Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea, Photo Credit: Cortney Fries
Whether you’re into coffee to kickstart your day or are looking for a little pick-me-up in the afternoon, these java shops around the Chicago area are cool for kids and adults alike. From play spaces to tempting cold brews and tasty elixirs, these cafes are super cool for families.
Note: We’re updating our website as quickly as we can, but changes may occur due to COVID-19. Please double check before heading out for the most updated information on dine-in availability, safety precautions and any last-minute closings. Stay safe!
Red June Cafe
Where: 2020 N. Leavitt St., Chicago
COVID-19 updates: Open
This eclectic little cafe on a quiet corner in Bucktown has a walk-up window perfect for those on a stroll. Red June Cafe serves coffee brewed with Julius Meinl beans, smoothies, muffins and baked goods, breakfast and lunch entrees as well as quick bites. There’s a cute corner for kids to play, color and read and tons of kitschy signs that my children thought were hysterical, like “Drink Coffee and Do Stupid Things Faster and With More Energy.” This is a great Bucktown stop to get your caffeine fix.
Plein Air Cafe
Where: 5751 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago
COVID-19 updates: Open for take-out orders only
Stop by this French cafe for a quick bite to eat and a cup of coffee. There’s outdoor seating available or you can take a walk around nearby University of Chicago to explore the campus. You can also visit the Oriental Institute Museum or Smart Museum of Art.
Stan’s Donuts & Coffee
Photo Credit: Cheryl Eugenio
Where: 181 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago (Millenium Park), 26 E. Roosevelt Road, Chicago (South Loop), 535 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago (Magnificent Mile), 259 E. Erie St., Chicago (Streeterville), 750 N. Rush St., Chicago (Gold Coast), 1301 W. Lake St., Chicago (West Loop), 1560 N. Damen Ave., Chicago (Wicker Park), 2800 N. Clark St., Chicago (Lakeview South), 3300 N. Broadway, Chicago (Lakeview North), 529 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook (Oak Brook Center), 17W615 Butterfield Road, Oakbrook Terrace and 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg (Woodfield Mall)
COVID-19 updates: Open
What kid can say no to donuts? From glazed to pretzel, peanut butter pocket, vegan and even gluten-less, who can resist? Plus, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee has cold brew and all sorts of cappuccino specialties. Parents can get their caffeine kick while kids enjoy their sugar rush. All’s fair.
Coffee Haus
Photo Credit: Cortney Fries
Where: 209 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg
COVID-19 updates: Open, check the shop’s Facebook page for latest hours.
This Korean cafe in Schaumburg is a real gem, especially for those with a sweet tooth and sense of adventure. Aside from coffees and teas, you can also taste bubble teas, amazing smoothies, Belgium waffles piled with ice cream and tempting flavors of bingsu, a shaved ice dessert that’s like the most incredible, multi-sensory sundae. Trying new treats can be such a joy!
Little Hoppers Play Cafe
Where: 2760 W. 111th St., Chicago
COVID-19 updates: Open, read the full list of safety precautions
This new play cafe in Beverly recently opened. Geared for younger kids (ages birth-7), the play area includes slides, tunnels and kitchen sets to keep your littles ones busy. Gourmet drinks and snacks are available, too.
Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea
Where: 1620 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (Bucktown), 702 Lake Street, Oak Park, 899 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, 1330 W Fulton Market, Chicago and 12 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (Millennium Park)
COVID-19 updates: Millennium Park location is temporarily closed.
Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea plays on the whole county fair idea in a hip, modern way (decked with swings to hang out on and the most adorable kids’ lunchbox meals). The menu features a rotating selection of quality coffee roasts from around the country. There are even cold brews and nitros on tap. Have trouble selecting? Order a coffee flight! There’s also tea, matcha and elixirs that include jasmine, coconut caramel marshmallow, walnut bitters and interesting seasonal flavors.
South Shore Brew
Where: 7101 S. Yates Blvd, Chicago
COVID-19 updates: Open
Families will enjoy the friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere at this South Shore coffee shop. Browse through the coffee menu, while kids will love to try out one of the healthy smoothies. If you want to take your drinks outside, find a spot to relax at South Shore Park.
The Wormhole Coffee
Where: 1462 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
COVID-19 updates: Open for take-out orders only
Children of the ’80s and ’90s will relish taking their children to this funky coffee shop featuring relics from their childhood. Retro games, movie posters and even a DeLorean in back deck out this cafe that serves up Halfwit Coffee and specialty drinks. Everyone raves about the Koopa Troopa chocolate peanut butter latte and the Honey Bear honey latte.
Colectivo
Where: 5425 N. Clark Street, Chicago (Andersonville), 2530 N. Clark St., Chicago (Lincoln Park), 2261 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (Logan Square), 1211 N. Damen Ave., Chicago (Wicker Park), 716 Church Street, Evanston
This java chain has locations around Chicago, with several including outdoor spaces and fire pits. Inventive coffees and teas include Windy Ci-Tea with black tea, earl gray, lavender syrup and oat milk, Cold Brew Horchata with cinnamon and vanilla and a Minty Matcha Latte. All-day breakfast includes burritos, bowls and classics like avocado toast. Basic to bold sandwiches and wraps ensure everyone is satisfied.
Ipsento 606
Where: 1813 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
COVID-19 updates: Open for take-out orders only
Ipsento 606 is a gem of a coffee shop right off The 606 trail. Before or after your 606 excursion with the kids, nab a Cardamom Rose or Nutella latte, espresso or tea. Kids will love the house-made mini donuts and smoothies. There’s also a full bar with beer and cocktails, cheese boards and other favorites for later in the day.
Little Beans Café
Where: 430 Asbury Ave, Evanston
COVID-19 updates: Temporarily closed, but taking reservations for drop-off play, virtual learning support and co-working desks
Little Beans Café is a family cafe and play space, meaning kids can take advantage of interactive, imaginative play areas while the adults can enjoy a cafe setting with Intelligentsia coffee and paninis (as well as hot dogs and mac and cheese for the kids). The Evanston location includes a gym, obstacle course, karaoke and table game areas to keep “Big Beans” ages 5-12 entertained.
Be Kids Cafe Chicago
Photo Credit: Cortney Fries
Where: 2800 W. North Ave, Chicago
COVID-19 updates: Temporarily closed
Be Kids Cafe has a coffee shop up front, which features Metric Coffee, Rishi Tea and Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits. Yum. In back, there’s a giant play structure that includes a slide, monkey bars and a toddler space. On Sundays, pre-teen instructor, Ariel, and her mom teach a Slime School for an added fee. Be Kids Cafe is super fun, plus is located across the street from Humboldt Park, so you can also get some outdoor play time too.
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This article originally published on April 1, 2020. It has been updated with the most recent information.
