Now that I have a fairly mobile toddler running around my legs, I’ve started to pay a lot more attention to not only places I can go to get out of the house, but also places that cater to my adorable, yet high-energy sidekick. We all know the winters in Minnesota are long and make you go stir-crazy in a hot second, and the rainy spring and summer we’ve had thus far can also be tough to keep the littles entertained when the outdoors isn’t an option.
Coffee shops to the rescue. All coffee shops are lifesavers in a mom’s book, but coffee shops with play areas? Those are heaven-sent. Here’s a list of a handful of great coffee shops in the Twin Cities that cater to children – so you can sip your java in peace while the kiddos burn off some much needed energy. And while there are plenty of places you can grab a coffee while your kids plays, think of this as the list of true coffee shops, made just for Mamas, that just happen to entertain your kids too.
Sovereign Grounds (48th and Chicago in Mpls): Sovereign Grounds just went through a huge remodel last year and now has an awesome (and enormous) playroom with toys for kids of all ages. They have a super friendly and understanding staff, and great breakfast and lunch-type foods.
Dunn Bros (In Linden Hills and at 50th and Xerxes in Mpls.): Both have small play areas for kiddos and pretty neighborhoods to walk around in nearby.
The Riverview Cafe (East 38th and 42nd Ave. S in Mpls.): Great art, a wine bar next door and kid-friendly. Relax on the couches and kick your feet up while enjoying your cup of joe.
Fire Roast Cafe (37th Ave. and 38th St. in Mpls): A warm and welcoming space with a meeting room, great kids area, and lovely (albeit small) front patio. Plus, they sell Sebastian Joe’s ice cream all day, every day.
Ginkgo Coffee (Snelling and West Minnehaha in St. Paul) A great children’s area with free children’s music concerts, art and story times. Check out their website for the most updated schedule.
Barnes & Noble (most locations): Most Barnes and Noble stores have a Starbucks right inside – grab your coffee and head over to the children’s area to let the littles play and read books.
Caribou (most locations): Many Caribou Coffee locations have a small play area with a chalkboard and a few toys, and if you find one in a mall, many of them are close to the mall play area (Eden Praire’s mall is a great example!) Get your coffee, then let them head over to the play area.
Any that I’m missing? Would love to hear about your favorite spots!
11 comments
Love this post! Whole Foods in Maple grove also has a play area that has a coffee shop right by it. I brought my son there in the winter to play.
What a helpful post! My babe’s just 4 months, so we’re still allowed –no side eye so far– at the “hip” coffee spots but I know once she’s mobile and energetic, our options will thin out (Spyhouse, I’m going to miss you!).
This post is amazing! Thank you! Sometimes I meet with clients at coffee shops and often they have their kids in tow (sometimes I do too) so this list is…. awesome!
I LOOOOOVE Sovereign Grounds. It is incredibly kid-friendly.
Busy, caffeinated-mom seal of approval!
Awesome! I’ve been looking for a coffee shop that would be a great spot for meeting up with other moms who might be interested in getting together for a writing group/play date.
West Side Perk in West Bloomington has toys and games for all ages. An ice cream shop next door, a small patio and – if you’re up for it – a park a couple of blocks away. I highly recommend it!
I second the motion Erin! we love West Side Perk located in West Bloomington.
The dancing goat in st. Paul!
Munkabeans in Downtowns Hopkins has board games for adults and kiddos alike.
Wishing tree play cafe – in WBL – more than just coffee as well. It’s pretty amazing.