Erin Lanahan 
A local Jersey City family is opening a new play space for children dedicated to screen-free play. Krayon Park on the second floor at 206 Van Vorst Street will be a dedicated playspace with multi-level climbing structures, ball pits, slides, obstacle courses, and plenty of special areas for imaginative play. Their grand opening is January 11th, 2026, but The Hoboken Girl got a sneak peek at the child-friendly playspace in Paulus Hook. Read on to learn about Krayon Park and the connections to Jersey City.
The Story Behind Krayon Park
The minds behind Krayon Park all have connections to New Jersey. One member of the managing group is Rachel Astel, who is a special education teacher in Jersey City with a Master’s degree in educational research and behavior analysis. Her husband, Jayson, is also a partner. Another team member has a background in construction. The Krayon Park manager is a former preschool director from Jersey City. Combined, they all have a background in creating safe, welcoming, and fun environments for kids to feel comfortable and play without relying on screens.
“Our inspiration came from seeing a need for a space where imaginative play is prioritized over screen time,” Rachel tells The Hoboken Girl. “We wanted to create a haven where children can develop crucial skills, burn off energy, and thrive in a screen-free environment.”
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Rachel and her husband grew up in New Jersey and have called Jersey City home since 2016. They felt it was the perfect location to build a unique community for young families and friends in the area. “It also feels deeply special to us personally; our great-grandparents arrived here through Ellis Island and headed into Jersey, so planting our roots in this city honors that history.”
What Parents Can Expect
Parents can expect a safe, clean indoor play space. The 6,500 square foot space is a screen-free zone designed just for kids. There are indoor trampolines, monkey bars, slides, and a ball pit for the adventurers. There is a separate sensory section for kids looking to slow things down. Toddlers, or the “Smallest Krayons,” will have a VIP-like section to themselves that includes age-appropriate climbing structures, slides, soft play zones, and a mini ball pit.
Cleanliness is also a huge part of Krayon Park. The indoor playspace has a two-set toy system, where they rotate between two complete collections of toys. It allows them to thoroughly sanitize one set while the other is in use to ensure a fresh, clean environment for each open play session.
Memberships, Classes, + Hours
There are several different membership and package options available for parents to choose from online. There are also options for birthday parties and other celebrations being held at the playspace. Plus, there will be weekly classes offered with local talented therapists and specialists to enrich both children’s and parents’ lifestyles.
Open play hours are every day from 9:30AM to 7:30PM, but they are closed on Saturdays during the winter season. “Our goal is to ensure you never feel alone—we want everyone here to feel like family,” they tell HG.
The grand opening for Krayon Park is January 11th, 2026. “We are thrilled to be a new hub for families from all over the area! Whether you are a City family taking the PATH, or joining us from Downtown, Greenville, Bayonne, or Hoboken, Krayon Park is close by and ready to welcome you,” Rachel said. “In a world dominated by technology, let’s stop, breathe, and be in the moment together.”
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