This Hoover play cafe lets kids dig in 40 tons of sand while parents work

Who doesn’t love playing in a sandbox?

Perhaps one of the most creative new entertainment concepts to open in the Birmingham-metro area arrived this week.

Let me introduce you to the Diggin’ Depot Play Cafe, a part creative sandbox for kids — and playful moms and dads. In addition to the play zone, Diggin’ Depot has a cafe for parents that need a place to unwind.

The idea of a sandbox cafe came from Diggin’ Depot owners Lori and Eric Watts.

According to Brooklyn Meidl, the Diggin’ Depot’s general manager, the Watts family came up with the concept after seeing the positive impact playing in a sandbox and around toy construction equipment had on their son:

“They had such a hard time finding a place where they could truly relax and he could play (in a sandbox) because they would lose sight of him. It was hard to keep up with him because he was so busy. 

“They soon realized if there wasn’t a place for him, why not create one?”

After months of construction — including constructing what might be the largest sandbox in Alabama at 600 square-feet with 40 tons of sand from the Bahamas — the space opened at 2057 Old Montgomery Highway near the Galleria in Hoover.

More than a big sandbox 

In addition to the big sandbox, the Diggin’ Depot offers Montessori-style play around a make-believe community called Diggin’ Depot Little City. Recognizing that not all kids may not want to play in the sandbox, they have created an imaginary town with the following attractions:

• Firestation
• Farmers Market
• Little Latte Cafe

A retreat for parents

The new space is not just for the kids; it’s also a haven for the parents too.

Beginning next week, through a partnership with Baba Java Coffee, the Diggin’ Depot will offer specialty brews, smoothies, pastries and “grab & go’ items. 

The Diggin’ Depot also offers workspace desks and chairs so a parent can knock out any work they need to get done while their kids play in the sand.

“We really do want parents to know our space is built for them to come and to work and relax.”

Brooklyn Meidl, the Diggin’ Depot General Manager

How to participate

Interested in visiting Diggin’ Depot? Here are the guidelines and tips:

• Children must be 7 or younger to enter the sandbox
• Must reserve + purchase play pass before you go on the Diggin’ Depot website 
• The Diggin’ Depot offers monthly + three-month memberships

Hours: 

• Monday through Friday: 8:30AM-5PM
  • Happy hour from 4-5PM
• Saturday: 8:30AM to 5PM
  • Happy hour from 4-5PM
  • Semi-private party spots are available
• Sunday: Noon to 3PM
  • Private party spots available from 3-5PM