One of our favorite places to go, when our kids were younger, was Little Beans Cafe. If you haven't been, it is one of those unique locations where you can enjoy some adult time, perhaps coffee with a friend, lunch with your spouse, or even a glass of wine with a good book, while your kids are completely occupied, all under the same roof. You may have visited the, now closed, Chicago location. However, do not fret, the Little Beans Cafe in Evanston, is everything the Chicago location was and more, and it's just a short drive away.
Right next to the cafe are numerous, imaginative play structures that any child under the age of five will be mesmerized by. There is something for everyone. My daughter would spend hours in the little general store, while my son would fixate on the train table. Better yet, there is a space for your "Big Beans." A Ninja Warrior obstacle course and a half-court gym are geared towards ages 4-12. There is also a self-serve Karaoke and floor gaming room. The whole family can enjoy their Drive-In movie nights and it's one of the few places that host regular Nerf War games, complete with obstacles and team play.
Little Beans Cafe is currently enrolling for its play-based, Grow & Learn, Drop-Off Preschool for 2-3 year old children. The preschool runs through June 3rd, 2022. The curriculum includes age-appropriate educational, creative, physical, and fun activities.
- Worried your child isn't yet potty-trained? Don't be! Being potty trained is not required!
- The preschool options are extremely flexible, from 2-5 days a week, half-day (8:30am to 12:00pm) to full-day(8:30am to 3:30pm) and even extended day (8:30am to 5:30pm.) Note, children must be at least three years old for full-day and extended day.
- Got a particularly busy week coming up? They even offer short-term weekly enrollment based on availability.
- After a great year of preschool, join Little Beans Cafe for summer camp for year-round enrichment.
A sample day may look as follows:
8:30-9:45am – Drop-off and free play in play spaces
9:45-10:45am – Learning centers
10:45-11:15am – Snack and potty
11:15-11:45am – Daily class or project
11:45-12:00pm – Half day students - pack up and leave; full day students – books and coloring
12:00-12:30pm – Lunch
12:30-1:15pm – Recess at park or play space time
1:15-2:00pm – Rest time or quiet time
2:00-3:00pm – Extracurricular centers - Rotate through art, drama, sports, etc.
3:00-3:30pm – Free play and pick up
Knowing how much the staff interacts with the children when we have gone for just open play time, I trust that they are super engaging with their preschool classes. I always feel so "at home" at Little Beans Cafe. I think you and your children will too.
