What is Outside-In PlayCafe?
Opened in July 2008, Outside-In PlayCafe is a family owned and operated 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. Dine-in and take out options are available, as well as some "take and heat" family meals.
Our atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and just as much an escape for parents as it is fun for kids. With overstuffed seating surrounding the play areas, parents can enjoy a gourmet coffee, check their email using our free WiFi, read a magazine, or just r-e-l-a-x and watch the little ones play. Our primary age group for play is 1 - 8, but we also offer table games for older children.
Our Background
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.
Press Releases
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December 30, 2008 - Outside-In PlayCafe Offers Parents a Night Off
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September 30,2008 - New Kids Play Cafe Opens in Redmond
What Others Are Saying
The Partners
Justin Young - Our foodie expert and creator of our incredible menu. Justin has a background in restaurant management, and most recently managed the food services at Sun River Resorts near Bend, OR.Dana Young - Our personable, energetic and workaholic manager; you will see her most often at the cafe when she is not traveling around town asking everyone she meets if they've been to Outside-In yet. Dana has a background in teaching and public administration.
Jennifer Middlekauff - Our distant partner, Jennifer resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and has a background in business and project management.
Events at the Cafe
Dance and Sing with Janelly Bean - Award winning local children's performer has a show weekly at the cafe for no extra charge
Disco Dinners - Wednesday evenings, bring the kids to shake their groove things with dance music and disco lighting
Puppet Shows and Craft Time
Private Parties - available for booking on Sunday afternoons
netWorking Moms - meet every Monday from 4 - 5PM
