What Are "Open Play" Sessions? A Clear Guide for Temple City Grandparents
If your grandchild has been asking to visit an "open play" spot and you're not sure what that means, you've come to the right place. The term might sound like modern parenting jargon, but an indoor play café is actually one of the most straightforward — and enjoyable — ways to spend quality time with your little ones near Temple City. Think of it as an indoor playground where kids explore, climb, and play at their own pace, while you relax at a table with a coffee.
At My Little Paris Café & Play, we call these visits Eat & Play sessions. Here's how they work.
What Exactly Is an Eat & Play Session?
An Eat & Play session is a 2-hour visit where children ages 0 to 7 play in our Montessori-inspired play space while the grown-ups sit in the café with a meal or a coffee. There are no classes to sign up for and no uniforms to pack. You arrive, your grandchild plays, and you enjoy the time together.
For grandparents who may be watching their grandkids on an irregular schedule — maybe a Thursday here, a Friday there — that flexibility is the whole point. There is no weekly commitment: just book the visit that works for you.
How Does an Eat & Play Visit Work?
Walking into an indoor playground for the first time can feel unfamiliar, but the process is simple. Here's what to expect:
Step 1: Book and sign the waiver. We recommend reserving ahead. You can book online for up to 6 people; for 7 to 12, email, text or call us. Walk-ins are welcome only when there is space. A waiver is signed online before your grandchild plays.
Step 2: Socks on. Socks are required in the play space (except for babies under 16 months), and non-slip socks are recommended. We do not sell socks, so pack a pair for your grandchild.
Step 3: Settle In. Show your grandchild the play area, get them started, and find a comfortable seat in the café. The play space is visible from the café seating, so you can watch them while enjoying a cup of coffee. Parents and grandparents supervise at all times, and food and drink stay out of the play space.
Step 4: Play at your own pace. Your session lasts up to 2 hours. When your grandchild is tired or hungry, head back to your table for lunch.
What Makes It Great for Grandparents?
Our Eat & Play sessions aren't just designed for kids — they work well for multi-generational outings:
Comfortable adult seating. Unlike a crowded birthday party or a drop-off class where you're standing in a hallway, you sit in a real café with a view of the play space. You can sit, read, watch, or chat with other grandparents and parents.
Real coffee and a real meal. Our menu has brewed coffee, café au lait and long black, plus salads, sandwiches, toasts and pastas. Each adult orders at least one entrée. On weekdays, arrive between 2:00 and 3:30 PM for our happy hour, when the minimum is $10 per adult instead.
Kid-friendly food too. Our kids menu includes Mac & Cheese Penne, Penne Pasta, Pizza, a grilled cheese with ham and more.
Relaxed, no-pressure pace. You don't need to be a "playground expert." You just show up, watch your grandchild explore, and enjoy the time together. Our staff speak English, French and Chinese, so families can be comfortable in the language they prefer.
Weekday Morning Playdates in Temple City: Where to Go When It's Just You and the Moms covers toddler playdate spot Temple City in more detail.
How Much Does an Eat & Play Session Cost?
Admission is the same on every open day:
- Babies under 1: free
- Children 1 and older: $12.99 per child, or $10.99 per sibling
- Adults: each adult orders at least one entrée from the menu
- 10-Visit Play Pass: $110 for 10 Eat & Play sessions (about $11 per visit), shareable with family when the holder is present, valid for one year. The adult food minimum still applies.
- Monthly membership: starting at $50 a month for one child, with unlimited visits during business hours
If you watch your grandkids regularly, the Play Pass can be a good fit.
Finding Us From Temple City
My Little Paris is at 416 E. Las Tunas Drive, Unit C, in San Gabriel. We're open Wednesday through Sunday: Wednesday to Friday 10:30 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM. We're closed Monday and Tuesday. Birthday parties sometimes book the whole venue, so check the booking calendar before you plan your outing.
For grandparents living in the greater San Gabriel Valley — including nearby Temple City, Arcadia, San Marino, Alhambra, Rosemead, and El Monte — it makes an easy multi-generational outing.
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FAQ
What is an Eat & Play session?
An Eat & Play session is a 2-hour visit where children ages 0 to 7 play in our indoor play space while adults sit in the café. Each adult orders at least one entrée.
How much does it cost for grandparents with grandchildren?
Babies under 1 are free. Children 1 and older are $12.99 each, or $10.99 per sibling. Each adult orders at least one entrée, or on weekdays between 2:00 and 3:30 PM, a $10 minimum per adult.
What should I know about safety in the play space?
Socks are required (except for babies under 16 months), parents and grandparents supervise at all times, food and drink stay out of the play space, and a waiver is signed online before playing. Our play space is visible from the café.
Can I bring my grandchild without a reservation?
A reservation is recommended. Walk-ins are welcome only when there is space, and parties sometimes book the whole venue, so it's best to check the booking calendar first.
Is there seating for adults?
Yes. The play space is visible from the café seating, so you can sit with a coffee or a meal and watch your grandchild play.
Where is My Little Paris?
We're at 416 E. Las Tunas Drive, Unit C, in San Gabriel, open Wednesday through Sunday.
Ready to visit? Book your 2-hour session now. Reserve an Eat & Play Session