How about a place where your kids have fun and simultaneously you and a friend can enjoy quiet conversation? Café Zoïde offers just that. Located by the romantic and trendy Canal de l’Ourq, this unique two-story café welcomes both parents and children, from tots to 16-year olds. The ground floor, decorated with the little ones’ masterpieces, is dotted with miniature tables and chairs. It features a library packed with children’s books and a colorful computer. Up the pink stairs, a bigger wooden floored room, filled with light and funky homemade furniture, awaits the kids.

Older customers can hang out at the no smoking, no-alcohol bar, which serves cold drinks and fresh fruit juices. They can also sit at tables outside on the sidewalk, among the plants. (One of the two doors is for children, so watch your head!) Inexpensive organic food is also available, but you are not required to order anything.

Café Zoïde, which is an association, was founded three years ago by Anne-Marie to provide children and parents with a stimulating atmosphere and social and cultural diversity. It is by no means a crèche—kids under 8 must be supervised by an adult and older children cannot stay alone for more than four hours.

Every week, dynamic staff members and inspired parents organize activities, from cooking to arts and crafts, from basic music sessions to hip-hop and belly dancing classes. Once a month, kids learn nursery rhymes in English. Children can participate in the great shows that are put on for the multicultural audience of all. So far the staff has recorded two original discs, as well as a few short films.

The café has been adopted by neighborhood kids as well as by people from all over Paris and the suburbs. Some even come from as far as Lille.

Price: The yearly subscription is 2,50 €. Access to the playroom: 1,50 €, with discount for large families.
Café Zoïde
92 bis Quai de la Loire
01.42.38.26.37 - www.cafézoïde.asso.fr
Open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 7pm.