Bonnie Bee’s Play Hive offers kid-friendly space

Published 5:00 pm Monday, October 30, 2023

Bonita Barnes has spent the last 22 years working in the education field. She is employed by Georgia Military College as a graduation coach and adjunct psychology instructor. The Hancock County native went to Georgia Military College Prep and is a married mother to two adult children. 

Barnes has a passion for family and children, which informed her new business venture. She and her husband Ricky decided to open a kid-friendly space for children. That venue is Bonnie Bee’s Play Hive, located at 1001 Milledgeville Road Unit N in Eatonton, and the  grand opening was held Aug. 12. 

The business is a birthday party/play venue that offers kids different activities and games. It is specifically designed to accommodate children’s parties. Among its features are play areas, entertainment options and a game room. The space allows parents and guardians to host a birthday celebration specifically geared toward kids only.

Bonnie Bee’s Play Hive consists of so much that guests will be able to enjoy during a party or event. There’s a soft play area with a ball pit, air hockey, a basketball arcade, Lego blocks, cornhole and a game room featuring a PlayStation 5 and standing arcade games.

“Our game room adds an extra layer of fun and engagement to parties and gatherings, allowing guests to relax and socialize while enjoying a variety of games,” said Barnes. 

“Bonnie Bee’s Play Hive is ready to service all families in the local communities and surrounding counties. Consider us a safe haven and the best kid-friendly venue around.”

Barnes said that since the surrounding counties often use Milledgeville as the nearest city to engage, she felt there was a need for a kid-friendly party venue in the area. 

The business is geared toward children from age 1 to teens, with the game room serving as a hub for the older children in particular to explore.

Bonnie Bee’s also offers the “Sip N Play Drop Off,” which Barnes explained is designed to give parents a mental break. 

“Our parents need a break at times, so we decided to offer a drop off session. This allows parents to go grocery shopping, to the movies, out to dinner or even a spa visit,” Barnes said. “Mental health is important, and we want to offer parents the opportunity to take a moment for themselves and regroup, so they can continue parenting at their best.” 

She added that the plan is to offer more kid-friendly events when the building is not rented for parties.

There is still a grand opening special running, and customers are encouraged to call for more information. 

Barnes said the business is slowly growing, and the business has benefited from joining the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce. Social media has also garnered support via their Facebook page.

Being able to open Bonnie Bee’s Play Hive means a great deal to Bonita Barnes.

“I cannot explain or express what Bonnie Bee’s Play Hive means to me or the excitement and joy it brings daily. There are no words. It’s like a dream come true and the dream is now reality,” she said.

Bonnie Bee’s Play Hive is a rental venue, and the rental hours range from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reach out to them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.