Incredible Co-Working Spaces That Also Offer Childcare

by Shahrzad Warkentin

5 years ago

Working remotely can be a great way to spend more time with your kids, but to actually get any work done, you could still use a village. Co-working spaces with childcare can offer the best of both worlds, a place to get work done while the kids can play. Read on to discover the best spots where all work and all play go hand in hand.

Fandory Factory - San Diego, CA

Fandory Factory offers the ultimate work space for working parents and play space for your kids, a combination of indoor entertainment experience for your kids while offering office/work space for you. Whether you need just a desk to work for a few hours, mailing address for your business, or meeting space for your clients to fully equipped offices and kitchen––Fandory Factory has you covered. Fandory Factory has created a kid-size indoor play town offering visitors of all ages the chance to play like a kid and use their imagination. Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or do some work while your kids enjoy a shopping trip at the market house, cook a meal in the kitchen or play on the slides of the tree house. Fandory Factory provides a safe, fun-filled environment, with lively atmosphere.

This space is creating a community for freelancers, part-timers, work from homers, moms and dads and their kids with networking opportunities. You can come to use just the office/co-work/meeting space, or just to bring your little ones for some fun at the playground, or use both at the same time. They also offer babysitting services for parents who need it while they work.

Currently, during pandemic, the playground is open only for 50 min. and 90 min. private play, while the offices and co-work space are fully open with a limited number of people per office to comply with social distancing. Outdoor work stations on the balconies are also available.

16787 Bernardo Center Dr. Ste 7
San Diego, CA 92128
858-304-0889
Online: fandory.com

Wiggle & Work - Los Angeles, CA

If you've got anxious tots that don't want you out of their sight, Wiggle & Work offers the perfect solution with work stations placed right next to the play space where your kids can get their wiggles out. If your kids don't mind a little separation, you can take advantage of the quieter second-floor office space, which features a giant TV monitor with a live-feed of the kids at play downstairs. Either way, kids ages three months to four years will stay entertained with crafts, sensory activities, ball pits, music, and so much more while you work.

Good to know: Pay as you go or purchase one of Wiggle & Work's many membership or package plans designed to fit lots of different family lifestyles. Download their straightforward app, and schedule your week at their facility conveniently from just about anywhere!

The Little Wing - NY, CA

The Wing, a members-only workspace designed for women, recently expanded its amenities to include childcare in The Little Wing. The workspace for professional women, which also offers empowering events, speakers and community-building activities, now offers childcare at two of its locations in New York City's SOHO and the newest addition in West Hollywood, California. The childcare spaces are colorful, inviting and fully furnished in Crate & Kids. In addition to babysitting services, while you work, The Little Wing also offers enrichment classes for kids, like music, art and yoga, as well as workshops for parents. The Wing also has locations in San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Boston.

Good To Know: In addition to the membership fee, babysitting services are offered by Wingsitters for $25 for two hours for kids six months to six years.

52 Mercer St. 5th Fl.
SOHO, NY

8550 Santa Monica Blvd.
WEHO, CA
Online: the-wing.com

Elemeno - Washington, D.C.

What started out as a cool indoor play place has evolved into an incredible resource for working parents and their kids. SkillZone is where it all began. The meticulously designed indoor play space was built around the concepts of leading early childhood development science and Montessori educational models. In addition to plenty of exciting space to explore, SkillZone also offers classes in music, dance, art and more. While the kids play, Elemeno gives parents an inviting, cozy space to work. You'll find desk spaces, private calling booths, free WiFi and coffee and a live video feed of the kids play area. What more could you ask for?

Good to know: Classes are available each weekday morning, but if you're planning to work through the afternoon or even the weekend, you can schedule a Play Buddy to monitor and entertain your tots.

709 8th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-763-7629
Online: elemeno.club

The Coven - St. Paul, MN

The Coven offers a space focused on catering to women, non-binary and trans people. The gorgeous space in St. Paul is actually the second location for this co-working community which features private offices and conference rooms, as well as classes, workshops and special events. This second location also offers on-site, drop-in childcare provided by trained professionals from College Nannies, Sitters, and Tutors. Childcare is available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for kids ages six months to 18, so you're covered whether you need a sitter or a homework helper. The Coven offers books, games, puzzles and toys for all ages in the childcare room, as well as age-appropriate activities.

Good to know: Parents must remain on-site to utilize the childcare services.

165 Western Ave. North, Ste. 8
St. Paul, MN 55102
Online: thecoven.com

Recess Collective - San Francisco, CA

Recess Collective considers itself more than just a childcare center, it's a full support system for families offering a safe and welcoming space for kids and parents. Becoming a member gives you access to a broad range of services including play spaces designed to meet the needs of kids from tiny crawlers to four-year-olds. In addition to the massive indoor play yard, Recess Collective also offers classes for kids, like music and bilingual story time.

Parents are free to engage with their kids in the space as well as setting playgroups with other member families, or you can utilize the time to get some things done while your kids play. You can get to work in the shared workspace, while a sitter cares for your kids, or take an exercise class or prenatal workshop. Recess Collective also hosts parenting workshops and offers space for birthday parties.

Good to know: Those considering membership can take a trial class at no cost and families with newborns can enjoy free membership until their babies are six months.

2226 Taraval
San Francisco, CA 94116
415-701-7529
Online: recesscollective.org

The Coggeshall Club - Middletown, RI

This workspace meets daycare meets the gym is the perfect one-stop-shop to tick off everything on your to-do list while your kids learn and play. The gorgeous workspace features private and communal spaces, a conference room, printers, WiFi, coffee, tea and snacks. If you want to squeeze in a workout, you can check out the fitness area where you'll find streaming classes provided by Peloton along with Peloton Spin bikes. The gym also offers in-person yoga classes, strength training and more. To boost your mental well-being Coggeshall Club also features a wellness suite with access to massage, physical therapy, reflexology, reiki, life and career coaching and parent support groups.

Last, but certainly not least, is the childcare portion, which is a fully licensed daycare with a program based on the Montessori-style of learning. Their child development program is designed for kids from newborn to age four and is offered in four daily three hour sessions between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Members can easily customize their childcare schedules for flexibility. The welcoming childcare space features both indoor and outdoor play areas as well as cribs for infants in need of naps.

Good to know: The Coggeshall Club parent company, The Haven Collection, plans to open up to five clubs based on the same model around the region by the end of 2020.

82 Valley Road
Middletown, RI 02842
401-236-4755
Online: coggeshallclub.com

Big and Tiny - Los Angeles, CA

This "integrated learn, work, and play space" has the goal of fostering productivity, creativity and community for kids and parents alike. The modern, streamlined office space allows parents to focus on work, while the boutique playground/creative space enables kids ages six months to six years play with sensory-rich sustainable toys that will encourage their imagination. Big and Tiny partnered with the School of Wonder to design an educational program for kids that focuses on mindfulness and community-based learning, offering classes including yoga, music, dance, languages, drama and creative movement.

Good to know: They offer an array of co-working plans giving parents access to a workspace, printers, WiFi, etc. while kids enjoy enrichment classes and activities. They even offer themed birthday parties on-site.

1731 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-392-0113

2624 Sunset Blvd.
Silver Lake, CA 90026
213-674-7630

Online: bigandtiny.com

The Hive - Austin, TX

The Hive is all the buzz for busy parents in South Austin. Parents can get down to business in their co-working office by renting a desk monthly that comes with childcare, printing, conference room use and even a bottle of wine on Fridays. Parents must remain on-site while their kids are being cared for, and they can stay in childcare for up to four hours per day or 12 hours per week. As a perk, The Hive has a nice breakfast, lunch and snack menu which includes coffee drinks, smoothies, sandwiches, wraps and more.

Good to know: Not ready to commit to a paid plan? You can visit The Hive free of charge in their indoor/outdoor open seating area, either outside at the picnic tables or inside at the cafe area and lounge and get some work done while you supervise your kids play.

10415 Old Manchaca Rd.
Austin, TX 78748
512-366-8120
Online: hiveaustin.com

EvolveHer - Chicago, IL

The EvolveHer loft isn't just a workspace, it's a community made for working women. In addition to offering a welcoming environment, the co-working space with dedicated desks and private offices just for women also features weekly events designed to support its members, as well as event space to rent and a studio to record podcasts or videos. EvolveHer has a partnership with Sprouts Academy, a preschool located in the same building as the offices, to provide childcare for members.

Good to know: EvolveHer offers plenty of other amenities including a pumping room, a vanity room and a fully-stocked kitchen for when you forget to pack your own lunch.

358 W. Ontario St. #3W
Chicago, IL
312-766-3492
Online: evolveher.community/en

Brella - Los Angeles, CA

Need childcare while you work? There's an app for that, and it helps you schedule time in a flash at this inviting space. Brella offers parents a straight-forward, easy way to book childcare whenever you need it. There are no contracts or minimums. Instead, you pay by the hour and book in advance using Brella's handy app. Brella offers age-based classes and activities based in art, science, dramatic play, early literacy and math all led by early childhood experts. While your tots play and learn, you can take advantage of their sleek workspace with private desks, a conference room and free Wifi. Coffee, tea and snacks are also available for purchase. The on-demand childcare service is available for kids three months to six years old.

Good to know: Brella also features parent, family and community classes on a range of topics including prenatal and postpartum issues, infant sleep and nutrition, family yoga and professional coaching for parents re-entering the workforce.

The Garden by Equal Play - San Mateo, CA

We may still be waiting on equal pay, but in the meantime, there's Equal Play, a calm and quiet distraction-free, fully-equipped co-working space for parents/loving learning environment for kids "where everyone grows." The caregivers on staff have taken a minimum of 12 units of Early Childhood Education and are trained in positive discipline, so you can rest assured your kiddos (infancy to school-age) are being well cared for in The Play Garden or The Nursery while you work (both are screen-free as well).

There are several options of membership as well as hourly and daily rates. Founded by a mom, The Garden by Equal Play wants to accommodate parents by being flexible and working with them to ensure they can meet their needs no matter how large or small. Coffee and tea are complimentary, and meals are available for purchase. Kids are treated to a healthy, nut-free breakfast and lunch during their stay.

Good to know: There are nursing/napping rooms outfitted with hospital-grade breast pumps.

Read more about The Garden by Equal Play here.

11 N. Ellsworth Ave.
San Mateo, CA
Online: equalplay.space

The Inc. - Seattle, WA

More than a co-working spot, The Inc. is on a mission to shift today's parenting paradigm. Their vision is "to achieve gender equity in entrepreneurship, in the workplace and at home." They've realized that childcare is the most important component of achieving gender equity, so they've created this "modern-day village" as a brilliant solution. The Inc. affords parents a flexible co-working space where they can drop off their kids in one of the nearby Playschool rooms and go accomplish their work goals. Members have access to parent-only co-working rooms, a break room for community connection, high-speed WiFi and printer, a Cowork + Coplay room, free/discounted workshops and classes and more. They want to help parents make the juggling act work by offering a space to learn, work and grow while their toddlers and preschoolers are being cared for.

Good to know: Parents must remain on-site and will be paged if their kiddo needs a diaper change or to use the potty.

Work and Play - South Orange, NJ

Work and Play offers a flexible, state-licensed early childhood Reggio-inspired program for parents who utilize their workspace, as well as customized schedules for other parents in the community who need part-time care. Available to kids under age six, the program seeks to create independent thinkers and a new generation of entrepreneurs. Both their co-working space and their early childhood program are about building community, and their mission is to offer a solution to working parents who want to continue building their own careers and professional development while also taking part in the day-to-day activities of their families. For parents worried about the division of work and play, it's good to know that a lot of care went into soundproofing so that adults barely know there are kids in the same building. The early childcare program is on the lower level, and the office space is above them on the first floor. Each also has separate entrances, so those without kids downstairs won't even know there's childcare on site.

Good to know: Work and Play have two locations in South Orange. Their flagship at 19 Prospect St. is the location that has childcare. Their second location—just down the street—has private offices and an additional co-working space and a meeting room.

19 Prospect St.
South Orange, NJ 07079
973-327-4729
Online: workandplaynj.com

Nido - Durham, NC

Nido is a co-working community that began with a potluck and has founding members who have based their model on building community between families. They've masterfully fused their on-site Montessori preschool with office space for parents––and this not-for-profit business considers themselves a movement toward a "new way of living and working and being with each other." The co-working space is a hub for those who work remotely or run small businesses, and Nido describes their environment as a "femicentric space" in which they aim to support the lives and needs of women and mothers.

A $200/month membership grants you 24/7 hour access to the space, unlimited coffee and WiFi, printer/copier and 10 hours of monthly conference room time as well as the support and camaraderie of other co-workers. To add childcare to the mix, click here for the pricing options on membership plans that include tuition to the on-site preschool. The Montessori school offers half-day morning or afternoon options for kids ages six months to six-years-old, and the ambiance is serene and beautiful while the learning focus encourages kids to be "productive, creative and self-driven," "a perfect mirror" to their co-working space.

HackerMoms - Berkeley, CA

HackerMoms could be just the village you're looking for. This band of mothers helps alleviate the isolation of motherhood by offering a community where members can explore creativity, crafts, hacker/maker culture, entrepreneurship and more with the convenience of on-site childcare space. The membership (dues are $80/month) grants you 24/7 access to the space as well as tools (Epson Stylus Pro 9880 large-format industrial printer, a Juki industrial sewing machine, a standard Brother sewing machine and some smaller power tools) and the chance to utilize childcare at an hourly fee and free workshops and peer to peer skill-shares.

If this sounds like your vibe, visit an open house meeting (offered twice monthly) or make an appointment to go in and meet the other moms and introduce your kids. Then complete their membership application and have a reference check for child safety. Parents must stay on-site to utilize the childcare for kids ages five months to six-years-old. HackerMoms allows the kids to meander between their room and the workspace so moms can model "active, creative lives for their kids."

Good to know: For heavy-duty power tools, members can go to their partner hackerspace up the street, Ace Monster Toys, to use a CNC machine, laser cutter, makerbots, 3D printers, a full woodshop and electronics lab and more.

3288 Adeline St.
Berkeley, CA 94703
Online: mothership.hackermoms.org

Giocare Play Spot - Brooklyn, NY

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Giocare Play Spot offers parents the ability to use their workspace while their kids play in the on-site playroom. Kids will enjoy activities, organized play and music and movement while parents can work using the high-speed WiFi, laser printer, charging station, office supplies, coffee and tea, plus the ability to work uninterrupted and without worry, as the kids are just a room away. The daily rate is $45, and the monthly rate is $250.

Two Birds - Washington, DC

Part childcare center, part co-working space, Two Birds does exactly what the name suggests, allowing working parents to check two boxes off their daily list at once. While the space is designed to give working parents a workplace they can bring their kids to, each component also stands on its own. In other words, you can use the co-working space without bringing your tots along and vice versa you can enroll your kids on the childcare side, which is Reggio-Emilia inspired, without utilizing the workspace. This unique set up gives parents several options to meet flexible schedules. Two Birds also features a nursing lounge and has future plans to offer events and workshops on working parenting.

Good to know: Two Birds accepts kids from birth to five-years-old and offers several memberships to fit your hours and needs.

4001 Brandywine Street NW
Washington, D.C.
202-627-2142
Online: twobirdsdc.com

Third Space Co-Working & Childcare - Omaha, NE

This new co-working spot is set to open soon in Omaha, Nebraska. The exact location is still to be determined, but it promises to bring a unique spin on the co-working movement in that Third Space plans to partner with companies looking for a way to ease their employees back from maternity leave to full-time work. New moms can work remotely in the "third space," which also offers on-sight childcare. You can sign up to be notified when they set a location online.

Online: thirdspacecoworking.com

—Beth Shea & Shahrzad Warkentin

Work & Play: Two New Co-Working Spots With Childcare

A New Co-Working Space With Childcare Options Is Now Open

Best Spot for Parents to Work While Kids Play