Looking for toddler-friendly cafes in Manchester where little ones can play while you grab a decent coffee? From cosy cafés with toy corners to full-blown play towns, these are the best places to take toddlers across Manchester.
Heading out with toddlers isn’t always easy — especially when you’re trying to enjoy a hot drink at the same time. Luckily, Manchester is home to plenty of toddler-friendly cafes with play areas, toy towns and sensory spaces designed to keep little ones busy while parents relax. These cafes are welcoming, family-focused and perfect for stress-free days out with under-fives.
If you’re planning a full day out, it’s also worth bookmarking our guide to the best soft play centres in Manchester and family-friendly restaurants in Manchester. You might also like our guide to the best things to do with toddlers in Manchester.
Little World for Scholars, Altrincham
Credit: Little World For Scholars
Head to Altrincham for one of the best toddler cafes in Greater Manchester. Little World for Scholars is a cafe dedicated to roleplay, home to an incredible toy town where little ones can mow the lawn, drive a JCB or work in an office. With plenty to keep them occupied, they’ll want to stay all day.
As for the cafe, you’ll find a range of hot and cold drinks which you can enjoy from a seating area overlooking the play town – there’s no need to worry about the little one toddling out of view. If you get peckish, you can order a treat from Silver Apples Bakery to go with your brew.
Where is it? Little World for Scholars, 28 Stamford New Road, Altrincham, WA14 1EJ.
When is it open? 9:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Thursday & 9:30am to 5:30pm Friday to Sunday.
Find out more: littleworldforscholars.co.uk
Poppies, Urmston
Credit: Poppies Coffee Shop
Over in Urmston, Poppies is an ever-popular cafe that attracts parents of toddlers for its mouth-watering food offering. But the kids will remember it for its play room, which comes packed with colourful toys and a play kitchen, along with a mini library for book-loving little ones.
The menu at Poppies will see you from breakfast through to mid-afternoon treats. There’s everything from avocado on toast to a cracking full English, along with kid-friendly eats like paninis and beans on toast. Be sure to try one of their luxury milkshakes, they’re seriously good.
Where is it? Poppies, 11-13 Davyhulme Circle, Urmston, Manchester, M41 0ST.
When is it open? 9:30am to 2:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, closed on Wednesdays.
Find out more: instagram.com/poppies.coffeeshop
Bean & Brush Art Cafe, Sale
If you’ve got artsy tots, a trip to Bean & Brush is in order. You see, this cafe has a unique twist – it’s got its own arts and crafts studio, where creative kids can grab a paintbrush and paint their own piece of pottery You can even get a clay imprint of your baby’s hand or footprint as a keepsake!
There’s iced coffee and hot chocolate with gooey marshmallows on the drinks menu, while delights like focaccia sandwiches, hearty stews and jacket potatoes will keep you well-fed. If the kids need a bite, they can dig into the likes of pizza or eggs on toast for a pocket-friendly price.
Where is it? Bean & Brush, 51-52 Stanley Square, Sale, M33 7XZ.
When is it open? 9am to 5pm every day except Wednesday when it’s open until 7pm.
Find out more: instagram.com/bean_and_brush_cafe
Head Over Heels, Chorlton
Credit: Head Over Heels
Head Over Heels is an award-winning play cafe with two sites in Manchester. Inside their Chorlton venue you’ll find 13 different zones, including three dedicated specifically to babies and toddlers. Our favourite part is the sensory area, designed to spark their imagination with bubble tubes, fibre optics and an infinity mirror.
There’s even a mini role play village in the Sky Terrace Cafe Bar, so you can sip coffee while they play make-believe. A huge grown ups menu includes proper eats like Caesar salad and falafel wraps, locally-sourced from Chorlton businesses, while kids can enjoy sandwiches, fish goujons and more.
Where is it? Head Over Heels, Unit 1A, Albany Road Trading Estate, Albany Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 0AZ.
When is it open? 9:30am to 6:30pm every day.
Find out more: headoverheelsplay.co.uk
Little Explorers, Urmston
Another cafe dedicated to roleplay, Little Explorers has a fantastic toy town with seven different areas. Tots can cook pizza in Isla’s Cafe, shop for groceries at the market then sort mail at the post office. There’s a sensory area for pre-walkers, along with SEN sessions where capacity is limited to eight at a time.
There’s coffee for grown ups and babyccinos for the little ones, along with a fine selection of toasties and sandwiches. The children’s meal deal is a steal too, serving up a sandwich, crisps, raisins, carrot sticks and squash for just £3.95, while the baby finger food platter comes in at as little as £1.95.
Where is it? Little Explorers, 106-108 Flixton Road, Urmston, M41 5AL.
When is it open? 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on weekends.
Find out more: little-explorersmcr.co.uk
