Finding a place to grab coffee or a bite to eat with your kiddo in tow is surprisingly easy throughout southwest Ohio, a geographical area that’s extremely family-friendly. There are many establishments around town that not only offer a relaxing atmosphere and delicious food and drink, but also understand the needs of parents and their babies. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to catch up with your parent friends, or just looking for a change of scenery for you and your little one, these family-friendly places fit the bill!
Graeter’s Lil Pints Indoor Playground
8533 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati
Sip on a coffee (or savor a scoop of coffee-flavored ice cream) and let your baby explore the Lil Pints indoor playground, located inside Graeter’s ice cream shop. The indoor playground features multiple ice-cream-themed slides, a banana-split-inspired teeter-totter, plenty of room to play and a fun, ice-cream-truck photo opp.
IKEA
9500 IKEA Way, West Chester
ikea.com
Strap your baby into a carrier, grab a beverage from the cafe, and get your steps in while you both ogle at all of the lovely Swedish homegoods. Or, if you want an hour to shop by yourself, drop off your tot at IKEA’s Småland Play Area, a free, supervised play facility inside the store with play equipment, a quiet area where kids can rest, space to enjoy a G-Rated film, and more.
LilyPad
2008 Madison Rd., Cincinnati
574 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs, KY
lilypadplay.com
This indoor play space is geared toward kids 6 and younger. Children can play in an open area that includes an art studio, sensory activities, games, a small climbing structure and a climbing wall. Pre-walkers have their own space with floor activities and toys. Parents can relax while their kids play with a coffee, tea or treat from the snack bar.
Purrfect Day Cafe
25 West 8th Street, Covington, KY
purrfectdaycafecovington.com
All ages are welcome at the Purrfect Day Cafe, where you can visit with adoptable kitties at this cat cafe. Play, cuddle and sip on a beverage, then step outside of the cat sanctuary and enjoy one of the cafe’s cat-themed treats. This is a great place to relax with a kiddo who loves cats!
Sidewinder
4181 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati
sidewindercoffee.com
Parents can relax in Sidewinder’s cozy cafe or courtyard, peruse rotating art exhibits, take advantage of the free wi-fi, or order a drink to-go while walking with baby to browse the unique shops in the Northside neighborhood. The menu also includes kid-friendly drinks, like hot apple cider, hot chocolate and steamed milk.
Terrace Cafe at Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati
cincinnatiartmuseum.org
The food at the cafe inside the CAM is way better than it needs to be! This is a great place to relax and get coffee, or a bite in between visiting museum exhibits. You’ll find a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches inspired by works in the museum’s collection, plus a kids’ menu. Enjoy views of the museum’s Alice Bimel Courtyard and seating on the outdoor terrace during warm weather.