From One Mom to Another, A Space Created With You In Mind. 

A safe space for kids to play & learn

We all need to get out of the house from time to time—whether it’s to burn off some steam on a chilly day, have a conversation with another adult, or because they’re tired of all their toys. (We’ve been there.)

MiniTown Café & Play was created to be that space for you and your family. 

Photo by Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

We’re Christine and Nelson Santos.

Founders of MiniTown Café & Play—and parents of 3

Like so many parents, I’ve spent countless hours searching for the perfect spot where my kids could play safely while I could enjoy a little time for myself—a moment to sip a coffee, share stories with friends, and connect with other caregivers. For 15 years, I looked for a place that combined joyful play for my kids with a welcoming atmosphere for me, but I never quite found what I was looking for.

That’s where my husband, Nelson, comes in. As parents, we often shared conversations about the challenges of finding spaces that truly catered to both kids and caregivers. Nelson, with his entrepreneurial mindset and unwavering support, encouraged me to take this dream and make it a reality. Together, we envisioned a space that not only met these needs but exceeded them—a place that brought joy, community, and connection to families like ours.

MiniTown Café & Play is the result of that shared vision—a dream brought to life to fill the gap we felt as parents. It’s a space carefully crafted to be a safe, imaginative playground where kids can explore, learn, and let their creativity shine. Every corner, from the mini firehouse to the grocery store, is designed to spark their imagination. At the same time, Minitown’s cozy café offers a place for caregivers to gather, savor quality coffee, and share moments with friends, all while keeping an eye on their little ones.

Beyond a play space, MiniTown is a community. Nelson and I are committed to creating a supportive environment where parents can feel valued, knowing that their kids are having the time of their lives. With events, classes, and activities designed to engage kids from 0-6, MiniTown is here to make everyday moments memorable for families, helping parents and kids connect, learn, and enjoy together.

MiniTown Café & Play is more than just a business for us—it’s our way of giving back to the community and creating a space we always wished for when our kids were younger. We’re thrilled to welcome you into this journey and can’t wait to share this special place with you and your family.

Welcome to MiniTown!

Our play space looks like a real town, set up to inspire imaginative play. Little ones can work a shift at our miniature coffee shop, step on stage at the theater, or play dress-up in the clothing store.

But because we know how important it is to get those wiggles out, we’ve also packed our space with plenty of places to run, jump, and climb. You’ll find 1 climbing wall and 2 slides, and even a soft foam pit.

We also aim to nurture a love of learning from an early age, so we’ve created STEM spaces throughout—from LEGO tables to a hands-on wall with building blocks, puzzles, and more.

You Asked, We Answered

  • Absolutely! At Minitown Café & Play, we’re all about making magical memories for kids aged 0-6. Whether your little one dreams of a superhero adventure, a princess tea party, or a fun-filled playdate in our vibrant mini-city, we’re here to help make their special day unforgettable.
    Interested? Let’s chat and start planning!

  • At MiniTown Café & Play, we offer ample parking for your convenience. Our location at 500 Kings Highway East in Fairfield is situated within King's Plaza, which provides plenty of parking spaces for our guests. 

    You can easily find a spot close to our entrance, making your visit with your little ones hassle-free. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring a delightful experience for both you and your children!

  • Yes, non-slip socks are a must for safety while exploring and playing at Minitown Café & Play. If you already have a pair at home, feel free to bring them along! But don’t worry if you forget or don’t have any—we’ve got you covered! Our adorable non-slip socks are available for purchase at just $4. Not only are they practical, but they’re also super cute! Safety and style? We’ve got both!

  • While we don't have a dedicated nursing room at Minitown Café & Play, we strive to create a comfortable environment for all our guests. You're welcome to nurse wherever you feel most at ease within our facility. 

  • We do accept walk-ins at Minitown Café & Play when space allows. However, to ensure you and your little ones have a spot reserved, we strongly recommend booking your session online in advance. This way, you can avoid any disappointment if we’re at full capacity. Secure your playtime and join us for some fun!

  • Yep, a quick waiver keeps the fun rolling and everyone safe—because nothing should stop playtime!

MiniTown Rules for a Fun & Safe Playtime!

Ages: Our play space is designed just for kids 6 and under. Older kids are great, but this space is perfect for our littlest adventurers!

Socks On, Shoes Off: For a clean and comfy playtime, nonslip socks are required in the play area. Shoes can take a break in the cubbies or your stroller!

Play Safe: Let’s keep the fun safe! Please remind your kids to avoid climbing the outside of the play structures. Follow our friendly safety signs, and remember, we may need to step in if things get a bit too wild or rules are broken.

Keep Watch: Parents and caregivers are the ultimate sidekicks here! Please keep an eye on your little ones and make sure they’re playing in the age-appropriate areas.

Health First: If your child isn’t feeling their best, we may kindly ask you to come back another day to help keep everyone healthy and smiling.

Babies’ Special Playtime: On select days, babies aged 0-24 months have their own dedicated playtime window! Be sure to check online or follow us on social media for the latest updates on these special sessions.

Sign the Waiver: A quick waiver is required before playtime. It’s fast, easy, and ensures a safe and fun experience for everyone!

Book Your Playtime: To make sure you’ve got your spot, booking play sessions online is highly recommended! We’d hate for you to miss out on the fun.

Ready, Set, Play!

We can’t wait to welcome you to MiniTown Café & Play.