Cafe with a small indoor play area. There’s circle time on certain days and times, preregistered classes and seminars. Check their schedule for current programming. Birthday parties are available. Tel: (416) 463-2326
Ages: All ages
Major Intersection: Queen Street East & Pape Street
Address: 1133 Queen St. East, Toronto, ON
If you make an inquiry, please mention that you saw this listing on the Melanie On-The-Go / Kids On-The-Go website. Thank you!
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Activities We Did:
Played in the play area after enjoying an iced tea.
Good to Go!:
My son loved this place! He could have stayed all day. And, somehow they have managed to make the place as adult-friendly as it is kid-friendly. The people were very friendly and the staff was super attentive to our needs. With the new back room there is now a separate place for private class so that open playtime is not disturbed. I only wish that this place was bigger, but they have managed to utilize every square inch available.
Quick Tips for Others:
Nice and cool in the summer! Great place to chat with other moms.
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 4/5
- Value: 5/5
Activities We Did:
Had a yummy lunch and play with my lil’ one.
Good to Go!:
My son and I love going to Lil’Bean! We especially love to go for a cool escape in this crazy heat wave. They have delicious, wholesome organic food for both parents and kids. My lil’ one has only just started solids and so they also have a wide offering of beginner foods for babies too. I also really appreciate that they don’t allow outside food in the cafe….you never can be too careful with food allergies etc. Also I understand that the cafe is a place of business and so outside food should not be allowed as with any cafe. The play area is a lot of fun. I would say it’s more geared to younger kids, from birth to 3ish. I have a 3.5 yr old who’s a little too energetic for the space but as we all know, all kids are different! I also really appreciate that they do not allow outside shoes in the play area. I feel comfortable allowing my lil’one crawl around knowing the floor is clean! The cafe does provide crocks (of all sizes) should you wish to wear shoes. There are two kid friendly bathrooms, both with change tables which is extremely useful. The cafe also has a great new meeting space in the back which has helped a lot with keeping the play area free for play, allowing the organized groups to meet in a quite space. Another great thing about the cafe is that they offer birthday packages where you can either reserve space within the cafe or you can request to have the cafe closed just for your party. The packages seems pretty reasonable with lots of options to choose from. I would definitely recommend the cafe to any of my parent-friends!
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
Stroller parking is an issue in the winter but they seem to make it work.
Quick Tips for Others:
I often bring my lil’one in his carrier to avoid the stroller traffic. The cafe is a great place to meet other parents, get great parenting tips (I find the community cork board located at the front of the cafe extremely useful) and to have a great time with your lil’ones.
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 5/5
- Value: 4.5/5
Activities We Did:
A friend and I took our children (my daughter&her son) to L’il Beans to have a bite&let the kids play. We had high hopes&were very curious if L’il Beans had improved since we had been over a year ago.
Good to Go!:
We shared a panini&grilled cheese&ordered a smoothie for the kids&lattes for us. My friend asked for no side salad but was given one&were assured it was the server’s error&it was on the house.We thought “how nice” until the other owner came over & said loudly that we shouldn’t have received the salad&would have to pay for it.Then the other owner told her she’d said it was free&they walked away arguing in low voices. Awkward! Overall,food was blah! Expensive, no variety for kids or adults really & organic seems to mean bland here. If you have a picky eater or baby/toddler,feed them before coming. The rule on no outside food is a turn off & obviously to make money.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
The play area is small & kids get bored quickly. This isn’t a problem if you werent paying over $5 on top of overpriced food. Think 9 sandwiches,$5 latte and $5 smoothies. Even a banana is over a $1! I think play should be free if you buy food/drinks. You must remove shoes before entering play area but bathrooms are on other side so you see kids & adults barefoot or in socks in bathroom- disgusting! There’s a change mat right by play area&stinky diapers reek place up. Use change room moms- please. Place is tiny&gets crowded, hours sporadic¬ updated online so easy to arrive & find it closed for workshops or parties which is frustrating but either theyre not making enough from cafe & play area or are supplementing with the classes. Are they a cafe or arts school, WeeHands, community center, indoor playground, etc.,? Bit of identity crisis really. In Summer theres no AC supposedly for eco reasons&place is an oven.Fans&open door don’t cut it. If I wanted a class, there’s many places to go. If I wanted to pay for an indoor playground, there’s way better ones for similar prices, better hours & you can take own food.We were looking for a place to eat,drink, or have coffee&dessert while the kiddies happily play. This isn’t it & it’s too bad cause a great child friendly restaurant/cafe is needed in TO. I really don’t see the point of coming here unless you live very close by & need a place to go for a bit in bad weather or to meet other moms. Otherwise, the city has free indoor playgrounds, there’s many you can pay to go to& McDonalds playplace is a better bet. The service isn’t very good despite their prices and fact they cater to moms and babies. Their birthday party packages are astronomically expensive for what you get. I maybe alone in my opinions as they do brisk business and seem to do well. Or maybe moms are desperate.
Quick Tips for Others:
Bring slippers for your child & yourself as bathrooms are on far side where shoes aren’t allowed. Feed kids before coming or just remember its pricey¬ great food & accept it for what it is. Always call first as it may be closed. Avoid in hot weather as no AC &in really bad weather as small & crammed. Minimal space for strollers. Pay parking only on street or lots nearby. Wander down the street and check out Baby on the Hip which is a nice baby/ kids store. Don’t have high expectations of L’il Beans and honestly, just avoid going at all and head to an EYC or park instead
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 2/5
- Value: 1/5
Activities We Did:
Play and eat
Good to Go!:
The menu is simple but the food is pretty delectable. I love a good sandwich with crusty bread and fresh, wholesome ingredients. The green salad with cranberries and feta cheese and a vinaigrette is so good! And in colder seasons they have a delicious lentil soup. I also almost always treat myself to a cupcake each time I come – Mama’s little treat. The kids menu is also great for the little ones. You can get a sampler of 3 items for something like $5 – all favourites like cheese cubes and hummus with pita bread and cereal. They also have a great selection of drinks – anything you’d find in a regular cafe, plus smoothies! Some commenters have complained about the price but to be fair a lot of these ingredients are local and organic. I think it’s a great thing to support your community and neighbors. And if nothing else your kids are getting great quality food that may be lacking at other establishments (someone mentioned McDonald’s?) but hey, maybe that’s not important to some. There are also tons of high chairs and you can ask for a tray. I would also like to address the no shoes thing – I think it’s great that everyone removes their shoes before entering the play area. For my little crawler who mouths everything, I would rather not have people track outside dirt into the play area. Also, there are Crocs EVERYWHERE in there! So you don’t have people walking around barefoot in the bathroom. In fact, it’s policy that you can’t be barefoot (so I don’t know where that comment came from) – only Crocs and socks.
As for the play area, everything is organized in baskets and areas. There are bouncers, a slide, a treehouse, an IKEA swing hammock thing, a play kitchenette, balls and other standard toys. My daughter loves it and it’s a good amount of space for her to explore. There are spray bottles with an oil of oregano solution for sanitizing. And there’s a bucket for all the gummed and mouthed toys your kiddies may have slobbered on, which they sanitize later. There is no longer a change station next to the play area – there is a station located in the bathroom, with wipes, etc.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
In the winter the stroller parking area, which can fit probably 7ish strollers depending on the size, can get pretty crowded.
Quick Tips for Others:
Try the cupcakes! And the in-house brewed ice teas. Yum! There’s also a clip-on high chair at the front bar to give you a hand when paying the bill. Oh and you can also purchase consignment items made by local moms such as hair barrettes, tutus, and craft smocks.
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 4.5/5
- Value: 4/5
Activities We Did:
I have been taking my son to lil bean n green cafe and play centre since he was less than 2 months old (he is now 2 years old). We’ve participated in most of the activities and he and I enjoyed every single one.
Good to Go!:
It is a safe place to go and meet new moms who share the same stresses, fears and joys you are feeling during this very new time in your life. Lil Bean n Green helped me get through the those lonely days. The food is delicious and the coffee is excellent. It is clean, well equipped for both parents and children. My son, now 2, still loves to go to lil bean n green for their ‘yummy in my tummy’ muffins and to play in the ‘big tree house’. I Highly recommend lil bean n green. It is one of a kind place so just go, relax and enjoy while your little one moves about.
Quick Tips for Others:
Simply a wonderful place to go with your baby. Period.
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 5/5
- Value: 5/5
Activities We Did:
Child Development Class and just dropping in for some play and tasty treats.
Good to Go!:
This is an oasis for parents and little kids. The decor and toys are fantastic and it is a favorite destination for both myself and my son.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
I wish there were other locations closer to my home!
Quick Tips for Others:
Check out their library for great parenting reads.
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 5/5
- Value: 5/5
Activities We Did:
I always enjoy the delicious mocha, fabulous grilled cheese and a cupcake while my little one gets her thrills in the swing, the bouncers, and the high quality, clean toys. We’ve also been to several events, such as comedy night, Summerlust
Good to Go!:
This is a warm, welcoming environment that kids, babies and adults can enjoy. We live in the west end but continue to make the trip to Leslieville because the environment is fun and clean, the food and coffee is great, and we just find the atmosphere to be very special. The treehouse and book selection is great for bigger kids, while the toys, balls, bouncers etc keep the wee ones busy. We have been impressed by this establishment again and again, from just hanging out to comedy night to Summerlust (where Sing along Tim got rained on, so the show was easily transferred inside with professionalism, safety and space). We are always treated with respect and warmth and we love the fact that local artisans are supported at this one of a kind cafe. I’m truly glad Lil Bean N Green exists. I’ve made friends, caught a break, and delighted my baby here. I truly don’t have anything bad to say and I know many, many other moms and dads who feel the same.
Quick Tips for Others:
Go!
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 5/5
- Value: 5/5
Activities We Did:
Play, Sing, Eat,
Good to Go!:
They have THE BEST coffee, I swear I dream of it at night (when I do get to sleep!). I spend 2-3 days a week here and enjoy every minute of it. It does get busy sometimes but my daughter loves to play with all the children and I really feel they have worked hard to build a strong community in the area.
I would also like to comment on one of the negative reviews here. I feel as if that persons did not even enter the space, there IS AIR CONDITIONING, the amenities are clean and the owners are AMAZING (and really REALLY just want you to have a good time and enjoy your time as a parent).
Apart from that the play space keeps my daughter happy for hours, Its clean and we always find new things to play with. I get to meet other parents who are going through some of the same things I am going through and I get my coffee!
Quick Tips for Others:
If you have a spare second, look up the days activities on line. The sing songs are really good (my daughter loves fridays sing song the best, with the violin). There is always something going on and always something to new to enjoy.
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 4/5
- Value: 4.5/5
We go to Lil Bean at least once a week. The staff is very helpful, there is always something going on to participate in and my daughter loves the toys and “tree house”. There are lots of places to nurse and not feel like you are in the middle of a cafe! The food is yummy and it is great that I can order for my daughter her own meal and not have to share mine!
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 5/5
- Value: 3.5/5
Activities We Did:
Had breakfast (kids and adults) and played in the play area.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
Not impressed at all by the food (presentation, price or taste!). Pricey for what you get and the place in general doesn’t feel very clean. Play area is very limited and has some questionable safety issues. Not sure the staff are used to working in the food or service industry.
Quick Tips for Others:
If its a nice day, grab a great cup of coffee (or tea) a few doors down and head to the park!
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 1.5/5
- Value: 1/5
Activities We Did:
Ate, drank coffee, played in the play area.
Good to Go!:
The play area is great for older babies and toddlers. Beyond that it is too boring. There is a lot for them to do and it is a nice open space.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
The food is pretty tasty but very expensive. The tables seem to always be sticky or covered in glitter from the crafts.
Quick Tips for Others: It can get very crowed.
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 2.5/5
- Value: 1.5/5
Activities We Did:
My son played with the toddler-sized IKEA slide, walker, and toys in the baby section.
Good to Go!:
I had a latte and grilled cheese sandwich (lactose free cheese!). Yummy (but pricey).
You can see the play area from the eating area so if your child can play on their own, you can theoretically have a nice coffee and snack and relax while they play.
There’s a sign up asking everyone to sanitize the change pad after using it, which is great if people actually use it.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
I called up the day before to make sure the play area was open. (It’s closed when Rainbow Songs has their children’s music class. They rent the ENTIRE play area out so you can’t even quietly play in the back
while the class is on). The staff member assured me it would be open. I got there just after 10:30am with other moms and we had to wait until 11:45am (the class ended 15 mins late) before we could use the space. By that time (almost) everyone was cranky. Mistakes happen, and the owner
was very apologetic. She grabbed some toys and put them on one of the tables for the kids to play with but they’re all between 1 and 2 years old so keeping them in one place for over half an hour was anything but relaxing!
It’s cozy, but a little too cozy. There’s not much room for strollers at the front and navigating between the eating area and the play area can be quite challenging especially if you’re carrying a child.
The play area floor is cement with not-too-thick foam padding on top. Because the ramp up to the play house doesn’t have a rail, I’d feel better if there was extra padding around in case a child falls off head first!
Lots of high chairs but they don’t have trays. For my son who’s eating finger foods, it makes it very difficult for me to get him fed.
I don’t like that you can’t bring in food for your child. They do have baby food on the menu (jarred and mashed), but my little guy is picky and I like to make sure he has a full belly before we leave
anywhere because he immediately naps in the car and can sleep up to 3 hours if he’s well fed!
Free parking on side streets if you can find it. Otherwise it’s $1.50 per hour on Queen.
There’s a change table in back inside the play area which is good in a way so you don’t need to go into the bathroom but at the same time, if your baby has an explosion or decides to go to the bathroom while the diaper is off, well… you know. Plus you don’t exactly want to
smell another baby’s smelly diaper while yours is playing. Keep it to the washrooms!
Free play is only $5 / child but the food is expensive. I paid $21.99 in total. $3.99 for my latte, $2 for two bananas (!!), orange-mango juice for $1.77, my grilled lactose-free cheese on gluten free bread (they didn’t have white bread so this was my only alternative since wheat bread makes me feel yucky) was $7.50. The baby food ranges from $1.15- 1.77 for organic baby food jars, mashed banana, avocados, or rice puffs. If you’re not allowed to bring in your own baby food (presumably because of nut allergies as I’ve seen at other playgrounds), then IMO there should be a good variety of baby food/ snacks at nominal prices.
Quick Tips for Others:
Make sure you call ahead and double-check their calendar to ensure they don’t have a class when you want to come.
The play area is small. I’d recommend it for children under age 1.
If you have an active child, you’ll want to give this place a pass and go somewhere bigger.
There was a small climbing structure with a ramp and small “house” with windows (no railings on the climbing structure so you need to make sure your child doesn’t fall off the side!), books,
chalkboard, couple of small tables and chairs, puzzles, IKEA tent and tunnel, IKEA wooden kitchen, IKEA toddler slide, shopping cart, other toys, baby area with an exersaucer, jolly jumper hung up, couple of
rocking chairs for nursing.
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 2/5
- Value: 2/5
Thanks for making me feel like i’m no longer missing out on all of the meetups on the other meetup groups that frequent this place! By the time I’d have paid for TTC, the opportunity for LInden to play in a not so active toddler friendly area, AND had bought a drink and something to eat for both of us I’d have gone at least 5x over budget, and still been disappointed by the sounds of it!
Activities We Did:
We played on the slide, with the kitchen area, the jumperoos, the flash cards, the blocks, the igloo tent, the tunnel, and the chalk board.
Good to Go!:
I like that there is a full restaurant/cafe with a lot of different choices.
The staff are super friendly and very accommodating.
They do pre-registered programs, and if the class has room, you are welcome to pay to drop-in.
The Rainbow Songs guy that was there seemed really fun.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
This place is a little small, I have more of a variety of toys/pretend-play/activities in my living room.
There is no “infant room”, just a corner with 2 jumperoos and a jolly jumper.
I REALLY DID NOT LIKE the fact that the change area was in the main play area. For so many obvious privacy reasons, I don’t want just anyone being able to see what I can’t block with my body, that’s MY cute bum! And come on, who wants a super-stinky odor lingering when you are trying to play?
Quick Tips for Others:
The child’s platter is a really good value, you get 3 bowls of your choice of snack for $5.75.
This place is fine overall, and the Cafe definitely makes up for the lack of amenities.
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 4/5
- Value: 2.5/5
Activities We Did:
You eat at the front and while the kids play in the back. They have lots of tables with high chairs and their food is healthy organic but kind of pricey.
Good to Go!:
This place is a good place to meet a few of your mommy friends during the week, but do go when it’s not busy. They serve good tea, coffee and food there but you cannot bring your own food. Even jarred baby food is not allowed though I’ve seen mothers either ignore that or claim ignorance and feed their babies what they brought.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
The place is really quite small. If your little one is a mover, you have to watch them because they can easily crash into the non-movers. They do have a cool tree house though for the movers.
Quick Tips for Others:
Eat ahead of time. There is plenty of parking on nearby streets.
This place is very small compared to other drop in. It’s relatively cheap compared to some other places, and they have different activities like music time and mommy yoga.
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 2/5
- Value: 2/5