Down on the Costa del Sol there is quite a strong sense of networking amongst the ex-pat mums. Whether it’s the feeling of group solidarity, of being in the same boat together having children in a foreign country or just an openness and willingness to meet other mums, the number of ex-pat mums on the coast is pretty big and as such, there are regular mummy meetups.
Last week about 8 of us met up at Funky Forest in Estepona. Many of us knew each other but there were also some new faces and everyone came with their baby or toddler.
Funky Forest has been around for around 18 months I think and has been established as a family friendly cafe that also runs various workshops, classes and also has a play area outside. Laura the owner, has thought through each area of the cafe to ensure it offers a space for babies and toddlers to enjoy some freedom whilst in a safe and confined area. There are rabbits that roam around freely and if you’re lucky you might get the chance to feed them too! In the summer the little ones can help tend to the veggie patch and play on the play frame and in the wooden hut, play with the train track or just chase rabbits! There is a full timetable of classes such as cookery for children, Chinese or Russian language lessons, HartBeeps movement and music classes, Pilates Para Ti classes to do with your baby with Sophie Hoffman and much more!
The menu has also been well thought out with fresh ingredients and child friendly portions and balanced meals such as chicken breast goujons with chips, sweetcorn and cherry tomatoes. The adults are just as well served! Open all day you can also catch breakfast there or have a mid-morning muffin or brownie (we did this all!)
For more info, visit the website: Funky Forest
Directions to Funky Forest
Overall I thought it was a thoroughly well thought out location to take my 2 year old where we would both enjoy what’s on offer. My only niggle is that I didn’t find it sooner! This was because I didn’t have directions the first time I tried to find it and tried to go on instinct. It didn’t work! To get to Funky Forest from San Pedro/Marbella way, head down towards Kidz Kingdom at the Cancelada turn off. Take that exit, go over the N340 and back on to the N340 in the opposite direction. You need to take the 3rd mini exit from the N340 – the first of which is pretty much immediately as you get back on to the N340, the 2nd one takes you down to the red brick hotel, and the 3rd one runs parallel to the N340 and is the one you should take. Funky Forest is signposted from there and easy to find with easy parking outside. Funky Forest can be seen from the road but is covered by big trees, it is almost directly opposite the Centro Comercial Mustang where Golfriends is.
That should get you there!
