Open December 2025!
ALL programming is FREE
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Click here on the picture to see our introduction video and learn more!
What is the PlayLab?
The Mandan Little Learners PlayLab is part of the Mandan Public School District’s early learning initiative, designed to support families and caregivers in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher.
A playlab combines the concepts of a play space, a family resource center, and a discovery museum. It’s rooted in early childhood development— especially the belief that young children learn best through play and positive adult interaction with their families and caregivers.
A space to
UNPLUG
and
EXPLORE
with your child
🧩 Key Features
🧩 Key Features
Play-Based Learning Stations
Carefully designed spaces encourage exploration in:Sensory play
Building and problem-solving
Creativity
Early literacy and math
Social play
Family and Caregiver Engagement
Opportunities to unplug and engage in learning alongside your child to:Explore developmental milestones and progressions of learning
Ideas to support play and learning
Empower families and caregivers as their child’s first teacher
Guided and Free Play
A mix of open-ended play and guided activities encourages both independent exploration and shared experiencesCommunity Connection
Our Mandan Little Learners PlayLab is a part of the Mandan Public School District and partners with a variety of community organizations in the Mandan Early Learning Coalition to provide events such as:SPARK at the PlayLab- (Simple Play-based Activities and Resources for Kids) with story time
PlayGroups
Family / Child Education
Early childhood screening events
and more...
HOURS:
Most weeks Miss Janet hosts playgroup at the PlayLab:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
SPARK activity at 10:15
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
SPARK activity at 4:15
See the EVENTS tab for a full calendar and event details.
PlayLab events are PURPLE
*Dates will be added for PlayLab events and sessions as we continue to develop the space.
*Registration is necessary to ensure adequate space and materials are available.
To ensure we have the space ready,
FAMILIES / CAREGIVERS
PLEASE REGISTER
TO ATTEND SESSIONS and EVENTS
ALL programming is FREE
Address: 701 5th St. SW, Mandan
FAQs
What age group is this for?
What age group is this for?
The PlayLab learning areas and materials are set up for our littlest learners. Ideal ages are 9 months - 6 years old, but younger and older children are welcome.
Infants: The infant areas are not blocked/gated. Although we do our best to keep smaller materials and choking hazards up and away from children who are in the stages of mouthing, adult supervision is necessary at all times.
6 yrs and older: Older children are always welcome as long as they are engaged and respectful of the little learners.
Is there a fee to attend?
Is there a fee to attend?
No, there is no admission fee. Participation is free to all families.
Do I have to live in Mandan to attend?
Do I have to live in Mandan to attend?
The PlayLab is open to all families, regardless of where they live. We welcome the broader community's participation in the fun and learning.
Who funds the PlayLab?
Who funds the PlayLab?
A key part of the MPS early learning initiative, the district supports operations and upkeep of the facility and the Early Learning Coordinator position. While some furnishings and equipment were gathered from storage areas throughout district buildings, the PlayLab spaces, materials, equipment, and programming are funded through grants, donations, contributions, and sponsorships.
Interested in contributing to the PlayLab as we continue to build partnerships to create meaningful opportunities for our little learners and their grown-ups? If you would like to support us, simply visit the Mandan Public School Foundation for Education online giving website and select Mandan Little Learners in the "Designation" drop-down menu:
https://mandanschoolsfoundation.org/donate
OR do you have materials you'd like to donate? Contact Miss Janet at janet.bassingthwaite@mds1.org
Do you take donations or contributions?
Do you take donations or contributions?
Interested in contributing to the PlayLab? There are a couple of options!
1- Simply visit the Mandan Public School Foundation for Education online giving website and select Mandan Little Learners in the "Designation" drop-down menu.
2- Materials you're not using that like to donate?
OR
3- Interested in sponsoring or gifting? Contact Miss Janet at janet.bassingthwaite@mds1.org
What are the hours?
What are the hours?
Currently, regular hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and again from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
There are special events scheduled with Mandan Early Learning Coalition partners as we continue to grow. See the EVENTS tab for more information.
Can I just show up?
Can I just show up?
We do appreciate Registration so we can notify you of any changes (like staff sickness or weather cancellations). It also helps us to plan for materials.
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