I recently took my kids to The Red Balloon Café + Play and they had a blast! They enjoyed the different areas (designed for kids ages 1 to 6) where they could play and I enjoyed how everything flowed into one another. There are different areas to play in the large room (fine motor, gross motor, pretend play, etc.) that my kids saw as a large area for open ended pretend play. There is water, building blocks, mats, a play kitchen, ride on toys, and a climbing structure.
I watched them play with one another as I relaxed on a cozy couch. From the couch I was able to see the whole room and my kids the entire time. My tired mommy feet appreciated the break and it was a great opportunity for my kids to problem solve and direct their own play. There is also a restroom right off of the play area which is perfect for kiddos that need to go NOW! They also have a child sized sink for washing the germs away…this was a favorite spot for my daughter. She loves to do things by herself including washing her hands.
My kids played happily with one another. They were “sharks” with their hands in the water table. The sharks would inch towards the unsuspecting boats, would tip the boats and then my kids would laugh hysterically. Then the sharks were transformed to “Mom” and “Dad” and they went grocery shopping, made dinner, and put their kids to bed in the play structure. I enjoyed watching them play “architects” as they worked together to create an amazing house with a TV and garage for their fast cars.
We chose to do the eat and play combo, so as they were quietly playing with one another I filled out their food choices and delivered it to the café. Since we went in the afternoon, I asked for the food to go so they could snack on it on our way home. Before going back into the play area, I checked out the shop and all of the natural items for babes and moms. I didn’t purchase anything then, but got some ideas of things I want to order from their site as gifts for my new mommy friends.
My kids were disappointed when it was time to leave, but the snack to go helped encourage them to clean up and put their shoes back on. Check out the Red Balloon Play + Café website for upcoming events like Free Friday’s with BYOB and classes such as breastfeeding, baby wearing, yoga for kids, essential oils, sensory friendly options, camps and more at https://redballooncafe.com/
Pricing
• Adults and kids under 1 year are free
• One child $8
• Each additional child $6
• Eat + Play Combo – $10 includes unlimited play and a kids meal with drink
• Play Pass – 10 visits for $60!
Summer Hours
Tuesday-Thursday 9:00am-4:00m
Friday 9:00am-8pm
Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm