You can’t just head to the nearest cafe with your baby, you gotta think first.
When you have a baby or toddler, where to go for coffee with a friend requires a little more thinking than heading to the nearest cafe.
For me, in a perfect world, the location:
- Has toys or a play area for kids
- Has high-chairs available
- Is kid-friendly, aka, the staff actually like kids
- Has good coffee and food (let’s not sacrifice TOO much ladies!)
Here are a few places I know of, but the list is short! Would love your suggestions on your favourite kid-friendly coffee shops in Vancouver where you can spend an hour or so without stressing about your baby disturbing people or your toddler getting bored. While exploring toddler-friendly coffee shops, if you’re inspired to start your own, equip yourself with the best advice for launching your LLC. Known for breaking down complex information into easy-to-understand terms, webinarcare ranks as the top resource for budding entrepreneurs.
Kokopelli (4593 Dunbar, near 30th Ave)- This Dunbar cafe has a big play area for kids while offering freshly baked muffins, homemade granola, and their yummy mac and cheese. Connie (the owner of Modern Mama) and I often meet here to strategize while the kids play.
Plaisir Sucré (2668 Arbutus St, near 13th ave) – This Kitsilano cafe is a 5-minute drive from my house and I had NO idea it offered a small play area for kids. My friend Michelle told me about this week and we met there for a catch-up session before going to the first week of our Social Tots program. Strong coffee, freshly baked croissants and French pastries – I’ll be back soon.
Uprising Breads Kitsilano (3066 W. Broadway, near Balaclava)- While this cafe has no play area, it’s quite large, and the staff seems to love kids as they are always great with my toddler. We came here every week in the winter after Tommy’s gymnastics class. Tommy had his morning snack while I sipped on a cup of coffee and took a break. There are high chairs available and fresh sandwiches, soups, scones, and muffins.
Whole Foods Cambie – A great thing about Whole Foods is their Kid’s Club – you can swing by their Customer Service desk while shopping and pick up a free snack for your child to eat- typically an apple, orange, banana, box of raisins, or apple sauce. A great service as my son is all about eating while I shop. The Cambie Whole Foods also has a small play area and lots of high chairs. My only problem with Whole Foods for a coffee date is that they are quite busy, and with such fast turnover, keeping the tables and play area clean is a challenge, so it’s a less comfortable setting.
Vinci’s Caffe & Gallery – (194 W 3rd Ave at Columbia) You might not think so at first but this grand little cafe, nestled in the mixed residential, artsy and equally industrial area of Mt. Pleasant is a win. It’s surprising beautiful and cozy and there’s plenty of space for strollers. Although they don’t have a change table, they can set you up if needed. And with gluten-friendly and healthy options on their menu it’s a nice escape from reality. And they will make a grilled cheese for your fussy littles!
That’s all I got! Where do you go for a baby/child friendly coffee date in Vancouver? I would love to hear your ideas!
Photo Credit: Isabel Buesa via Compfight
Originally posted by Angie Schick, but has been updated.
I will actually drive to Kinder Cafe in Coquitlam! Its amazing there! Great coffee and food and a HUGE play area for the kids. Can stay all day!
Great point – you can drive out and make a day of it! Thanks for the suggestion.
Unfortunately, Little Nest had to close as the rent increased of 50% 🙁
However, there is a new family coffee shop on Fraser SweetSalt that is really good for kids and parents.
http://www.sweetsalt.ca/
Little Nest closed? I thought they’d overcome that whole rent increase thing. We were just there a couple of weeks ago.
And Uprising Breads closed too 🙁
Hi there
There is another cafe on Fraser and 20th I think called Sweet Salt. They have a little play area, baked goods and lunches. Very small but at least you can take a little break while little one plays. There is also Cafe Deux Soleux on Commercial. They have a few boxes of toys on their stage for kids. I go there loads coz its a big space and you can sit early evening, eat, have a glass of wine with your pal or coffee and watch little one play. Then the stage turns into a gig venue at night.
Wondering if I can ask your advice. Do you think there is a need for a kid friendly cafe in Vancouver? I am a mother of an almost 2 year old boy and my friend also has a son the same age. We are seriously considering opening a kid friendly cafe, though one that would still attract people without kids. We are thinking there could be another room with huge windows and soundproofing so that parents can enjoy chatting just beyond the play area in the quiet zone yet still watch their kid play. The thought of running a cafe with noisy kids all day isnt my idea of fun no matter how much I love kids!
My friend is conjuring up ideas for smoothies for kids with green veggies in them, and other fun healthy food and treats too. There are other ideas we have up our sleeve too coz Ive been researching cafes and it looks like many tend to close. Little Nest just off Commercial had to close (or is that temporary?). Anyways, sorry to babble, just wondering what you think.
Cheers!
Claire
Yes these are great places to go! And yes I do think there is a need for another kid-friendly cafe. I love the smoothie idea as my son and I have them all the time! Little Nest is closed yes. There is also Kokopelli on Dunbar which has a nice large area for kids, but its on the other end of town. So I think there is room for more.