The Play Cafe Sunderland

Unit 1, 9&10, 9 Station Rd, Fulwell, Sunderland SR6 9AA, United Kingdom
+44 191 447 7575
$$$ Children's cafe
(136 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

The Play Cafe Sunderland is a children’s cafe tucked into the Fulwell area of Sunderland, offering a relaxed space where parents and little ones can spend quality time together. It’s a spot designed less for quick stops and more for lingering — especially when you want a hassle-free environment where kids can explore safely and parents can catch up over a decent coffee.

The cafe balances a vibrant play area filled with toys, sand and water trays, and activity stations alongside a menu that caters to both grown-ups and children. Locals often drop by mid-mornings or early afternoons, making it an ideal place for toddlers and preschoolers to burn off energy while parents enjoy a coffee like a cappuccino or the well-praised avocado smash toast. The highlight for kids often includes treats like the whimsical unicorn hot chocolate or crepes, which are popular enough to be mentioned by regulars.

Birthdays seem to be a particular specialty here, with tailored party packages that take the pressure off parents. Organised games, prizes, and child-friendly menus mean the adults can either join in or simply watch the fun unfold. The staff come across as approachable and attentive, known to accommodate dietary needs and make sure that each visit runs as smoothly as possible.

The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive, with a noticeable buzz from children discovering new activities and parents relaxing comfortably within sight. The cafe stays clean and well-maintained, giving confidence to families looking for a safe, welcoming space to unwind — whether you’re visiting for a midweek coffee break or hosting a small gathering.

In essence, The Play Cafe Sunderland suits families with young children who want a local spot free from rushed coffee runs, where the kids are entertained and the grown-ups can enjoy decent food and drink without constant interruption.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Live performances
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
What they serve
Coffee
Free water refills
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 01:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

136 Reviews
Alex C

02 Jan 2026

Just had my son’s 3rd birthday party at the play cafe. It was such a lovely afternoon. Great communication before the party, I opted for the children’s tapas which was ideal. Also the party games, was lovely not having that extra thing to sort, the games and prizes were brilliant and meant I could join in or watch the fun. Staff couldn’t do anymore to make sure it was a brilliant afternoon. Thank you

Kirstie-Anne Richardson

21 Nov 2025

Visited today, all staff friendly and very helpful the food was beautiful they were very accommodating very friendly environment my child enjoyed her few hours would like to give special name mentions to Ava & Katie who where very accommodating. They need a rise!

Cheryl Havelaar

26 Oct 2025

Elody is amazing with the children. We attend French rhyme and my little boy loves it and is obsessed with Elody. The food is delicious the avocado smash is particularly nice! The crepes are fab too....Really good coffee and the kids unicorn hot chocolate was sweet

Sarah Willetts

07 Oct 2025

Had my little boy's 3rd birthday here today and it was brilliant. We went for the play stations package and had diggers, sand, water tray, party goo, biscuit icing - all big hits! Perfect place for a toddler party, great for kids to play together safely and adults to chat over a coffee. Katy and the team were fantastic, accommodating a little one with a dairy intolerance we hadn't been aware of before the party and grafted in the background to make sure everything went smoothly and everyone had a good time. The little afternoon tea sets couldn't be cuter. The food is excellent and can't recommend this place enough. Thank you again, Play Cafe :)

Amy Millington

21 Sep 2025

We had a lovely visit to The Play Cafe today. Coffee and food were lovely and reasonably priced. Play area and cafe were very clean. My little boy had such a lovely time playing with the many toys available and didn't want to leave! Super friendly staff too

Kevin Cummings

12 Sep 2025

Came here with my daughter, and little Rosa she loves this place. Food and staff were lovely. Great place if you' ve got little ones. Grab a coffee some lunch and let the kids play drop in or book play classes. Value for money is great too, well worth a visit.

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