Best indoor spaces for kids to play while mom works

RALEIGH, N.C. — One of the epic struggles of a working mom is finding space to work when kids are home. Work doesn’t stop for teacher workdays, holiday breaks, summer or even Covid exposures. Deadlines don’t disappear on snow days or take the day off for remote learning.

Thanks to life experience and a social media survey of Restored moms, I’m sharing a few “productive play” spaces below:

Little Doodles Play Café (11 West Third Street, Wendell) – Outfitted as a play space and coffee shop, Little Doodles is a great space to watch your kids play make believe or engage in messy art while you enjoy a cup of coffee.

Rainbow Play Systems (8732 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh) – Is there any better place to play than at a company that creates play systems? This space was not on my radar until a Restored mom looped me in, so I think it may be Raleigh’s best kept indoor play secret. Kids can play during reserved times as part of a pre-registered play group.

Bumble and Brews (2464 SW Cary Parkway, Cary) – I haven’t been here yet, but it’s on my list, and I hear it’s a great option for younger kids. Their calendar is full of fun events for families, and they serve wine and beer, too!

Over the Moon Play (653 Cary Towne Blvd, Cary) – Calling all astronauts! Science is front and center at this play space, and they’ve taken lots of Covid precautions, too (because, hey, science). I hope to enroll a kid or two in one of their summer camp programs.

Angel Island (924 NE Maynard Rd, Cary) – This is a great option for elementary-aged kids. This play space is loaded with a giant ball pit, tunnels, climbing areas and other spaces to keep kids active.

The Playhouse Children’s Museum (1520 Broad St., Fuquay-Varina)– This was a Restored mom recommendation and looks like a great option if you’re in southern Wake County. Plus, it’s super affordable. It’s outfitted with cute play equipment and the owner has five kids…so, there’s no doubt that she absolutely gets mom life.

Notasium (1000 Ryan Rd., Cary) – This is a great space for kids to play while also cultivating a love for music. While this company offers a variety of structured programs, they also have semi-open play, meaning that only small groups are in the play space during designated times. It seems a lot like sneaking veggies into something yummy since they’re learning about music while also playing. I’m excited to introduce my kids to it during a February Restored play date!

Hope Community Church Fun Zone – Inside this church is a fun playground with a giant slide. It’s free, and you don’t have to be a member to use it. Plus, there’s a coffee shop inside the church as well, so you can literally caffeinate, work and entertain your kids all in one spot. Pro Tip: You can pick from two locations: Apex or Raleigh.

DEFY – If you’ve never taken your kids to this trampoline park, you’re missing out! This is not something I would have considered as a “work space,” but mom friends convinced me otherwise. Evidently, moms hop on Wi-Fi to do a bit of work while kids jump and play…but here’s my problem: adults can jump too. I never even thought to work here because I’m always jumping with them! There are locations in Raleigh, Apex and Fayetteville.

I’m sure there are many great spaces that I’ve missed, and I’d love to capture any suggestions you have. Feel free to tag @restoredformoms on Instagram or Facebook as you’re out and about in the Triangle. I’ll keeping a running list over on the Restored blog in hopes that it will be just as beneficial for you and your family as it will be for me and mine!