Begin Coffee Cafe is well worth the drive!
For those living in Mae Jo, you’re probably so happy that you don’t need to drive halfway across the city for something like this. For the rest of us Mae Jo may seem a bit far out, but trust us – you’ll love it here and the kids of all ages will too.
It is a pay to play type situation but the entrance is so reasonable. See the end for prices.
As of January 2023, Begin Coffee is ONLY OPEN weekends.
The most family friendly cafe in Mae Jo, Chiang Mai
Finally districts to the north are catching onto the kid friendly idea! Begin Coffee Café and Playspace has created what has to be THE perfect space for families to hang out and here’s why!
“Lan-Lon-Len” Play Space
The staff at Begin Coffee have created and designed by hand what they call the “Lan-Lon-Len” playspace. They have personally hand crafted incredible wooden games and toys for the whole family to try. Some of the toys and games are brain training while some help with development, creativity, focusing, planning or even working with others.
Creativity and Sensory Centre
Another area offers kids the chance to draw and design on a giant chalkboard! So cool! At their feet is a specially designed sensory footpath area which encourages creative play which helps kids develop their fine motor muscles skills and stimulate kids’ senses.
Right next to here is a sandpit area and a small cute fishing pond area where they have small plastic fish and fishing rods for kids to pretend to fish! This is a very popular spot for kids to spend their time.
The GIANT Game Zone
For older kids and big kids (aka mom and dad), Begin Coffee has so many awesome games! The first being GIANT Jenga! It’s actually really challenging. It doubles as enormous Dominoes as well.
Our personal favourite was the huge Scrabble board with equally large playing tiles. The older kids really got into the game and we played for over an hour. This was great to stimulate vocabulary and strategy.
Next up in giant game land is Chess! Again, what a great way to teach or learn the game, or just go at it! It’s quite surreal playing it on such a large scale and completely challenges regular play.
Bamboo Toys
Next up is the bamboo toy area where there are lots of traditional toys to figure out. The stilts are very popular and everyone can try! There are sizes for most ages. The kids really loved this challenge!
For little kids there are even bamboo cars and more to play with.
In addition to all of this there is even a playground! The playground is nearer to the entrance and is somewhat out of view from the café or seating area. When we went, the kids didn’t even play on it once as there was so much more interesting things to do and they’d all seen a playground before. It’s still a nice option.
The Playground
But get this! It gets even better!
The Swimming Pools
There are TWO swimming pools at Begin Coffee. The first one is simple. It’s a circle that was once a Jacuzzi (it didn’t work), while the second is a very large proper pool. Both are lovely!
The Basketball Court
At the far back end of Begin Coffee is a professionally sized basketball court. It could also be used as a football pitch. You do need to bring your own ball to play though but still, how awesome is that?! The parents can get in a game while the kids are occupied!
Relaxation
Yes, they have thought of parents too. The café offers a nice refuge and there are also hammocks around the property. Of course you’d have to get to them before the kids do!
The Restaurant
Begin Coffee Cafe also has a nice food menu. The food is a mixture on offer or Thai and Western. The food is good and reasonably priced, although it’s a good idea to order food as soon as you arrive as the kitchen is small and they can’t handle a lot of orders at a time.
You can even preorder using the menu here.
You Can Stay Here!
Guess what?! Begin Coffee Cafe and Playspace is a resort as well! It really would be the perfect place to stay with kids near downtown wouldn’t it?
Its resort is called Kardinia Sum Pun Resort and you can book your night away here or pass this onto your visiting friends with kids!
The rooms are located in long bungalow style buildings and look nice! Plus, the owners and staff are so accommodating and speak excellent English and Thai that they would be able to arrange all of your needs.
Hours: Only open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm. CLOSED weekdays Monday to Friday
Cost: 30 baht per child to play. 60 baht per child to play and swim. 60 baht per adult to swim
Good for ages: walking and up
Phone: 087 185 5712
Kids Menu: Yes
High chairs: Yes
Playground: Yes
Wheelchair or stroller accessible: Yes
Child friendly staff: Yes
Birthday parties: Yes
Prices: $
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/begincoffeechiangmai
Line Official ID: @beginplayspace
Phone: 087 185 5712
Location: Google Maps
Things to consider
As Begin Coffee gains popularity, you may want to call ahead and reserve a space or table. You may also want to preorder food as the kitchen is small and when it’s busy, food takes a while to make it to you. You can check out other great cafes in Chiang Mai here.
