Hourly Drop-In
Our core service. Up to 4 hours of supervised play, crafts, story time, and games — no long-term commitment.
Drop-in child care · Ages 1–12 · Apex, NC
Playtime for them.
Free time for you.
Need a couple of hours for errands, a workout, an appointment, or a long-overdue date night? Drop the kids at Eme's Playhouse — a bright, safe, play-packed space where they'll have so much fun they won't want to leave.
- Background-checked staff
- CPR & First Aid certified
- Secure check-in & pick-up
Drop-in care in 3 easy steps
No contracts, no waitlists, no full-time tuition. Just flexible, hourly care when you need it.
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1
Register once
Create your family profile online with each child's info, allergies, emergency contacts, and authorized pick-up people.
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2
Reserve a time
Book online or call ahead. Walk-ins are welcome when space allows, but reservations guarantee your spot.
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3
Drop off & go
Quick, secure check-in at the door. Pick up with your code and photo ID, and pay only for the time you use.
Programs
Something for every schedule — from a quick hour to a full School's Out day.
Parents' Night Out
Friday and Saturday evenings with pizza, a movie, and themed activities. You get dinner for two; they get a party.
After-School Pick-Up
Homework help, snacks, and play after the bell. Ask about transportation from nearby schools.
School's Out & Camps
Teacher workdays, holiday breaks, spring break, and summer camp weeks packed with themed fun.
Birthday Parties
Private party packages with games, decorations, and cleanup handled for you. You bring the cake!
Gift Cards
The gift every parent actually wants: a few hours to themselves. Perfect for baby showers and new parents.
What kids do here
Every visit is built around play that grows minds and friendships. Kids rotate through age-appropriate stations led by our caregivers.
- Little Explorers (1–3): soft play, sensory bins, music & movement
- Imagination Zone (3–5): pretend play, building, arts & crafts
- Big Kid Room (5–12): board games, STEM challenges, active games
- Everyone: story time, snack time, and lots of giggles
Hours
- Mon – Thu
- 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Holiday hours posted on our Facebook & Instagram.
The reviews are in
From the parents (and the toughest critics of all).
"I actually got a haircut AND went to Target alone. I forgot what that felt like."
— Sarah M., mom of 3
"Can I live here?"
— Olivia, age 5
"My kids ask to go to Eme's more than they ask for ice cream."
— James T., dad of 2
"I don't wanna leave!"
— Lily, age 6
"The staff remembers my daughter by name and her favorite activities every single time."
— Priya K., mom of 1
"Miss Eme is my best friend."
— Noah, age 3
Simple, flexible pricing
Pay as you go, or save with a pack. One-time registration of $25 per family.
Pay As You Go
$14/hr
first child
- $10/hr each sibling
- Billed in 15-minute increments after the first hour
- Snack included
Most popular
20-Hour Pack
$240
$12/hr · never expires
- Share hours between siblings
- Priority booking for Parents' Night Out
- Great for regular gym or work blocks
Parents' Night Out
$40
per child · 6–10 pm
- $30 each sibling
- Pizza dinner & movie included
- Reservations required
Safety is our first priority
We built Eme's Playhouse around the standards we'd expect for our own kids.
Screened caregivers
Every team member passes a criminal background check and is CPR & Pediatric First Aid certified.
Secure check-out
Children are released only to authorized adults with a matching code and photo ID.
Clean, every day
Toys and surfaces are sanitized throughout the day, and shoes stay off in play areas.
Allergy-aware
Allergies are flagged at check-in, and we serve nut-free snacks.
Low ratios
We keep caregiver-to-child ratios low, with extra staff for our youngest guests.
Controlled entry
Locked entry and a staffed front desk mean nobody walks in unannounced.
Meet Eme
Hi, I'm Eme Beecher! I started Eme's Playhouse because I know how hard it is to find trustworthy, flexible care for just a few hours. Babysitters cancel, full-time daycare doesn't fit every schedule, and sometimes you just need an afternoon to breathe.
The Playhouse is my answer: a warm, joyful space where kids are known by name, and parents can step away with total peace of mind. I can't wait to meet your family.
— Eme
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stay on site?
No! That's the whole point. Head out for errands, a workout, a meeting, or dinner. We just need a phone number where we can reach you.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. Under North Carolina rules for drop-in care, each child may stay up to 4 hours per day. Extended School's Out and camp days follow separate program guidelines.
What ages do you serve?
Children from 12 months through 12 years old. Kids are grouped by age so everyone gets age-appropriate activities.
Do my kids need to be potty trained?
No. Please bring diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes labeled with your child's name, and we'll take care of the rest.
What should I pack?
A labeled water bottle or sippy cup, any comfort item, and a change of clothes for little ones. We provide snacks. Socks are required in play areas.
Can I walk in without a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome when we have space, but evenings and weekends fill quickly. Reserving ahead guarantees your spot.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full credit. Parents' Night Out cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
What happens if my child is sick?
To keep everyone healthy, children must be fever-free, vomit-free, and diarrhea-free for 24 hours before visiting. If a child becomes ill during a visit, we'll call you for pick-up.
Reserve a spot
Tell us when you'd like to come and we'll confirm by text or email. First visit? We'll send your registration link too.
- Call or text: (919) 555-0123
- Email: hello@emesplayhouse.com
- Visit: 123 Main Street, Apex, NC 27xxx