Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Allemann.
Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Back to Play began with a simple idea: to bring families and children together through the joy of play. As a social worker in Jefferson County, much of my work—especially within foster care—showed me how vital connection and community truly are. I recognized an opportunity for growth, for a space where families could come together, recharge, and just be themselves.
Then, as a new parent at the start of the pandemic, that vision became personal. I began brainstorming Back to Play as the kind of place I wanted for my own little ones—not just an entertainment center, but somewhere that felt safe, inclusive, welcoming, and affordable. A place that offered connection, not comparison; comfort, not pressure.
What started as a small vision to create a welcoming indoor space quickly grew into a mission-driven nonprofit serving families across our area. At Back to Play, we recognize that life can feel heavy sometimes, and everyone—kids and grown-ups alike—deserves a break. We’re here to provide that space, a place where laughter replaces stress and play reminds us all to slow down, breathe, and just be together.
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has reinforced why this work matters. Seeing children learn and grow through play, parents connect with one another, and our community come together reminds me daily that creating space for play is really about creating space for people. That’s what keeps me inspired and motivated to grow Back to Play into something even bigger.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one. Like many small businesses and nonprofits, financial stability has been one of the biggest challenges. We maintain with no paid staff, just passion, community support, and a lot of late nights. There are times when cleaning floors, fixing toys, and balancing the books occur all in the same day.
We’ve also faced the typical growing pains—maintenance issues, building repairs, and the constant push to do more with limited resources. But one of the hardest parts has been finding balance: being fully present for the families we serve while also being present for my own family and personal goals. Still, every obstacle has been a reminder of why Back to Play exists. The smiles, laughter, and connections we see every day make the hard parts worth it. We have truly built a village here, both for others and our own family too, with many friendships created in our space.The road hasn’t been smooth, but always full of purpose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Back to Play is more than an indoor playroom—it’s a community space where families come together to learn, laugh, and connect. We specialize in providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children can explore, develop social skills, and grow through play, while parents and caregivers get a moment of respite and connection.
What sets us apart is our focus on intentional play and genuine community. We aren’t just an entertainment center—we’re a space that prioritizes safety, affordability, and inclusivity, where families of all backgrounds feel seen and valued. From our thoughtful layout to our programs and events, everything is designed to encourage learning, creativity, and meaningful interaction.
While play is at the heart of what we do, Back to Play offers so much more. We host home school workshops, free caregiver workshops on challenging parenting topics, and support groups for postpartum and infant care. Families can use our space for supervised or therapeutic visits, as well as unsupervised visits for parents working toward reunification. We also offer birthday parties at lower than competitive prices, helping provide decorations and making celebrations stress-free.
Throughout the year, we partner with local agencies to distribute holiday gifts with “Claus for a Cause”, attend community events to reach caregivers, and participate in hometown parades to connect with our neighbors. Our playroom is equipped to support families with supplies like complimentary snacks, diapers, wipes, infant carriers, swings, and boppys. Retired teachers volunteer to create enrichment activities and storytelling, and we have a therapy dog in training to bring comfort and joy weekly.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust and sense of belonging we’ve cultivated. Families know that when they come to Back to Play, they’re entering a place where everyone matters and every child has the space to be themselves. For our readers, I want them to know that we offer more than play—it offers connection, growth, and a breath of joy in the middle of life’s busy and sometimes challenging moments. It’s a place where kids can thrive, parents can recharge, and the whole community can come together.
Any big plans?
Our wonderful board members and president just completed our Strategic Plan for the next five years, so we have many goals and hopefully big changes on the horizon. At Back to Play, we’re stepping into a new chapter guided by our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan — a road map shaped by our families, staff, and community partners. Over the next few years, we’re focused on growing stronger from the inside out: expanding our team, improving our playroom facilities, and building the systems that help us serve families with excellence every day.
One major focus is strengthening our operations and sustainability. We’re developing new part-time roles, standardizing processes, and creating a reserve fund to provide long-term stability. We’re also launching a more intentional grant strategy and exploring options for a long-term facility home — all to ensure Back to Play can continue to grow without financial strain.
We’re equally excited about expanding our reach and deepening inclusion. That means adding new programs for neurodivergent children, hosting sensory-friendly play sessions, and building stronger partnerships across Jefferson County. We’re also forming a Parent Leadership Circle, giving caregivers an active voice in shaping programs and advocacy.
Ultimately, we’re looking forward to continuing to “be the village” — a place where families feel connected, supported, and seen. The next few years will bring growth, stability, and even more opportunities for play and community connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.backtoplaymo.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtoplaymo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backtoplaymo
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@backtoplay_mo
