Kindercafés in Berlin
Kindercafés in Berlin have been the saviour of parents all over the city. Especially in winter when it’s too cold to play in a park but the kids need to let off some steam and you need to sit down with a coffee or meet another mum for a chat. We ALL understand the need for that.
Why are they so good? Because it gives you time in a different environment. These cafes vary in size and space but all are there to help your children play and adapt to a new environment of active play, and often they are able to interact with new children and games or books, all whilst having mum or dad nearby. Some would say Kindercafés are more for the parent than the children. Not only does it get the kids out of the house and a change of pace, but YOU get to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat, maybe even some quiet time, or even special one on one time playing with your child.
When visiting a Kindercafé in Berlin it is important to check their opening hours as they vary greatly, and play by the rules. Most places ask you to take your shoes off, put toys back where they came from and, of course, no damaging toys and the rest of the fun things that are there for everyone’s enjoyment. Some even have a small entrance fee, or minimums spend when you enter: this is so you don’t sit on one coffee all afternoon and take too much advantage of the free playroom; they are a business after all. But most of all, they are not a babysitting service where you leave your kids and go elsewhere. Accepting these guidelines makes it easier for everyone visiting the café, and they can become a great place to meet other parents and kids, or even a place you and other mums can meet regularly.
Sometimes called Eltern/kindcafés, or Familiencafé, there are many Kindercafés in Berlin and you are likely to find one not too far from you. We’ve compiled a list of the best in each suburb, just to get you started. Check them out and you are bound to find a favourite, and no matter if it’s across town a little bit: the trip becomes an excursion for you and the kids and turns the whole morning or afternoon into a Berlin adventure.
Café Schönhausen – Pankow
This is a gorgeous and colourful place that the kids and parents love. In summer the terrace outside opens up for seating and the ice cream flows! They have a large menu for a Kindercafé, and many families like to take advantage of the location and space here. It’s has a great play area and space they hold children’s birthday parties and craft days too.
Kindercafé Wunderland – Wilmersdorf/Charlottenburg
Wonderland is right, and not only because of the Alice in Wonderland mural on the wall. The space is geared towards parties and private functions, as it’s more of an indoor play center for ages 4 and up than your simple café for families, but it’s still a wonderful option for a cuppa and a play, although be prepared to pay an entrance fee per child to the play area. On Sunday’s they also have a brunch on offer!
Kindercafé Milchbart – Prenzlauerberg
An intimate option is the lovely Milchbart in Prenzlauerberg. Small and inviting, there’s a nice play area, seats for the kids and a good selection of food and treats. This café is also a great option for mums with little ones as it is very baby and toddler-friendly, and it is open from 10 am in the week.
Kindercafé Emma & Paul – Schöneberg
Emma and Paul’s is a perfect option for parents who don’t want to feel like they’ve stepped into a kiddie wonderland to have a coffee or a meal, but into a sleek café that has a fantastic children’s corner. The play area is impressive with room for a wooden climbing fort and slide, as well as other toys and activities. The café offers everything you’d find in a ‘normal’ café, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Amitola – Friedrichshain
Not just a Kindercafé, Amitola is big business. With another location in Karlshorst, Amitola is known around Berlin as a wonderful Kindercafé, filled to the brim with products and services that lay outside the simply coffee, cake and play Kindercafé theme. They even have a kinder theatre schedule for the children and LOTS of courses on offer for both parents and children of all ages.
Frauline Knopfauge – Moabit
Relatively new on the Kindercafé scene, this simple Kindercafé in Moabit is a nice local place to run away to. The two separate playrooms have lots to do in them, and you can either sit in the playroom and enjoy your tea if you need to keep one eye on your smaller child, or parents can rest in the front area at a table whilst you let the older kids run free. Not a place for meals but the hot waffles and other goodies are tasty.
Café Blume – Neukölln
Not traditionally listed as a kinder café, Café Blume still needs to be noted for its wonderful spielecke (play corner) within the café itself. So adults will find a heaven amongst the cake and great coffee, or even a heartier meal, and the kids can run away to the corner and climb and play to their little heart’s content.
Purzelbaum – Steglitz
A Kindercafé and second-hand clothing shop? Yes, please. Here you have the opportunity to shop AND rest. Purselbaum has a small café area where you can buy a nice selection of snacks and drinks whilst the kids entertain themselves with the toys, and you do a bit of browsing the second-hand goods on offer.
Kreuzzwerg – Kreuzberg
The Kinder-Kulture-Café, Kreuzzwerg is a gorgeous bright place with lots of room for both sitting and enjoying a cuppa, and letting the kids explore. This café really use their space well and are a popular spot for families all week round, including a well-priced Saturday brunch.
Allerhand Kinderladen – Lichtenberg
This is a bit of an all in one business where you can enjoy the elements of a kinder café, plus second-hand children’s good dealer and hand-made babies clothes to boot! They are famous for their ice cream selection and host a great children’s party or catering service.
We hope this has inspired you to take the train and go on a Kindercafé tour of your own in Berlin, you never know what little gem you might find. Ready, set, go!
What are your favourite Kindercafés in Berlin? Do let us know in the comments!