Kids Play area in Cafes- what do you expect

[sassie23]

Hello Ladies
I run a small coffee shop and bakery with my husband and we already have a small kiddies area as we know they are invaluable to busy mums and dads who want to have their cappuccino in peace for 5 mins.
Most customers seem very pleased with our efforts but I would like to improve our facilities and wondered if you could give me your ideas on what you would like to see in a kids play area. Space is limited so here's an idea of what we already have. A child size table and chair set, bricks, books for all ages, colouring in books, crayons and babies toys. I'm hoping to start a promotional offer for local mums to bring their pre schoolers in for coffee, scones etc on a thursday mornings so I would like to make sure we are all set for the little ones!!
thanks for your suggestions

[llareggub]

The sponsor idea is a great one.

There is a cafe near us with a play area. They have a wooden car with room for 2 children to sit inside. It is very popular. They don't have much in the play area but what they do have is clean, in good condition and quiet.

It would put me off if I had to listen to cbeebies, particularly if I didn't have the children with me. We have enough of that at home. I guess you don't want to alienate the customers without children too?

[NorbertDentressangle]

Wooden Play kitchens:

less than £60 but a bit pink!

some fantastic ones on here, together with wooden fruit and veg, wooden till etc

[notevenamousie]

Books is a good idea. There's a lovely one in Keswick, it has bricks of varying types too, meccano for the older ones, and the sorts of mazes/beads/cogs on the wall kind of games. I agree no noisy things like tv or electronic toys. My dd loves colouring in places like yours, and a garage or train set is a good idea.

[alarkaspree]

Our gym cafe has magna tiles which are incredibly popular with children of all ages, and big enough not to get lost easily.