Hey Let’s Play

A new family destination is set to open this May, and its arrival is not only a fresh recreational choice for Saline County families but also another step forward in the ongoing revitalization of downtown Benton.

“Hey, Let’s Play,” an indoor playground and café designed for families with young children, is the creation of Benton natives Laurie and Kyle Curry. With a vision rooted in their own parenting experience and a desire to contribute to their hometown’s growth, the Curry family has spent the past year planning the 4,500-square-foot facility.

“Our goal is to create a safe, clean, and fun indoor space where families can relax, kids can play, and everyone can feel at home,” said Laurie. “This is something we believe will benefit not only our family and friends, but also the whole community.”

The idea for “Hey, Let’s Play” grew out of the Currys’ desire to contribute to the transformation of downtown Benton, a revitalization effort years in the making and creating some of the more popular spaces in Saline County. 

In partnership with their landlord Alan Schrader, a key local developer and advocate for the area, the Currys secured a prime location intended to capture the energy and potential of downtown.

“Finding a large enough space with plenty of parking was very challenging. We were so thankful for the opportunity to lease a new commercial property Alan Schrader was developing. It has been amazing to work with Alan on the building,” Laurie explained. 

“Being from Saline County, it’s been inspiring to see the life coming back to downtown Benton,” Laurie said. “We knew we wanted to be part of that and give families a place to come together.”

“Hey, Let’s Play” will cater primarily to children aged six months to 10 years. The facility will feature:

• Gross motor play areas, including a large ball pit, for kids to burn off energy.

• Imaginative play zones for kiddos to exercise their creative side. 

•A soft play section designed for babies and toddlers.

•A café space where guests can enjoy coffee and light snacks. 

• A work area for parents, allowing them to bring laptops and stay productive while keeping an eye on their kids playing.

• A dedicated birthday party room for celebrations and special events.

“I’ve always loved curating birthday parties for my kids. I love event planning and seeing all the special details come together. I’m looking forward to being able to bring other parents’ visions to life for their children’s birthday parties,” Laurie said. 

Laurie noted that the space is designed with flexibility in mind. “We plan to host a variety of activities, from birthday parties to special events like parents’ night out and even summer day camps. We want this to be a community hub for families.”

Saline County’s rapid growth in recent years has underscored the need for more family-friendly resources. Laurie, a mother of two young boys, Sawyer, 5, and Grayson, 1, says the concept sprang from her own experiences.

“Sometimes, as a parent, you just need a nice, clean place where you can take your kids to play and recharge yourself,” Laurie said. “We are thrilled to be able to bring a new offering to Saline County.”

The Currys were also mindful of parents’ concerns about safety. While the facility is not a daycare, “Hey, Let’s Play” will have certified staff on hand. “We will require staff to have background checks and certifications in CPR,” Laurie explained. 

Despite the time and effort involved, both Laurie and Kyle plan to keep their current jobs while building their new business.

“With both of us turning 30, it made us realize we could either spend our lives wishing we had done something, or we could just do it now.” Laurie said. “We both continue to have very fulfilling careers, but this was an opportunity to build something meaningful for the future.”

“It was nerve-wracking stepping into entrepreneurship, but it’s also been incredibly exciting,” she added. “You hit a point in your life where you either wait or take the leap—we chose to leap.”

Although Laurie and Kyle are still putting the finishing touches on the project, the buzz surrounding “Hey, Let’s Play” is already building. Laurie credits the community’s enthusiasm as both a motivation and a reassurance.

“The amount of support we’ve received has been amazing,” she said. “This area is full of families like ours who want to see Benton thrive and grow. Knowing we’re building something that resonates with them has been the most rewarding part.”

As May 2025 approaches, Laurie admits to a mix of nerves and excitement. This business is a significant personal and professional milestone for her family.

“We’re nervous, of course, but we’re so ready to welcome families into the space and see kids enjoying themselves,” she said. “We hope ‘Hey, Let’s Play’ becomes a place where families can come to connect, recharge, and make lasting memories.”

“Hey, Let’s Play” will soon join the growing list of businesses helping to shape Benton’s downtown as a vibrant, family-centered community hub. For updates on the grand opening and events, families can keep an eye out for announcements on social media.