MHK Play Studio is on a mission to enhance community, connection and creativity through play-based learning for all ages, abilities, and needs.

Grounded in the principles of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), we offer so many ways for your family or team to learn through play: Open play, structured classes, camps, corporate retreats, and more.

Akin to children’s museums (but more fun); similar to indoor playgrounds (with more structure); comparable to your favorite coffee shop (with more space for the littles to roam); like your last corporate retreat (but more play!): MHK Play Studio brings back play for all ages, abilities and needs to foster community, connection and creativity.

  • Play opens doors to problem-solving and creativity. We engineer learning into every play opportunity using unique objects, nature, art, and more.

  • Opportunities for connection and collaboration are important for kids and adults alike. We are grateful to offer an environment specifically designed to foster community right here in the Little Apple.

  • Nature supports mental health and boosts creativity (it’s scientifically proven!). We take every opportunity to utilize nature for exploration and already have preliminary plans to enhance nature-based play.

  • We recognize that connecting with others with different backgrounds from our own enhances play experiences. We intentionally develop relationships with families to ensure we support a variety of cultures and backgrounds through open-ended materials and encouraging play with all.

A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER

Hi there! I’m grateful to share my MHK Play Studio story with you. What was merely an idea for a community play space came to fruition in 2019 when I founded and opened ieDiscoveries. I’ve lived in the Little Apple for over 20 years, and recognized the need for an environment that supports creative exploration for families and our community at-large–so I created it. Since our opening, I transitioned the business plan every six months to meet families where they are and address their needs. We’ve pivoted, and we’ve thrived! 

We’ve also grown! Securing a larger, more opportunistic space for ieDiscoveries made me realize it was time to pivot yet again. This led me to really hone who we are and the value we bring to the Manhattan community. MHK Play Studio was born, complete with a grand reopening in September 2022! 

Investing in kids, families and communities through play-based learning has been a lifelong passion of mine. My rural Kansas upbringing taught me the importance of community and cultivating opportunities for kids and adults alike to embrace creativity through play. I began my formal training in this area by earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education from Kansas State University. I’ve led the K-State preschool program as its director and currently train educators on incorporating play into learning through my role with Kodo Kids.

Friend, I’m so glad you’re here! What makes MHK Play Studio so great is our guests like you. I encourage you to come by, bring your family and build long-lasting connections. If you have any suggestions or questions, please contact me here.

Kasey Kile Wilkinson
Owner and Founder

Our Team

  • Kasey Wilkinson

    FOUNDER + OWNER

  • Lindsey Thiele

    DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

We can learn a lot from each other, but we can learn a lot from animals, too! From a hedgehog to guinea pigs to a turtle and more—you’ll have the opportunity to meet our animal pals during your next visit to MHK Play Studio.

Rabbit friend at MHK Play Studio
Tuttle the Turtle at MHK Play Studio
Indie the Hedgehog at MHK Play Studio

Creating community and belonging is important to all of us at MHK Play Studio. We’ve partnered with organizations that share our values and bring variety to our offerings.
Pacheco Beef partners with MHK Play Studio