A Playful Oasis

Designing a Kid-Friendly Indoor Play Cafe for Adults, too

I inhale deeply, close my eyes, and exhale slowly. It’s a simple act, yet a powerful tool for cultivating tranquility and serenity. It’s the feeling of letting go, grounding into the space you’re in, and allowing yourself the feeling of ease. 

The relentless pace of the world around us has extended into the world of parenthood. Our children love the indoor playgounds that are filled with bright lights, loud music, over-stimulating color palettes, and chaos. They are thrilled when we take them there, and we also have fun. Watching our children laugh as perpetual motion machines bring joy. They use their endless supply of energy, swirling and twirling with boundless enthusiasm. And if I’m honest with myself, I can say that I felt torn in these spaces. I enjoyed watching my child laugh, play, and have fun…and I found myself holding my breath, my eyes darting back and forth, trying to keep track of my little one amidst the chaos. It was a constant battle between wanting to let loose and enjoy the moment, and the underlying worry that something might go wrong. I can’t say that I ever felt calm and at ease.

Having a space where my child and I could both feel free was nonexistent…until now.

That’s why Liz and I hope that we are creating a play space where parents and children can escape the noise and find solace. A place where you can pause, breathe, and simply be. Having a space where my child and I could both feel free was nonexistent…until now. Playfull Day Cafe is that space. A space that when you walk in, you exhale, and where your little ones can explore, discover, and grow. We have spent countless hours talking about the design of a space that would allow both adults and children to exhale, find joy, and connect. 

Our Mood Board

Our color palette was very intentionally chosen to provide this calming and inviting atmosphere. Soft hues and neutrals have a soothing, grounding effect. This will help in reducing sensory overload, especially for young children who can easily be overstimulated. The colors promote a sense of tranquility, allowing children to focus and engage with their surroundings without feeling overwhelmed. We hope they will evoke feelings of peace, relaxation, and contentment, creating a positive and nurturing environment for both children and adults. 

We also understand the importance of comfort and convenience for parents and caregivers. That’s why we’ve incorporated comfortable seating in a visually appealing and relaxing atmosphere with strategically chosen soft, warm lighting. We hope to have struck a balance between playfulness and sophistication, offering a play space where parents feel like adults and children are free to play. 

We’ve partnered with Tigerplay to create a safe and stimulating indoor playground and imaginative play area. (Read more about them in our blog dedicated to them.) Tigerplay’s innovative design incorporates slides, climbing structures, and obstacle courses. These elements provide endless fun and encourage children to explore and wonder. We’ve also incorporated some educational elements into the play area, such as interactive panels and sensory toys to spark curiosity and learning. 

In addition, your health and safety are our top priorities. The materials we’ve chosen are non-toxic, antimicrobial, and eco-friendly. We’ve also invested in a self-cleaning changing table, by Pluie, to give you peace of mind and convenience.

At Playfull Day, we've been so intentional about the design of our indoor playground, cafe, and supervised childcare spaces. Our curated color palette, thoughtfully chosen materials, and soothing textures work in harmony to create an environment that feels grounding, rather than overwhelming. We cannot wait to share the progress as this space comes to life. We’ll keep you posted along the way as our space transforms into the whimsical wonderland for your child, and the oasis in the parenting desert for you.