Playday signs lease for second Upper East Side location at 1161 First Ave.

Manhattan, NY Lee & Associates NYC has arranged a 950 s/f retail lease for Playday, a fast-growing New York City children’s enrichment company that combines imaginative indoor play, hands-on art experiences, classes, after-school programming and birthday celebrations, at 1161 First Ave. on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Playday signed a 10-year lease for the ground-floor space at the property, which is owned by Saint Tropez Condo. The new location is expected to open in September 2026.

Claude Kolb, senior managing director at Lee & Associates NYC, represented the tenant. Robin Abrams and Nick Zilkha of Compass represented the landlord. Asking rent was approximately $120 per s/f.

The lease marks Playday’s sixth location in New York City and the second Upper East Side location secured by Kolb within the past 18 months, underscoring the brand’s continued expansion and growing demand for neighborhood-oriented family destinations.

“Playday has built a strong following by creating thoughtfully designed spaces where children can play, explore and celebrate while parents enjoy a welcoming, community-oriented environment,” said Kolb. “After the success of its first Upper East Side location, this second lease reflects the strength of the neighborhood and Playday’s continued confidence in the market. We’re proud to have helped the company expand its presence as it continues to grow across New York City.”

Founded in 2017, Playday was created to provide children with original, screen-free creative enrichment while fostering imagination, confidence and social-emotional development through art and play. Every Playday experience is designed to encourage creativity, collaboration and self-expression in a nurturing environment, helping children develop valuable life skills while having fun. Today, the company continues to expand across New York City by creating neighborhood destinations where families can gather, celebrate and learn together.

Photo CREDIT Playday.