Play dates are great for kids, of course. They provide opportunities to socialize and explore new surroundings. But play dates are important for parents, too. For me, play dates help break up the monotony of the day, get me out of the house, and let me have conversations with other adult humans.
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I love discovering new parks and kid-friendly places in Austin, so I’m usually open to most play date suggestions. But some days it’s nice (or necessary) to meet up at spots where I can actually chill a little. So, a huge playground where the kids want to run a mile in opposite directions doesn’t fit the bill. Neither does a park where I spend half my time making sure my toddler doesn’t fall into a pond, or a chaotic children’s museum.
I just want a chance to enjoy a coffee or a snack while my children run around, preferably in a contained area that occupies them long enough to give me a break and maybe even have a conversation with a friend. Lucky for me, these places exist.
Here are the best play date spots in Austin where kids can play and parents can chill.
Meanwhile Brewing Company – 3901 Promontory Point Dr.
This place is a little bit sprawling, but you can usually get the kids to stay at either the awesome natural-looking playground or the huge soccer field while you enjoy a coffee or a beer. They open at 8am (9am on Saturday and Sunday) and have food trucks on site.
Brentwood Social House – 1601 W Koenig Ln.
This neighborhood coffee house has delicious beverages, food, and pastries (try the bakewell tart!) and a fully fenced-in backyard with a playscape. Inside, there’s a separate kid-friendly room with a play kitchen, toys, and books.
Littlefield’s Tacos + Coffee – 2401 Winsted Ln.
With a beautiful (completely fenced-in) setting, fun astroturf climbing area, tacos, and coffee, Littlefield’s checks every box for a relaxing playdate spot.
Hat Creek Burger Company – 5902 Bee Caves Rd.
The Westlake location of this burger chain has a legit playground and turf area, and plenty of tables on the patio overlooking the play area so you can keep a close eye while you eat. They open at 7am (8am on Saturday and Sunday) and serve breakfast.
Easy Tiger – 3508 S Lamar Blvd.
The South Lamar location has an astroturf area for Little Tigers that looks simple but keeps my kids entertained for a while. Delicious food, drinks, and pastries for grown-ups (get the pretzel!) and a solid kids’ menu, too.
Almost Grown Play Cafe – 18901 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs
The tables at Almost Grown are spread out amongst the imaginative play area, so you can always keep an eye on your child while they explore and play independently. You don’t have to leave the play area to pick up food from the large menu that includes sandwiches, salads, and ice cream.
Cosmic Coffee – 121 Pickle Rd.
There’s not a playground at Cosmic, but the large patio, fenced koi pond, and chicken coop will keep kids busy for a little while you enjoy a coffee or a taco from the food truck.
Central Market – 4001 N Lamar Blvd.
While the playground isn’t fenced in at the North Lamar location of this grocery store, the size of the playground, with areas for older and younger kids, and yummy food make it a chill-worthy spot.
The Hive – 10542 Menchaca Rd.
Enjoy coffee and delicious eats while the kiddos run around the beautiful backyard garden, which includes toys and a castle inspired playscape. They open at 7am daily.
Madrone Coffee – 6266 US Hwy 290
This Oak Hill coffee shop has a rotating menu of coffee from around the world, as well as a food truck serving breakfast and lunch. The large back patio has a great playscape so you can sip your coffee in peace while the kids play.
Toybrary – 2001 Justin Ln.
Toybrary is a toy lending library and play area full of high-quality, educational toys. You can drop in and play as long as you like for $7, and for happy hour on Fridays from 1-6 p.m. you pay just $5 and can BYOB.
Waterloo Ice House – Multiple locations
Three locations of this family restaurant (360 & 2222, Southpark Meadows, and Escarpment Blvd.) have playscapes for the kids to explore while you relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They open at 8 a.m.
