A New Indoor Play Café Near You: What Families Should Know About Blue Bird Play Cafe (Opening Soon!)
If you’ve ever searched “indoor play cafe near me” while juggling a stroller, a coffee craving, and adorably rambunctious toddler—you’re not alone. Families in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Carthage, and Whispering Pines have been asking for more indoor play options for years, and a new space is finally on the way.
Blue Bird Play Cafe is set to open this spring and is designed to be a calm, thoughtful place where kids can play and parents can actually take a breath.
Here’s what families should know.
Where Is Blue bird Indoor Play Café Located?
Blue Bird will be opening in downtown Aberdeen, with the exact address to be announced soon. Its central location makes it an easy drive from Southern Pines, Pinehurst, and Whispering Pines.
Parking Info
Downtown parking is always top of mind for parents, and the owner knows it’s something to keep in mind. Blue Bird will offer seven dedicated parking spots just for the café, along with five additional spots across the building. The town is also actively working on a broader parking plan. While weekends may be the busiest, weekday visits should feel easier to manage.
Is It Stroller-Friendly? (yes, we had to ask!)
We had to ask—and the answer is yes, very. Blue Bird is designed to be stroller- and wagon-friendly, with new doors that are easy to open and plenty of space for popular setups like Wonderfolds and Uppababy strollers. Stroller parking will be available inside the building, and once you’re in, the space opens into one main room with great natural light, making it easy to keep an eye on siblings of different ages.
What’s the Play Space Like?
Blue Bird is designed for children 6 months through about 7–8 years, with a layout that keeps littles from being overwhelmed by bigger kids.
Play features include:
Soft play areas for crawlers and early walkers
Indoor climbing structures
Play villages for imaginative play
STEM and sensory stations
A tricycle path for movement and fun
It’s a space meant to work for siblings—so you don’t have to choose between activities.
Can Parents Sit and See Everything?
Yes, you will be able to—and this is a big win. Seating offers a clear, rounded view of the entire play space, with a gate near the entrance by the café area. You can sip your coffee while still keeping an eye on it all.
Café Details (Yes, There’s Coffee!!)
Blue Bird will feature a full coffee bar, with beans sourced from a military-spouse–owned business out of Virginia Beach. Food offerings will focus on dye-free, minimal-ingredient snacks, with a mix of made-in-house and thoughtfully chosen prepackaged options.
Hours, Reservations & Special Play Times
While hours may adjust after opening, the current plan looks like:
Tuesday–Thursday: 8 AM–3 PM
Friday–Sunday: Later hours (possibly until 5 or 7 PM)
Reservations are recommended but walk-ins will be welcomed if space allows.
Special Play Times
Again, subject to change, but here’s what Christine is thinking:
Toddler Time: First hour (8–9 AM), weekdays
Sensory-Friendly Hours: One morning per week (8–9 AM)
Monthly Special Events: Seasonal fun like Santa visits, Easter Bunny, hot cocoa with Elsa, and more
Pricing, Memberships & Parties
Final pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but the focus is on keeping visits affordable for local families. Planned options include drop-in play pricing, as well as monthly and yearly memberships and punch cards for families who plan to visit often.
Birthday Parties & Private Events
Party packages at Blue Bird will offer a range of options, from DIY setups where families bring their own supplies with help from Blue Bird for setup and cleanup, to simple themed packages, all the way up to full-service parties where decor, food, and setup are fully handled.
Why This Space Matters to Moore County Families
Blue Bird was created by a local mom and military spouse who has lived in Moore County for seven years. Inspired by her daughter and the need for more inclusive, accessible play opportunities, she wanted to bring something here that families shouldn’t have to drive hours to find.
The goal?
A place for kids to build social and communication skills
A place for parents to connect with others in the same stage
A calm, welcoming space where everyone can breathe
Opening Timeline
Blue Bird is currently in the build-out phase, with flooring, plumbing, and construction starting soon. Custom play villages are being built in Pennsylvania and are expected to arrive in April, with a hopeful opening planned for May.
Sneak Peeks & MoCo Mom Community Updates
We’re keeping an eye on sneak peek opportunities and preview playtimes. While Blue Bird is already gathering early testers, they’ve shared that a few MoCo Mom members might just be included ahead of opening, and we can’t tell you how excited we are for that!
Looking for an Indoor Play Café Near You?
If you’re in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Carthage, or Whispering Pines, maybe even visiting for the weekend, Blue Bird Indoor Play Café is one to watch this spring. We’ll continue updating this post as opening details are finalized.
If you’ve ever searched “indoor play cafe near me” while juggling a stroller, a coffee craving, and kids bouncing off the walls—you’re not alone. Families in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Carthage, and Whispering Pines have been asking for more indoor play options for years, and a new space is finally on the way.