Lynchburg families have a new indoor place to gather for children to play while parents relax, connect, and enjoy coffee or something yummy to eat!
The Mingo Coffee Co. and Play Timberlake Road location at 21700 Timberlake Road opened on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 with a full house of happy children exploring the new play places.
We've partnered with The Mingo Coffee Co. and Play since they opened the original location in July 2024 and are very excited to see their new location come to life.
Like the original location in Forest, the play space is geared toward children 6 months–8 years old. They don't turn away children based on age; however, older children may not enjoy the imaginative play as much.
Parents lined up to try the new menu of handcrafted espresso, lattes, teas, specialty drinks, and delicious food choices: Toasties piled-high with yummy choices, Sammies stacked and toasted, and homemade pastries.
There's also a children's menu with fun choices including specialty drinks, and foods with fun names: Pizza My Heart, Chicky Nuggies, PB & cutie, and a Mingo Munch Tray, which includes any six snacks.
The building is located at the intersection of Timberlake Road, Greenwell Court, and Whitestone Drive. It's across from Timberlake Church and just west of Waterlick Plaza and Mister Goodies.
Current hours for the new location are Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM - 7 PM (with playtime from 8 AM - 7 PM) and Saturdays from 9 AM - 3 PM. Toddler time for ages 3 and under is Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 9 AM. Sundays are reserved for parties, but there are also Sunday playtimes scheduled from time to time, so watch the social media channels.
Like the original location in Forest, the Timberlake Road location contains thoughtfully curated play areas, each designed to reflect local Lynchburg area businesses.
Our favorite play area is the child-sized Mingo Coffee Co. play area, complete with espresso machine, blender, serving counter, cash register, food prep area, menu board, branded mugs and aprons, pastries, sink, and seating area.
Other play areas include:
Ryan Homes play area, a child-sized home with modern kitchen play area, including cookware, appliances, table and chairs, decor, window boxes with flowers, and more.
Horizon Care Center, a child-sized doctor's office, complete with exam table, eye chart, white coat, scrubs, and various medical equipment.
New Covenant Schools, a child-sized classroom, complete with desk and chair, magnetic chalkboard, school work, and even graduation caps and gowns.
State Farm Mallori Teegarden, a child-sized insurance office with computer, desk, and cars -- Hot Wheels style complete with a car carpet and race track.
Bank of the James, a child-sized bank office, complete with a walk-in vault, drive-through teller window, teller station with cash register, a piggy bank, and branded attire.
A media / music / dress-up area with an elevated stage, a variety of costumes, guitars, microphones, and more.
The Little Nest, presented by Thriving Babies Therapy, a play area for the youngest patrons up to 24 months old. The gated play area includes an oversized stuffed turtle sand box with stuffed play cubes, a yellow duck rocker, an assortment of quality infant and toddler toys, and a soft pillow for sitting.
A craveABLEs ice cream truck, big enough for multiple children to share, complete with menu, ice cream and other treats, ice cream scoop, and more.
A WasteCo garbage truck, big enough for multiple children to share, with everything they need to handle garbage pickup.
A climbable playground structure with two slides: a big tunnel slide and a smaller straight slide, a firefighter's pole, and lots of tunnels and hiding places. There's also a small play area under the structure with a magnetic wall and magnets.
There are multiple smaller riding and rocking toys, including a UPS truck, school bus, fire engine rocking toy, and super cute pink unicorn and pink flamingo rocking toys. There's also a quiet corner with a table and magnetic building tiles.
The parents aren't left out of the fun. There are multiple seating areas, both inside the play area and overlooking the play area. Four soft and cozy pink couches are inside the play area. Outside the play area, there are multiple counters with seats and a seating area with tables and chairs.
The Timberlake location also has outdoor seating, including several tables and chairs in front and a covered side porch with tables, chairs, and rocking chairs.
There's a staging area inside the doors with the signature Stay Pink corner with couch, shoe cubbies, and mirror. There's also a variety of goods for sale, including branded attire, stuffed animals, books, snacks, and drinks.
The pink theme is everywhere: the outside of the building, beautiful floor in the parent seating area, pillows and couches, and even the overhead lights.
There's also a party room, but I didn't ask to see it since the owners and employees were very busy. Parties can be booked now for dates starting Nov. 1, 2026.
Outside food and drink is not allowed, but there are plenty of food choices available for purchase.
The website has been updated to allow for a streamlined scheduling at both locations.
To schedule playtime at the Forest location, visit here: https://themingo.com/forest-home
To schedule playtime at the Lynchburg location, visit here: https://themingo.com/lynchburg-home
The Mingo Coffee Co. and Play original location at 14805 Forest Road, Ste 101 in Forest, remains open. The hours have changed slightly with an earlier closing time of 5 PM on Monday through Friday.
Co-owner Rachel Queen shared the story of the Pink Flamingo's name with me before the original location opened.
"There's this thing with flamingos that, when they become parents, they actually turn white for about two years because they give so much of themselves to their chicks that they are quite literally depleted of their nutrients," Queen said.
Queen feels that parents can relate to the story about flamingos as they raise their children.
Queen continued, "Within those early childhood rearing years, you give so much of yourself to your children that you might lose a little bit of what makes you, you."
Queen hopes that The Pink Flamingo can help parents find balance and friendship and 'stay pink' as they raise their children.
Plan a visit soon to the new location of The Mingo Coffee Co. and Play! Your children will love it and so will you!
