Just Opened: Playland Cafe in Irvine

Sipping on a cup of tea in your own kitchen while your kid soars off the sofa like she’s superwoman is anything but relaxing. Take the high flying antics outside your living room to Playland Cafe, the newest indoor play space to hit SoCal. Part cafe, part learning center, and part indoor spot to romp and run, Playland Cafe is sure to take SoCal parents by storm. And, why not? They offer every amenity you could desire, including a full antibacterial wipe down every 30 minutes. Score one for the germaphobes (yes, we’re including ourself in this group)!

Play, play and well, more play
Located in the hub of Irvine’s well-known academy row (where tons of learning academies are located), it’s no wonder that Playland Café sprung up with good, wholesome fun.  Designed by a scholar with a Ph.D. in Education, kids have a blast playing on every inch of the 2,000 square foot playground that also accompanies a three-way gang slide. Loose-parts play is also encouraged to build whatever the imagination desires through ginormous foam blocks. The six-foot, bi-level structure encourages moms and dads to get in on the fun, too.

At Your Service
If you rather rest in the café, you can watch your kids through glass windows while the CPR-trained aids guide and keep an eye on your tots. If you’re a germaphobe, you’ll be happy to know that the staff wipes down all of the nooks and crannies with antimicrobial wipes every 30 minutes to make sure your germs aren’t spread (um, can they come to our house?).

Insider tip: The best hours for toddlers to explore are in the mornings from 10am to 2pm before the big kids arrive.

Not just a play space
Playland Cafe is much more than an indoor play space. In fact, there’s a bevy of classes to choose from including art, science and language classes. Most of the classes (some are hosted by Young Rembrandts and Mad Sceince) target kids ages K-6^th grade. Themes include: Harnessing Heat, Magnetic Magic, Optical Illusions, and Anime Cartoon Workshop.  Be sure to check the schedule for the latest class offerings.

Insider tip:  LEGO-building preschool classes and cooking and pastry classes are in the works so be sure to check their latest schedule.

Cafe treats? Yum!
Hungry after your day of play? Enjoy yummy tea and desserts that are thoughtfully selected from local vendors.  Afternoon loose-leaf tea selections are bountiful and dessert selections include: blueberry scones, macarons, mini cupcakes, waffles, honey toast box, mini tarts, and mini cheesecakes.  Can’t decide? Just order the dessert sampler to get a taste of everything.

Inside scoop:  Afternoon tea sets with loose leaf teas from the Bay Area are coming soon…including mini tea sets for the kiddos.

It’s party time!
Playland Cafe features a huge, bright party room that’s ideal for birthday parties. Private and non-private rooms are available and packages start at $375 for 40 people and all packages include birthday invites, complimentary birthday child admission, 2-hour celebration event, Memorable Keepsake for birthday child, and much more.

Insider Tip: Even if you’re not celebrating a birthday but you need a large room to teach a class or have a get together (a.k.a. book club), this spot is good one to keep in mind!

Playland Café
880 Roosevelt
Irvine, Ca
949-829-2789
Online: playlandcafe.com
Admission is $7 for ages under 2 and $12 for 2, and one free adult admission with each paid child.

Have you visited Playland Cafe? Tell us about your trip below!

Written by: Sommy Rhee

Photo credit: Playland Cafe