Seattle and Eastside parents rejoice. With yesterday's grand opening of the Tot Spot Café in Woodinville, there's a new place to hang your hat and let loose with the littles.

The café is a coffee shop —with a complete lunch menu —and an indoor playspace in one. Kiddos (up to age five) will dig the age-specific play areas. There's a tummy time section for infants, waddlers get to climb and test their balance, and older tykes can choose from a huge array of toys and games. You can join in or watch from a distance, sipping your java, and chatting with other parents (you can see the kiddies from every seat and the play space is monitored).

Tot Spot owner (and our new hero) Kat Stremlau is all about healthy alternatives to fast food. The menu includes baked goods she makes herself, Little Rae's all-natural treats, waffles ($3), graham crackers and jam ($1), cheese sticks ($1), strawberry yogurt milkshakes ($3), and —for the grownups —paninis ($6.50-$7), salads ($6.50), and espresso drinks ($3.50). Of course, there are plenty of high chairs and kids' tables.

Tot Spot is also about to become a hot birthday party destination; ask about packages. Playgroups are welcome to enjoy the space together (hello, PEPS groups!); if you have more than ten members, call ahead to make sure there's room. Playtime for baby and mommy? Hallelujah!

Tot Spot Café
www.totspotcafe.com
17802 134th Ave. NE (Woodinville)
425.488.2795 Mon. —Fri., 9 a.m. —4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. —4 p.m.
$6/hour; siblings, $4/hour

PS —If you're making a trip from Seattle, pop over to the Hanna Anderson outlet afterwards, just a few blocks away.