Peculiar Play Café creates judgment-free space for parents and kids

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — After experiencing postpartum anxiety with her first son, Sarah Young said a moment at a café changed everything.

Her child had a meltdown, and instead of feeling supported, she felt judged.

“I felt so uncomfortable in that moment,” Young said. “That’s when the idea bloomed.”

That idea became Peculiar Play Café; a space designed for parents and children alike to feel at ease.

The café operates like a typical breakfast and lunch spot, offering fresh, made-to-order meals, coffee, and kid-friendly menu options, with no admission fee required. But what sets it apart is the built-in play experience.

Inside, the space is divided into three areas. A crawler corner near the front is designed for babies who are not yet walking. A larger play section includes a small treehouse, slide, climbing features, and dress-up items for older children. In the back, a party room allows families to host gatherings and celebrations.

Young and her husband, Curtis Young, created the café to help parents feel comfortable in situations that might otherwise be stressful.

The menu includes all-day breakfast, along with sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Young said the café plans to expand both its menu and its hours heading into the summer months.

Beyond food and play, Young said the deeper purpose of the café is to build community.

“I often feel homesick for something we don’t have in this society anywhere, community,” Young said.

She described the café as a “third space,” a place outside of home and work where people can come together and connect.

“I had a desire to create a space that’s a step beyond a restaurant,” Young said.

The café also partners with local vendors throughout the week, hosting pop-ups and special events.

For its first Mother’s Day weekend, Peculiar Play Café is planning several activities. On Friday, a “Sparkle and Strand” pop-up will offer fairy hair services. On Saturday, moms can receive a free drink with a purchase of $20 or more, along with free kids' crafts throughout the day. Sunday will feature a “Tangled Roots” potting bar, where children and their mothers can participate in a hands-on activity together.

Young said the response so far has shown a clear need for spaces like this.

“This space has impacted people, 100%,” she said. “There’s a desire for community. People might be looking for it and not even realize it. We desire connection, something that screens have severed.”