Big and Tiny Stories- Antonia Malim (Née Plunket)

January 21, 2020January 21, 2020 by B_and_T

Antonia Plunkett is a hospitality consultant, from London living in Echo Park, LA with her husband, son Jack and their dog Kodak. She was brought up in France where her love for food and beautiful establishments started. She has worked in the hospitality industry in London, Hong Kong, Italy and LA. She loves meeting new people and helping them realize their dreams.

How are you finding being a new Mum?
I’ve been very lucky to have an easy baby, which enabled me to go back to work very quickly. Perhaps too quickly! I was back after 11 weeks and in the end decided I needed a bit more time to be at my best and as productive as possible. On the whole it has been an incredible journey and it helps I have a really supportive husband.

Did you have a support system after giving birth?

When you’re pregnant there is a support system; and you are treated as this miraculous being. After the child was born, I struggled to find support; especially as I live so far away from my family. I wish there were more conversations about being a new Mom and so we can be more prepared about having this new identity.

As an expat and Brit working in the US, do you feel you are missing a support network of your wider family?

It 100% it takes a village. So I had to find my village elsewhere since I didn’t know many people in LA at first. Finally I found Big and Tiny which is a place I can get my work done, build back my confidence and find a group of like-minded parents.

How are you finding balancing your professional life with your new family?

Big and Tiny have helped me find a balance that I am really comfortable with. I don’t feel I have had to make sacrifices at all. I know Jack is in good hands and if anything happens I am just next door. We, working Mums, always feel a certain level of guilt either to our bosses or to our child. Places like Big and Tiny are vital to bringing about an end to that guilt.

As a hospitality expert, is your industry a nurturing place for a working Mum.

Yes and no. Yes because a lot of women work in my industry and therefore there is this general understanding of each other and our needs.

No, because it is very demanding as it requires late nights and working weekends. So at some point it becomes impossible for a mother to execute some of the roles offered within the hospitality industry.

Who I work with and my job role has evolved with my own personal situation and lifestyle. I definitely can no longer work for a snazzy nightclub like I did during my wild Hong Kong days!

Is being a mother really the most rewarding job in the world?

(Laughs) Yes and no, again. Yes of course. I’m learning everyday about being a mother and learning a lot about myself in the process. But for me getting back to work was really important, personally I enjoy being in a pressured work environment, meeting and connecting with people, and making things happen everyday.

Do you still find any time for you? To pamper?

Pamper? I wish. But I always make time after Jack has gone to bed to have aperitivo with my husband or to watch a current documentary. I feel a child shouldn’t 100% dictate what a family is doing; we can still go on culturally awakening trips together. Jack just needs to behave!

Oh and Big and Tiny do offer manicures and facials at work – which is a complete godsend.

Is child care expensive where you live?
Very. I was pretty shocked by the child care prices compared to the UK even. So I limit Jack’s time with a nanny. And I find it more lucrative for him to come with me to Big and Tiny, besides he is a lot more entertained there!

When you first returned back into a work environment did you realize that you had changed?
I was more emotional and burst into tears more (Laughs!.) – mainly due to lack of sleep. Other than that I felt more powerful, confident and grown up. I stood up for myself more, because I realized there are more important things in life. So I got rid of a lot of negative energy and negative people when I returned to work. Something I never had the courage to do before.

Members Clubs and Co-working spaces are your thing. Tell us LA in relation to London and beyond.

The LA landscape is one behind London when it comes to membership clubs. In fact some great spaces I’ve been to started in London and opened an outpost in LA. Such as Second Home, Soho House and the H Club.

London just does private member club really well and they’ve been around since the 1600’s – but they were stuffy gentlemen’s clubs then. But LA has integrated the work-life- wellness balance in such a great way, and therefore their co-working spaces are at the top of their game, they offer hotel like amenities and foster collaboration.

Should you ever get a chance for a date night, where would go?

You can’t beat getting a table at the Hollywood Bowl, sharing a bottle of wine and a platter of cheese over live music. One of my favourite restaurants is Cafe Stella in Silverlake. It’s a French Bistro and it reminds me of my time in Paris. Otherwise getting out of town to stay at the gorgeous The Colony in Palm Springs or an airbnb in Big Bear Lake for a date weekend is always on the radar.

The Best Co-working spaces for parents

February 25, 2019March 7, 2019 by B_and_T

By Goop Editor.

Do all parents want every day to be take-your-kid-to-work day? Depending on a million variables, the answer might be a reluctant “not so much” or an emphatic “hell yeah” or, more likely, something in the middle. But imagine a world in which we all had the option. What a game changer that would be for anyone who doesn’t have a regular job with regular childcare. Freelancers, part-timers, work-from-homers, the list goes on. Which is why coworking spaces with in-house childcare are an act of genius. But as great as the need is, they’re still not so easy to come by. There’s a gauntlet of regulation hurdles to jump that vary by state (and country), not to mention uncomfortably skimpy profit margins. Which is why we tip our mother/career woman hats to the crop of shared office spaces that have cracked or are working to crack that code.

P.S. We’ll keep updating this list as more coworking spaces with childcare options become available. Know of a great one? Shoot us an email at feedback@goop.com.

Los Angeles

The Jane Club

The Jane Club—as in, Jane Addams, the social worker, activist, ACLU cofounder, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient—has a clear mission: To “take care of the women who take care of everything else.” The separate childcare bungalow (it’s called the Nest, and it’s achingly cute), the hushed communal work spaces, and a calendar of inspiring on-site events, wellness classes, and talks only help the cause. It also doesn’t hurt that, set up in an Erin Fetherston–designed home and done in eye-pleasing neutrals, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. Founders June Diane Raphael and Jess Zaino promise more of the same at the new space down the block on Larchmont Boulevard, set to open in spring. Unsurprisingly, memberships are going fast, so book your tour sooner than later.

Brella (coming fall 2019)

The first thing to know about Brella is that its services, which are plentiful, will not be reserved for members alone. Meaning that everything from daycare to enrichment classes to a few hours of babysitting can be booked ahead on an app or on a drop-in basis. The second is that it’s predominantly a childcare facility. The shared workspaces, community events, and wellness classes are added perks for the parents. Get on the mailing list for the latest on opening dates.

Big & Tiny

The doors to the kids’ area at this Westside spot—where they have a swing, a ball pit, and tons of those cool vintage-looking wooden toys—have a little window parents can peek through without disturbing playtime. A brilliant feature if your mind keeps wandering back to your little one while you’re trying to get work done in the dedicated coworking space in the back (outdoor garden and phone booth included). Drop by for a parents-welcome class, drop off while you run errands (Costco is a hop and a skip away), or post up to work for up to four hours a day while the staff keeps children as young as three months old happy. They also host and plan themed birthday parties right on-site, which is a life hack in and of itself.

Bay Area

Hacker Moms

Besides having the coolest name, this 100 percent mother- and member-run collective acts as a support system, creative outlet, and proverbial village for women at various stages of motherhood or career. The Business Incubator is for anyone looking to pick up a new skill, explore, learn something. And the Failure Club is where members challenge themselves to tackle a specific goal—be it a blog launch, an Etsy shop, a novel—within a three-month period with fellow club members acting as both sounding boards and boosters. As the name suggests, failing (and picking yourself back up) is wholeheartedly supported. And yes, there’s on-site childcare.

Recess Collective

You don’t need to be a Recess member to huddle up in the cozy coworking space for a few hours while the kids are in the playroom under the watchful eyes of the well-trained staff. Nor do you have to be a member to sign up for a parenting or prenatal workshop (on everything from childbirth preparation to newborn care), a wellness class, or a group workout; they’re booked on an à la carte basis (and the staff will watch your kids for $12 an hour while you do your thing). But membership does have its perks: Arrange a drop-off so you can take care of errands or, you know, yourself.

New York

The Little Wing

We won’t bore you by listing the reasons the Wing is a genius concept, because you very likely already know. But to anyone who’s been living under a rock, the highlight reel goes something like this: exclusive events, on-site cafés, beauty rooms (plus showers), plenty of coworking space, and no boys allowed (except, you know, for actual boys who tag along with their moms). More locations are constantly in the works, and the SoHo space also serves as the pilot program for the Little Wing. The Crate&Kids–furnished play area is where members can take advantage of affordable, professional babysitting services, in addition to a roster of enrichment classes (for the kids) and workshops (for the ’rents), plus weekend open play (for the whole family).

Giocare

The “work” part of Giocare’s Work & Play program is an option only till 1 in the afternoon. But parents are masters at getting a lot done in not a lot of time. The “play” part borrows heavily from the traditional preschool experience, with supervised of songs, imaginative play, music, and crafts. The Park Slope location means that most errands are within walking distance should you opt for the drop-off preschool alternative program.

London

Third Door

The airy communal spaces, bookable meeting rooms, and business-building events are not geared specifically toward parents, but it’s no surprise that those with children flock to this place in droves. Inspiring, productivity-inducing environments with childcare built right in are not easy to come by. Month-by-month packages can be customized to allow for as much or as little time as you’d like in the nursery—a magical, well-staffed, toy-filled space modeled after the child-first principles of the Reggio Emilia method.

Cuckooz Nest

This cool, minimalist space was started by a mom. And you can totally tell because there’s a flexible membership option that allows parents to book both the coworking space and the daycare on an hourly basis, depending on what a particular day calls for. The space itself is airy and bright, with minimalist work stations and all the productivity creature comforts (coffee, phone rooms, etc.). The nursery staffers are all experts in the field of early childhood education, making dropping off the kids that much more pleasant.

Second Home

Of the four London and one Lisbon outposts of Second Home, London Fields is the only one with a Nursery Membership option. Meanwhile, all look like what we imagine a scaled-down version of the Google offices might look like—but chicer. Greenery is everywhere, there are outdoor spaces galore and food and coffee for days, inter-member collaboration is encouraged, and there’s space enough for teams big and small. At London Fields, the fittingly adorable daycare center is managed by the experts at local preschool N Family Club. (Second Home members get a foot in the door if they wish to apply.) For those of us stateside, a Los Angeles location is set to open this year (no word yet on whether kids will be allowed at this one).

Austin

The Hive

On-site kid care you can reserve online, a spacious light-filled café (with snacks! and free Wi-Fi!), a shaded outdoor space with picnic tables—the Hive is a working-parent’s dream. And like many of these multiuse kid- and parent-friendly spaces, the Hive came from humble beginnings: New mom Shelly Weiser struggled to manage a graphic design career while juggling an eighteen-month-old and a newborn. And so the Hive was born. Need to dial in to a conference call? Pop into one of the private rooms. Looking for somewhere to meet for coffee? There’s a spot for that, too. Oh, and did we mention that when lunchtime rolls around and you’re on deadline and your kid is as happy as a clam running around the playground? There are food trucks outside.

Washington, D.C.

Elemento

Elemento is a moms’/dads’/kids’ sanctuary. What used to be a drop-by space nestled in Capitol Hill is now members-only—because the place is so damn popular. And with all of the many different levels of memberships comes access to ample perks: chic and airy working spaces, family-friendly social events, an inside play space (with monkey bars, slides, all the things to keep kids busy during those long D.C. winters). Plus, you can find skill-building classes, quiet areas, and a “room with balloons” that kids go absolutely apesh*t for. Coffee in the a.m., beer and wine for happy hour—it’s all here. (Pro tip: Take advantage of the “date-night” hours.)

Two Birds Inc (coming soon)

Dreamed up by business school friends and new parents Kelsey Lents and JP Coakley, Two Birds (launching in the spring of 2019) is essentially a family-friendly version of WeWork. The premise: a place you can drop off the kids for the day, learn new things, manage your work-life-baby balance, meet like-minded people, and get things done. Which is exactly what one can expect to do at the new Tenleytown, D.C., location, which is just as conducive to settling into one of the pump or nursing lounges as it is to scheduling a meeting with clients in a conference room. And there’s a little something for everyone: parent-focused educational classes, like sleep training, and community-focused events, like happy hours.

Chicago

Evolve Her

The future is female, and Alicia Driskill of EvolveHer is counting on it—her dreamy, community-driven loft space in the River North area of Chicago is women-only. She’s got it all here: event areas, phone booths, exposed-brick conference rooms, stocked kitchen, career-building workshops, panels, networking events, meditation sessions, and other weekly happenings—there’s even a chic vanity room with plush velvet seating for quick touch-ups and such (you know, should you need to dash off to a dinner after). And for the mamas? Convenient pumping rooms and access to childcare on the regular thanks to a partnership with the neighboring Sprouts Academy.

All Over

Quilt

Quilt is a company focused on “get to-gathers.” It’s built a massive following of like-minded individuals, entrepreneurs, and other creatives who come together over one common interest: community. Whether it’s connecting with inspiring women in your city over a chai-and-chat or linking up with other professionals at a coworking session to help get in the zone, there’s a gathering happening in a real home in a real neighborhood near you. Got kids? No problem. Become a host and you, too, can start leading coworking sessions right in your own living room. Genius.

Honorable Mention: The Riveter

Freelancing? New business venture? Balancing kids? Looking for camaraderie? Whatever it is that you do or want to do, the Riveter is probably the place for it. And yes, it’s a coworking space in every sense of the term, but more than that, it’s a community. A community that’s conveniently taking over, with locations in LA, Seattle, and Austin and more coming (look out Dallas, Portland, Denver, Atlanta, and Minneapolis). And then there’s the space: open and inviting, modern and minimal, with curated shared working areas, local coffee on tap (it’s the little things), and all-around good vibes. New moms will truly appreciate that each one is properly equipped with a mothers’ room for nursing, pumping, whatever you need. And while there’s no on-site daycare available (yet?), the Riveter locations are open 24/7, so you can work when your unique schedule allows. Other perks: career-building panels, tech talks, wellness sessions, office workouts, yoga hours, and something called “cougars on computers”—we’ll let you marinate on that.

Time-Saving Hacks from #Momlife

November 29, 2018March 7, 2019 by B_and_T

Goop editors.

Occasionally motherhood can be summed up in a few words: wake the kids, make breakfast, get everyone dressed, leave, forget something, leave again. The ability to navigate all of that—or better yet, to navigate it all with dignity and grace and a modicum of sanity—is as much science as it is art. We asked a few of the women we know best (the ones we share an office with) for the tools (apps, products, coffee) they rely on to keep it all together—seamlessly.

KATE WOLFSON

EXECUTIVE EDITOR AND MOM TO SONNY, TWO

POPGRIP ROSE GOLD ALUMINUMPopSockets, $15

“My son is a big fan of watching videos of himself during meals. Aren’t we all? (Not stellar parenting, but it works.) Having a PopGrip on my phone means that I can stand it up wherever Sonny choses to take his dinner: the counter, his high chair, the dining table. It’s also a godsend when FaceTiming with his East Coast grandparents in the evenings. Coincidentally, it’s when he’s feeling the most energetic (witching hour is real) and running through the house at full speed—tables, chairs, and the dog be damned. The little grip allows me to aim the camera at him and clear the way at the same time.”

ONCE UPON A FARM WILD RUMPUS AVOCADOOnce Upon a Farm, $28 for an 8-pack

“Jennifer Garner recently launched these awesome organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, BPA-free, refrigerated (a big deal because so many pouches on the market are shelf-stable) baby food pouches. Sonny is almost two, so he’s definitely aged out of baby-food pouches as a meal. They do, however, make for excellent park snacks. He’s a fan of the Wild Rumpus Avocado, Just Right Oats, and Gold-y Mango flavors. And the pouches themselves are recyclable through TerraCycle, so I don’t feel like a total jerk.”

BIG & TINY, 1731 OCEAN PARK BLVD., SANTA MONICA

“The weekends are sacred in our family. It’s when the three of us get quality uninterrupted time together. A few times a month, we take Sonny to this adorable play space where he gets to hang out with other kids (supervised, of course), and we can either run errands (Costco!), get breakfast, or simply chill out in the little café area out front. There’s also a work area in the back if we need to drop in and answer emails during the week while he plays. The doors to the play area—where they have swings, a ball pit, and tons of toys—have a little window parents can peek through without disturbing play time. They also host and plan themed birthday parties right on-site, which is a hack all in and of itself.”

JORDAN CUNNINGHAM

SENIOR DIRECTOR, BRAND PARTNERSHIPS & SALES, AND MOM TO VIVIENNE, EIGHT MONTHS

DRYBAR BLOWOUTDryBar, from $45

“I love going to Drybar. It’s one less thing I need to do in the morning, and it gives me extra time to bang out emails. So much of my job involves meeting with clients, so even though I’m still getting back into the groove, I need to look pulled together. I heard the Drybar founders are coming out with a massage app, Squeeze, soon, too.”

HATCH BABY APP

“Between sleep deprivation and crazy schedules, this app keeps me sane. You can keep track of feedings, diapers, sleep, weight, and height, but I focus on Vivienne’s feeding schedule. My husband, Chris, and our nanny have access to the app, so they never have to wonder when Vivienne had her last feeding.”

YUMI Yumi, starting at $35 a week

“We introduced Vivienne to solids a little before six months, and the baby-food delivery company Yumi is incredible. Each meal is made with fresh, organic ingredients, and the basic purées are a great way to get her exposed to new tastes. Since her diet consists mostly of breast milk, I just freeze whatever we don’t use right away. For everything else (diapers, household supplies, etc.), I rely heavily on Amazon so I don’t have to make trips to the store.”

TATA HARPER NOURISHING OIL CLEANSERgoop, $76

VINTNER’S DAUGHTER ACTIVE BOTANICAL SERUMgoop, $185

GOOP BY JUICE BEAUTY REVITALIZING DAY MOISTURIZERgoop, $100

“Once I had Vivienne, I knew I needed to simplify everything in my life, and that included having an arsenal of clean products that I know I love. I don’t have time to shower in the morning, so showering at night has become the norm. It also helps cut down on the time I spend getting ready in the morning, so I have more time with Viv.”

KATIE DIMATTEO

SENIOR DIRECTOR, BRAND PARTNERSHIPS & MARKETING, AND MOM TO STELLA, SIX, AND THEO, FOUR

ROCKETS OF AWESOME Rockets of Awesome, from $20 per season

“I don’t have to spend time shopping, and the kids get something in the mail. Two birds, one stone. This easy-to-use subscription service makes stocking the kids’ closets a breeze.”

COZI APP

“My husband pulls more than his share of the weight—if he’s cooking, I’m cleaning. If I’m managing the kids’ schedules, he’s handling the car payments. I use the Cozi app to organize our family to-do and shopping lists. I’ll break out my shopping list by type: grocery store, big box, department stores.”

STARBUCKS APP

“My husband and I commute together, so I’ll place an order for our morning coffee as we’re backing out of the driveway.”

HARRY JOSH PRO DRYER 2000goop, $249

“My secret weapon for getting out the door in the morning even faster. It cuts my drying time in half, allowing for a few extra precious minutes of snoozing when the alarm goes off.”

Interview to Keltse Bilbao, founder of Big and Tiny

November 25, 2018March 7, 2019 by B_and_T

The Best Indoor Play Spaces in LA

October 12, 2018March 7, 2019 by B_and_T

Red Tricycle by Shahrzad Warkentin.

This rainy winter continues (sob sob) and what feels like weeks of inclement weather has us all getting a little cabin fever. Thankfully we have some super cool indoor playspaces for kids that let them run, jump, play, and give their imaginations a workout (without driving you crazy). There are even a few spots that will keep you keep your sanity with coffee bars, workspaces as well as wine and beer options. Scroll below to check out our favorite indoor play space picks.

photo: Big and Tiny via Yelp

Big and Tiny – Santa Monica

This gorgeously-designed play space in Santa Monica not only offers a creative playground for kids 6 months to 6 years old to climb, swing and jump but they’ve also partnered with the School of Wonder to offer enrichment classes that will keep your kids happily engaged.

In addition to the play space, they have an on-site cafe plus the flexibility for working parents to get some work done while their kids are pre-occupied.

Open Play: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat-Sun. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (check the schedule on weekends as they sometimes close for private events.
Rate: Two-hour open play is $18; play passes are also available $80 for 5; $140 for 10

Insider Tip: There are various co-working plans that will give working parents access to a workspace, printers, WiFi, etc. while kids enjoy enrichment classes and activities.

1731 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-392-0113
Online: bigandtiny.com

photo: Wild Child Gym via Facebook

Wild Child Gym – Culver City

Wild Child Gym, mixes chill Hawaiian vibes with California cool that results in a fun, interactive, eco-friendly space complete with a “grassy” hill that feels more at like natural playspace than a busy metropolitan city storefront.

Daily classes are available for “Droolers” (newborn-5 months) all the way up to “Advanced Skill and Development” (5-7 year-olds), along with free play options, birthday parties, camps for kids and workshops for kids and for the whole family. But what we really love are their extended hours—perfect for working parents or those tricky school holidays.

Open Play: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Rate: Per class price is $30 (based on availability) or choose a four-week session which includes one “Wild Play” drop-in class for $100. Become a member for $25 and receive discounts on parties, events and more.

9715 Washington Blvd.
Culver City
Online: wildchildgym.com

The Tree House – Tarzana

This indoor jungle gym lets your little monkeys climb and play like they’re outside all within four window-lit walls. The fully-padded structure features tunnels, and a winding slide that drops into a ball pit. There is also a pint-size merry-go-round and a separate play area for toddlers. The space is small, but there are plenty of cozy spots to sit back and relax while still getting a bird’s eye view of the entire play area.

The space also has an indoor picnic area where you can bring in your own food and snacks to eat. Coffee, juice, and water are also available for purchase.

Open Play: Mon. 10-5 p.m., Tues.-Thurs. 10-7 p.m., Fri. 10-5 p.m.
Rate: Open play is $10 per child

Insider Tip: There are tons of great restaurants within walking distance along Ventura, like D’Amores Pizza, The Carving Board, and Wanderlust Creamery so you can grab a bite or sweet treat after play time.

18600 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana
818-514-6278
Online: thetreehousetarzana.com

photo: Adventureplex

Adventureplex – Manhattan Beach

There’s adventure to spare here with a ton of energy burners including a basketball court, mazes, tunnels, climbing bouncy houses, gymnastic mats and plenty of playrooms. There’s not a ton of supervision happening, but that’s ok, as you’ll want to get in there and play, too. With a ropes course and rock wall for bigger kids (note: both cost extra), Toddler Town for wee ones and even a café when need to refuel, you just might be here all day.

Open Play: Hours vary for the play structures and Toddler Town, so make sure to check the website.
Rate: Admission is $12. You can also sign up for a Flex Membership and get unlimited drop-in play for $29 per month, $19 per month for siblings

Insider Tip: Adventureplex offers Parents’ Night Out every Fri. and Sat., 5:30 – 9 p.m. for kids 3 and up if you want to get an evening away the kids will be begging for. Cost is $30, and $20 for siblings and includes dinner.

1701 Marine Ave.
Manhattan Beach
310-546-7708
Online: adventureplex.org

Maddie’s Playhouse – Northridge

Dress up, painting, building with blocks, utilizing motor skills through soft play and storytelling-the name of the game here is child-initiated play in all its many forms. It’s filled with bounceable, slideable and jumpable inflatables, an obstacle course, playhouses, dress up and more. We love it because it caters to a mix of ages, and at over 4,000 square feet has room for the jumping the bigger kids (up through about age 7) need and also a toddler area where small fry won’t get run over. With so much stuff to do and play with and explore, kids won’t get bored, and they will be eager to come back.

Open Play: Tues.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Rate: $12 per child, $9 for siblings, (under 2s are $8). Multi-visit passes and memberships are available that will save you money

Insider Tip: Brent’s Deli is a few doors down for lunch. It’s one of the best and most authentic delis in town, with pickles that will live on in your memory. There are four kinds of fries for kids to pick from, a kids menu for B, L or D, and don’t leave without sampling a black & white cookie.

19559 Parthenia St.
Northridge
818-772-7529
Online: m.maddiesplayhouse.com

photo: The Coop via Facebook

The Coop – Multiple Locations

A play space for kids…and adults? The Coop is the place that doesn’t sacrifice the sanity and patience of parents for their kids to romp around in a gritty and overly cutesy play space. Free wifi and a cappuccino bar are just some of the perks for adults in this modernized play space that looks like an ad for Phillipe Starck for IKEA. Kids will love sliding into the ball pit, the touch-sensitive, luminescent dance floor, and dress-up play. There are three locations in Studio City, Redondo Beach, and the newest spot in Woodland Hills.

Open Play: Each location has different hours but all are open Mon. – Fri.
Rate: $12 per child

Insider Tip: The Woodland Hills location has a full cappuccino bar and free parking.

Locations: Woodland Hills, Studio City & Redondo Beach
Online: thecoop-la.com

Snooknuk – Larchmont

This colorful play space showcases an enchanting mural and life-size tree that transports tots to a magical landscape usually found in fairy tales. Artwork is filled with positive images families will appreciate, and music exclusively scored for Snooknuk sets the perfect tone for a happy day of fun. Many parents bring kiddos in just for a simple afternoon of play or play dates, while others come for classes but still love the convenience of having a play area to entertain siblings while they wait. Don’t forget to indulge in their on-site Caffe Luxxe gourmet coffee, pastries or paninis while the kids enjoy the play area.

Snooknuk offers a supervised play option so you can sit on the patio and get work done while the kids play. This space also offers loads of classes, plenty o’ snacks and is on the Larch. Your whole inclement day is now planned. While most of the activities are ideal for the 6 and under crew there are some classes available for older kids, up to 12 years old.

Open: Mon.-Fri. 9-6 p.m.; Sat. 9-5 p.m.
Rate: Day passes are $8, or $5 per sibling

Insider Tip: You’re on Larchmont Blvd., which means you have approximately 6 coffee options, a retail shop for kids, a resale shop for tots, a vegan and raw food spot, a vegan and GF bakery plus bookstore and two toy stores all in walking distance. Welcome to parenting paradise.

506 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Mid-City Los Angeles
323-498-5258
Online: snooknuk.com

photo: Peekaboo Playland

Peekaboo Playland – Eagle Rock & Bel Air

Who says your kids can’t play and learn? Peekaboo Playland is the progressive and artistic indoor play space for your kids’ creative energy to flourish and grow. Let your little one explore the boundlessness of their imagination in the 3,300 square feet building. One of our favorite things is the separate baby space upstairs, where crawlers can explore without getting trampled.

Open Play: Mon. – Thurs. 10-6 p.m., Fri. 10-5 p.m.
Rate: $10 per child over 12 months, $8 for siblings and babies 6-12 months. The Bel Air location is $11 and $9 respectively

Insider Tip: Oinkster, Swork, and Four Cafe are all right nearby so you can get tasty lunch and coffee to go and eat at picnic tables here when kids need to refuel. There’s a second location in Bel Air.

2030 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock
323-255-1400
Online: peekabooplayland.com

photo: Pamper & Play

Pamper & Play – Westwood

The unique twist here is that they understand that kids need to play, but parents need some pampering too. So you get a break while the kids (ages 18 months and up) can enjoy some supervised play (parents or caregivers have to stay on the premises). They also have Parents Time Out sessions for 4 hours on Sat.

Open Play: Make an appointment or walk-in Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Rate: $13; Supervised play cost $25 for two hours for kids under 3 and $20 for kids over 3

Insider Tip: During supervised sessions, free coffee and wi-fi are available so you can relax, work, or catch up on browsing your favorite parenting website.

2279 Westwood Blvd.
Westwood
310-441-0797
Online: squareup.com/store/pamper-and-play

photo: Giggles N’ Hugs via Yelp

Giggles N’ Hugs – Multiple Locations

This children’s restaurant and play space have spots in Glendale and Woodland Hills full of castles, pirate ships and dragons – oh my! Kids can have loads of fun here running, jumping and playing, and there’s even plenty o’ live entertainment on tap. Play all day and pay based on mobility. Unlike most other spots, this one is open on weekends for free play, although they do host parties then as well so it can get crowded.

Open Play: Mon. – Thurs. 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri. 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Rates: Big kids are $14, $11 for sibs and $8 for non-walkers

Insider Tip: It’s a restaurant (with organic, kid-friendly food). So lunch doesn’t have to be pre-packed or cobbled together out of chips and pastries. And did we mention the wine and beer?

Locations: Topanga & Glendale
Online: gigglesnhugs.com

Jump ‘n Jammin – Arcadia

Tube crawls, web crawls, barrel rolls and giant slides are just a few features of Jump ‘n Jammin’s multilevel play structure. This is a spot that is as much fun for the 3-year-old as for the 13-year-old (and Mom and Dad, too). And the best part? They don’t automatically close all weekend for parties and have other locations in Mission Viejo and West Covina.

Open: Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Rate: $14.95 for the first child (plus adult); toddlers are $6.49 plus adult. Additional adults are $3.95

400 S. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia
626-821-9120
Online: jumpnjammin.com

photo: The Awesome Playground

The Awesome Playground – Highland Park

The aptly named spot offers a vast array of indoor and outdoor fun for the little ones up to 10 years of age, featuring a 60-foot inflatable obstacle course, a giant slide, an indoor crooked house and even a race track for the aspiring Andrettis. They also offer Parent’s Night Out at $25 for the first two hours; $10 per each additional hour.

Open Play: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Rates: $10 per child. Monthly memberships are $39 or you can purchase a 10 play pass for $60 that never expires

Insider Tip: If you’re here because it’s too hot to play outside (not too cold), they often break out an inflated water slide to cool kids down on broiling days. So don’t forget the change of clothes!

5158 York Blvd.
Highland Park
323-256-2467
Online: theawesomeplayground.com

photo: The Great Escape Club

The Great Escape Club – Atwater

It’s not just a clever name. Here the monkeys can go bananas and the mommies can get down to business, each with their own dedicated space to do so. With a sweet little courtyard connecting the two diametrically different havens, arrive with a potty trained independent walker, kiss them good-bye, and off you go. The “Escape Artists” (aka awesome kid watchers) will take it from there. You leave for the land of low voices and lattes. This space is best for the under 5 crowd.

Open Play: Mon., Wed., Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Tues., Thurs., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Rate: $12 for kids; $10 for additional sibling

Insider Tip: Hit Proof Bakery afterward for outstanding treats on the way home. Win-win.

3197 Glendale Blvd.
Atwater Village
323-407-6284
Online: thegreatescapeclub.squarespace.com

photo: Kids World Family Fun Center via Yelp

Kids World Family Fun Center – Simi Valley
Even big kids who think they’re too cool for indoor playspaces will beg to spend the day here. This entertainment spot raises the standards with virtual games, climbing tubes, slides, foam ball launchers, zip lines, basketball court, American Gladiator style arena, a video game floor with motion activated games and old-school arcade. But it’s not just for big kids, there’s also a Toddler Corner designed for children newborn–3 years old for the little ones to learn and play in their own gated space.

Open: Tues.-Sun. at 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Rates: $11.99 admission for kids 24 months-15 years; kids under 2 are $5.99; siblings are $10.99 (weekdays only). Grip socks and arcade games are extra.

Insider Tip: Ahem, with beer (did we not mention that the café serves beer?) and video games, it satisfies everyone and is why we say it’s worth the drive for a rainy day excursion.

618 Lindero Canyon Rd.
Oak Park
818-338-8888
Online: kidsworldla.com

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym – Multiple Locations

We love this unique gym that caters to children with autism and special needs creating a safe and warm environment where they can play and strengthen their muscles and skills. While kids can just have fun, you’ll know that everything here actually serves a positive purpose: swings promote balance, the zip line is for stress release and joint and body relaxation, the trampoline builds core strength and play structures, sensory-based toys and arts & crafts areas all work on motor, social and eye-hand skills. It’s for kids at every spot of the spectrum, and kids of all ages and abilities will have a ball. Rates and hours vary by location. Some spots also offer drop-off care.

Open Play: Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Call ahead on weekends to confirm openings)
Rate: $14 per child (siblings $12)

Insider Tip: The whole place is cleaned top to bottom daily with only green products, so the planet will stay as healthy as our kids.

Locations: Tarzana, Redondo Beach, Studio City, Woodland Hills, Glendale, Santa Monica & Lawndale
Online: werockthespectrumkidsgym.com

The Country’s Best Co-working Spaces for Parents

September 20, 2018March 7, 2019 by B_and_T

By Beth Shea, Editor of Red Ticycle.

If your pint-sized ‘bosses’ are making it impossible to get any work done on the home front, your productivity quotient during nap time is no longer cutting it, and your laundry heap is taunting you away from a deadline, it’s time to venture to a coworking space that offers childcare! Working moms and dads can now make every day Bring Your Kid to Work Day at one of these awesome locales across the country. Read on for where to get down to business while your kids take their job of play seriously.

photo: Big and Tiny

Big and Tiny – Santa Monica, CA

This newly opened, “integrated learn, work, and play space” has the goal of fostering productivity, creativity and community for kids and parents alike. The modern, streamlined office space allows parents to focus on work, while the boutique playground/creative space dubbed “Tinyland,” which is reminiscent of a castle in the forest, enables kids ages 6 months to 6 years play with sensory-rich sustainable toys that will encourage their imagination. Big and Tiny partnered with School of Wonder to design an educational program for kids that focuses on mindfulness and community-based learning, offering classes including yoga, music, dance, languages, drama and creative movement.

Good to know: They offer an array of co-working plans wherein parents have access to a workspace, printers, WiFi, etc. while kids enjoy enrichment classes and activities.

1731 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-392-0113
Online: bigandtiny.com

photo: The Hive

The Hive – Austin, TX

The Hive is all the buzz for busy parents in South Austin. Parents can get down to business in their co-working office by renting a desk monthly that comes with childcare, printing, conference room use and even a bottle of wine on Fridays. Parents must remain on-site while their kids are being cared for and they can stay in childcare for up to four hours per day or 12 hours per week. It’s a perk that The Hive has a nice breakfast, lunch and snack menu which includes coffee drinks, smoothies, sandwiches, wraps and more.

Good to know: Not ready to commit to a paid plan? You can visit The Hive free of charge in their indoor/outdoor open seating area, either outside at the picnic tables or inside at the cafe area and lounge and get some work done whileyou supervise your kids play.

10415 Old Manchaca Rd.
Austin, TX 78748
512-366-8120
Online: hiveaustin.com

photo: Equal Play

The Garden by Equal Play – San Mateo, CA

We may still be waiting on equal pay, but in the meantime, there’s Equal Play, a calm and quiet distraction-free, fully-equipped coworking space for parents/loving learning environment for kids “where everyone grows.” The caregivers on staff have taken a minimum of 12 units of Early Childhood Education and are trained in positive discipline so you can rest assured your kiddos (infancy to school-age) are being well cared for in The Play Garden or The Nursery while you work (both are screen-free as well). There are several options of membership as well as hourly and daily rates. Founded by a mom, The Garden by Equal Play wants to accommodate parents by being flexible and working with them to ensure they can meet their needs no matter how large or small. Coffee and tea are complimentary and meals are available for purchase. Kids are treated to a healthy, nut-free breakfast and lunch during their stay.

Good to know: There are nursing/napping rooms outfitted with hospital-grade breast pumps.

Read more about The Garden by Equal Play here.

11 N. Ellsworth Ave.
San Mateo, CA
Online: equalplay.space

photo: The Inc. via Yelp

The Inc. – Seattle, WA

More than a co-working spot, The Inc. is on a mission to shift today’s parenting paradigm. Their vision is “to achieve gender equity in entrepreneurship, in the workplace and at home.” They’ve realized that childcare is the most important component of achieving gender equity so they’ve created this “modern-day village” as a brilliant solution. The Inc. affords parents a flexible co-working space where they can drop off their kids in one of the nearby Playschool rooms and go accomplish their work goals. Members have access to parent only co-working rooms, a break room for community connection, high-speed WiFi and printer, a Cowork + Coplay room, free/discounted workshops and classes and more. They want to help parents make the juggling act work by offering a space to learn, work and grow while their toddlers and preschoolers are being cared for.

Good to know: Parents must remain on-site and will be paged if their kiddo needs a diaper change or to use the potty.

Workafrolic – Washington D.C.

Want to combine work, child care and fitness and wellness classes for adults and kids? Then look no further than Workafrolic. This hub of creativity and community enables families to connect with others as well as soar independently. You can either drop in for a few hours of work or join with a monthly membership. The modern shared office space features coffee and tea, WiFi, printer/scanner, etc. as well as wellness classes for an additional fee. Kids ages four weeks to four-years-old will enjoy the childcare space that’s designed to feel like a home with lots of natural sunlight and nice toys and child-led play as well as games and songs. Kids may attend childcare for up to 3 consecutive hours while parents use the co-working space or go off-site.

Work and Play – South Orange, NJ

Work and Play offers a flexible, state-licensed early childhood Reggio-inspired program for parents who utilize their workspace, as well as customized schedules for other parents in the community that need part-time care. Available to kids under age six, the program seeks to create independent thinkers and a new generation of entrepreneurs. Both their co-working space and their early childhood program are about building community, and their mission is to offer a solution to working parents who want to continue building their own careers and professional development while also taking part in the day-to-day activities of their families. For parents worried about the division of work and play, it’s good to know that a lot of care went into soundproofing so that adults barely know there are kids in the same building. The early childcare program is on the lower level, and the office space is above them on the first floor. Each also has separate entrances, so those without kids downstairs won’t even know there’s childcare on site.

Good to know: Work and Play have two locations in South Orange. Their flagship at 19 Prospect St. is the location that has childcare. Their second location – just down the street – has private offices and an additional co-working space and a meeting room.

19 Prospect St.
South Orange, NJ 07079
973-327-4729
Online: workandplaynj.com

photo: Nido

Nido – Durham, NC

Nido is a co-working community that began with a potluck and has founding members who have based their model on building community between families. They’ve masterfully fused their on-site Montessori preschool with office space for parents––and this not-for-profit business considers themselves a movement toward a “new way of living and working and being with each other.” The co-working space is a hub for those who work remotely or run small businesses and Nido describes their environment as a “femicentric space” in which they aim to support the lives and needs of women and mothers. A $200/month membership grants you 24/7 hour access to the space, unlimited coffee and WiFi, printer/copier and ten hours of monthly conference room time as well as the support and camaraderie of other co-workers. To add childcare to the mix, click here for the pricing options on membership plans that include tuition to the on-site preschool. The Montessori school offers half-day morning or afternoon options for kids ages six months to six-years-old and the ambiance is serene and beautiful while the learning focus encourages kids to be “productive, creative and self-driven,” “a perfect mirror” to their co-working space.

Play, Work or Dash – Vienna, VA

At Play, Work or Dash, kids ages nine months to eight-years-old can enjoy singing, dancing, music, story time, arts and crafts and holiday-themed parties in the playroom while you get your work done without interruption. Slide into an open desk and fuel up with a cup of complimentary coffee or tea, log on to the high-speed Internet and go. You can use the Play and Work service for up to three hours per day and the “Dash” service (short-term, drop-off childcare for kids age two and older) lets you leave the premises to run an errand, go to a meeting, etc.

Good to know: You can check-in on your kids via a tablet that shows a live video feed.

Read more about Play, Work or Dash here.

8214-B Old Courthouse Rd.
Vienna, VA
703-345-7801
Online: playworkdash.com

photo: HackerMoms

HackerMoms – Berkeley, CA

HackerMoms could be just the village you’re looking for. This band of mothers helps alleviate the isolation of motherhood by offering a community where members can explore creativity, crafts, hacker/maker culture, entrepreneurship and more with the convenience of on-site childcare space. The membership (dues are $80/month) grants you 24/7 access to the space as well as tools (Epson Stylus Pro 9880 large format industrial printer, a Juki industrial sewing machine, a standard Brother sewing machine and some smaller power tools) and the chance to utilize childcare at an hourly fee and free workshops and peer to peer skill-shares. If this sounds like your vibe, visit an open house meeting (offered twice monthly) or make an appointment to go in and meet the other moms and introduce your kids. Then complete their membership application and have a reference check for child safety. Parents must stay on-site to utilize the childcare for kids ages 5 months-6 years-old. HackerMoms allows the kids to meander between their room and the workspace so moms can model “active, creative lives for their kids.”

Good to know: For heavy-duty power tools, members can go to their partner hackerspace up the street, Ace Monster Toys, to use a CNC machine, laser cutter, makerbots, 3D printers, a full woodshop and electronics lab and more.

3288 Adeline St.
Berkeley, CA 94703
Online: mothership.hackermoms.org

photo: Giocare Play Spot

Giocare Play Spot – Brooklyn, NY

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Giocare Play Spot offers parents the ability to use their workspace while their kids play in the on-site play room. Kids will enjoy activities, organized play and music and movement while parents can get to work using the high-speed Internet, laser printer, charging station, office supplies, coffee and tea and the ability to work uninterrupted and without worry, as the kids are just a room away. The daily rate is $45 and the monthly rate is $250.

Santa Monica’s new Big and Tiny is play are for kids, co-working space for parents

September 14, 2018March 7, 2019 by B_and_T

By Abc7 News.

A new business that is both a children’s learning spot and a co-working space for parents has opened up shop in the neighborhood. Located at 1731 Ocean Park Blvd. in Santa Monica, the new arrival is called Big and Tiny.

Founded by a working mom and entrepreneur, this newcomer strives “to support and empower” parents and guardians so they can better balance personal and professional lives, explains the business on its website.

An assortment of developmental and educational classes are on offer, from preschool prep and after-school programs to enrichment classes such as Tiny Islanders — a 13-week course designed to introduce little ones to the Polynesian Islands through dance, song, children’s literature and play. (You can view a full listing of classes and programs here.)

A dedicated co-working area is available as well, for parents in need of some quiet working space or much-needed time off.

The fresh arrival has proven popular thus far, with a five-star rating out of seven reviews on Yelp.

Gina A., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on Aug. 14, wrote, “I signed my daughter up for summer camp and she had a blast! Some days I stayed and got some work done in the co-working area or hung out in the quiet back patio just reading a book. The space is exquisitely decorated and is perfect for either work or just relax.”

“My 3.5-year-old goes here and it’s honestly been a game-changer for us!” shared Yelper Aaron I. “She does yoga, learns music, gets to play with other little ones and is sharpening her skills as a thoughtful member of society, all in one brilliantly designed space with great people leading the charge.”

Intrigued? Stop in to check it out for yourself. Big and Tiny is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays.