If there’s one thing moms dream of, it’s the ability to sit and chat with a friend over a cup of coffee – without interruption from their kids. But we still want them close by where we can keep an eye on them. That’s why kid-friendly coffee shops are so key for mommas with little ones. And if you’ve recently PCSed to Joint Base Lewis McChord, here are 7 excellent options that will delight you and your busy toddler.
Anthem Coffee & Tea
Anthem Coffee & Tea has locations all over the south sound, but we’re partial to the downtown Puyallup shop. While they serve the standard kid fare of hot chocolate and cake pops, it’s the location that will keep you coming back. Right next door to Anthem is the public library, which has an awesome kids section, and across the street is Pioneer Park. Your kids can monkey around on the play structure while you sip your coffee, and enjoy the splash pad in the summer. Serving coffee, tea, beer, and wine, flatbread pizzas, salads, and sandwiches, Anthem is your anytime-of-day, kid-friendly destination.
GPS this: 210 W Pioneer, Puyallup, WA 98371
Blue Steele Coffee Company
Blue Steele Coffee Company is a stone’s throw from Joint Base Lewis McChord. This cafe offers a large menu featuring artisanal cheeses, farm-fresh produce, breads made from scratch, and a Kids Meal. Roomy tables invite board game play, choose from an in-house selection. One thing you won’t hear is your children complaining about the large donut selection, or baristas being heavy-handed with the whipped cream. Expect friendly service from employees who know how to have a little fun- a video on their Facebook page shows a recent customers vs employees snowball fight! Military enjoys a 10% discount on Mondays.
GPS this: 11401 Steele St. S #108, Parkland, WA 98444
Red Elm Café
Red Elm Café serves up fair-trade coffee, and both breakfast and lunch menus, but are really known for their waffles. Located in downtown Tacoma, this is an ideal stop on your way to the Children’s Museum, Tinkertopia, or the Broadway Farmer’s Market. Red Elm has a small kids’ play area and a community room that can seat up to 16 and can be reserved for groups of five or more.
GPS this: 1114 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
Discovery Village
Discovery Village gives you a good reason to cross the Narrows Bridge to Gig Harbor. This is primarily a children’s play area, so it will cost you admission, but the hours of peace and quiet for you is totally worth it. It’s a small enough space that you can easily keep an eye on your child while enjoying coffee or lunch at the café. With several stations encouraging imaginative play, be prepared for crying fits when you tell your child it’s time to go- Discovery Village is that fun. About a 30-minute trek from Joint Base Lewis McChord, this is a must-visit for the toddler set.
GPS this: 4835 Borgen Boulevard, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
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Cutter’s Point Coffee Co.
Cutter’s Point Coffee Co. has locations all over the south sound, including Lacey, Lakewood, Tacoma, Kent, and their flagship store in Gig Harbor. All are family-friendly and offer excellent customer service. The 6th Avenue location in Tacoma might be our favorite, though. A large space with plenty of seating means your crew can spread out and enjoy your drinks and treats. Look for the basket under the coffee table where customers have donated children’s book and toys to keep your kids occupied while you order. Hit it up on the way to the Pt. Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Owen Beach, or various north Tacoma parks like Titlow and Kandle.
GPS this: 5104 6th Ave. #100 Tacoma, WA 98406
Cool Bean Espresso
Cool Bean Espresso in South Hill, Puyallup, has everything you’re looking for in a kid-friendly coffee shop: large, roomy tables, great coffee and food (gluten-free treats available), plenty of goodies for kids, and a clean bathroom with a changing table. The friendly staff and small selection of kids’ books and games make this an ideal spot to bring the kids on a breakfast date.
GPS this: 14201 Meridian Ave E Suite 101, Puyallup, WA 98373
Topside Coffee Cabin
Topside Coffee Cabin, located directly below Topside Bar & Grill in historic Steilacoom, is worth the jaunt off the beaten bath. Featuring a light and airy beach cabin vibe consistent with the town’s location on the Puget Sound, this coffee shop has everything you’re looking for in a kid-friendly destination. Serving locally-roasted coffee, homemade baked goods, and everyone’s favorite, Ice Cream Social treats, this shop might become your new favorite. Nearby parks and beaches only add to the allure of this hidden gem. Closes at 3:00 pm daily, so stop in early!
GPS this: 215 Wilkes St. Steilacoom, WA 98388
Coffee and friends make for the perfect day. Try out these kid-friendly coffee shops and let us know which one is your favorite.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on Living Like a Local: Naval Base Kitsap
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Photo Credit: Anthem Coffee, Discovery Village
