There is a new business in town — one that is full of giggles and smiles and maybe a dirty diaper or two. It’s called River Haven, and it offers parents an opportunity to connect with one another while also having a safe and fun place for their children to play. Owned by Vicksburg resident Emily Hendrix – some may know Emily’s dad, long time pediatrician Dr. Gordon Sluis – River Haven is located at 1208 Washington St.

In describing her new business, Hendrix said, “River Haven is specially designed for birth through nine-year-olds, with separate areas for younger and older kids. We offer open play sessions for families to come play and we also offer a variety of classes.”

One of those classes is the Our Loved One + Me, she said, which is offered at various times throughout the week.

“This is a class where a loved one can participate with the little one,” Hendrix said, which could include not only moms and dads, but also grandparents or anyone special connected to the child.

Staff is available to help provide assistance with the open play sessions, Hendrix said and teachers are involved with the Our Loved One + Me classes.

Hendrix said River Haven has also partnered with The Valentine, a retail business across the street in what used to be the Dragonfly, to have a Mother’s Day Paint party.

A Father’s Day Paint Party and a Fourth of July Paint Party with The Valentine have also been planned, Hendrix said.

This past Tuesday, Date Night Downtown was offered.

“Parents pre-registered to drop their kids off from 5:30-7:30 p.m. so they could have a date night,” she said, adding another is planned for June.

Hendrix said families are more than welcome to come by and drop in for any of their open play sessions or Our Loved One + Me classes.

“But we do suggest pre-registering to ensure there’s a spot for you. Some open play sessions are getting full,” she said.

In addition to offering events geared for interaction with their peers and/or family members, River Haven has also offered a CPR class for adults, and another is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 6.

Hendrix said River Haven is also available for birthday parties, bridal and baby showers and other events.

Monthly memberships, including a special unlimited membership, is available for the summer, Hendrix said. Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to noon and from 3 to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays; from 9 a.m. to noon and from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; and from 8:30 a.m. until noon Saturdays.

“Saturdays it’s from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. if there’s a birthday party,” Hendrix said. “But early closure will be announced on social media Monday morning and then again on Friday mornings each week.”

A small gift selection is also available for moms and children.

Hendrix said she wanted to open River Haven as a way to give back to her hometown.

“I saw a need for a safe place for younger kids to go inside to play and River Haven provides an outlet for my degrees in elementary education and community development,” she said.

For more information on River Haven, visit Riverhavenvicksburg.com or call 601-456-0462. River Haven is also on Facebook and Instagram.