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I didn’t expect to find a play café in the middle of Azuela High Street, but here it was: bright, airy, and full of kids running around while the smell of coffee drifted from the counter. Dreamnest Play Café is Davao’s newest family-friendly spot, and it feels refreshing in a city where most cafés are built with only adults in mind.

What struck me wasn’t just the play area, it was the idea that you don’t have to choose between giving kids a safe space and finding somewhere decent to eat or hang out. The playground is filled with educational toys, pretend stations, ball pits, and a slide that actually look fun, not just filler. Everything was clean and secure, the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable letting children run around.

Then came the real surprise: the food. I was able to try their Bolognese and a cup of coffee, and it was the kind of meal that made me pause. You’d expect it to be typical cafe food but it wasn’t. The pasta was flavorful, the coffee smooth and balanced. I followed it up with their crispy chicken tenders with fries, and it sealed the deal: this is a café I’d come back to on a random weekday even without godchildren or pamangkins. The fact that the café is open to everyone makes it stand out; it’s not just a play area with token snacks, it’s a place you could actually spend time in.

Dreamnest also offers flexible ways to enjoy the space. There are hourly passes for casual visits and monthly memberships that give kids unlimited playtime and parents perks like birthday party discounts. For families in Lanang or near the Azuela area, it’s easy to imagine this becoming part of the weekly routine. Imagine going for a run around Azuela and having a place to drop the kids at.

And maybe that’s the bigger story: Dreamnest isn’t just a novelty, it’s a sign of how Davao’s café culture is expanding. We’re seeing spaces that serve more than one purpose, places where people can come together in ways that feel a little more thoughtful. Dreamnest Play Café is playful, yes, but it’s also practical—and that combination might be exactly what makes it last.

If You’re Planning a Visit

• Location: Dreamnest Play Café, Azuela High Street, Azuela Cove, Lanang, Davao City
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (soft opening schedule), closed on Tuesdays
• Contact: 0917 550 5919
• Opening Play Packages: (Check with their pages for updated rates)
  • Weekdays: ₱250 (1 hr), ₱400 (2 hrs), ₱499 (unlimited)
  • Weekends: ₱280 (1 hr), ₱500 (2 hrs), ₱599 (unlimited)
  • Monthly Memberships: ₱3,500 (1 child), ₱5,600 (2 children), ₱6,900 (3 children)

What made Dreamnest stick with me wasn’t only the play area, it was the food and coffee that I’d gladly come back for on my own. That balance– kids having fun, adults enjoying a real café experience — is what makes it different. If you’re looking for your next coffee spot or a place to bring family, put Dreamnest Play Café on your list this week.

Which Davao cafe should I try next?

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