Milwaukee families now have a new destination to explore with the opening of The Play Retreat, a bright play cafe designed for families to connect, play, and unwind together.
Located in Mequon, this new venue offers immersive experiences tailored for children of all ages and their caregivers.
The Play Retreat has something for everyone, starting with a dedicated area for the littlest guests. The “Tiny Explorers” space is designed for children aged 0 to 18 months, featuring a foam gym, sensory toys, and soft textures. It’s a cozy corner where babies can safely explore while caregivers relax on comfortable seating nearby, engaging with their little ones as much as they wish.
For slightly older children, ages 1 to 8, the main play area is filled with imaginative experiences. The centerpiece is a multi-level playhouse that offers everything from a mini kitchen and camping setup to a vet clinic where kids can care for plush animals.
There are also themed play stations like a train table and a puppet theater, providing endless opportunities for pretend play.
Older kids aren’t left out, either. The Play Retreat has a special area dedicated to children over six years old, featuring board games, art activities, and building sets. This space allows older siblings to have their own fun while younger ones are engaged elsewhere.
Caregivers can also find their own retreat within the space. The café area is stocked with comfortable seating, coffee, and magazines, making it easy to take a breather while still keeping an eye on the action.
There’s even a selection of board games for adults, perfect for those who want to indulge in a little friendly competition while the kids play.
The Play Retreat places a strong emphasis on imaginative play. Children can explore a variety of themed “shops” in the retreat’s village, including a coffee house, ice cream shop, pizza truck, and farm stand grocery. These play areas encourage creativity and role-playing, allowing kids to take on different roles and scenarios.
For those who love the arts, the puppet theater and dress-up area offer a chance to put on a show, while the book garden is a cozy spot for young readers to dive into a story.
For more information, including hours and membership options, visit The Play Retreat’s website or stop by to experience it for yourself.
Looking for more indoor play options? Check out our list of Indoor Playgrounds and Play Cafes in Milwaukee.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.