Places to Go: Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops

Going out to eat with young kids can be…challenging. And chances are, when you make plans to hang out at a local coffee shop, you want it to be a relaxing experience – even if you’re hoping the caffeine wakes you up a little. That’s why we love seeing local cafes go out of their way to provide kid-friendly spaces so parents can enjoy the coffee shop environment while knowing their kids will be entertained. Here are three kid-friendly coffee shops to try in the Tulsa area.

Indoor play area at PonyCoffee

PonyCoffee

PonyCoffee, located in downtown Tulsa, is the ultimate kid-friendly coffee shop. Not only does the café have multiple play areas for kids (both indoors and outdoors), it hosts a weekly kids’ hour on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Families can bring their kids to enjoy activities such as bubbles, a self-guided craft and more.

“We wanted to create a communal play date as a way for parents to connect and let our kids socialize while enjoying a nice coffee,” said Sami Ward, who leads the kids’ hour.

This desire to build connection and make going to a coffee shop easier on parents is evident in the café’s design as well. The outdoor play area off the back patio is fenced in and full of interesting features like a vintage rocking horse, large golden boot, play kitchens, etc. Indoors, shelves stocked with books and small toys invite quieter play. Plus, guests of all ages can enjoy the shop’s collection of board games.

Outdoor play area at PonyCoffee

When it comes to kid-friendly food and drinks, you can’t go wrong with PonyCoffee’s hot chocolate (generously topped with whipped cream and marshmallows), a vanilla steamer, juice box or a cookie.

1623 S. Main St., Tulsa; ponycoffee.com

Photo by Jesse Robinson

Handmade

Since its opening in October 2023, Handmade has become a Broken Arrow staple, offering a welcoming space that prioritizes house-made food and syrups, engaging community events and support for local makers through its large market area.

While the café is certainly a great place to study or get away for some quiet reading time, parents will appreciate the kid’s play area, featuring wooden play kitchens and other amenities. The play area is situated in a raised, “balcony”-type area with its own seating options and is surrounded by walls on three sides, giving it a safe, semi-private feel.

The menu offers plenty of fresh, healthy options, in addition to pastries from macarons to muffins. But even if you’ve opted for an indulgent treat, you can rest assured it will be free of food dyes, MSG and high-fructose corn syrup, like all of Handmade’s offerings.

While your kids play, visit the market for a unique shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for a gift, such as a locally made soap or ceramic mug, or a staple you forgot at the grocery store — like eggs or milk — chances are, Handmade has you covered.

732 W. New Orleans St., Suite 160, Broken Arrow; handmadebaok.com

A portion of the patio area at Laurannae Jenks

Laurannae

“The heartbeat of Laurannae has always been community, family and connection,” says owner Kimberly Cronkhite, who started the business as a mobile cupcake truck back in 2012. Today, there are three Laurannae locations: the Broken Arrow Rose District, Jenks, and inside Church on the Move Broken Arrow.

Both the Jenks and Rose District locations feature fenced, outdoor areas where kids can run while the adults relax, and the Church on the Move location is next to a large, indoor playground.

“As a mother of eight, I know firsthand how refreshing it can be to get out of the house, meet a friend for coffee, and have a space where your little ones can play while you connect with other people,” says Cronkhite.

When it comes to fueling your fun, kids can order a kids meal with goldfish crackers and a juice box. Laurannae offers other sandwich and wrap options as well, and there is always a truly impressive selection of decorated cupcakes, cookies and other pastries.

Laurannae in the Rose District. Photo courtesy Laurannae

The business encourages community connection by hosting weekly movie nights and other events, from trivia nights, to dance classes, to yoga on the lawn. Follow Laurannae on social media for updates.

“For us, Laurannae has never been about simply serving coffee and pastries,” says Cronkhite. “We want to create beautiful, meaningful spaces where people can connect with one another and with their community.”

112 W. Commercial St., Broken Arrow; 212 E. Main St., Jenks; Church on the Move Broken Arrow, 1205 E. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow;  lbcotulsa.com