Cafe + Play — Restaurant in Meridian

I’ve re-written this review several times and have thought about not writing it at all, but then realized it should be said. 😕 I’m a multi-business owner and would appreciate this type of feedback to better myself and my businesses if warranted.

I was at the cafe 8/6/25 with my little guy. Upon entering it was PACKED & chaotic (to be expected). The cafe area is huge and the play area is very small. Too small to have big kids (10+ mixed in with little babies/toddlers). There should be designated areas to separate (0-4, 5-7, etc.).

The structures in the play area are all wooden with no softness to them (sharp edges, etc.). There is exposed hardwood in the designated play area as well (dangerous, especially for babies and toddlers). Kids were sliding around in their socks and slipping everywhere (everyone needs to wear grip socks). 🫣

It was extremely packed when we were there and kids were running wild with no parent in sight (kids that clearly needed adult supervision). At one point I was babysitting about 4 kids in the play area - one being super unkind to the other kids.

In addition, a major accident happened: a little boy playing on a very low to the ground wooden swing whacked his face and was bleeding everywhere. I picked him up instantly, looked around, and his mother wasn’t in sight. He’s dripping blood EVERYWHERE (including all over me). Meanwhile, I have my own (almost 2 year old) to watch. I had to ask someone to watch him while I carried someone else’s bloody child to find their parent. It was chaotic and I still couldn’t find the mom when I brought him out to the lobby. She finally took him and rushed off with employees as I’m left with blood all over my clothes, socks, neck, and arms. I had to follow them to ask them for cleaning wipes.

The situation was handled poorly.

My son ended up getting blood on him from me having blood all over my clothes. We were only there for a little over an hour and left after that with no real offerings to clean up, etc.

I won’t be coming back to this one, unfortunately. ☹️

*edit: owner sent me a lengthy email asking me to remove this review while also being unkind in her efforts. I’m shocked. As a new business owner, that’s not a good start.

edit again: since owner is relentless in being pushy and rude - I asked for a towel, it was not given.

I NEVER ASKED FOR A FREE ITEM.

a refund was made as a suggestion and not an immediate given. I didn’t ask for that, so stop making it seem as such.

I ASKED FOR ALCOHOL SPRAY 30 minutes after the incident because blood was all over my shirt. It was never just given to me.

please stop...

I want to start off by saying this place was so cute! I love the design and my kids loved all the different toys and play structures. All that being said, this place had some huge misses in my opinion. Some of them need to be fixed before I return or recommend the place to friends.

1. The big slide is insanely dangerous, not even just for kids going down it but for kids playing in the play area. While there I saw multiple kids trip on the small mat at the end of the slide. One ended up smacking his head on it. It's also super fast and the kids fly over the tiny mat and onto the hard floor 90% of the time.
2. The seating for parents SUCKS, and there is nowhere to put your stuff or to park strollers. At one point there where 2 strollers inside the play area. On top of the limited seating parents had their bags and stuff in the already small area, making it feel smaller.
3. The play area is way to small! I totally get the concept the owner was going for but there is an insane amount of seating for the cafe and the play area is crammed. Back to point #2 parents can't even sit on the floor(something I wouldn't do anyway since it's hard floor with a tiny bit of padding under the play structures) in the play area because then you're blocking the walkway for kids to get around. This explains why parent seating is limited but it honestly feels like the owner didn't expect most parents to be in the play area with their kids?

I think the concept is amazing! I just think some marks were really missed here. Some minor things; adults walking around with hot coffee and nowhere to put it, the entire floor not being padded, bad layout choices.

The staff was so friendly! The price was extremely fair, and the place was clean! Great idea, great job hiring, bad execution. Fingers crossed over time some much needed changes...

VERY cute and fun. Well put together and made with kids in mind. Be mindful that when you come in if they are at capacity you will need to wait to go into the play area (which is totally reasonable and they have a phenomenal craft area and book nook, but this can be really hard for youngings) I think they mentioned eventually they will have a waitlist for incoming guests so you can get a feel for how busy it is etc. Be mindful- it’s a kid zone and it can get very loud VERY fast, if your kid has sensory sensitivities I’d highly suggest bringing headphones or spending time in the side areas first to warm up to the play area. The staff were all very friendly and sweet, you can tell this is a place that actually likes kids (if you know you know). Went with a friend and brought our two kiddos and had a wonderful time, we only had to wait about 15 minutes to go in the play zone and we set a 30 minute timer in the play zone (by our choice- not cafe policy they’re very accommodating and kind) we felt like it was more than enough time for them to experience everything, yap and have a treat. They have great coffee and croissants (though VERY flakey so be warned you will make a mess!) very excited for a place like this to come to Meridian, we love places like this that actually see children as valuable members of society and not nuisances!! My daughter loved playing in the craft area with these other lovely new friends. Can’t wait to...