East Wake Education Foundation

East wake education foundation is a hidden gem in Wendell. Most of my friends have never heard of it, but it’s probably one of the best resources for kids in Wake county! They’ve also recently undergone a remodel at the beginning of 2019, so if it’s been a while since you have been you should definitely go again!

The main play area with blocks, play kitchen, dress up, and many other activities!

The Foundation is a non-profit that is tax payer funded and receives donations from the community towards all of their programs. They have a great indoor play space that is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Parents must stay onsite and participate in the activities with their children, but there are staff there to guide your child in art, music, and learning!

Daily Schedule

Free play starts at 9:00 am and then there’s a free preschool program at 9:30 am for kids ages 3-5. New this year, you must register in advance for the free preschool program, but it’s worth it because they do so many fun things! If you don’t register in advance for preschool that’s okay! You can still play in the main free play area with the younger kids while the preschool kids go in the back for their lesson. At 10:00 am they gather everyone up for music time and at 10:30 am they do an art activity for all ages. When you leave you get a sticker for participating, which my kids never forget!

The bean bag dance is my favorite song they play at music time! It teaches body parts and makes the kids balance!

Free Play Stations

The Foundation has many different stations your child will enjoy. They have a science center with specimens provided from the Museum of Natural Science. There’s a library for quiet reading (or nursing) and a soft play area for babies. There’s a dress up station and a play kitchen. Pretty much any toy you can think of – they have it! It’s similar to Snickerdoodles, except with structured activities and completely free!

The library is in a separate room, which is perfect for sensory overload or if you need a quiet place for nursing

The magnet wall is my 1 year old’s favorite!

The science center with discovery table, light table, and specimens to examine.

The soft play area for babies… or my big kids. :-/

Weekly Themes and Activities

You can check their calendar for the weekly theme and special activity of the day. They have local “celebrity” guests come and read to the kids, weekly themes like under the sea or traveling the world, and sometimes even local businesses will sponsor something fun like the Kona Ice Truck coming and giving everyone free shaved ice! They also have fundraising events for adults, like a quarter auction or golf ball drop.

I definitely recommend visiting with your preschoolers and babies soon! I promise it’s worth the drive!