Mamalu Indoor Playspace and Cafe is Mamaliscious

1/14/08 - By Nina

 

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MAMALU PERMANENTLY CLOSED IN 2009.

 

Mamalu in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is a great place to spend a cold or rainy day with babies and preschoolers, and the best part is that you can stay as long as you like for just $5 per child. Located across the street from McCarren Park, it's very convenient to get to with a car, I always find parking right outside. You can also get there fairly easily on the L or G train but expect a few blocks of a walk when you get off the train.

indooractivities.jpgThe space is large and airy and nicely designed with murals and mobiles and divided in two with the cafe in front and the play area in back. What I like about the play area is that it doesn't have a lot of toys which lets kids run around and explore without feeling overwhelmed and the toys they have are kept clean and in good shape. One wall of the play space is filled with a huge blackboard which for some is great fun, but can also present a bit of a challenge for mouthy little toddlers who like to eat chalk though its easy enough to position yourself away from the chalk stash.

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I've been going to Mamalu since my daughter was just a few months old and found it was a great place to meet with friends, there are comfy couches and tons of good magazines. It's particularly good to meet with friends who have kids of different ages since we could sit back with the babies and let the older kids run around.

One thing they are quite strict about is you are not allowed to bring food (even for babies, of course with the exception of bottles and boobs) which is understandable and how they are able to keep the prices so low. However they do have a wide selection of organic baby food, sandwiches, snacks and drinks so you can always find something, and the prices are surprisingly good.

They also offer birthday parties and sometimes have live music or other special events. And after checking out their website I also just learned that they have wireless internet, not that I can imagine being able to get work done with all those magazines and kids around, but if you timed it for nap time it might be possible to hole up in a corner up front and pull out your computer. Overall, Mamalu is an easy place to spend an entire day, huge windows and good music help you feel that you aren't being trapped inside but rather choosing to hang out in a lovely kids cafe.

Mamalu

232 N 12th
St Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 486-6312

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