The Story Behind Little Beans Play Café
Exploring through play is how children learn about the world around them, especially during those crucial developmental years between one and five. It’s a time of wonder, curiosity, and endless discovery—a phase when every colorful block and pretend tea party becomes an opportunity to grow. Little Beans Play Café nurtures this phase of life, offering a safe, fun, and educational environment for young children to explore. At the same time, it provides a relaxing, stress-free place for parents to enjoy coffee, work, or unwind.
Play & Grow
Inspired by a visit to a family-focused café in Kansas City, Jesus and Llana Meza dreamed of creating something similar in the Lincoln community. As parents to two young daughters, Evelyn (3) and Lucia (18 months), and with a baby boy, Sebastian, on the way, the Mezas knew the value of a space designed for children under five to play and learn at their own pace. The Meza’s dream became a reality in July 2024 when Little Beans Play Café opened its doors in Lincoln’s Edgewood shopping center.
What Makes Little Beans Play Café Special?
True to the original vision, Little Beans is a space where little kids and parents can have fun, free from the buzz of older, more active kids. For parents of little ones, time at Little Beans Café can also be a much-needed breath of fresh air. Caretakers are free to sip their coffee, read a book, or work on their laptops while kids engage in play.
The café fosters an understanding community of parents who “get it” and know what it’s like to juggle responsibilities and care for young children. If a child has a meltdown, it’s not seen as a problem; instead, other parents step in to offer support and a helping hand.
A Safe Space for Kids
Safety is a top priority at Little Beans Play Café. Every visitor must sign a waiver, and the play area is equipped with padded floors, corner protectors on tables, and plenty of parental supervision to ensure that children can explore freely without risk of injury.
To maintain a clean environment, the café sanitizes the play area after every two hour session and has a special “Tasted Toys” bin for toys that need deep cleaning after being placed in children’s mouths. Hand sanitizing and extra hand washing are encouraged, giving parents peace of mind.
Activities and Events for Kids
“Engaging” is possibly the best way to describe the café’s environment. With a monthly schedule that’s full of crafts, activities, and events, Jesus and Llana keep things fresh and exciting. By limiting open play sessions to just 25 guests, Little Beans Play Café creates a calm environment where kids can explore without feeling overstimulated. Plus, you can check the live attendance counter online when booking a time to ensure there’s a spot available for you and your little ones.
For those looking to celebrate special occasions, Little Beans Play Café offers private facility rentals on Saturday afternoons and Sundays by request. Parents can bring their own food–a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The rental package includes everything needed for a fun and stress-free party, from high chairs, to cutlery and napkins. The café stays open during these events for those last-minute needs.
They also offer fun character (Bluey, Bingo, Olaf, Grinch, Dino, and more) events!
Supporting Local Businesses and Building Community Connections
One of the driving forces behind Little Beans Play Café is the owners’ commitment to supporting local businesses.
Their community support is evident in how they feature neighborhood vendors, including a mom who creates custom playdough kits. The owners also take an active role in local events, such as Babe Lincoln, an expo for new parents and growing families. They also locally source their coffee from Ahroma Specialty Coffee.
Finding Center
Balancing business and parenthood is a challenge, but Jesus and Llana make it work by involving their whole family in the process! Daughters Evelyn and Lucia are the “official product testers,” trying out new toys and equipment before they’re introduced to the public. The kids often play in the café while
Jesus and Llana handle behind-the-scenes tasks, making the business a true family affair.
Visit LittleBeansPlay.com to reserve your two-hour open play session with full café access. If Little Beans Play Café becomes your family’s go-to spot, the café also offers convenient monthly and yearly membership options. Little Beans Play Café is excited to grow and become a beloved spot for families
in Lincoln to play, learn, and connect.
5310 S. 56th Street, Suite 4
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM-12:30 PM
Sunday: Closed