Places to Work While Kids Play

Do you work from home or have opportunities to telecommute in Indy? I love having a flexible work schedule, especially during school breaks and summer time. The lack of structure and opportunities for fun are endless. Unfortunately, work keeps expecting me to… work. Over the years, my family has explored all kinds of environments for some work-play time. Some offer a better situation than others, and even the children’s moods or the phases of the moon can come into play.

These are the best places I’ve found for the work from home mom or work from home dad that needs to keep wired but still wants to give their kids a chance to run and play.

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Soho Cafe

The Soho Cafe in Carmel is located right on the Monon Trail. There’s a large patio right outside – my kids have used sidewalk chalk there while I worked on odds and ends. Between the yummy snacks, the constant flurry of bikes and dogs, and the big patio, kids can stay occupied for a good long while. Bring along a book for the kids and they can join you in your quest for productivity.

Food Places and Restaurants

Of course there are always fast-food restaurants that have dedicated playgrounds. With reliable wi-fi and items at every price point, it’s a very convenient option. We’ve spent time at Chick-fil-a and McDonald’s.

Entertainment Venues

Main Event Entertainment

Main Event is the newest indoor facility to offer bowling, arcade and laser tag. There’s a whole day of fun ahead of your kids. You can even find some pretty sweet deals seasonally that offer all-day access to the amenities. Wifi? Check. Full restaurant? Check.

Incrediplex

All day play in a bounce house area, an obstacle climbing course, arcade games, laser tag and more — Incrediplex offers a full day of fun with no end in site. Food, a bar, ample seating and wifi make this the perfect office while your children play.

See more about Incrediplex here.

Bounce Places

Monkey Joe’s

Monkey Joe’s (on the Southside of Indianapolis) is a great place for kids to burn some energy while parents get things done. Its ample seating area, including a little alcove with computers, invites parents to bring the office in. Admission to Monkey Joe’s isn’t timed, so you can stay for as long as your kids can jump.

BounceU

Bounce U is another northside favorite. Their 2 hour bounce sessions are usually long enough for even the most energetic kids. Each bounce stadium has seating off the to side for parents to watch tv, read or work. Free wifi is available!

SkyZone Trampoline

The three Skyzone locations (in Plainfield, Southport and Fishers) are a great options, especially for older kids. Referees (employees) man every trampoline station, which makes the environment pretty safe. Kids can go off and jump, while parents log onto the free wi-fi.

The Outdoor Parks

While you can certainly bring your own wi-fi hotspot outside, there are usually plenty of things you can do while kids play on a playground. Founders Park in Carmel has a large picnic shelter with nice picnic tables. Spread out papers to grade, reports to read or correspondence to write, and get to work! Holliday Park on the northside of Indianapolis has a huge playground to keep kids busy if parents need to park at a picnic table and get things done. Garfield Park on the southside is also a good option.

The Indoor Playgrounds

Several area churches offer indoor playgrounds as part of their community outreach. Trader’s Point in Whitestown offers a fabulous indoor playground for kids. With tables available next to the play area,  it’s a great place to get things done while the kids are having fun.

Check out all of the free indoor play spaces here.

The Libraries

Many area libraries have small areas for free play. The Central Library downtown has things to do for kids of all ages, including a green screen stage. Between the books, the computers, the puzzles and other fun things, kids can occupy themselves for a long time.

Here are a few of our favorite libraries.

There are plenty of places around the Indianapolis metro area for a change of scenery that can keep kids busy and help parents whittle down their to-do lists. Where do you like to work while your kids play?