If you’re like me (literally, I am writing part of this from a playground) trying to balance getting work done and keeping your kids entertained often leads to frustration. One of my kids is perfectly content to read a book whenever and wherever, but the other one demands constant attention and entertainment.
Fortunately, there are more and more spots in the Kansas City area offering free wifi and fun activities for kids. Some of these spots are even free to visit! If you have a hot spot you can work and play from even more locations, but these are all spots with wifi available. If you don’t see the wifi password posted ask at the front desk.
Mom Tips
You know your kids best, so consider what level of supervision your specific child needs. A large place like a trampoline park might not be a good fit while a smaller play cafe may be just right. Check in on your kids often to make sure they are playing nicely and obeying any posted rules.
Always double check the hours before heading out because they may vary, especially during school breaks. Many places like trampoline parks offer extended hours on days off of school and on school breaks but may also be more crowded. Weekend hours at some of these spots are limited or unavailable due to other events like birthday parties.
Need a spot that’s close to home and has extended hours? McDonald’s restaurants offer free wifi, so you can always find one near you with a play place, order some fries, and get some work done any day of the week!
Kansas Spots for Moms to Work and Kids to Play
Foundry Coffeehouse
8835 Lackman Rd, Lenexa, KS 66219 | Website
Foundry has a coffee shop and a small indoor play area best for toddlers and a large gymnasium perfect for kids of all ages. Both spaces have tables and chairs. Make sure to bring your own balls, scooters, and ride on toys for the gym. Foundry Coffeehouse is free to visit and closed on Mondays.
Kaw Prairie Open Gym
9421 Meadow View Dr, Lenexa, KS 66227 | Website
The indoor play structure and gymnasium are open Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – noon and you can come play for free. There are tables by the indoor play structure but not in the gym. There are some balls and toys available in the gym but you can also bring your own from home. Make sure to stop by the cafe and grab a drink and a snack.
Inspired Play Cafe
6527 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209 | Website
This play cafe is a great place for young kids to play while moms get some work done. They offer a full menu with breakfast, lunch, and snack options as well as coffee and other drinks. They also offer music, art, and other classes that are included with admission. Single day passes as well as punch cards and memberships are available. A second location is coming to the Northland in 2023. Open Monday – Saturday.
Lenexa Parks
Did you know that most Lenexa parks offer free wifi? I didn’t until recently when a friend shared this tip! The signal is best around the picnic shelters. Some of our favorite Lenexa parks are Blackhoof Park, Little Mill North, and Sar Ko Par.
My Play Cafe (opening in March 2023)
810 Creekside Dr. Gardner, KS 66030 | Website
This spot will be similar to the original location in Lee’s Summit, offering Messenger Coffee and a 2,800 square foot play area. It is designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers (ages 0-6) and punch cards and memberships are available.
Johnson County Library Branches
There are so many great branches in the Johnson County Library system. I’ve outlined the best ones for indoor play here and my favorite ones for moms here. While there are many great branches to choose from, Lenexa City Center and Central Resource are my top suggestions.
Olathe Indian Creek Library
The Indian Creek Library offers spots for moms to work and kids to play both inside and out. Inside there is a large children’s section with toys and computers and comfortable seating for adults. Don’t miss the colorful bubble wall! Off of the children’s section there’s a fenced in outdoor area with adult and child size tables. Sweet Tee’s operates a cafe inside the library offering drinks and snacks. Outside the library you’ll find a nice playground with plenty of nearby tables and chairs.
Rainbow of the Heartland
307 N Burch St, Olathe, KS 66061 | Website
Come play on the showroom floor and enjoy the backyard play sets, basketball court, and trampolines. There are picnic tables on the floor as well as a more quiet party room. Open play is offered Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Weekends are reserved for shoppers and birthday parties. Admission is $7.50 per child ($8 if you pay via credit card) and they offer 5 and 10 visit punch cards. You can bring in your own snacks and drinks, they just ask that you keep them contained to their party room.
Rough and Bumble KC
638 S 130th St Acc Rd, Bonner Springs, KS 66012 | Website
This spot offers a great open play option for kids but also has a coworking membership specifically for parents that need a more formal tech station to sit at and get work done. They are open seven days a week with more limited hours on weekends. They offer day passes, punch cards, as well as memberships. Enjoy drinks and snacks for adults and kids. Music, yoga, and storytimes are also offered throughout the week. Don’t forget to wear socks.
Superkidz Club
12219 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Shawnee, KS 66216 | Website
Superkidz Club recently moved into an all new location in Shawnee. Open play sessions are two hours long and grippy socks are required for kids and adults (they have them for sale). There is a large cafe area with tables, chairs, massage chairs, and a bar with stools overlooking the play area. Food and drinks are available to purchase.
Urban Air Lenexa and Urban Air Overland Park
8554 Maurer Rd, Lenexa, KS 66219 | Website
14401 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66223 | Website
Both Urban Air locations offer way more than just trampolines. Kids can spend hours playing and getting their energy out and there are tables and chairs, free wifi, and food and drink available for purchase. The indoor playground areas are great for smaller kids and there are spots in that area where you can sit and keep a closer eye on them. During the school year they typically do not open until after school hours however during the summer and on school breaks the hours are extended, making it a great spot to work while your kids play. Urban air socks are required for kids to play.
Mom pro tip: save these socks and use them at other spots like Superkidz Club that also require grippy socks!
Thompson Park in Downtown Overland Park
8045 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204 | Website
Parks offering wifi are starting to become more common and Thompson Park in downtown Overland Park has benches, tables, and shelters overlooking the playground (and a splash pad in the summer). Be sure to check out our guide to Downtown Overland Park for your visit.
Missouri Spots for Moms to Work and Kids to Play
Above All Trampoline Park
1927 Industrial Dr, Liberty, MO 64068 | Website
Trampoline parks are a great way to get lots of energy out so your kids are nice and tired by the end of the day. Above All has trampolines, dodge ball, a ninja course, an air bag, and more. This would be a good spot for older kids that don’t need as much supervision since you won’t be able to see everything from the seating area. Pizza, drinks, and snacks are available when the kids need to refuel! Above All socks are required.
Fun Run
1919 Industrial Dr, Liberty, MO 64068 | Website
Kids can play on the inflatables, giant slides, and in Fun Run Town while you get some work done. Just ask for the wifi password at the front desk. There is no limit on open play time. Food and drinks can be purchased at the Fun Run Cafe. Socks are required.
Get Air Trampoline Park
18900 E Valley View Pkwy, Independence, MO 64055 | Website
Get Air offers trampolines, a foam pit, a ninja course, and a kiddie court specifically for small kids. There are plenty of picnic tables available to sit at and work. Check their website for discounted admission. Get Air socks are required.
Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter and Cafe
19700 E Jackson Dr Suite G, Independence, MO 64057 | Website
This new indoor play place in Independence has a huge climbing structure, slides, foam ball cannons, climbing walls, pirate ship ride, and a separate toddler area. Stop by their cafe for coffee and snacks. Remember to wear socks.
Kansas City Public Library Branches
Central Library and Plaza Branches
Both of these libraries have large children’s sections with lots to keep your child occupied. The Central Library is right on the KC Streetcar line. Make sure to checkout the rooftop terrace at the Central Library. There’s lots of seating and a life size chess set to play with.
KC Bier Company
310 W 79th St, Kansas City, MO 64114 | Website
In warmer weather be sure to check out their back patio where you can enjoy a cold beverage and utilize the free wifi while the kids play in the little play house and grassy area.
Mid-Continent Public Library Branches
Antioch, Blue Springs North, Colburn, Grandview, Green Hills, Parkville, Withers, and Woodneath | Website
There are over three dozen branches in the Mid-Continent library system but these branches are the most recommended by local moms for their excellent children’s sections. The Colburn branch in Lee’s Summit also has a coffee shop on site!
My Play Cafe
659 SW 2nd St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 | Website
This the original play cafe in the area and more locations are in the works! The indoor playground area is for kids 6 and under. Older kids are welcome but cannot play on the equipment. You are allowed to bring in your own peanut-free snacks, they just ask that drinks be purchased there. They offer Messenger Coffee and other delicious beverages. Make sure to make a reservation if you plan to visit because they limit their play area to 20 children at a time. They offer punch cards, and monthly and annual passes. Socks are required in the play area.
PH Coffeehouse
2200 Lexington Ave, Kansas City, MO 64124 | Website
This fantastic neighborhood coffee spot offers delicious drinks and space to work as well as a small kid’s area for kids to enjoy. There’s even a spot for kids to hang up their art work!
Kaw Prairie is an AWESOME choice with an indoor play place (think McDonald’s play place on steroids). It is in a room of all windows that dampens the sound to the coffee shop just outside of it. It also has an open gym for riding toys, playing ball, etc. It is on the extrwest side of the metro at K 7 and Prairie Star Parkway, but well worth it for a Mom’s chance to work our chat! ***Socks required
Great list! I’ve been looking for more places where I can talk and my little one doesn’t have to be in a high chair. Thanks!