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

A new family-friendly attraction, Check N’ Play, has opened its doors at Brea Mall, featuring a unique play café for children aged six and under and their caregivers. The official launch took place on January 28, 2026, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Brea Chamber of Commerce.*

Spanning 6,000 square feet, Check N’ Play blends intentional play with a thoughtfully designed café to create a nurturing environment for families. Situated on the upper level of Brea Mall, near Zara Man, the venue emphasizes immersive, screen-free play experiences for children who are confident walkers. The play area is supervised by trained attendants, ensuring a safe environment throughout each session.

Parents of fully potty-trained children can choose to either stay in the play area or enjoy the café, which serves high-quality coffee, tea, and light snacks in a serene setting. Facilitated playtime sessions lasting 2 hours and priced at $30 require reservations, allowing caregivers to relax while their children engage in guided play. In addition, a community coloring table is available for all ages at no cost, operating on a first-come, first-served basis during café hours.

The concept of Check N’ Play was brought to life by Steffanie Balsells Najera, a mother and children’s book author, who aims to transform family spaces into nurturing environments that inspire curiosity and creativity. “Play is powerful—and at Check N’ Play, we use it as a foundation for emotional growth, creativity, and family bonding,” Najera remarked during the ceremony. “It’s a place where learning feels like fun for kids and support feels natural for caregivers.”

The venue boasts a variety of play zones, including an art studio, movement areas, and imaginative settings such as a kitchen and construction site. Each space is curated to promote sensory exploration, social interaction, and open-ended play.

At the heart of the Check N’ Play experience are The Weirdots, original characters from Najera’s children’s book series. Designed to help young children navigate their emotions with humor and empathy, The Weirdots engage children through storytelling and activities, promoting social-emotional learning and early self-expression skills.

As an innovative addition to the family entertainment landscape, Check N’ Play aims to expand its presence across the United States, with investment opportunities available for interested parties at investors@checknplay.com.

For more details on Check N’ Play, visit www.checknplay.com.