Meet Maggie Ochoa of Coastal Kids Playspace

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Ochoa.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Coastal Kids Playspace was created to fill a gap I noticed in our Long Beach community—a clean, modern indoor playspace where learning and play go hand in hand. My journey began as a high school dance program director, where I spent 10 years encouraging students to express themselves through movement and creativity. But it was during a family vacation when my husband and I visited a unique children’s museum, that the idea for Coastal Kids truly took shape.

Inspired by how that space engaged our young sons, I wanted to bring a similar experience to Long Beach—a place where children could explore, imagine, and learn in a safe, welcoming environment. As a mom of three boys under five, I deeply understand the importance of having a space where both children and parents can feel comfortable and connected. Coastal Kids Playspace is designed to be just that—a place where kids can let their imaginations soar while parents find a sense of community and ease.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The process of opening a business definitely had its challenges along the way. I would say the primary challenge was finding, negotiating, and securing the lease for our commercial space. The second issue that posed a challenge to us getting open was the plan check, permitting, and construction process. Our construction team themselves were very quick, but the process of plan checks and inspections delayed us significantly.

Once we checked off those major points along the way, things moved much more quickly and we were so ready to be able to open our doors and serve the community!

We’ve been impressed with Coastal Kids Playspace, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Coastal Kids Playspace is a boutique indoor playspace serving ages 0-6 and their families. Our vision centers on imaginary and Montessori-inspired play styles, with a heavy focus on a curated selection of fine motor toys to spark the imaginations of our young visitors. Our offerings include open play sessions, monthly play memberships, enrichment classes, and private birthday parties.

I believe two main things set us apart from other indoor play and family entertainment centers: our smaller size and design, and the type of play we offer.

Our small & open-concept design allows parents and adults to sit comfortably and feel a sense of ease when bringing their little one(s) to play, knowing they are safely contained and can be seen at all times. The other thing that sets CKP apart is that we focus on that imaginary style of play. Our space offers children a tiny town of 4 play houses (fire station, market, tool shed, and surf shack) that sparks endless fun and imagination! We also have a toy rotation of fine motor activities, such as wooden building blocks, magnetic tiles, trains, and our new magnetic wall arch (for vertical play).

We are very proud of the brand we are building for families with young children – mostly that we are a very warm, welcoming space that makes it easy for parents to bring their little ones to connect and play together!

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Absolutely, along this journey I have had many people supporting me in planning for, and opening, this business. First and foremost, my husband and children have played a huge role in supporting me on this business journey. My 3 sons are 5.5, 3.5, and 1.5 years old, and are the inspiration for this business. They talk to me about the business every day, are so excited to come over and play, help put things away, and my older two love to help select new toys and items for the playspace!

Additionally, I have to thank the following mentors and supporters who assisted CKP on our journey to opening:
*Bianca Sisillo (business consultant)
*Kayla Bolerjack (branding and website)
*Max Ordonez & the LBCC SBDC (financial forecasts and business loan assistance)
*City of Long Beach’s Economic Development Department (city small business loan program)
*And of course, our design-build team who helped us throughout the permitting and construction process (JPE Design Build & Dolman Architecture)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coastalkidsplayspace.com
• Instagram: @coastalkidsplayspace

Image Credits
N/A – took myself