Kids' Cafe Especially for People With Young Children

Opened in July 2008, Outside-In PlayCafe is a 2400 square foot cafe with play space designed just for people with small children to come, relax, enjoy a meal or snack, and let the little ones let loose! 

Our menu features fresh, made-to-order paninis and pastas made with local organic produce, soups, salads, smoothies, coffee drinks, snacks, and beverages.  Our primary age group for play is 1 - 7, but we also offer check-out table games for older children. 

Our Story

Outside-In PlayCafe was created by Dana Young, a working mom with a background in childcare and teaching, and her husband Justin, with 20+ years in the restaurant industry.   Dana had become frustrated by the shortage of safe places to take her children that were also comfortable for the adults caring for them.  She wished there was a kid-friendly place that offered good wholesome “parent-friendly” food, an atmosphere inviting for adults and inspiring for children, and unique toys that developed children’s minds and bodies.  Nothing quite like that existed nearby, despite the rapidly growing population of young families with small children, so she decided to open her own “playcafe”, for her family and for the community. 

Dana was visiting her friend Jenny in the San Francisco Bay Area and told her about her idea for the playcafe.  The two friends met through a mom's group when their sons (born 44 minutes apart!) were infants, and now they also had daughters the same age.  Jenny, who has a background in business and project management, was excited about Dana's concept for the Outside-In PlayCafe, and asked if she wanted a partner.  Dana was happy to have another like-minded mom help make her dream become reality.