Playing & Learning Center - Scandinavia House

Incorporating inspirations from early childhood education centers in Scandinavia into this premier indoor learning and play space in New York, the Heimbold Family Children’s Playing and Learning Center integrates the best of Scandinavian design while emphasizing early childhood sensory perception. Young children and their caregivers have fun while learning about the culture of Scandinavia through books, toys, and free unstructured play sessions.

Within the two distinct yet complementary areas – an activity room and a sensory room – design highlights include a reading theater, sensory tunnel, custom Lego® corner, landscaped BRIO® train table, indoor climbing corner, mushroom house, a “please touch” wall, light landscape, and imported Scandinavian educational elements.

This magical interior landscape transports children from Park Avenue all the way to Scandinavia and back again, without the need for an airplane ticket!

All Children’s Center patrons are required to sign a liability waiver. This is common practice for such activity spaces for children and will allow our Center to continue providing the highest level of quality learning and play for your child(ren).

Please bring a copy of the signed form with you before your first visit or email a copy to mem@amscan.org. You will not be permitted in the Playing & Learning Center without a signed waiver. Waivers will be kept on file and will be renewed annually with your ASF Family Membership.

—DOWNLOAD WAIVER FORMS

The Heimbold Family Children's Playing & Learning Center

The Heimbold Family Children’s Playing and Learning Center is open at limited capacity for 120- minute free- play sessions to ASF family members from Tuesday through Saturday. In addition to family members, non-members are invited to reserve tickets for Saturday sessions on a limited basis. Reservations must be purchased in advance for each child through our online ticketing system, Elevent. A waiver must always be signed online before children can attend the Center. ASF family memberships are $125 ($110 tax deductible); the cost per child per session for members Tuesday through Saturday is $20. Non-members will pay $25 to attend the Saturday session, space permitting.

Masks are strongly encouraged for ages 2 and up while in the Playing & Learning Center. Staff will be masked while in the Center.

Parental and caregiver supervision is required at all times. We discourage the use of mobile devices in order to ensure a safe and joyful environment for everyone.

A maximum of two kids are allowed with each adult. A maximum of two adults are allowed with each child.

PURCHASE ASF FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

NEW HOURS STARTING IN JANUARY 2023:

HOURS & ADMISSION
TUESDAY — FRIDAY: ASF FAMILY MEMBERS ONLY

SATURDAYS: OPEN TO PUBLIC AS WELL AS MEMBERS
There will be two 2-hour play sessions per day.
Play Session I: 10 AM-12 PM
Play Session II: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM

Reservations are required. You must purchase a reservation ticket for each child using the space. The cost is $20 per child for ASF Members from Tuesday through Saturday, and $25 for non-members on Saturday sessions. Reservations are non-refundable. Admission is for children ages 1 through 5. Please note that children must be walking on their own to be admitted and must be accompanied by a caregiver.

ASF Family Members will be limited to three reservation spots per play session.

MAKE A RESERVATION

Q&A

Can I drop my CHILDREN off to play, or do I need to stay with them?

Parents or caregivers are required to be present with and responsible for their children at all times, as the Playing and Learning Center is not a daycare or a preschool.
I am an ASF Member. Can my caregiver take my children to the Playing and Learning Center, or do I have to be present?

Your caregiver (nanny, spouse, grandparent, friend, etc.) is welcome to accompany your children to the Playing and Learning Center. Simply provide your caregiver with your ASF membership card to present to the front desk and the Center’s attendant.
Do I need to have my ASF Membership card with me each time I visit the Playing and Learning Center?

Yes, please present your stamped ASF membership card upon arrival at the Front Desk. During the week, this serves as your admission pass.
I am an ASF Member. Can my child bring a friend?

ASF Family Membership holders are NOT permitted to bring guests to the Playing & Learning Center. This helps maintain the Playing & Learning Center as a benefit to ASF’s Family Members, and keeps the number of visitors at a manageable and safe level.
How big is the Playing and Learning Center? How many kids can play at once?

The Playing and Learning Center is comprised of two rooms, connected by a doorway and a kids-only tunnel. Due to social distancing and our reservation policy, we have limited capacity to 10 children.
What is the average age of children who play at the Center?

The Playing and Learning Center is geared towards toddlers and preschool-aged children. Children begin playing in the Center when they are able to walk on their own, which can be as young as 10 months old, and tend to enjoy the space through ages 5.
Can I visit the Playing and Learning Center before I become an ASF Family Member?

At this time, the Playing & Learning Center is only open to ASF Family Membership holders. You can purchase a Family Membership here.
I want access to the Playing and Learning Center during the week. How do I become a FAMILY MEMBER?

For information on ASF Memberships, please visit here.
Can I wear my shoes?

To keep the Playing and Learning Center clean and minimize wear-and-tear, shoes are NOT permitted for children or adults. Please store your shoes in the bins located outside the entrance on the 4th Floor.
Can I bring my child’s own toys?

To prevent confusion with the Playing and Learning Center’s toys and supplies, we ask that children leave their own toys at home or in their strollers.
Where can I change my child’s diaper?

A private restroom with a changing table is located on the 4th Floor, equipped with diaper disposal bin. Diaper-changing is NOT permitted outside the restroom. Additional restrooms and changing facilities are located on the B-Level of Scandinavia House.
Where do I store my stroller?

Stroller storage has been incorporated into the design of the Playing and Learning Center. The stroller closet is located in the 4th Floor hallway, beyond the Center’s entrance. We do our best to accommodate all visitors, so please be respectful of other guests’ property and fold your stroller to maximize stroller space. Scandinavia House is not responsible for the security of any items left in the stroller closet, so please keep track of all valuables.
Why do children have to be walking on their own to be admitted?

To ensure the safety of our youngest visitors, children must be able to stand and walk comfortably in order to play on their own in the Center. As children of all ages move and play through the space, it could be unsafe for kids who do not yet walk. Caregivers must be supervising at all times.
Are food and beverages allowed in the Playing and Learning Center?

Absolutely NO food or beverages are allowed in the Playing and Learning Center. We want to keep the space as clean as possible, so please finish all food and beverages before entering the 4th Floor. You will be asked to put away or dispose of any drinks or snacks. If you would like to eat or drink, please proceed to the 1st Floor.
Is the Playing and Learning Center available to rent for birthday parties?

The Playing and Learning Center is available on a limited basis for private parties by advance arrangement. Please visit our Space Rentals page or contact the Scandinavia House manager.

For more information, please visit here.

Still have questions or concerns?
Please call 212-847-9716 or email mem@amscan.org and we will do our best to assist you.

Rules

In order to keep the Playing and Learning Center safe,
clean, pleasant, and available to everyone, we ask that you
abide by the following rules:

Be Safe

– Masks are strongly encouraged for those ages 2 and up in the Playing & Learning Center.
– Parents or caregivers must supervise their kids at all times.
– Only kids who are walking on their own are admitted to the Playing and Learning Center.
– There is no running or playing in the hallway or the Halldór Laxness Library.
– Please do not leave any valuables unattended. Scandinavia House is not responsible for missing or lost items.
Be Respectful

ASF Membership Cards must be presented upon entering the Playing and Learning Center, or at any time the attendant asks.
The Center is only open to ASF Members with a Family Associate Membership or above. The Center is open to ASF Family Membership holders with reservations. Members may not bring guests to the Playing and Learning Center.

A liability waiver must be signed for all kids playing in the Center. Membership cards must be stamped at the Front Desk.
Absolutely NO food or beverages are allowed in the Playing and Learning Center. We want to keep the space as clean as possible, so please finish all food and beverages before entering the 4th Floor. You will be asked to put away or dispose of any drinks or snacks. If you would like to eat or drink, please proceed to Björk Café and Bistro at Scandinavia House on the 1st Floor.

Diaper changing is permitted only at the diaper changing stations. These facilities are located in the restroom on the 4th Floor. Diaper changing is NOT permitted outside the restroom. Additional restrooms and changing facilities are located on the B-Level of Scandinavia House.

Please take care that books and toys are not damaged. We ask that you take responsibility in putting away books and toys after your kids have used them. To prevent confusion with the Playing and Learning Center’s toys and supplies, we ask that kids leave their own toys at home or in their strollers.
Due to the size of the space and social distancing, there is a limit of 10 children, plus 10 adults in the Playing and Learning Center during each play session.

HAVE FUN!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about the Heimbold Family Children’s Playing and Learning Center, please contact the ASF Membership Coordinator at 212-847-9716 or mem@amscan.org

Other Family Programming

Scandinavia House frequently offers family programming including storytelling events, children’s theater, and virtual workshops. The Children’s Center email list includes upcoming programs as well as video tutorials, activity suggestions, and other ways to keep children busy and occupied at home. To subscribe to the list, fill out the form below.

EMAIL SIGNUP — CHILDREN’S CENTER

Email Address

The Children’s Center has also offered a wide array of virtual children’s programming and workshops, including art tutorials, read-alouds, and studio visits with children’s book illustrators, many of which remain available to stream.

VIRTUAL CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING