Vancouver, WA

It wasn’t raining today, so I could have taken my daughter Avery to a park, but I woke up feeling a little under the weather and the park simply sounded like too much effort. If I’d stayed home, I’d have been tempted to sit on the couch all morning, wishing I could just climb back into bed. Instead we donned our shoes and sweaters and headed out to Café Sip-N-Play, a kid-centered coffeehouse and play place, and most importantly somewhere I could get a big cup of caffeine and she could play to her heart’s content.

Located in what I call east Vancouver (I live down south of Portland, so I’m not clear on the correct terminology), it’s a bit of a drive for me, but if you’re already up that way, it’s likely a very quick trip. Just head east on WA-14, take exit 8 at SE 164th Ave., and then turn left at the light. Watch for the IHOP ahead on your left, turn onto Village Loop and you’re there.

On our way, we picked up my old college roommate and her 20-month-old son Miles to keep us company. We had no idea what to expect and were both pleasantly surprised when we got there. The café is a spacious room, nearly 1500 sq. ft., which is divided in two by a low wall and eating counter. The coffeehouse side has plenty of tables and chairs, high chairs and boosters to go around. There is also an area in the back with a comfy sofa and upholstered seating. You can’t see the kids playing from there, but it’s good if you’re looking for a quieter spot to read. I also noted one mom using her laptop and taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi. I could see myself doing that next time, maybe paying a few bills or writing my next blog while Avery entertains herself! Today, my friend and I just chatted, sitting at the eating counter and enjoying our food and drinks while keeping a close eye on our kids.

The well-organized play area is for ages 1-5 only, and appears neat and clean. Admission is $3.75, or just $2 after 3 p.m., so make sure you have time to stay a while. There’s also a free, small section for children 12 months and younger. A gate keeps kids from wandering out into the dining area, and there is a socks-only policy in the play area for both kids and adults. They do have a basket of clean extra socks in case you forget and your little angel is wearing sandals that day.

Thanks to the way it is designed, the play area feels calm and chaos-free, with three roomy sections that give kids plenty of space to move about. Among the activities are a castle-style fort complete with slide (just the right size for toddlers), a small kitchen, shopping carts, baby dolls, books, puzzles, foam blocks (the vinyl-covered style you might find in a kids’ gym environment), and even a big Thomas the Train table. Everything was in good shape, and although there was a hand sanitizer dispenser mounted above the gate, nothing seemed grimy. (If you’ve been in many other toddler play places, you know what I mean.) There was also a bin located out of little arms’ reach for parents to place “dirty” toys, a.k.a. those that have been sucked on.

We didn’t need to visit it, but according to their website, the bathroom has a full-sized changing table and is well-stocked with wipes and various sizes of diapers, just in case.

The menu at Café Sip-N-Play features all your favorite coffee drinks, smoothies, Italian sodas, and flavored iced teas. The food looked great, too, and ranged from chicken nuggets or mini corndogs for the kids, to deli-style sandwiches and soup for adults. I enjoyed a raisin-cinnamon bagel, plus a big Vanilla Chai Latte (yum!). Avery had a thick slice of banana bread (okay, I ate half) and a cup of YoBaby yogurt. My friend had Marguerite pizza and salad (actual green lettuce, not iceberg) and it looked so good, I was a little jealous. You can also indulge in a scoop of gelato Italian ice cream.

When we left, I have to admit the trip felt a little pricey. Although my bagel was less than $2, I’d still spent nearly $13 total; my friend spent around $15. Of course, this wasn’t just a play date; it was basically lunch out at a restaurant and a treat for us. Next time I’ll keep the price down by skipping the lunch and just paying for drinks and playtime.

Café Sip-N-Play is open seven days a week, starting at 9 a.m. They close at 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and at 3 p.m. Sunday.