We asked ParentMap staff and friends where they like to go when they just must have a latte – but on “we” time, not “me” time.  Parents who caffeinate with kids in tow like laid-back spots with toys or a separate play space, or child-friendly treats like cupcakes, donuts or specially-prepared drinks. Don’t see your favorite coffee stop listed here? Email kris@parentmap.com with your tip!

China Cat Coffee and Tea. Lots for parents and kids in a compact area! Children's new-and-used bookstore Briar Patch Books is located in the coffee shop, and Peapod Book and Birth Store is right next door. Drop by for a cuppa joe in this homey little spot, and look for the basket of toys located across from the counter. Call for dates and times of the regularly scheduled preschool story time. 1417 N.W. 70th St., Seattle. 206-595-3240. BALLARD

Sip & Ship. Mail a package, browse a small but well-chosen selection of baby and toddler gifts (tiny "Ballard" onesie, anyone?), and head upstairs to the loft for a latte. Close  the gate so your tinies can't tumble down the stairs, and set them to rummage through the toy box. A tipster cautions that during December, the store uses the space to handle overflow from the holiday shipping season. 1752 N.W. Market St., Seattle. 206-789-4488. www.sipandship.com BALLARD

Mosaic Coffee House. Pay what you can for treats (good stuff from Little Rae’s Bakery) at the non-profit Mosaic, then repair to the spacious, separate children’s play area for some down time. 4401 Second Ave. N.E., Seattle. 206-632-8036, www.mosaiccoffeehouse.org WALLINGFORD

Firehouse Coffee. Latte for you, kid-sized Italian soda for your kiddo. Take your drinks into this Ballard coffee shop’s small playroom, close the door, and enjoy in (relative) peace while your child plays. Ahhh. Lot parking. 2622 N.W. Market St., Seattle. 206-784-2911. BALLARD

The Green Bean Coffeehouse. A friendly, yellow-painted hangout with good coffee, better hot chocolate, kid-sized chairs, and story time on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Lot parking (behind shop). 210 N. 85th St., Seattle. 206-706-4587, www.greenbeancoffee.org   GREENWOOD

Wayward Coffeehouse. Vegan Mighty-o Donuts; organic juice and rice milk; shade-grown coffee. Healthful treats, friendly staff, large space and a kid corner with toys – plus mellow, no-cover music in the evenings. You’re encouraged to play board games here, so bring that copy of “Snakes and Ladders.” Free WiFi. 8570 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle. 206-706-3240, www.waywardcoffee.com GREENWOOD

Red Cup Espresso. The lattes are delicious, and your pre-coffee-drinker will get a kick out of the gummy bears served alongside her hot chocolate. 4451 California Ave. S.W., Seattle. 206-923-0431. WEST SEATTLE

Coffee to a Tea with Sugar.  Cupcakes come in regular and kid-friendly bite size, and a large area at the back of the store is stocked with toys, books and games. (Free WiFi, too.) 4541 California Ave. S.W., Seattle. 206-937-1495. WEST SEATTLE.

Mighty-o Donuts. Organic, vegan donuts, trans-fat-free. And they taste pretty darn good. Oh, and the café’s in a vintage Seattle building. Oh, and it’s a local company.  2110 N. 55th St., Seattle. 206-547-0335, www.mightyo.com WALLINGFORD

Top Pot Donuts. We love the Wedgwood location for outings with kids: The covered outdoor seating is very Seattle-by-way-of-Palm-Springs. The donuts stacked in a glass case at the front counter are irresistible. Locations in downtown Seattle (2124 Fifth Ave., 206-728-1966), Capitol Hill (609 Summit Ave. E., 206-323-7841) and Wedgwood (6855 35th Ave. N.E., 206-525-1966, lot parking). www.toppotdonuts.com MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Cupcake Royale. The stores aren’t especially kid-friendly (no toys, no space), but…cupcakes. ‘Nuff said. The Ballard store can be loud and crowded with Macbook-toting 20-somethings, but if you visit with kids, you won’t be in the minority. Locations in downtown Ballard (2052 N.W. Market St., 206-782-9557), West Seattle (4556 California Ave. S.W., 206-932-2971) and Madrona (1101 34th Ave., 206-709-4497). www.cupcakeroyale.com MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Trophy Cupcakes. Beautiful basics (chocolate, vanilla) and rotating daily flavors in fun flavors (snickerdoodle, chocolate peanut butter). And hot cocoa with homemade marshmallows for the kids. It’s located in Wallingford Center, which means parking and wide hardwood floors for your tot to wander. Lot parking. 1815 N. 45th St., Seattle. 206-632-7020, www.trophycupcakes.com WALLINGFORD

Common Ground Coffee & Cupcakes. This sweet little shop is located in old downtown Renton, and it’ll sell ya cakes in flavors like “Peppermint Patty” and “Almond Joy.” We think your crew will probably be occupied with the treats in front of them, but if not there are toys for them and free WiFi for you.  900 S. Third St., Renton. 425-235-1717, http://commongroundcupcakes.com RENTON

The Spotted Cow. Hang out at this indie ice cream shop with a coffee or cone, fire up the laptop (free WiFi)  and relax for a few in the separate family area outfitted with a puppet theater, toys and books. In the new store, the play area is surrounded by a half-wall for more privacy. Two Mill Creek locations:  Thomas Lake Center, 3414 132nd St. S.E. (425-337-8194); new store, Mill Creek Town Center, Bothell-Everett Highway and 153rd Street Southeast (425-357-9464). www.spottedcow.net. MILL CREEK

Zoka. The third and newest store in the local chain is eminently family-friendly, with a toy corner and several kids’ drinks to choose from. Lot parking. 7811 S.E. Center Blvd., Snoqualmie. 425-396-0337, www.zokacoffee.com SNOQUALMIE

Tully’s. We hear that a certain Bellevue location is especially kid-friendly, with tables, chairs and toys: head to the store off Main and 110th (425-646-3909). Lot parking. BELLEVUE

Other coffee spots (with outings!)

Cloud City Coffee. Cloud City Coffee is a real neighborhood "third place" -- like visiting a friend who happens to be a terrific baker. Comfy couches, tons of books for kids and adults, and a genuinely welcoming staff make Cloud City kid-friendly. Delicious baked goods are made in-house. Breakfast burritos, quiche and sandwiches offer heartier options. Maple Leaf Playground is five blocks south, and Greenlake and Greenlake Library are a short car trip away. 8801 Roosevelt Way N.E., Seattle. 206-527-5552. MAPLE LEAF

Grateful Bread.  Kids love bagels, and bagels are a staple at Grateful Bread. This is a soothing place to have a snack. A comfortable corner is devoted to children's books and toys. A wide porch area offers picnic-style seating for warmer days. Soup, sandwiches and artisan breads are the specialties, along with Grateful Espresso and baked goods. The newly expanded Northeast Branch of the Seattle Public Library is four blocks south, while View Ridge Playground is five blocks east. 7001 35th Ave. N.E., Seattle. 206-525-3166.  WEDGWOOD

Great Harvest Bakery. Great Harvest hands kids free whole-wheat breadsticks and parents big fresh bread slices before they've even ordered -- what's not to love? The Ballard branch of this local favorite is run by parents of young kids, and a comfortably homey feeling pervades the place. Filling soups and fresh sandwiches are available. Secret Garden Bookshop is next door, and Archie McPhee is at 2428 Market St. N.W. Clover, a charming children's clothing and toy store, is two blocks south at 5335 Ballard Ave. N.W. Located at 2218 N.W. Market St., Seattle. 206-706-3434,  www.greatharvestsea.com BALLARD

El Diablo Coffee Company. El Diablo offers Cuban-style coffee drinks and a small menu. Brightly painted tall stools decorated with Mexican bingo cards and stylized murals of devils, angels, flowers, mermaids and the Virgin of Guadalupe will intrigue older children. Little kids may be more comfortable sitting on the covered porch. Queen Anne Books is next door. Queen Anne Community Center is two blocks west. 1811 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle. 206-285-0693. QUEEN ANNE

Victor's Celtic Coffee Co. Victor's feels folksy and laid back. There is a small toy box, or bring drawing supplies from home and settle into the big padded booth in the back corner. Baked goods, interesting sandwiches and flawless coffee are sure to satisfy. Ashley's Attic Children's Resale is a few doors down. The King County Library's Redmond branch is a short drive away at 15990 N.E. 85th, as is lovely Anderson Park at 7802 168th Ave. N.E. Victor's is located at 7993 Gilman St., 425-881-6451. REDMOND