Every Seattle family needs a “third place”– that is, a public spot outside of home (one’s first place) and work or school (second places) where people of all ages come together to connect, relax, read, enjoy a bite, maybe listen to music. Especially during the winter months, kid-friendly bookshops with in-store eats are an ideal third place option.
The Couth Buzzard
When Hilary and Tallis Moore were expecting their son, Stan, they asked themselves, “What are the things that are most important to us that we want in this kid’s life?’
“At the top of the list was community,” says Hilary. Music, food, and books filled out the list. When they learned The Couth Buzzard bookstore and cafe was for sale, the Moores couldn’t believe their luck: A place of gathering, entertainment, and, of course, books and food for more than 30 years, the laid back Couth Buzzard is a Greenwood institution. It’s a place where families gather, Girl Scout troops meet, and percussionists (and a lot of other musical groups) play. The bookstore’s calendar is packed with events for all ages.
The Moores did minor renovations last summer, creating a more open space where entertainers playing at the back can be seen and heard from the storefront. They also reoriented the children’s book area so that kids can cuddle up with books within eyesight of parents sipping coffee at the cafe counter.
“As new parents ourselves, we designed the space as a place […] where if a toddler wants to join a percussion circle, they are welcomed by the whole group enthusiastically, and if a 70-year-old wants to be a part of kid’s story time, or even be a special guest musician or storyteller, they get to,” Hilary said. “That’s part of the magic Tallis and I were drawn towards.”
The couple is also committed to supporting the community. The cafe has a pay-what-you-can policy for a small coffee, tea, or day-old pastries. “We want to be a space where everybody feels really welcome, no matter what their economic situation is,” said Hilary.
- Don’t miss: Kid’s storytime each Saturday at 10 a.m.
- Unique: There’s never a charge for a group to meet here. Moms’ circle meet-up, anyone? Nearly 90 percent of the store’s book stock is used, which is a plus for the family budget.
Ada’s Technical Books and Cafe
Don’t be scared away by the name. Ada’s is a store where kids (and adults) can explore the wide world of DIY and skill-building and connect with some incredible women of technology (not the least of whom is Ada Lovelace, co-creator of the first computer and the shop’s namesake).
A warm, cozy chair sits by the fireplace as chill music fills the air. Next to the chair, the kids’ book corner offers up books for learning new skills, captivating biographies about important people in STEM history, puzzles, games, and early DIY electronics for kids. Beyond acknowledging women pioneers, store staff say the shelves in the kids’ corner are committed to racial equity and progressive ideas. Right in the middle of all that recognition sits Ada’s cafe, with sumptuous baked goods and tasty vegetarian fare.
- Don’t miss: Watch Ada’s event page for the kids’ Social Justice Storytime, which will return soon.
- Unique: Check out Ada’s Introduction to D&D game night for middle and high schoolers.
Ada’s Technical Books (Image: Felix Tran)
Third Place Books
It’s right there in the name. Each of the three stores has a well-stocked kids’ section and employees ready and eager with recommendations. They offer new and used books, host community events, and, while they don’t have cafes inside the bookstore, each partners with an adjacent eatery within the building, all of which offer an abundance of items kids will love: Baked goods? Honey Bear Bakery at the Lake Forest Park Third Place. Burger? Chuck’s Hop Shop at the Seward Park location. Mediterranean fare? Cafe Arta at the Ravenna location.
- Don’t miss: Check out the kid events page to learn about a range of happenings.
- Unique: Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park was one of the first bookstores designed to be a “community hub.”
(Image: Third Place Books)
Elliott Bay Book Company
Let’s just call it the mothership that it is. It makes sense that Elliott Bay Book Company’s kids’ area is centered around a large wooden boat that little ones like to climb on and cuddle down in with a book. In 2024, Elliott Bay on Capitol Hill celebrated 50 years of connecting people to books. The Little Oddfellows cafe is just three bookshelves away and a great place to gather around a table and read, play games, or chill.
- Don’t miss: Check out the kid events page.
- Unique: Both Salt & Straw and Molly Moon’s ice cream shops are within walking distance.
(Image: Elliott Bay Book Company)
No in-store cafes, but family favorites with food very nearby:
It has a small but well-curated kids’ section. Walk your finds out of the shop and right into Queen Anne Coffee Co. or next door to Moonrise Bakery, a great books-and-bites outing.
(Image: Queen Anne Book Company)
Talk about an extensive children’s book collection. Don’t miss Singing and Stories with Nancy Stewart on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., then drop in next door for something tasty at Homegrown.
(Image: Island Books)
Read more:
The Couth Buzzard amps up ‘family friendly’
Read! Go! 27 wonderful children’s books and outings to go with them
