After having been cooped up with two sick boys for the last week or so, I was looking for plenty of fun things for us to get out and do.  I’ve been wanting to visit Cartwheels & Coffee for some time, so I called some friends and off we went.  It is located on Cary Street about two blocks up from the Boulevard.  Since it was a little after ten o’clock on a weekday I was able to park right on the street in front.  We parked our stroller out front with the rest of them and went inside to play. 

I must say that it was a bit smaller than I expected.  It is basically one large room separated by a 3-4 foot wall.  The front is lined with tables, a coffee bar and a small enclosed area for small babies to play.  The baby play area is free.  The coffee bar is set up right next to the entrance to the larger play area.  This is also where you pay for your older kids.  If I remember correctly it was $4 for the first child and $3 for each additional child.  It was pretty busy that morning and a little chaotic at first, but it didn’t take long for my boys to jump right it.  There were lots of padded things to climb on, toys to bounce on, a rocking seesaw-like boat, a small stage area with some costumes, a toy kitchen area and a jungle gym for more climbing and sliding.  My boys wanted mostly to climb and slide.  It was a little nerve-racking for me but good for their development and stair practice.  I assume that if your kids are a little older than mine you could probably safely sit in the front area with a beverage while they played.  I will get there one day. 

Since you do have to pay to play it probably isn’t something that I would do every week, but I will definitely go back again.  The smaller play area was actually nice for me because the boys didn’t have as much room to run in separate directions.  It was very easy to keep a close eye on them both.  I think their setup is perfect for kids under the age of 5.  In addition to the everyday play, they also have a free storytime every Friday morning, camps during the summer, various classes and they do birthday parties as well.  Please visit their website for a complete list of their services, prices and monthly calendar.  http://www.cartwheelsandcoffee.com/cartwheels/home.html

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