Cafe & Play

Cafe & Play in Fort Walton Beach is one of those places that parents of very young children immediately understand and love — it's a soft play environment for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers paired with an actual cafe where parents can eat real food and drink a hot coffee while their kids play safely within view. The 4. 9-star rating from 46 reviews reflects the intensity of appreciation from parents who discover it.

The concept is simple and brilliant: children's indoor play area (think soft structures, sensory elements, age-appropriate toys and activities) combined with a proper cafe menu. Kids are safe in the enclosed, supervised play space while parents get a genuine break — actual adult conversation, food that's served hot, and the ability to sit in a chair without chasing anyone for 30 minutes.

This works specifically because Cafe & Play is designed for the under-7 demographic, not for all ages. Babies through preschoolers are the target, and every element — the equipment scale, the sensory features, the supervision approach — reflects that focus. If you have a toddler and an older sibling, the older child may find it less engaging.

Located on Mary Esther Cut Off NW in Fort Walton Beach, it's about 25-30 minutes from central Destin. Weekend hours are limited (9AM-1PM), so weekday visits with 9AM-4PM hours are preferable for families who want more time. For parents of babies and toddlers who need a sanity-restoring indoor activity during a Destin vacation, Cafe & Play is the answer.