What Is Supervised Play?

Supervised play at Mulberry Lane means your child is in a fun, engaging environment with our caring, dedicated staff who encourage play, creativity, and connection. While our team is here to interact, guide, and ensure a safe play experience, parents must remain on-site, either in the Play Lane or at our partner businesses upstairs or next door. It’s the perfect balance of independence for kids and a break for parents! 
 

Who Are We?
Who Are We?
Our team members are caring, background-checked individuals trained in safety and first aid. While they’re not early childhood educators, they’re committed to creating a warm, playful environment. Their role is to support exploration, encourage imaginative play, and ensure everyone is safe and having fun.

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Is Mulberry Lane a daycare or drop-off program?

No — this is a play space with supervision. Parents or guardians must remain on-site during sessions, either at Mulberry Lane or next door (in DC, that's The Roost, Goldfinch Social, or Caruso’s; in Del Ray, that's Shorty's Deluxe, Goldfinch Social, Eveing Star Cafe, Hi Fi Tex Mex BBQ, Planet Wine, and The Front Porch). Our team guides play, monitors safety, and tidies as needed, but this is not a childcare or educational program — it’s an opportunity for free play in a well-supervised environment.

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With the exception of Late Lane programming, we do not provide snacks for or feed anyone playing at Mulberry Lane. We also need you, the parent, to be available for bathroom breaks and diaper changes!

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​How are staff vetted and trained?

Every team member undergoes a thorough background check and reference screening before joining. They also complete training in first aid, CPR, and safety/behavior protocols. Refresher trainings are ongoing, and supervisors regularly observe to ensure best practices are followed. ​

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​What are your cleaning and sanitation practices?

Cleanliness is a priority:

• High-touch surfaces and toys are sanitized multiple times per day using botanical disinfectant cleaners.

• Soft toys and upholstered materials are steamed and cleaned off-site on a regular schedule, or as needed.

• Every toy is cleaned every day.

• Hand sanitizer stations are available, and we encourage children and adults to sanitize upon entry and throughout the visit.

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​What is your safety / incident policy?

• For small bumps or scrapes, our team will apply basic first aid and immediately inform you.

• For serious injuries, we will alert you immediately and call emergency services (911).

• At check-in, we ask for any known medical needs or allergies. We do not allow food in the play area; children are fed only during special events such as Late Lane, ticketed events, or birthday parties.

• We maintain safe adult-to-child monitoring ratios and continuous visual supervision in all play areas.

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​Policies Around Personal Care

• Staff will notify you if your child needs a diaper change or has an accident; you are expected to respond promptly.

• Staff will accompany older children to the bathroom, allowing privacy while maintaining supervision by waiting just outside the bathroom door or stall, depending on location.

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​Policies Around Illness and Guest Dismissal

• If any guest or parent/guardian behaves in a manner perceived as violent, threatening, aggressive, sexually explicit or suggestive, or otherwise inappropriate, Mulberry Lane reserves the right to ask that individual to leave immediately or prohibit future entry without a refund.

• Children may be denied entry or asked to leave if they display multiple symptoms, including: fever, cough, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual fatigue or fussiness, or a rash of unknown cause. If they’re too sick for school or daycare, they’re too sick for Mulberry Lane.

 

Mulberry Lane staff reserves the right to dismiss guests at any time to maintain safety and comfort for all visitors.

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​What should I expect as a parent during my child’s visit?

You’re welcome to relax in our lounge, work next door, or visit partner spaces nearby — but you must remain on-site and be reachable. The team leads play, but you are encouraged to check in with your child as often as you’d like. We also need you, the parent, to be available for bathroom breaks and diaper changes!

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​What is the ideal age range for Mulberry Lane?

Our play areas are designed for children ages 1 to 6. Younger toddlers (12–24 months) may need more parental guidance, which is perfectly fine — parents are welcome in the Play Lane if they choose.

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There is some flexibility on the age cap on a case-by-case basis. Certain Late Lane and ticketed events are open to children up to 12 years old. Younger siblings (under 1) may join under the constant supervision of their parent.

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​Do you support children with sensory or special needs?

Yes. If your child has sensory sensitivities, mobility or communication differences, or other needs, please share that information during booking or check-in so we can prepare and adjust. Our goal is to make Mulberry Lane as inclusive and welcoming as possible.

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​What If I Have More Than One Child?

We love welcoming siblings! Simply purchase the passes under your name, and our staff will take care of the rest at check in! Need help getting set up? Our staff is happy to assist—just call or stop by, and we’ll make sure your family is ready to play!

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​Can I Purchase More Than 3 Hours Per Day?

We understand that sometimes kids want a little more playtime! Extra hours are available on a case-by-case basis, so please check with our staff on-site. After three hours, children must take a break with their parent before returning. Additional time is available at the 1-hour PlayLane pass rate and cannot be added to an existing pass.

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​Do I Need To Book In Advance?

We recommend booking in advance via our app or website since space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop-ins are welcome, but reservations guarantee a spot!

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​How Far In Advance Can I Book?

Play sessions can be booked up to 2 weeks in advance

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​What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel or reschedule at least 2 hours before your session. Cancellations after this window may not be eligible for a refund.