New kids play space Ladders and Lattes climbing into Shockoe Bottom

Ladders and Lattes will be in 1901 E. Franklin St., pictured here. (Photo by Jackie DiBartolomeo)

Richmond parents will soon have a new downtown gathering spot for their toddlers. 

Ladders and Lattes, an indoor play space designed for children up to 6-years-old, is set to open later this year in Shockoe Bottom. 

Founder and owner Lacey Cain said the new venue in suite 114 at 1901 E. Franklin St. will feature play structures for children that are focused on “gross motor skills” like running, jumping and walking. 

Cain is planning to add climbing structures, a station for pretend play, a sensory table and an area where kids can make art. Toys and play areas will change frequently to help children continue to grow.

A former early childhood teacher, Cain earned a masters degree in education leadership from Regent University, and has worked in the education and nonprofit sectors for over a decade. 

Perhaps her most pertinent qualification is the fact that she’s a mom of two toddlers. When she had her first child, Cain said she struggled to find a community in the Richmond area of like-minded moms who understood the ups and downs of parenthood.

Cain stands outside the building of her new play studio. (Courtesy Lacey Cain)

“None of my friends had children at the time,” Cain said. “There were no common spaces to gather.” 

That realization led Cain to conceive the idea for Ladders and Lattes. 

“I really wanted to bring a low-stress space for moms to connect, where they could bring their kids, and potentially work if they wanted to, where they could enjoy coffee or tea,” Cain said. 

“There aren’t a lot of spaces where parents who work remotely can go,” Cain said. “Maybe they don’t need a full-time daycare, they just need a little bit of help.” 

The 1,800-square-foot space on Franklin Street suited her needs, she said, as she wanted parents to feel comfortable letting their children run around without going too far. 

Though there are no plans for an official café component as of now, coffee and tea options will be available for parents.

The play studio will incorporate natural and non-toxic materials like wood and will integrate Waldorf and Montessori education philosophies in children’s play.

Ladders and Lattes guests will visit the play studio’s website and book a two-hour play session prior to coming in. One to two assistants will be in the play studio at any given time to assist. Prices for the play sessions have not yet been determined. 

Cain also plans to host workshop classes for parents and private parties in the play studio space. 

The lease on the Ladders and Lattes space begins in April, and buildout will begin then. Cain hopes for an opening sometime early in the fall, and said she’ll leave it up to Richmond parents to help her decide what they want to see most in the space. 

“Everything else is in Richmond’s hands,” Cain said. “I’m still talking to stakeholders and talking to moms. A lot of things are going to be responsive.”

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