Even parents who have angel children who will happily entertain themselves all day, or parents who are lucky enough to cobble together summer camp for the entire break will need to get out of the house every once in a while. When you get sick of trying to VPN from your phone’s hotspot in a neighborhood playground with no shade, hit up some of these places to work while your kids play in Austin.
South Austin
10542 Menchaca Rd
This Super-South Austin favorite has something for everyone: food trucks, a cocktail bar that opens at noon, an indoor café with coffee, tea, and pastries, and a huge outdoor space including a two-story playscape. The vanilla cold brew and the high speed wi-fi will keep your workday buzzing.
6266 W Hwy 290
Madrone Coffee Co. took up residence in the Old Rock Store in Oak Hill, a historically designated building that used to house Austin Pizza Garden. The café inside has 2 floors of ample seating, and the patio includes numerous picnic tables, a stage, and a fenced-in playground. Note that the current road construction on 290 complicates ingress and egress at Madrone Coffee, so plan accordingly!
2919 Menchaca Rd, Ste 205
This indoor “town” in South Central Austin features custom playhouses and soft play areas for little kids. There’s an open seating area for adults, but also a next-level creative lounge separate from the play and open seating area, equipped with a private phone booth, high speed internet, nitro cold brew on tap and hot coffee. Pikopye has a second home in Lakeway for our Northwest neighbors. Play is by reservation only, so plan ahead!
North Austin
1601 West Koenig Lane
This popular North-Central Austin spot has several cozy little rooms ideal for quiet working, and a sprawling outdoor playground and stage for the kids to get loud. Parking can get a bit tight here, but the walk is worth it for the delicious pastries and well-curated tea collection. Visit the little free library on your way out!
13530 Research Blvd
Indigo Play’s 100% indoor space just north of the Arboretum is open for drop-in play 7 days a week for an all-day flat rate. There’s something for kids of all ages: from the baby and toddler room to the huge educational playscape for the big kids, as well as ample comfortable seating for adults. There’s even an on-site bookstore (my favorite thing!) stocked with popular children’s books.
Batch 3220 Manor Road
Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches not only has two of everyone’s favorite things right there in its name, it also has tasty coffee, a taco truck, and a sprawling fenced-in patio with little mushrooms, turf hills and a bocce ball court little kids can’t get enough of. Open 7 days a week, Batch has speedy internet and an ample outlet supply for laptop-toting adults.
Dripping Springs
18901 Hamilton Pool Rd
This all-indoor space is a perfect spot for younger kiddos, with the play areas in close proximity to tables, and an adjacent ice cream shop perfect for the dog days of summer. Almost Grown has a full service restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch, a variety of snacks, and a one of a kind Create Your Own Coffee Bar.
2770 W Hwy 290
Dreamland in Dripping Springs is a sprawling venue with indoor and outdoor activities for kids and adults. The splash pad is open for summer, and adjacent to the large outdoor playscape. Adirondack chairs and a shaded beer garden are available for adults. Mini golf, pickleball, and disc golf courses are available for big kids and kids at heart.
Work Castle: Work for mom & play for kids. The new co-working space opens July 2023! Check out their website for the grand opening details!
