Michele Johansen And Lexie Tigre
Welcome to Kid-Sized Eastside, a new parenting column by 425 mommies Michele Johansen and Lexie Tigre. They will report on kid-friendly places, share ideas and discuss other parenting topics in Kid-Sized Eastside in every issue of 425 magazine! Want more?
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Winter in the Northwest generally means rainy days and cabin fever. Add stir-crazy kids to the mix, and sometimes all a mom wants is a break, or at least a cup of coffee. Unfortunately, bringing your kids to the corner café often translates into dirty looks along with your latte. But never fear, here are some great coffee shops on the Eastside that actually WANT you to bring your kids!
Tot Spot Café in Woodinville
17802 134th Ave. N.E., Suite 6, Woodinville, totspotcafe.com
Tot Spot Café may well be the “Holy Grail” of coffee shops for moms. This shop was designed by a mom, for moms. Tot Spot Café is anchored by a play area with toys and dress-up clothes. Tables surround the play space, offering a full view of little ones playing while parents and caregivers enjoy coffee and bagels. The best part: friendly staff members sit in the play area keeping an eye on the kids, making it easy to chat with other grown-ups, get a little work done, or simply take advantage of the free wi-fi. Note: Because this coffee shop provides extra services, they charge a small hourly rate on top of the cost of coffee.
My CoffeeHouse at Bellevue Square
mycoffeehouseseattle.com
Sometimes the next best thing to staying home on a rainy day is heading to the mall — lots of space for the kids to move around, plus you might even be able to do a bit of shopping. At Bellevue Square, they go one step further. Head up to the third floor, where you can get a cup of coffee at My CoffeeHouse while your kids climb and play at Kid’s Cove, the mall’s nautically themed indoor playground. The large play area is filled with big, soft climbing toys, offering lots of space to get the wiggles out. Meanwhile, the grown-ups can sit on the surrounding benches and watch the little ones play. The biggest perk: there is only one entrance, perfect for keeping an eye on the kids (but do keep an eye out, as kids have stealthily made it to the elevator on occasion).
Common Ground Coffee & Cupcakes in Renton
900 S. 3rd St., Unit A, Renton, commongroundcupcakes.com
Located in the south end, this coffee shop in the middle of the city of Renton does a good job catering to both parents and kids. The first draw, of course, is the cupcakes. What kid doesn’t love cupcakes? But even better, there is a section with kid toys and books just waiting to distract little hands. The noise level is perfect, so your kid’s squeals won’t stand out, and this shop has a steady stream of strollers all day long, so you will fit right in.
The Village Bean in Bothell
720 238th St. S.E., Suite A, Bothell, thevillagebeanbothell.com
This brand new, kid-friendly shop in Bothell Country Village is lovely, and has the motto “A gathering place for children, parents, and friends” displayed right on the front door! With a magnet wall, a train table, and lots of other toys and knick knacks, this place is popular with parents and kids alike. Even better, Bothell Country Village itself already is a fun destination for kids, with a miniature train that children and grown-ups can ride around the village, a playground, and chickens wandering the space.
For the full story pick up the latest copy of 425 magazine. Subscriptions are available by phone at 425.646.1380 or you may order your subscription online.
