A day with a child in District 4

And suddenly there’s this child. The postnatal period is over, the first tooth has come through, and the button battery has become public enemy number one. Before, you might have been out for drinks at the Gamperbar, pondering the lively notes of the Riesling. Now you have a child and find yourself wondering: what shall I do today? Your friend is busy, your dad-colleague is off sick and the nursery is full. A day spent alone with a child can be long. So here’s a suggestion on how to get through your mum or dad day in Kreis 4.

The morning starts with a cup of coffee at Kafi für Dich. At the back, there’s a spacious children’s corner with a huge chalkboard. You’ll need to negotiate a few steps at the entrance with the pram, but it’s worth it for the ultimate hipster vibe. Refreshed, head on to the bookshop in the Volkshaus. A great shop with a wide selection. There’s also a lovely selection of children’s books. Afterwards, it’s worth popping into two second-hand children’s clothes shops: the children’s clothes shop ‘Rosa’ combines selected second-hand items with new pieces. The “Kleiderbar” is more basic, but just as worthwhile. Both shops are well-stocked and, alongside clothes, you’ll find lovely toys, books and, with a bit of luck, the perfect bike helmet.

Lunch in a restaurant with a child? Absolutely! La Baracca is child-friendly and straightforward. Besides, it’s important to fill your belly with Italian soul food every now and then. Booking is recommended. Is your child having a nap? Take a break too! The Bäckeranlage is often too hectic, so I recommend the Bullingerhof. Find a spot in the shade, lose yourself in a book or scroll through your Instagram feed at your leisure. When your child wakes up, head back to the Bäckeranlage. In summer, there’s a small paddling pool – perfect for cooling off both children’s and parents’ feet. The large climbing net pyramid and other playground equipment also invite you to play. At the Bäckeranlage community centre, you can pick up some syrup and poppy seed cake or ice cream for an afternoon snack.

If the weather’s bad, why not pop along to the Xenix cinema? Every Wednesday at 2.30 pm and Sunday at 2.15 pm, the Kulturkino cinema at Helvetiaplatz screens a classic children’s film. Currently showing is ‘Oh, How Lovely is Panama’ and from June ‘The Brothers Lionheart’.

And the day is almost over. On the way home, the shopping still needs to be done. Oh, the mountain of laundry is waiting, and I still need to send that email to my colleague. So, off home quickly. But not without a coffee to go from miró coffee.