You need your coffee fix and baby needs to play. You’ve tried taking your little one to Starbucks, haven’t you? They crawl on the floor, try to touch the burning fireplace, and pull the cord out of someone’s MacBook.
Oh, was that just my baby?
Well, trust me, there are better places in this city to drink your coffee while successfully parenting your babe. Luckily. Below are my personal favorites. (Criteria: Parent must be able to sit while enjoying their latte, location must be indoors (because I need coffee in all kinds of weather), tiny babies must be FREE, and coffee must be available onsite or you must be able to drive-through on the way and BYO!)
Sweet Peas Play Cafe
Did you know there is actually a place designed for moms to drink coffee while their babies play??? (Or dads, or other caregivers, and older kids too!) If you haven’t been to Sweet Peas Cafe yet, it’s time. This beautiful space is designed with intention in every detail. The open-ended toys and materials allow your kids to use their imagination while spending time in a space that feels like your friend’s amazing home play space. There’s even a special soft play area for infants. The coffee is delicious and other beverages are available too.
Admission: $10 per child. Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday 8 am – 12 pm. Second Tuesday Family Night 6 pm – 9 pm.
Castleton Square, Greenwood Park and Keystone at the Crossing Malls
{These spaces may be closed due to COVID} Remember how you used to go to the mall because you wanted to go shopping? Well life has changed. Now you can go there because you just want to sit and drink coffee! The play areas at both the Greenwood Park Mall and the Castleton Square Mall are enclosed, offer soft spaces, and have activities for the littlest of visitors. So grab your Starbucks on the way in, and have a seat.
Admission and hand sanitizer are free!
Castleton Square: 6020 E. 82nd Street, Indianapolis
Greenwood Park: 1251 US 31 N, Greenwood
Keystone at the Crossing (Fashion Mall)
Barnes & Noble
Another place to get your Starbucks fix is Barnes and Noble. They have fantastic areas for kids including train tables, lego tables, and other materials to explore as well as scheduled story times. If baby isn’t into trains and legos let her check out the amazing toy selection (and get started on your Christmas list!)
Admission: Free
Greenwood: Greenwood Park Mall 1251 US 31 N, Greenwood
Indianapolis: 8675 River Crossing Blvd, Indianapolis
Carmel: 14790 Greyhound Plaza, Carmel
The Library
Many of the local libraries offer great free classes especially designed for babies. And you can definitely bring your coffee! Check out my article on Baby Lapsit classes at the libraries. Even if you don’t go during class time many local libraries have great areas where babies can play on soft mats, investigate beginner puzzles, and check-out the ever popular bead toy. Some favorites are Greenwood Library, Carmel Library, College and Nora branch of the Indy Public Libraries, and definitely Central Library downtown! So grab your favorite Joe and head to the local library to read and play with your little one. Or, just enjoy your caffeine buzz while she hits the keys on the computer. Central Library in downtown Indy has their own coffee stand in the atrium.
Admission: Free
indypl.org
Little Village Playroom
Rose & Lois
IKEA
Gallery Pastry Shop
Biggby
Bonus: Confirm these events before attending
On Wednesdays, Mr. Daniel (You know Mr. Daniel, right?!) plays at Darrin’s Coffee Company in Clermont from 10-11am. Sip coffee and jam along while babies and kids sing, rock, and play along.
9122 Crawfordsville Rd. Clermont, IN.
(Call 661-3930 to confirm!)
Here’s where you can grab a beer at a family friendly brewery.
Kate Amos contributed to this article.
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