When I’m planning playdates for my kids, I think about finding places to go that will appeal to both the kids and adults in the group. When I need something to (quite literally) fill my cup, a good play cafe won’t disappoint!
Having the chance to catch up with friends over a cup of coffee and a snack while my kids are having a blast playing is the best of both worlds. Check out some of the amazing play cafes in the western suburbs.
Bumblebee Play Cafe
1015 N. Randall Road
Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 742-3000
This family-owned space features two indoor playrooms, a climbing wall, jump pad, mini town, and baby area. The cafe menu includes lunch items, snacks, and drinks. Open play is $16 per child with a maximum of 2 adults per family.
Marshmallow Play
572 N. Michigan Street
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(312) 731-4799
Marshmallow Play opened in June of 2023 and is geared to entertain kids ages 6 months – 6 years. It features a wooden climbing structure, ride-on toys, imaginative play areas, a train table, and many themed toys; there’s also a designated toddler and baby section.
While the facility has a snack area with drinks and pre-packaged snacks for purchase, they allow guests to bring in outside (peanut-free) food
.Admission is $15/first child, $12/second child, and $8/each additional child. Two adults are free with a paying child; kids under 6 months are free.
Check out Kaitlyn’s recent review of the space for more details.
Let’s Play Work
7228 Circle Avenue
Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 303-8430
This space, which opened in November of 2022, features a large play structure with monkey bars, bridges, a curly slide, and fire station pole; there are also imaginative play areas (a playhouse, play kitchen/diner, grocery store, and wooden train set).
There are plans to set up a cafe, but until that’s ready, there are snacks and k-cup coffee available.
Admission is $16/first child, $12/second, and $8/additional child; adults are free.
The Playpen Glen Ellyn
501 Duane Street
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(847) 531-9566
The Playpen just opened on September 30, 2023. Recommended for ages 6 and under, there is a climbing dome, play equipment with slides, a train table, pretend play toys, ride-on toys, and a separate area for babies and toddlers.
The cafe counter has coffees, lattes, teas, and snacks for purchase.
Play area admission is $16/first child and $14/additional sibling.
Check out Annie’s review of her recent visit to see the space.
Waterlemon
25 South La Grange Road, Unit A
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 286-6747
Designed to cater to the five and under crowd, this play space is also a boutique.
The play area features a wooden play structure with slides, ride-on and imaginative toys, an arcade game, and a separate area for babies.
There’s a coffee bar and cafe; additionally, outside food and drinks are permitted.
Admission is $12/first child and $10/additional children. Check their social media for weekend hours, as they can vary.
Cafe Level Up and Lounge
716 E. 31st Street
La Grange Park, IL 60526
This family-owned cafe is unique because it has plenty of classic arcade games that are set to free play for customers.
In addition to the games, there is a full menu that features breakfast items, sandwiches, pizza, and sweet treats. Their drink selection includes coffees, smoothies, protein shakes, and fruit boba.
The Treehouse Play Cafe
985 S Rand Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
(224) 662-6040
This play cafe offers play spaces for a wider range of ages than most, with a toddler play space for children up to three and a main treehouse aimed for children ages 3 to 10 years old.
The cafe includes a coffee bar, as well as sandwiches, hot kids’ meals, and adult beverages.
Admission is $16/child; children 12 months and under are free. Memberships available.
Playroom Cafe and Playroom Cafe Two
141 Randhurst Village Drive
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(224) 318-2108
2075 Calamos Court
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 946-6879
These play spaces are designed for kids up to 6 years old (or 48β³ tall) with play structures, ball pits, pretend play areas, and separate baby areas.
The onsite cafes have coffee bars and smoothies, snack and hot food options, and free WiFi.
Open play is $16/child; babies 6 months and younger are free.
Click here for an inside look at Playroom Cafe Two.
Dulce Mami Cafe
1 Riverside Road
Riverside, IL 60546
(708) 777-1233
This cafe opened in September 2023. Its menu features pancakes, french toast, crepes, sandwiches, coffee and other hot drinks, and a kids menu.
This is more of a cafe with a play area than the other way around. There is a small gated baby/toddler area to entertain your little ones while you catch up with friends.
Kids Art & Cafe
710 E. Schaumburg Road
Schaumburg, IL 60194
(630) 523-1101
This play area features a multi-level play structure with a slide and ball pit, as well as other toys.
The cafe menu includes coffees, milkshakes, pizzas, hot dogs, paninis, and waffles.
Prices begin at $14/child; adults are free. Call ahead to check availability, especially on the weekends.
Nelly’s Playground
338 Georgetown Square
Wood Dale, IL 60191
(630) 475-8941
This family-owned venue is a 4,000 square-foot play space for kids 7 and under. With vibrant colors and padded equipment, kids can safely climb and explore.
Coffee, as well as snacks, juice, and water, are available for purchase. Open play is available during the week; Nelly’s Playground is closed for private parties on the weekends.
Admission is $15/child, or $6 for babies 6-12 months old. Two adults are included per child, and infants under 6 months are free.
If you’re looking for other ideas of indoor fun for kids, we’ve got plenty of options! Let us know below if you know of other places where moms and kids can meet up for coffee and play!
3 Comments. Leave new
Chick fil a in Elmhurst
Thanks Heather!
Adventure Playland in Mt. Prospect