The only thing better than a delicious cup of coffee with a friend? Sipping it while your kids are happily playing nearby! Imagine finally getting a moment to enjoy your drink and catch up with your friend while your little one is entertained.
If that sounds like a dream come true, here’s your guide to coffee shops with dedicated children’s sections and coffee shops located inside libraries with spacious play areas.
The perfect gathering place at Cafe Equinox.
Coffee Shops
Gusto! Coffee Shop
15325 Old Town Dr., Suite 101, Parkville
Gusto is a great coffee shop to visit with your child. It’s an even better place to go with a group of friends and their children! They offer a wide selection of coffee, tea and smoothies, alongside tasty pastries (including gluten-free options) and several food options like breakfast burritos and sandwiches. You’ll find plenty of seating and a shelf stocked with toys, puzzles, games and books. Plus, if you happen to be there on a warmer day, there's a spacious green area outside where kids can run, ride bikes and play.
Renegade Coffee
8708 N. Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, Mo.
Renegade embodies charm and comfort in a reclaimed 100-year-old house. Sip on freshly brewed coffee or tea and enjoy a selection of pastries or breakfast burritos. Little ones will love the cozy children’s area, complete with books, toys and a fun chalk wall. On warmer days, head outside for some fresh air and enjoy your coffee and treats under the pergola while your kids run around.
Over Flow Coffee House
1005 Middlebrook Dr., Suite E, Liberty
Over Flow offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for families. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea paired with fresh pastries or one of their signature crepes. You and your kids will love the cozy nook in the back of the coffee shop. Parents can relax on the comfy couches while kids work on puzzles, play games or read books.
Third Space Coffee
226 Oak St., Bonner Springs
With its warm, inviting atmosphere, Third Space Coffee is a great spot for a playdate. They offer coffee, tea and tasty pastries, as well as several options on their breakfast and lunch menus. Kids will love the cozy designated play area, complete with a play kitchen, train set and a kid-sized picnic table. Meanwhile, grown-ups can relax on a nearby couch, enjoying their coffee while the little ones have fun.
Foundry Coffee House
8835 Lackman Rd., Lenexa
Foundry Coffee House offers the ultimate kid-friendly coffee shop experience. While you and your friends enjoy a coffee, tea or smoothie, your kids can play in the enclosed playroom designed for children 5 and under. In the spacious playroom, you’ll find a wooden play structure with stairs and a slide. If the on-site gym is available, bring your own bikes, balls or play toys for even more fun.
Café Equinox at Family Tree Nursery
7036 Nieman Rd., Shawnee & 8424 Farley St., Overland Park
Nestled inside Family Tree Nursery, Café Equinox offers the most serene coffee experience. Grab your coffee and pastry and head into the greenhouse to sit; you’ll be surrounded by beautiful plants and greenery, which make it impossible not to relax. Your kids might even be able to snag a seat at the kid-sized table and chairs. After your treat, walk around and see all the plants before heading over to the koi pond. Make sure you bring a quarter for some fish food—your kids will love feeding the fish.
Ginna’s Cafe at Scheels
6503 W. 135th St., Overland Park
Ginna’s Cafe, located inside Scheels, is a great spot to sip on coffee, tea or fruity shakers while enjoying pastries and baked goods. If you’re there a little later in the morning, you can make it a lunch playdate starting at 11:00. After your treat, explore Scheels’ amazing attractions! Kids can climb and play in the indoor play area, marvel at the vibrant aquarium, or even take a ride on the Ferris wheel. There is so much to see and do!
BobaRun
6415 N. Prospect Ave., Gladstone
BobaRun is the perfect spot for tea and coffee lovers! Choose from a variety of drink options, including coffee, iced teas, fruit teas, lemonade teas and creamy milk teas. Pair your drink with delicious pastries or crepes and let the kids wander over to the children’s area. With a Lego wall, books, toy cars and puzzles, there’s plenty to keep them busy, happy and entertained.
McLain’s
5833 Nieman Rd., Shawnee
McLain’s is a go-to spot on a nice day. They have delicious coffees—I recommend their Market Latte. With a full breakfast and lunch menu, plus a pastry case filled with baked goods and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone. Your kids will love the outdoor area, which features artificial grass, a kid-sized picnic table, a giant Connect 4 game and blocks to play with. Parents can even enjoy the convenience of a drive-thru for days when playtime needs to be on the go.
Libraries + Play Cafes
Novella at Green Hills Library
8581 N. Green Hills Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
When you walk into Novella, the first thing you’ll see is the iconic mug artwork installation. Order a coffee or tea and grab a pastry, breakfast sandwich or snack. After your treat, explore the library's children’s area, where kids can have fun with a play kitchen, puzzles and coloring. They can even sit in the fruit cut-outs in the walls or head out to the patio to draw with chalk on a nice day.
Friendly Bean at Woodneath Library
8900 NE Flintlock Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Friendly Bean makes your library visit even sweeter with coffee, tea, smoothies and tasty pastries. When you’re done with your treat, head over to the spacious children’s area. With several tables full of toys, a coloring station and computers with educational games, there’s plenty to keep your kids busy.
Sweet Tee’s at Indian Creek Library
16100 W. 135th St., Olathe
Sweet Tee's is a great spot to meet a friend with your kids. They offer a full coffee menu and pastries, as well as other baked goods, prepared foods and snacks. There’s plenty of seating to enjoy your coffee, and it’s just a few steps away from a large children’s area with books, toys and two playhouses. Before you get to the children’s area, check out the bubble wall and colorful light wall as well.
Inspired Play Café
6527 W. 119th St., Overland Park
Inspired Play Café is the perfect spot for a playdate with a friend. You can catch up and enjoy some adult conversation while your kids play. They offer coffee and smoothies, as well as breakfast and lunch options. Your kids will be entertained for hours with all of the imaginative play options and open-ended toys. You and your kids can also enjoy weekly classes and activities included with open play. Go check out their newest location that opened in Merriam in December 2024.
Nick & Lexie Photo + Film
Safe to say Kansas City is full of great spots where parents can enjoy a coffee while kids play. Whether you visit a cozy café, a library with a play area, or an indoor play café, there’s something for every family.
If you try one of our recommendations, tag KC Parent on social media—we’d love to see your favorites!