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If you’re looking for a cozy, screen-free play space designed especially for young children, Bug and Goose Play Cafe is one of the Milwaukee area’s favorite spots. With two locations — their original in Elm Grove and their newer space in Delafield — families can expect warm hospitality, imaginative play areas, a full café, and a calm, community-centered atmosphere where caregivers and kids can relax together.
💡 Looking for more indoor fun? Don’t miss our full roundup of the Best Indoor Playgrounds Around Milwaukee.
What Is Bug & Goose Play Café?
Bug & Goose is a locally owned play café created by two sisters who wanted to design a welcoming, community-oriented space where kids can explore safely while adults can enjoy real coffee, conversation, and a moment of calm.
Both locations offer:
- Thoughtfully designed play spaces for ages 6 months to 6 years
- A fully carpeted, shoe-free environment (socks required)
- Imaginative, hands-on play areas
- A baby/crawler zone for little ones who need a protected space
- A full café with coffee, espresso, snacks, kids’ drinks, and seasonal offerings
- Open Play sessions, Mini Play sessions, and Private Play reservations
It’s one of the few places in the area where parents can relax with their kids in view — no childcare provided — but the environment is intentionally designed to feel easy, safe, and welcoming.
Highlights of the Delafield Location
The Delafield space is larger than the original Elm Grove location and offers all the beloved features parents love, plus a few new additions.
Imaginative Play Zones
Kids can explore a rotating selection of creative setups including:
- A market + boulangerie for pretend shopping
- A dress-up area with costumes (princess, firefighter, etc.)
- A play kitchen and food prep area
- A “Town Table” with loose parts play
- A magnet wall
- Colorful stepping stones for gross-motor play
- The popular Animal Care Center for little veterinarians
Signature Climbing Structure
The centerpiece of the Delafield location is a beautiful, light-wood climbing structure with:
- Slides
- Platforms
- Hideaway nooks
- Safe, low-height exploration for little climbers
It’s visually stunning and endlessly entertaining for toddlers and preschoolers.
Baby & Crawler Zone
A dedicated, enclosed area offers a safe place for:
- Crawling babies
- Sitters
- New movers
Soft surfaces and age-appropriate toys keep the tiniest visitors happy.
Reading Nook
New to the Delafield space, this small cozy nook is perfect for a quiet moment between active play sessions, with a sweet collection of board books.
Mini Café Checkout (Fan Favorite!)
Kids can “check out” their play food items at a mini café counter placed right next to the real café — always a hit.
The Café
Caregivers can enjoy:
- Colectivo coffee + espresso drinks
- Seasonal drinks (think caramel apple latte, pumpkin spice, etc.)
- Hot cocoa and kids’ beverages
- Snacks and grab-and-go food options
Tables are sprinkled throughout the space so adults can sip while keeping an eye on their kids.
What to Know Before You Go
Ages
The space is best suited for ages 6 months to 6 years.
Shoe Policy
Bug & Goose is fully carpeted, and socks are required for all kids and adults.
Reservations
You can reserve:
- Open Play sessions
- Mini Open Play (shorter sessions)
- Private Play for small groups or birthday celebrations
A discounted punch pass is also available.
Parking
The Delafield location has easy, onsite parking.
Caregivers Are Always Free
Adults, grandparents, and caregivers can enter at no charge.
Supervision
This is not a drop-off play space — adults supervise their own children.
Why Parents Love It
- A warm, community feel
- Clean, bright, thoughtfully designed play areas
- Plenty of imaginative play opportunities
- A calm, non-chaotic environment (rare for indoor play!)
- A café with good coffee — a true gift
Owners Lindsay and Laura describe the space as a little respite for caregivers — especially in long winters and hot summers — and a place where adults can build community while their kids safely explore.
For More Information
You can check current play times, reserve sessions, and view café offerings on the Bug & Goose Play Café website.
More Family Fun in Delafield
- Smiley Barn Toy & Candy Store — A nostalgic, can’t-miss stop for kids.
- Fort Cushing Playground — A castle-style play structure perfect for preschoolers and big kids.
- Lapham Peak with Kids – Family-friendly trails, tower views, and helpful tips for exploring the park.
Related Posts
- Little Village Play Cafe: Wauwatosa’s Favorite Family Fun Spot
- Best Indoor Playgrounds Around Milwaukee
- Little Sprouts Play Cafe Serves Up Perfect Play Date
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
