aug. 3), is a large space of activities. Places of discovery are found on the walls, small play shops promoting play and learning are in the Little Sprouts Health Center, pampering can be found in the Wild Roots Hair Salon, and building activities are in the corner, next to the Little Sprouts Market.  

Little tots have a special “picket” fenced area with a padded mat flooring for safe, clean play.  There is also a small area where there are snacks available. There is a seating area for adults to visit and develop friendships. There is an admission fee as well as membership packages.

Older children have their attractions scattered down the center area and around the floor, offering games like Hedbanz, Sorry!, Tetris, Uno, a three-foot Jenga, and more things to do.

Holbrook and her husband are a team. Holbrook fully supports her husband in his construction business; he uses his skills to make her vision come alive.

Wild Roots Play Café is not just for play and learning – it is also a special event venue. Wild Roots features a 300-square-foot banquet room for rent.

Wild Roots Play Café is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. In the trial stages, the hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., afternoons from 3 to 7 p.m., with the space closed from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the space closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. 

The website is wildrootsplaycafe.square.site.