Toddler Cafe
Delicious, healthy food for kids & their grown ups
The Toddler Cafe
The Toddler Cafe at The Bird Box is a warm, welcoming drop-in space for families with young children.
It’s held every Friday during term time from our home near Manley Park in Whalley Range.
Alongside a free breakfast and a pay-what-you-can lunch, it's a space for little ones to build real-life skills.
They’ll practice preparing food, drinking from open cups and mopping up their own spills - all at their own pace.
What Is The Toddler Cafe?
The Toddler Cafe is our much-loved 'drop in' community day for families with babies and toddlers in South Manchester.
Running every Friday, 9am–1.30pm, term time only, it brings families together to eat well, connect with other parents and carers. Alongside food, little ones can explore a calm, age-appropriate space designed just for them.
We welcome all families with children aged 0–4 years, as well as expectant parents who'd like to meet other local families ahead of their new arrival.
Whether you're looking for a friendly baby and toddler group in South Manchester, or simply a relaxed place to spend a Friday morning with your little one, The Toddler Cafe is for you.
Free Breakfast and Pay-What-You-Can Lunch
Free breakfast for all little ones, 9–10.30am, kindly supported by local businesses Barbakan Deli and Unicorn Grocery
Community lunch from 11.30am, served on a pay-what-you-can-afford basis so every family can enjoy a healthy meal together
Each week, a volunteer 'community chef' shares a homemade vegan dish with the group
Why Families Love Our Toddler Cafe
Every detail of The Toddler Cafe is built around the needs of our smallest members.
All the furniture is child height, helping children from six months to four years sit comfortably and eat well together.
Sitting together also supports children's social development - we often hear from families that their children are more willing to try new foods and stay engaged for longer as a result.
Visual menus help children make their own choices and take part in ordering
Cloths and towels are on hand for children to mop up spills and clean their hands and faces themselves, encouraging independence and care for the space
A low-stimulation carpet area with books and toys, perfect for quiet connection between parents, carers and children
Our garden space is a beautiful spot for a picnic and play, come rain or shine
Who Can Come to The Toddler Cafe?
The Toddler Cafe is open to all families with children aged 0–4, no booking required - simply drop in.
Expectant families are very welcome too, and many find it a great way to meet other parents and carers in the South Manchester area ahead of their baby's arrival.
Join Us This Friday
Whether you're searching for baby groups in Whalley Range or toddler activities in South Manchester, The Toddler Cafe welcomes you and your little ones with open arms.
No need to book - just come along and let your little one explore, eat and connect at their own pace.
We can't wait to welcome you and your little ones to The Toddler Cafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Toddler Cafe takes place in our home in Whalley Range, in the old Caretakers Cottage within Manley Park Infant School.
Find us on Google Maps here.
The Bird Box
York Avenue
Whalley Range
Manchester
M16 0AS -
The Toddler Cafe Runs from 9am till 1.30pm every Friday during term time.
Autumn 2026:
11th, 18th & 25th September
2nd & 16th October
There is no cafe running Friday 23rd October
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Breakfast is free for little ones
Lunch is served on a pay what you can afford basis to ensure that all families have access to healthy meals.
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Our free breakfast runs between 9am and 10.30am
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Lunch is available from 11.30am
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We offer a range of breakfast food and lunch items, including a weekly homemade vegan special
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There is a toilet with baby change facilities on site.
The Bird Box is wheelchair and pram accessible.
There is a covered buggy park outside