Check N’ Play Opens at Brea Mall: a Play Café Where Kids Grow and Caregivers Get a Break

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BREA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 20, 2026--

Check N’ Play, a modern, emotionally enriching, screen-free play space and café for children ages six and under and the caregivers who support them has launched its flagship location at Brea Mall and will celebrate with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 3 to 4 p.m. in partnership with the Brea Chamber of Commerce.

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The founders of Check N’ Play in front of the brand’s flagship play café at Brea Mall in Brea, Calif.

Located on the upper level of Brea Mall—a Simon Property Group destination—across from Zara Man, the 6,000-square-foot haven for families pairs immersive, guided play with a thoughtfully designed café created with caregivers in mind. The play space welcomes all children ages six and under and is best suited for confident walkers. All play sessions are facilitated by trained attendants, providing a structured, supportive experience that prioritizes safety, engagement and peace of mind for families. Parents of fully potty-trained children may choose to stay in the space or enjoy the café nearby while remaining on-site. The experience is further supported through rotating enrichment programming, wellness classes and parenting workshops, as well as customizable birthday parties and private event rentals—all offered through one structured membership for families seeking consistent access to purposeful, guided interaction for their children.

Complementing the play experience is Check N’ Play’s full-service café, offering high-quality coffee, tea and light fare in a calm, welcoming environment. The café and play space are intentionally separated to support child safety and focused play, while still allowing caregivers to relax, connect or work nearby while remaining responsible for their children.

Founded by mother and children’s book author, Steffanie Balsells Najera, Check N’ Play was created to reimagine what family spaces can look and feel like—where kids can explore curiosity, creativity and connection and caregivers feel welcomed and supported. Children move through beautifully designed, immersive play zones that invite imagination and hands-on discovery. Spaces include a creative art studio, movement and climbing areas, dramatic play environments like a kitchen and construction site and cozy corners for reading and connection. Each zone is thoughtfully curated to support sensory exploration, social interaction and open-ended play.

“Play is powerful—and at Check N’ Play, we use it as a foundation for emotional growth, creativity and family bonding,” said Najera. “It’s a place where learning feels like fun for kids and support feels natural for caregivers.”

At the heart of the experience are The Weirdots—Check N’ Play’s official mascots and original characters featured in Najera’s children’s book series���created to help young children explore big feelings with humor and empathy. The Weirdots bring social-emotional learning (SEL) to life through character-led storytelling and playful prompts that help children recognize emotions, practice empathy and build early self-expression skills throughout the space.

As the first of many, Check N’ Play is building toward expansion across the U.S. Individuals and groups interested in investment opportunities may contact [email protected] for additional information.

ABOUT CHECK N’ PLAY:Check N’ Play is a modern, screen-free play-café designed to support emotional development in children ages six and under while restoring balance, connection and belonging for caregivers. Located inside Brea Mall, the space blends intentional play, social-emotional learning and thoughtful design with a welcoming café environment. Through immersive play zones, attendants serving as active facilitators of the play experience, original characters and community-driven programming, Check N’ Play creates emotionally enriching experiences where families feel seen, supported and empowered through community. For more information, visit www.checknplay.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE:Media are welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting event on January 28. Limited tours and interview opportunities are available. To RSVP or request media access, contact [email protected].

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260120368790/en/

CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT:Leslie Licano, Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc.

[email protected]| 949.733.8679

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FAMILY RETAIL CONSUMER PARENTING CHILDREN SPECIALTY FOOD/BEVERAGE

SOURCE: Check N’ Play

Copyright Business Wire 2026.

PUB: 01/20/2026 05:58 PM/DISC: 01/20/2026 05:58 PM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260120368790/en