Moomah in Tribeca: Kid-Friendly Eats and Crafts Cafe

As of May, 2012, Moomah is only open to the public as a cafe, but the crafts workspace and Funky Forest may be booked for private parties.

Hip New York City moms and dads are missing Mamalus, the cool cafe and playspace that recently shut its doors in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. But in the ever-changing landscape that is NYC, another great kid-friendly spot has opened in Tribeca. Moomah, labeling itself as a Creative Arts Cafe, is a unique addition to family friendly spots and is unlike any place we've seen.

Moomah is the third child of celebrity wife Tracey Stewart and radiates with a mother's touch. From the carefully selected toys sold up front, to the toddler potty seat propped up behind the toilet, no detail has been overlooked and no expense spared. Every inch of the cafe is beautifully decorated with artwork that is both cool and adorable.

The cafe serves organic kid-friendly fare and hot and cold drinks and the food is actually reasonably priced. Balthazar pastries are under $2. I like the "super tryers" sampler plate (6 tastes for $4.95) which includes healthy, toddler-pleasing finger foods like avocado, chickpeas, chicken breast, and organic cereal O 's. They also serve salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and small plates based on local and sustainable foods, plus a full coffee bar.

While you're sipping your latte, set your kids up at the Do It Yourself craft table where the projects change every week, but always include nature-inspired, exceptionally precious crafts that someone has obviously designed to allow even little kids create something that you'll be proud to hang on the wall. The projects are on the pricey side ($12-$22), but you'll end up with an art piece that makes your child seem like Todd Oldham.

Of course, the most unique thing about the Moomah Cafe has to be the Funky Forest, an interactive room where kids manipulate a video stream to feed the trees and make them grow. The Funky Forest is free and kids of all ages love it. They will also be offering classes and birthday parties.

Moomah is located in an off the beaten path spot, just south of the Holland Tunnel entrance at 161 Hudson St. www.moomah.com

Out with the old. In with the moomah.