Pushing a mini grocery cart full of plastic fruit and vegetables, 3-year-old Isabelle Dowd paused, contemplating her next move at Scientopia.

Would she join a bunch of other preschoolers on a nearby climbing structure? Grab a shovel and jump into the “Big Dig” box of shredded tire bits? Or go back to her grocery shopping?

Her mom, Julie Dowd, watched the youngster play.

“I love it,” said Dowd. “In our area, there really isn’t anything like this.”

While visiting from Modesto, the Dowds had discovered Scientopia, Napa’s newest play space for children. Created by local parents Marcy and Jonathan Deeds, the children’s discovery center is designed to “encourage children’s love of science, math, art and music.”

Deeds said it was her own kids who inspired Scientopia. “I’m a stay-at-home mom and my husband and I are children’s museum junkies,” Deeds said. After visiting favorite kid hangouts all over the North Bay, “It clicked with me that the thing that Napa needs is some sort of hands-on discovery center.”

Months of searching for the right space lead the Deeds to a spot on Tanen Street near downtown Napa.

It was a bit of a challenge to find just the right location,  Deeds said. Some spaces were the right size but too expensive. Others didn’t offer enough parking. The city permitting process had to be navigated. Eventually, the couple found a warehouse space on Tanen Street that was just right.

Then, just before the center opened, thieves stole most of the plants from Scientopia’s freshly planted children’s garden. Several residents and local businesses stepped forward to replant the garden.

Children who come to Scientopia explore a variety of discovery exhibits and creative play spaces. For more in-depth fun the center offers classes, camps, field trips and themed parties — all designed specifically for children age 12 and under.

The 4,500-square-foot facility features 25 exhibits and pieces of equipment in the main play area, a toddler room with cushy play structures for kids 3 and under, a quiet reading room, a party-class room, a gift shop and an outdoor children’s garden and picnic spot. 

On a recent morning, teacher DeDe Lockett of First Christian Preschool and a group of 3-year-olds enjoyed snack and play time at Scientopia. “This is very developmentally appropriate, and fun,” Lockett said. “The kids are loving it. Napa has needed something like this for a long time.”

Lockett said she thought Scientopia would appeal to a range of ages and interests, from preschool to early elementary school “and the kid at heart,” she said.

“My 11-year-old is really hands-on,” Lockett said. “This is right up her alley. I wish this had been around when my kids were younger.”

Maureen Theunissen and her son, Daniel, enjoyed their Scientopia visit. “It’s a fantastic space for this age group and so needed in Napa,” she said.

Deeds said kids have already identified their favorites at Scientopia. A blower that jets balls into the air, demonstrating the Bernoulli principle, is one hit. Kids of all ages love the “Big Dig” pit filled with colored tire bits. A giant train table with local landmarks painted on it, and a set of giant build-your-own-structure boards are also popular, she said. The space also includes a magnet table, scent table, bubble play, a light table, grocery store, dress up, art equipment, earthquake shake table, and many other hands-on games and activities. 

Watching her preschooler play, Andrea Medina said, “We’ll be back.”

“I’m going to bring my older children,” ages 4 and 9, added Ann-Marie Sparks.

Admission is $7 for children or adults, less if visiting after 2:30 p.m., and free to seniors and toddlers.

Deeds said it’s great to have the business finally open. “The best part is seeing all the little smiling faces.”