Glow Worm Cafe & Play - Germantown/Highlands

What one of our team members said: "We love Glow Worm!! The expansive indoor area keeps my son busy for the entire play session and is always so clean. The food, drinks, and coffee offered are amazing on flavor that extend beyond a typical kids' snack. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful and now I look forward to a cold or bad weather day so we can go back to play!"

Today was our first visit to this incredible children’s indoor play space with our 19-month-old, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for parents with young kids! From start to finish, everything was fantastic.

We booked an afternoon session online the night before, and I found the pricing to be very reasonable for the full two hours we were able to stay and play. The policy of allowing two parents per child is a great touch, and the experience was worth every penny.

Right from the entrance, the space was welcoming. There’s an adorable little shop with the cutest clothing and a cozy coffee shop setup. We enjoyed a smoothie and a turkey panini, both of which were spot on. The play area itself was a dream come true for our little one. There were around 15–20 kids during our session, which felt lively but never overwhelming. My husband and I could relax in comfortable chairs in the play area, enjoying our snack while keeping an eye on our kiddo. We were also able to join in whenever we wanted.

The equipment was spotless, and I was particularly impressed with the wide range of activities available, from wooden toys to sensory play that really engaged our toddler. It’s clear that a lot of thought and care went into creating a safe, fun, and enriching environment for kids.

During our session, I couldn’t help but text a couple of mom friends to share this hidden gem. We’re already planning future playdates here! I can’t thank the staff and the owner enough for providing such an affordable, enjoyable, and thoughtfully curated activity for families. We can’t wait to come back and play again soon!

Highly, highly recommend!

It’s just one big room. Some parents don’t watch their kids. A little girl let the shopping cart slide down the slide which is basically aimed at the littles area. I messed up my reservation and was told when I canceled I would have a credit. But, I guess I didn’t make an account so there’s no record. There’s a lot of toys to play with, I just wasn’t impressed with the atmosphere or set up.

PS The second picture was added after the comment about there not being a shopping cart in the room. The picture has the shopping cart in question in the picture. Maybe I’m not calling it the correct name but it looks like a shopping cart, it has four wheels, is wooden, and easily slides down the slide.

Met a friend for one of those wild, winding, circuitous conversations that you have when you have 2 toddlers and 2 primary grade kiddos. Love the new table arrangements, and the kids, as always, did NOT want to leave. Had a delicious Joey Mushroom latte that was the perfect pick-me-up, staff was friendly, and the space was very clean and inviting. Get thee to Glow Worm, mamas. You deserve a break today☺️

It’s neat idea but it was a lot smaller than I was expecting . And it doesn’t take long for the kids to ransack the place it does not stay neat and orderly long just be prepared for that .

Beautiful space and wonderful human that runs it!

We have loved every single visit we've made to Glow Worm! Our daughter is a huge fan and can keep herself occupied while I sit back and relax, without having to worry about running around her every single minute. It's a great place for parents to just "be" while our kids have a great time. We will keep going back for sure! Plus, we LOVE Katie, Glow Worm's owner, and can tell how much love and commitment goes into her business!

We used to go to Glow Worm with our 2 year old all the time and it was great, but since they have changed the layout it feels completely different.

The tables used to be all on one side and all the fun stuff was within view of parents sitting and enjoying the delicious coffee and baked goods they serve there.

Now everything is scattered and feels disjointed and disorganized. Parents who are meeting other parents can't sit and watch their kids play because they can only see small portions of the play space at a time and you lose where your kid is. Everywhere you stand to watch and play with your kids you feel like you're in the way, both of the children playing and the other parents trying to do the same thing.

I'm not sure why anyone thought it was a good idea to arrange the space this way, and I can't believe how negatively it has affected the entire experience.

If they go back to the old layout, this review would be 5 stars, as the staff, food, coffee, restrooms, toys, etc are all amazing.

Side note: the Santa that they had come take pictures with the kids recently was top-notch!

I recently took my 5-year-old daughter here and we loved it! It has a great atmosphere, yummy food and drinks, and I really love the Montessori inspired toys. My daughter had lots of fun and has already been asking to go back. I highly recommend.

Awful experience. Had two babies super excited to play while two employees looked at us with no intention to help us . Super disappointed. -5 from me

The play cafe is great when parents are watching their kids.
There are always so many older kids in the 2 and under section just knocking my child and other children down.
The staff doesn’t seem to care because they just look at you like you’re stupid for even saying anything.
Probably won’t be back until my child is older as it’s not very safe for him as a 16 month old.

Went for a play date and had a great experience! Staff was very kind and even helped me with my little one a few times! Highly recommend, will be back.

We absolutely LOVE Glowworm. I have 2 & 3 YO boys & we’re basically there 10+ times per month since my oldest was a baby. The lattes are so good & the food is excellent. Idk how we would get through the toddlerhood phase without GW! We go all year round too. Great resource for toddlers. Get a membership, you will love it!

We love Glow Worm. Such a fun friendly atmosphere. Great coffee and pastries.

I took my 17 month old here for the toddler only time and it was so busy and packed! The staff are sweet and I love the whole layout, all the toys they can play with. Not sure if it was the toddler time or the time of day but we could only stay 20 minutes due to how crowded it was. There was no room to move. My daughter ran from me and went around the table and I got blocked off by 3 adults and their kids all while trying to get her. Also a little disappointed as a mother brought her sick child and let him play(snot all over his face and a terrible mucus cough) all over the slides. And one little girl kept trying to use her arm to block my daughter and push her out of the way and I dont know where her mother was as no one was close to reprimand her. She kept doing it the whole time we were there. Id love to come back but it would have to be when its not so crowded.