FAQ’S

Walk in’s are welcome during our open hours.

No reservations are required.

We are open on Saturday’s from 10am – 4pm, June through September. We are closed on Saturday’s from October through May to celebrate private parties.

Admission is for the day. Most visitors complete their visit in about 2 hours. Guests may leave and come back the same day, with no charge.

While you are welcome to bring a lunch or snacks to enjoy outside or at our art table, there are local restaurants you can try as well.

Prospect Pantry is directly across the street from the playhouse. 5 West Cafe is opening soon for the best coffee around. Pasquales offers simple family are and is another kid-friendly option. Asian Bistro is also located in New Market.

Downtown Frederick is a 15 minute drive and offers several family-friendly restaurants. Pistaro’s, Pretzel and Pizza Creations are two of our favorites. Visit “best outdoor dining options downtown” for more options.

Mama Angela’s in nearby Mount Airy is another winner and located only one exit away heading east on Rt. 70.

Yes! Friends for Two is our brand new program for our precious current two year olds who were born at the onset of the pandemic and have had minimal contact or opportunities for peer interaction. We saw the need and thankfully found Ms. Sami, a former preschool teacher who will offer 8 week sessions on a rotating schedule. Each week will focus on a new theme centering on a love for song and language, parallel play, art and time with new friends.

Check our calendar for the next available session to enroll your 2 year old. The program begins promptly at 10:15 and runs approximately 40-45 minutes.

Yes! We have monthly preschool parties with our one and only Ms. Hillary. Each month celebrates a holiday or season.

The kids enjoy a story and song before they participate in an assortment of developmentally appropriate activities including a STEM challenge, a thematic craft, fine and gross motor tasks stationed around the Playhouse, and access to all the rooms. We finish with snacks around the table to offer kids and their grown-ups a chance to socialize. In today’s climate, post-Covid, these opportunities are well appreciated if not important for kids!

Check the TOP Calendar and/or our Progams page for upcoming dates/times, program details and registration info on our current programs.

Yes! There are two as a matter of fact! Mark your calendars now for the 1^st Saturdays of June and December.  

New Market launched our first South Alley Block Party in the summer of 2021. Complete with live music, a Kids’ Fun Zone with a petting zoo and pony rides, face painters, bubbles and balls, corn hole and so many happy faces. The adults loved the food trucks, vendors with a beer and wine garden and a day to celebrate community. It met such success, the town has made it an annual event for the 1^st Saturday of June.

In December, Santa comes to town and the festivities begin with a Main Street Parade! Seventh Alley magically becomes “Candy Cane Alley” decked out with bistro lighting to give a European market vibe and luminaries decorated by families in town. Santa sets up shop for the children and we finish with a Tree Lighting Ceremony at the park (you know who rides in on a fire truck and lights the Town Christmas Tree!)

Visit our facebook PHOTO page for event photos!

To stay up to date with all things New Market, visit https://www.townofnewmarket.org/ 

The Playhouse often participates in events hosted by Macaroni Kid, a website that highlights family events in our area. https://mtairy.macaronikid.com/ 

At The Original Playhouse, we believe that play is an essential component of healthy development. The articles below support our thinking and sadly, delineate potential repercussions of reduced levels of play and free time that children need to foster creative, emotional and cognitive growth.

Importance of Play for Kids, Power of Play: 6 Benefits for Child Development, Side Effects of Not Playing

“Play is how children learn,” says Dr. Tiff Jumaily, a pediatrician at Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine Studio City in Los Angeles. 

Play helps children grow into strong, healthy, and independent individuals. It also helps them develop emotionally and reduces stress. However, a lack of play can have negative and long-lasting effects. 

Studies show that when kids don’t have the opportunity to play outside in nature, they are at higher risk for attention problems and behavior problems,” Jumaily explains. “Without proper play, kids do not have the chance to stretch their imagination and build the skills they need to succeed in the workplace and in their life. A lack of play can also stunt an individual’s social and emotional development.” 

A 2018 study by the AAP also found the absence of play can increase stress. “Play is not frivolous… it is brain building,” Jumaily says. “When play and safe, stable, nurturing relationships are missing in a child’s life, toxic stress can disrupt their development.”