Kid-friendly coffee shops are a must when you’re a Mom that loves coffee. I’m not going to lie…when we moved to Charlotte I immediately started looking for new cafes and coffee joints to visit. With new Moms moving to the area every day, a list of kid-friendly coffee shops in and around Charlotte seems almost necessary.
In full disclosure, I have yet to be able to visit all of these shops. However, I have visited quite a few of them. The rest I found through lots of research. I spent time looking up each shop, reading reviews and looking at what other Mom sites had to say about them. Needless to say, any that I haven’t visited in person yet are already on my list of new coffee shops to visit!
Amelie’s French Bakery and Cafe
Amelie’s French Bakery and Cafe has quickly become one of my favorite cafes since moving to Charlotte. While I prefer to visit without children (what mom doesn’t like some quiet time?!), it is definitely kid-friendly.
The atmosphere alone is enough to keep any kid entertained. There are plenty of fun things to look at and observe while grabbing a bite at Amelie’s. Add a sweet and colorful pastry to that, and your kids will really enjoy themselves.
So far I have only visited their Park Road location, however there are other locations in and around Charlotte. Head on over to their website to find out more about them.
Alice Jule’s Coffee House
It’s no secret that Alice Jules Coffee House in Monroe, NC is kid-friendly. You can look at their social media pages at any given time and see pictures of cute little ones filling their pages.
The first time I took my girls there they absolutely loved it. The staff was so friendly and patient with my girls. Kids aren’t the best at making decisions, but the staff had no problem engaging them and answering their questions. That’s a big bonus in my book. Another reason they get bonus points? They have kid-friendly treats and drinks. What kid doesn’t love a smoothie?!
The outdoor seating is great for kiddos. If you head there on a nice day, you and the kids can head out to the porch and sip on delicious drinks while enjoying the fresh air. Before you visit their shop, make sure you check out their website for more information about their hours and their menu.
Coco & The Director
Coco & The Director made my list of kid-friendly coffee shops in and around Charlotte because of their reviews and their unique seating. I first found them through a Google search, and ever since then I’ve been intrigued.
If you head to their “About” section on their website, you’ll discover that they have in-house stadium seating, comfy cushions and other unique seating options. Plus, they have board games! And their menu has more than just coffee on it, which is a plus when you’re out and about with kids in tow. All of these things make me think that they would be the perfect spot to stop and grab a coffee while you’re out with your kiddos.
High Octane
High Octane, new to downtown Monroe, NC, is quite unique upon first glance. A big green dinosaur and old-fashioned gas pumps sit in the parking lot of the coffee house. Housed in a building that was once a gas station, High Octane is kid-friendly in many ways. From Hershey’s ice cream to the amazing waffles, your kiddo is sure to find something that they like while there.
When I first visited, I also noticed that they had seating for both adults and children. With high chairs on hand and both indoor and outdoor seating, your kids should be right at home at High Octane. Want more information about this kid-friendly coffee shop? Head on over to their website right away.
Mac Tabby Cat Cafe
Imagine my delight and curiosity when I found out that cafes such as Mac Tabby Cat Café exist! I haven’t told my 8 year old daughter about it yet, because if I did she would be begging me to take her there every day. Can you imagine….you take your kids (they do have to be 7+ years) to play with some cats, and while you’re there you can enjoy a cup of coffee or other refreshments? Well it does exist, so you better believe it!
Due to the nature of their business, Mac Tabby Cat Café does have some pretty specific rules. Make sure you check them out online before you head to either one of their two locations. So start looking into those reservations now, grab your kiddos, and go get a cup of coffee at Mac Tabby Cat Café.
Caf[fiend]
I just recently discovered this coffee shop in Mineral Springs, NC through a Facebook post. One Mom in a local Mommy group posted a photo of a flier in their shop advertising meet-ups for Moms on several days of the week. The picture immediately caught my eye. They have all kinds of meet-ups, including stay at home parent days and a busy Mom’s social. How awesome is that?
I’m very open to trying any coffee shop, but Caf[fiend] gets major points for this factor alone. If you visit their website, you’ll find that they have very traditional café and coffee shop drinks and treats. One little blurb that I love on their website is in their “Our Story” section. They write about the importance of positivity and put an emphasis on surrounding themselves with great people. Sounds like a wonderful place to take my kids for a cup of coffee!
The Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters
The Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters, located in Charlotte, is another kid-friendly coffee shop on this list. While I have not personally visited this location, the reviews seem to say that it is in fact a great family establishment.
Colorful murals outdoors with plenty of outdoor seating offer a fun and relaxed atmosphere for you to stop and hang out with your kids. The video montage on their homepage even shows kiddos hanging out and having fun in their outdoor space. Their menu, which is very diverse, offers a little bit of something for everyone and is sure to have something that your kids will want to snack on while you enjoy some coffee.
Playland Indoor Playground & Café
Playland Indoor Playground & Café is about as kid-friendly as it gets. Located in Monroe, NC, Playland boasts a giant indoor playground, a café for parents, and as their website says…free Wi-Fi! Parents can literally sit, sip on a warm cup of coffee and maybe even do a little work while watching their kids play inside a safe, enclosed environment.
I really wish I could say that we’ve already been to Playland, but we have not. It is my mission to get us there within the next month, though. While my kids are excited about massive amounts of indoor playtime, I’m excited to check out their café menu. Their website says that they, “…serve a variety of snacks, coffee and other refreshments..” and shows a crepe and a cup of coffee in the picture next to it. Sounds amazing to me!
Queen City Grounds
Queen City Grounds, located in Charlotte, NC, offers several amenities that are kid-friendly. According to one review on Google, they have outdoor picnic tables, a library and “comfy chairs.” Another reviewer mentions board games and a cozy atmosphere. I know that when I have my kids with me I want to stop somewhere that both myself and the kids can have fun. Queen City Grounds sounds like just the place.
Before you head on over to Queen City Grounds, make sure you check out their website. They have two locations that have different hours.
Provisions Waxhaw
Provisions Waxhaw is a coffee shop, restaurant and market located in downtown Waxhaw, NC. Having visited here a few times, I can tell you that it is without a doubt a kid-friendly establishment. Walking in on any given day you’ll see several families sitting in the dining room, chatting and enjoying their goodies.
What I love about Provisions Waxhaw is that you can take your kids there for a meal, or you can take them in for some old fashioned candy sticks and other candy treats. While not a candy store specifically, there are many nostalgic pieces of candy on the shelf and ready for purchase.
The other great thing about Provisions Waxhaw is the walkability factor. Because they are located in downtown Waxhaw, they are within walking distance of several other kid-friendly establishments. Check them out on their website before you stop by.
Madison Perk Coffee Bar
Madison Perk Coffee Bar sounds like a perfect kid-friendly coffee shop and family establishment. In addition to selling great coffee, many Google reviewers note that they love to take their kids there. One even talks about how Madison Perk Coffee Bar has “books and toys” to keep the kids entertained while they’re in the shop.
It is always an awesome feeling when an establishment goes above and beyond to make sure that even their smallest customers are taken care of. Next time you’re in Charlotte with the kids, make sure to stop in at Madison Perk Coffee Bar. And if you want to check them out before you go then you can find more info about them here.
The Union Exchange
While not just a coffee shop, The Union Exchange makes this list for many reasons. For one, they do in fact have a coffee shop on premises. If you go inside the main barn, The Exchange Market, you can purchase coffee drinks in addition to teas and other drinks.
So what makes The Union Exchange kid-friendly? Everything! Sitting on a massive 54-acre property in rural Monroe, NC, there is so much for your kids to do while you visit and grab a cup of joe. Inside the main barn you’ll find games, comfortable seating, sweet treats and ice cream. If you venture outside you’ll find a playground, cute animals and lots of land to explore.
I highly recommend you go grab a coffee from The Union Exchange. Check out their website before you go…oftentimes they have fun family and kid-friendly events going on!
There Are So Many Other Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops
These 12 kid-friendly coffee shops are just a small glimpse at the coffee shops that Charlotte has to offer. As a newbie to the Charlotte area, it was shocking and overwhelming to see just how many Charlotte coffee shops pop up in a Google search. But these seem like great places to start!
Moms, what are your favorite kid-friendly coffee shops in and around Charlotte? Let us know in the comments below!
