Juggling a work-from-home lifestyle can be daunting, especially when your little “associates” would much rather play than act professional. A workspace outside your home with top-notch childcare might sound like some sort of elusive unicorn but they actually exist. Keep reading for the newest places in Los Angeles where parents can find that work-life balance, while little ones get the social stimulation they crave for the ultimate win/win!
Century City: BümoWork
Digital influencer-turned-entrepreneur Chriselle Lim and education expert Joan Ngyen (of MeriEducation), have joined forces to open LA's newest workspace-meets-licensed-childcare center. This members-only club (apply here) provides some of the most flexibility we've seen for working parents (including freelancers!) with weeknights and weekend childcare options.
Ages: 6 months up to 6 years of age.
Good to Know: The design-forward space also has conference rooms, phone booths for private phone calls as well as hot coffee and nursing rooms as needed. The kids will love the private, indoor-outdoor space along with daily activities focused on creativity, STEM, inclusivity, and exploration. Inquire for pricing.
BümoWork at the Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 2860
Los Angeles
Online: bumowork.com
Playa Vista: Brella
With all of the tech companies popping up in Playa Vista, it only makes sense that this Silicon Beach hotspot has a spankin’ new facility perfect for busy families. Set to open Oct. 25, Brella is different from some of the other spaces mentioned in that they don’t require pre-paid plans or memberships to take advantage of their state-of-the-art childcare or workplace amenities. Just download their app and book/pay by the hour. The app lets you schedule in advance or drop in with the littles after those last-minute nanny cancellations. And again, unlike other co-working spaces, you are not required to be on-site while your kids are being cared for (makes off-site lunch meetings or coffee shop breaks that much easier!). This sort of flexibility means you can truly tailor your work schedule in a way that is both convenient and family-friendly. Throw in an expertly crafted childcare curriculum, carefully trained staff, and a beautiful facility and you and your brood will never want to leave!
Ages: 3 months-6 years
Good to Know: Brella will also offer parent, family, and community classes highlighting a range of topics such as prenatal and postpartum issues, infant sleep and nutrition, family yoga, professional coaching for parents re-entering the workforce, and more!
12746 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: hellobrella.com/
Santa Monica: Big and Tiny
Creative types will appreciate the inspiring vibe at Big and Tiny's studio. Aside from the communal workspaces, professional parents also have the opportunity to hop on peloton bikes, jam in the music room, and even find some much-needed zen in the meditation pod! Meanwhile, the teachers at Big and Tiny will make sure your sweet peas are happily engaged in creative exploration through enrichment classes, sensory activities and interactive play.
Ages: 3 months – 6 years.
Good to Know: Memberships start at $185/month and go up from there wherein parents have access to a workspace, printers, WiFi, etc. while kids are well cared for through thoughtful instruction and stimulating programs.
1731 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica
Online: bigandtiny.com
West Hollywood: The Little Wing
The Wing, a members-only workspace designed for women, recently added exclusive-to-members childcare amenities through The Little Wing. With a motto of “designed for kids to play so their parents can take flight,” this co-working/childcare space is sure to stimulate your saplings while you are able to meet those deadlines and then some! Aside from the magazine-cover worthy play spaces, The Little Wing also offers enrichment classes for kids (and parents alike), such as music, art, yoga, and even sleep training workshops. Yes, please!
Ages: Babysitting, 6 months-6 years; enrichment classes, 3 months-8 years; open play, all ages (3 months and up)
Good to Know: In addition to the $215/month membership fee, babysitting services are offered by Wingsitters for $25 for 2 hours or $35 for 3 hours for kids 6 months to 6 years.
8550 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: the-wing.com/the-little-wing/
Silver Lake: Wiggle & Work
Another flexible option with boatloads of convenient amenities is a local Silver Lake gem that offers a couple of different workspace options. If your small fry is not cool with you being out of sight, the first floor has a few working desks right near the playground entrance so you can be productive while your mini-me plays peacefully knowing you're there. For those babes who are past the separation anxiety phase, the second floor offers a quieter space filled with desks and armchairs as well as a giant television screen of the childcare area. You'll also get a pager so the super-efficient staff of trained childcare professionals can let you know if you're needed below for an extra snuggle or two. Most likely, however, your sprouts will be so engaged with crafts, sensory activities, ball pits, music, and playground antics, they'll be begging to stay longer.
Ages: 3 months-4 years
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!
968 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: wiggleandwork.com/
–Jenifer Scott
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