Barr opens STEAM Play
A Farragut High School math teacher and mother of two is offering a stimulating place for children to play that also provides a chance for their parents to relax and unwind.
Betsy Barr opened STEAM Play earlier this month at 1539 Downtown West Boulevard, in the same location as an already-established business, Barr 3M Solutions, both of which she operates with her husband, Farragut High School graduate Phillip Barr.
“As a math teacher and a parent, I’m always looking for educational ways for my children to play with their friends … and not have to pay a whole lot for it,” Barr said. “When I opened Barr 3M Solutions a year ago, it was primarily for tutoring, but we’ve expanded as we’ve seen needs within our community.
“It seems my friends and I are always looking for places for our kids to get together while still being able to have some ‘mom-time’ as well. So we created a place where kids can play together in fun, interactive centers.”
STEAM Play offers sensory play, puzzles, Legos, crafts, chalkboard and whiteboard, and STEM toys for all ages, including a marble run, Blokus, Magna-stix, car tunnel run, Geoboards, Brain flakes and more. Toys are cleaned and sanitized after each session.
For parents — who never pay an admission fee — there’s a work area with WiFi along with a coffee and snack bar.
Currently, STEAM Play sessions are offered from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to noon, and from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday.”
Barr hopes to offer weekday morning sessions soon, and also plans to be open during any school breaks from 10 a.m. to noon, from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m.
Admission is $8 for ages 3 and older, $5 for 6 months to 2 years, and free for babies 6 months and younger (with sibling).
