FAQs

ARE YOU A FULL SERVICE CHILD CARE CENTER?
Family Grounds Cafe is NOT a Full-Service Child care center. Parents are responsible for their children’s safety and behavior at all times. A Children’s Activity Leader is in the play space to engage with children, lead activities, reinforce rules and keep equipment and toys clean and orderly. Back to top

WHEN ARE YOU OPEN
Monday through Friday: 8:00am-6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Please note that hours may change on holidays. Changes will be posted on our Home Page. Back to top

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
3652 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
Family Grounds Cafe is on the northwest corner of Lincoln and Patterson (across the street from the post office) and 1 block north of Addison Back to top

DO YOU OFFER CAFE PARKING?
Yes! FREE PARKING is available in our parking lot. There are also metered parking spots available on Lincoln Avenue and street parking on Patterson and the surrounding side streets. We are also conveniently located next to the Brown-line Addison stop, as well as the Lincoln/Addison bus stop. Back to top

IF I WALK TO THE CAFE, DO YOU OFFER STROLLER STORAGE?
We provide stroller parking in our foyer as you immediately enter the cafe. Back to top

IS THERE A CHARGE TO ENTER THE PLAY SPACE?
Open Play Times: $10.95 (crawlers and up). Siblings $5.95. Adults free. Non-crawling infants; $4.00 minimum purchase.

M/F: All Day
T/W/Th: 1-6pm
Sat: 12:30-2pm

Reservation Times: $5.95 for crawlers and up. Adults are $5.95. Non-crawling infants are free (adult price covers $4 minimum). Great for play dates!

T/W/Th: 9:00am or 11:00am
Sat: 9:00am or 10:45am

To make a reservation, please use our Online Reservation Tool.

For a play time schedule, please see our Play Space Activity Schedule. Back to top

ARE PLAY SPACE RESERVATIONS NECESSARY?
Yes, if you plan to come during Premium Play times (Tues/Wed/Thur/Sat mornings), please make a reservation using our Online Reservation Tool. Back to top

CAN I BOOK A PRIVATE PARTY AT FAMILY GROUNDS CAFE?
Yes! Please visit our Birthday Parties section. Private parties in the Play Space are conducted after regular business hours. Call 773-281-0785 to reserve your Birthday Party date. Back to top

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX and cash. Back to top

HOW BIG IS YOUR PLAY SPACE?
The play space is 1,500 square feet with exclusive perimeter seating for parents. Visit the play space page for themes, activities and features. Back to top

DO YOU OFFER ACTIVITIES FOR OLDER CHILDREN (5+)?
Yes. There are games and special after-school activities provided, as well as toys for older children (Just ask, and we will provide them). Children over five years of age are welcome to play with younger siblings in the play space, but must respect and yield to younger children. Back to top

DO I NEED TO STAY WITH MY CHILD?
Yes. We designed our space so that you can sit with friends and see your child at all times. Back to top

DO YOU CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE TOYS?
All of our toys and play structures are regularly cleaned, sanitized and rotated throughout the day. There is also a “Dirty Toy” bin for toys that have entered little mouths. Back to top

IS FOOD ALLOWED IN THE PLAY SPACE?
All drinks and food must remain in the table seating area of the play space. Food and drink are not allowed on the play area floor or inside play structures. Outside food and coffee is not permitted. Back to top

DO YOU OFFER ORGANIC FOOD?
Yes, wherever possible, we offer organic choices in sandwiches and organic milk for children. Back to top

DO YOU HAVE DIAPER-CHANGING FACILITIES?
Yes. Our bathrooms are equipped with changing tables and Diaper Genies. Back to top

DO YOU OFFER WIFI?
Yes, for cafe patrons only, we offer an open WiFi network. Please ask for a password when ordering that tasty espresso drink and pastry. Back to top

DO YOU HAVE LIVE MUSIC?
Yes. Every Saturday morning, expect kids’ music performances. Additionally, Monday through Friday, we offer live music sessions during morning and afternoon hours. Reservation play times come with guaranteed music. Back to top

DO YOU OFFER CLASSES AND EVENTS?
Yes. We offer a variety of classes and events catered toward both adults and children. Please regularly check our Kid's Classes calendar. Back to top