Destination: SnickerDoodles offers play space for kids, coffee shop for their adults

Depending on who you are, SnickerDoodles in north Raleigh could be either one of these things: That really fun play space that your adult takes you to with all kinds of toys and new friends or a coffee shop where you can chat or get some work done while your young kids are engaged.

SnickerDoodles opened in September 2016 on Lynn Road and, almost immediately, was packed with customers looking for an alternative play space for kids.

The concept was a bit different when it first opened. Then, there was no charge to drop by and play. To earn money, the owners sold art projects, which can be completed there; drinks and snacks from the cafe; and gently used books. It also offers packages for birthday parties and other gatherings.

The owners, who now include Nicki Medford and Jaime Adams, had hoped the cafe sales would sustain the business. But, after some evaluation, they decided to start charging $3 per child to play in September. It's free for adults. Art projects, party packages and cafe goodies are still available.

Adams said there has been very little resistance to the change. SnickerDoodles also offers a $50 family memberships, which includes free play for a year.

"Most people said we should have done this from the beginning," she said.

But that wasn't the only change. The business has stayed far from static since it first opened. In fact, the owners have made some major changes to the inside - completely changing the layout of the main space, adding more cafe seating and mixing up the toys and play pieces so kids have new and durable toys to play with.

Now, you'll find a play house set up, dinosaur area, train table and a "road" to zoom cars down. A puppet theater is nearly complete. SnickerDoodles is best for the 7 and under crowd, though older siblings might enjoy the art projects in its studio and, of course the snacks and free wifi.

When I was there, kids were totally engaged, pushing cars down the ramp, digging for dinosaurs or frying something up in the pretend kitchen.

Meanwhile, groups of parents ordered coffee and chatted at tables. SnickerDoodles serves up Larry’s Coffee, pastry items from Ninth Street Bakery and stuffed baguettes from La Farm Bakery, along with a variety of kid-friendly snacks and drinks. It's also launched a book club for adults and has held some other programs geared toward adults, including a CPR class.

"We want to offer as much for the adults as we do for the kids," Adams said.

SnickerDoodles also is always on the look out for innovative experiences for kids. In a sponsorship area, local businesses can offer information and activities for kids. It also hosts regular special events for them, including an upcoming Halloween Bash on Oct. 31 and, on Nov. 10, Root Beer and Braids for Dads and Daughters, where dads can learn how to do their daughters' hair. Free storytimes are scheduled at 11 a.m., every Monday.

These days, there's a steady stream of families coming through SnickerDoodles' door. Some days, the space is packed. Other days, there's a bit more space to move. Every day, Adams said, they see friendly faces who have made SnickerDoodles their go-to destination.

"We have loyal, loyal customers," she said.

SnickerDoodles, 3721 Lynn Rd., is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays. It's closed on weekends for birthday parties.