Hi, I'm Sara.
I'm building Better Days for Roanoke. Here's why, in my own words.
I'm a Roanoke native and have spent nearly a decade working with children, including seven years as a nanny for the same family. Over those years, I learned a lot about kids. I also learned a lot about parents.
I saw how hard it can be to find places where kids can play safely while parents can actually relax, have a conversation, meet other parents, or just enjoy a coffee without feeling like they're constantly chasing their little one around.
I kept wishing there was a place that felt cozy and welcoming for everyone. Somewhere you could meet a friend for a playdate, bring your kids on a rainy morning, celebrate a birthday, or walk in not knowing anyone and maybe leave having made a new mom friend.
That's where the idea for Better Days Play Cafe began.
I've always loved creating experiences, planning activities, and bringing people together, and I'm so excited to combine that with my years of childcare experience to create something special for families in our community.
Better Days is being created with a simple idea in mind: kids deserve a place to play, and parents deserve a place to feel welcome, too.
We're still building, planning, dreaming, and figuring out all the little details, but I can't wait to bring you along for the journey. And if you're a Roanoke-area parent, caregiver, grandparent, or just someone who loves seeing good things happen in our community, I'm so glad you're here.
Welcome to Better Days.
Why Roanoke needs this
The valley has a children's museum, a couple of dated indoor playgrounds, and a trampoline park for big kids. It has no play cafe: a clean, small-kid space with real coffee where the parent is a guest, not a chaperone. Families here drive an hour to Lynchburg for one.
Where we are
Planning the space, testing coffee, and asking Roanoke parents what they actually want before we decide anything permanent. Follow along on Instagram for the behind-the-scenes.