Tiny Beans Play Cafe: A Hidden Gem for Chesapeake Moms (and a Perfect Playdate Spot!)

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “things to do with kids near me” for the hundredth time this week, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—scrolling through options that either involve too much chaos, too little coffee, or nowhere to sit. That’s why I was so excited when I discovered Tiny Beans Play Cafe in Chesapeake, VA. And if you’re a mom like me (a little tired, juggling all the things, and craving a moment to sit while the kids play), this place is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.

What Makes Tiny Beans So Special

Tiny Beans isn’t just another indoor play space. It’s a beautifully designed, thoughtful environment created with young kids and their caregivers in mind. Everything is clean, modern, and well-maintained (you won’t find any sticky ball pits here), and the space is curated for littles under six. The layout is open and easy to navigate—which means you can actually see your child while they play without chasing them through a maze of plastic tubes.

There’s a pretend play kitchen, soft climbing structures, sensory toys, and plenty of imaginative stations to explore. It's the kind of place that encourages your little one's creativity without overstimulating them (or you).

Yes, There’s Coffee—and It’s Good

The “cafe” part of Tiny Beans isn’t an afterthought. They serve locally roasted coffee, teas, and simple snacks—so while your kids are playing chef, you can sip a real latte in peace. There’s comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a vibe that feels more like a cozy moms’ meet-up spot than a typical play center.

It’s a great place to meet a friend for a playdate or just get out of the house on a rainy day when your toddler needs to burn energy, but your nerves can’t handle another trip to the trampoline park.

Why I Recommend It as a Photographer

From a photographer’s point of view, what I love most about Tiny Beans is how aesthetic it is. The space is full of soft colors, natural light, and well-designed play areas that actually make for cute photos of your child doing what they do best: playing and being themselves.

As someone who works with a lot of moms like you—busy, thoughtful, and trying to soak in all the little moments—you know how fast these stages pass. Tiny Beans gives you the kind of setting where you can just be with your child, without a million distractions. And let’s be real, it’s way easier to get those sweet, candid shots when everyone is relaxed and happy.

Planning Your Visit

You’ll want to check their website or social media for current hours and open play availability—sessions book up quickly, especially on weekends. They also host birthday parties and special events (which, hint hint, might sometimes include mini sessions with yours truly).

If you're local to Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, or the Hampton Roads area, Tiny Beans is absolutely worth a visit—and may just become your new favorite outing.

Final Thought for the Moms

If you’ve been meaning to get out of the house more with your little ones—or just need a new go-to spot where you can breathe for a minute—put Tiny Beans on your list. And if you ever want to turn one of those everyday playdates into something a little more memorable, I’d be happy to chat with you about a custom session. (Candid moments like this? They’re my favorite.) So reach out, and schedule your Chesapeake family photography session today!

– Justine
Photographer, mama, and big believer in good coffee and better lighting