Café opening times: Monday – Friday, 9:30am–3pm + selected Saturdays
The Little Play Lounge
Family Friendly Play Cafe & Gardens in West Berkshire
The Little Play Lounge is a relaxed and welcoming family-friendly play café set in beautiful surroundings in Padworth, near Reading.
Inside, our thoughtfully designed play space and dedicated baby area have been created especially for little ones aged 0–3.5 years, offering a calm and inviting place to explore, play and discover. Step outside and there’s even more to enjoy, with spacious gardens and an outdoor climbing frame giving children room to run, climb and make the most of the fresh air.
You don’t need to book a play session to enjoy The Little Play Lounge. Families with children of all ages are welcome to visit our café and enjoy the outdoor spaces, making it an easy place to meet friends, linger over coffee or lunch and spend time together.
Alongside our play sessions, you’ll find baby and toddler classes, children’s parties and seasonal family events throughout the year.
'Play turns out to be stunningly essential in childhood it’s like love, sunshine, and broccoli, all juiced together'
~ Lenore Skenazy
Our Story
In 2021, my lockdown baby turned one. After a year of parenting behind closed doors, with our lounge at home being the only “play area”, I was both excited and nervous to take him somewhere new. I signed up for a few play sessions at local village halls, but wearing masks made it difficult to connect with other mums.
Rarley was overstimulated and likely anxious, so we left in tears on many occasions. It was overwhelming and emotionally draining, to say the least. I longed for somewhere calm and safe, with good coffee and cake!
And so, The Little Play Lounge was born in October 2021, a space where mums could meet, make friends and enjoy a calm, welcoming environment. Featuring eco-friendly toys in an aesthetically pleasing space, with no bright red plastic in sight!
If I can help even one mum on maternity leave feel a little less exhausted, a little less alone and a little more like herself, I’ll be happy. I’m always around if anyone wants a chat. I may not have all the answers, but I am a mum too, and sometimes simply knowing someone understands can make all the difference.
Bella x
Cafe & Gardens
There’s more to The Little Play Lounge than indoor play. Relax with coffee or lunch in our family-friendly café while the children enjoy our spacious gardens and outdoor climbing frame. Families with children of all ages are welcome, and you don’t need to book a play session to visit.
Indoor Play for Babies & Toddlers
Our calm and thoughtfully designed indoor play space has been created especially for little ones aged 0–3.5 years. With beautiful play equipment, opportunities for imaginative play and a dedicated baby area, it’s a relaxed space for little ones to explore at their own pace.
Little Welly Wander
Wrap up, pop on your wellies and join us for a relaxed countryside wander with other mums and little ones. Our free Little Welly Wander is all about fresh air, conversation and connection, with the option to stay for coffee afterwards.
Where To Find Us
Tucked away in the countryside at Padworth Common, near Reading, The Little Play Lounge is a relaxed family-friendly place to play, eat, explore and spend time together.
Whether you’re joining us for an indoor play session, popping in for coffee and lunch, enjoying the gardens with the children or coming along to a class, party or seasonal event, there’s plenty of free on-site parking and space to make yourselves at home.