Gone are the days that I can go out to Starbucks with a friend and sit and chat for hours in a quiet coffee shop. Now I have to meet friends for coffee at places that offer a play place for my son to run and allow me to drink my white chocolate mocha. Since both Nibbles Play Cafe and Stay 2 Play Cafe have closed you may be wondering where you can go where you can have your coffee and playtime too! I have rounded up a list of places that allow you to enjoy your coffee while chasing after your child.

Sip & Play: Indoor Play Cafes
Barnes & Noble Bookstores, Vernon Hills, Deer Park, & Lincolnshire
I take my son here literally once a week. They have a train table set up in the kid’s section and a Starbucks. They also offer weekly storytimes that are fantastic. Need I say more?
Bella’s Bouncies – Lake Villa
Bellas Bouncies offers Open Bounce almost every day of the week. Sit on a bench and read a magazine while your kids bounce. A reader said they always stop at Daisy’s Artish Cafe also located on Milwaukee Ave before and bring their coffee in with them. For open bounce schedules, follow them on Facebook or call (847) 546-7000.
Chick-Fil-A, Vernon Hills
Purchase your coffee there and sit on the benches inside the play place at Chick-Fil-A. The play place is small and for children under age 3. For more information contact them at (847) 247-8000.
Mcdonald’s with Playplaces, Various Locations
Sip on coffee from the improved Mcdonald’s Cafe while your child runs and climbs through the play place. Locations with play places: Mundelein, Grayslake, Round Lake, Lake Zurich, Gurnee, and Wheeling.
Vernon Hills Park District Tot Time Open Gym, Vernon Hills
This is Little Lake County writer, Maureen’s favorite! There is a Starbucks with a drive-through across the street. Pick up your coffee and enjoy a variety of toys including balls, big wheels, scooters, hula hoops, push toys, and small basketball hoops. Parent/Tot Gym is available Monday and Thursday from 8:30 am-10:30 am at the Sullivan Community Center gym. For more information call (847) 996-6800
What’s your favorite place to enjoy your coffee while the kids play? Tell us in the comments!

Weorbit in highland park! Free wifi and coffee/tea!