Les Polinsons, a playroom for babies and children, with a cute tea room

The brainchild of two activity-starved moms, Pauline and Elodie, Les Polinsons is a quiet playroom, the antithesis of traditional playgrounds, the giant structures they’ve frequented for years. A place where children and parents alike can find something to do. Here, parents have the right to a central tea room, to keep an eye on the whole 220m2 room. Babies and children, meanwhile, have four worlds to explore in total freedom for two hours (or more, depending on booking).

At the entrance, you are greeted by the team, who explain how the room works. Children who can read can then look at the card at the entrance. Everything is done for them. Toys are freely available, and there’s a small corner with washbasins of different sizes for young and old alike. But it doesn’t take more than a couple of minutes for the little ones to get their bearings, and for the parents to take a breather (or follow them on their adventures, as the case may be).

A village reproduction lets them shop, cook and go to the theater. The bravest can even dress up in the checkroom! Another area is dedicated to sandboxes and nature discovery for older children. Budding engineers can build in safety in the workshop, using kapla and LEGOs.

Infants and toddlers have their own space, with a motor course, wooden toys and a reading corner for stories with parents. They can use the other areas to explore as soon as they take their first steps. We haven’t mentioned it yet, but of course, parents, grandparents and nannies are welcome in all areas. There’s just one condition: shoes must be left at the entrance.

We talked about it at the beginning. Les Polinsons also serves tea and snacks. A cup of tea or coffee for 3 euros, a cookie and a piece of fruit for the children’s snack for 2.5 euros (both), slices of cake and two dishes of the day provided by a partner – the menu is simple but effective. In fine weather, a shaded terrace in a private courtyard away from cars lets you soak up the sun, while the kids have fun with water games.

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Convinced? All week long, the site offers an after-school club with activities and workshops in small groups, thanks to its three animators. From art classes for 18-36 month olds, to English language and drama workshops for 6-9 year olds, or musical awakening for 3-5 year olds, the range is wide. Starting in May, the Polinsons will be offering pre-schooling courses to introduce children to school before the start of the new academic year in September. Workshops and activities cost 20 euros per session, and a half-year subscription is available at 240 euros.

A 35m2 room can also be reserved for birthday parties, from 120€ for 8 children. To make the most of the whole space, à la carte privatizations are available for half a day or even a full day, on weekdays or weekends. Tables, games, music, workshops, snacks – the team can take care of everything!

Pauline and Elodie are already considering other openings, having crown-funded this room, so there may well be other projects to finance.