Building community not only creates a sense of belonging, but it also forms better neighborhoods. For me, having a primary focus on my family is, by far, the most important thing. But having a community that is safe, familiar, and fun means that we can form other essential connections. We know our garbage collector by name, and that he is getting close to retiring; we know who our local butcher and grocery store cashier is, and we have regular chats with our neighbors. For us, having a strong sense of community isn’t just about being kind; it’s also about understanding the people in our neighborhood.
In this age of technology and doom-scrolling, we make a conscious decision to look up from our phones and see the world around us. As my wife and I raise our two young children, we hope to instill the value of community.
You cannot build a community if you don’t participate in activities outside your home, and this is why Wonderwood by Mike Bennett Studios is a great place to start. This family-friendly café has a 9-hole immersive mini golf course, a full menu, and some pretty cool sights to see. Becoming a regular at a place like this creates a sense of familiarity while also connecting with other people who have similar interests.
Something that I truly appreciate about this place is that people of all ages will enjoy it. Unlike some children’s play places that make me reach for the ibuprofen in anticipation of a headache, I’d gladly come here on my own.
From the kids’ perspective, it’s not just another boring coffee shop that requires library whispers and polite conversation about the difference between a macchiato and a cortado (I’m still trying to figure that one out).
Wonderwood seamlessly blends activities that are engaging for children and adults, making for an excellent outing. Their indoor mini golf course is about 7,000 square feet and is decorated with Mike Bennett’s famous animal designs. You can also check their website for the current wait time, which can be helpful for parents so they can gauge whether it is a good time for an outing. The cost of playing is $12 per person, and children 3 and under play for free. It is also an immersive experience, with dozens of glowing cartoonish animals, hidden surprises, and a storyline paired with the round.
In addition to mini golf, Wonderwood has indoor scavenger hunts, board games, and Saturday story time. On Sundays, they host a children’s sing-along with the musician Mr. Ben, so if you ever wanted to see your kid at a mid-day coffee shop concert, now is your chance.
The food here is also excellent. For breakfast, they offer items such as toasted bagels and chia pudding, and for lunch/dinner, they have selections ranging from cheeseburgers to crispy chicken Caesar wraps. Their kids’ menu includes items such as chicken tenders and quesadillas with tortilla chips. On weekends, they have an All-Day Brunch with offerings ranging from breakfast sandwiches to avocado toast.
Their drink selection is very exciting, with an entire “elixir” beverage list and unique coffee selections, such as their Bard’s Butterbeer Latte and Peanut Butter Mocha.
It also wouldn’t be a proper outing without getting one of their amazing ice cream selections, where you can add “fairy dust” as a topping. Wonderwood also has ice cream floats, and their Lavender Lemonade Fizz is something you won’t regret. Their café menu offers a meal with dessert or just a fun drink before playing a round of mini golf.
Located at 8811 N Lombard St., Portland, Oregon, 97203, this neighborhood spot makes for a perfect option for building community. Their environment is clearly focused on helping their customers have fun and make friends. They have even more activities here, such as Tuesday evening Bard Bingo Night and Untapped Trivia on Friday nights.
Wonderwood is more than just a coffee shop with quirky drinks on the menu; it is a place you want to become a regular at. Most importantly, it is a family-friendly environment where you can bring your kids. Building community is an important trait, as it allows us to venture outside our homes and be away from our smartphones for a while.
Coffee shops have always been a place for socialization. Wonderwood makes it a place where kids can do this, too.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.
