Make Mondays Magical: Weekly Little Storytime at High Tide Coffee, Laguna Niguel

You know, Mondays get a bad rap. Slow, sleepy, a little intimidating. But here in Laguna Niguel, Mondays have a charm all their own—especially at High Tide Coffee. Every Monday at 10 AM, we host Weekly Little Storytime, a special hour designed for our littlest guests: babies, toddlers, and preschoolers up to four years old. And honestly, it’s not just an activity—it’s a ritual. A way to start the week with imagination, connection, and a little coastal magic that makes Monday mornings worth looking forward to.

Why Mondays Deserve a Second Look

Let’s be real. There’s something about that first Monday cup of coffee, the quiet streets, the smell of the ocean in the air, that makes you pause—if only for a second. Storytime at High Tide isn’t just reading books aloud; it’s a little performance, a dance of rhythm, voice, and play that captivates children and adults alike. Babies are enchanted by the cadence and sound, toddlers start noticing patterns, and preschoolers lean into characters, predicting outcomes and imagining worlds beyond their living rooms.

Parents and caregivers get their own slice of magic too. While kids are engrossed in stories, there’s a moment to breathe, relax, and savor a cup of High Tide Coffee—crafted carefully to complement the morning. From the smooth, nutty Medium-Roast Guatemala to the bright, floral Ethiopian Washed, or seasonal delights like Mazapan Mocha or Salty Witch Latte, each drink is built for those little pockets of joy. And if you’re feeling adventurous? The Iced Turkish Delight is a refreshing treat to beat the California sun.

Here’s the trick: select your coffee or kids’ drinks in advance, so it’s ready when you walk in. No waiting, no juggling little hands—just a seamless start to storytime.

A Playground for Curiosity

You might think, “A coffee shop? For storytime?” But here’s the thing: High Tide Coffee is more than a café. It’s a community hub, a safe and playful space where children can roam freely and adults can enjoy a little peace.

• Play Kitchen: Toddlers love role-playing, creating imaginary meals, and sharing laughs with friends.
• Book Nook: A cozy corner for early readers to explore books or flip through picture stories.
• Musical Fun: Little ones strum guitars, tapping along with stories for a multi-sensory experience.
• Vintage Arcade Games: Older siblings stay engaged, letting parents sip coffee without feeling rushed.

And honestly, you’ll see parents laughing, chatting, and sometimes even joining in the fun. There’s something about that shared energy that makes Mondays feel lighter.

Drinks for Every Age

Storytime isn’t just about reading—it’s about experiences, and drinks are a part of that. High Tide offers beverages for every family member, whether it’s a strong espresso for grown-ups or something playful for kids.

Kids’ Favorites:

• Vanilla Milk – Naturally colored pink or blue, just a little whimsy in a cup.
• Hot Chocolate – Vegan chocolate swirled into steamed milk with a light foam top.
• Lemonade – Fresh, classic, and perfectly sweet.
• Magic Lemonade – Raspberry sweetener, lemonade, and butterfly pea powder for a magical, color-changing sip.
• Orange Creamsicle – Organic vanilla sparkling water with fluffy orange cold foam; caffeine-free, bubbly, and nostalgic.
• Puppaccino – Tiny treat for kids or furry friends.
• Milk – Hot or cold, with flavors or milk alternatives available.

Parents often comment that watching their kids sip a Magic Lemonade while listening to stories makes the moment even sweeter. It’s the kind of detail that turns storytime from “just another Monday” into a memory worth keeping.

Early Childhood Development, Made Fun

Storytime isn’t just a sugar-and-coffee moment. It’s also a tiny classroom in disguise. Exposure to stories fosters early literacy, introduces new words, and builds a foundation for communication skills. Sharing the space encourages social interaction, patience, and empathy. And the interactive nature—children imagining worlds, predicting what happens next—ignites creativity that carries beyond the hour.

Routine is another secret ingredient. Weekly Little Storytime gives kids something consistent to anticipate. For a preschooler, that predictability is comforting, almost like a soft hug for the brain. And for parents, it’s a predictable rhythm to anchor the week, while still leaving room for spontaneity.

Why Coffee Makes It Better

Let’s be honest—storytime wouldn’t be quite the same without coffee. High Tide Coffee takes pride in every cup, and we’re not talking instant. We’re talking carefully sourced beans, precise brewing, and drinks designed to match the vibe of the morning.

• Medium-Roast Guatemala: Smooth, nutty, comforting, the kind of coffee that makes a Monday feel achievable.
• Ethiopian Washed: Bright, floral, uplifting, with notes that make you pause and take a real sip.
• Mazapan Mocha: Sweet, seasonal, festive—a little sugar hug in a cup.
• Salty Witch Latte: Cozy, indulgent, perfect for crisp mornings.
• Iced Turkish Delight: Refreshing, floral, perfect for sunny Southern California days.

The idea is simple: let the coffee complement the storytime experience. Pre-selecting your favorite drink ensures it’s ready when you walk in, letting you focus on smiles, stories, and shared moments.

Building a Community, One Story at a Time

High Tide Coffee isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s a gathering spot. Every Monday, storytime draws neighbors together. Children meet friends, adults meet parents who are navigating the same joys and challenges, and the café hums with laughter and chatter. Over time, these Mondays become more than just an event—they become a community ritual.

You’ll notice families coming back week after week, kids remembering the stories, parents reconnecting with friends. There’s a subtle thread weaving everyone together, one coffee cup and one story at a time.

Seasonal Surprises

High Tide Coffee loves to keep storytime dynamic. From pumpkin-spiced beverages in the fall to iced floral drinks in the summer, there’s always something new. Occasional themed storytimes, live music, or a pop-up activity keeps children engaged and adults delighted.

Parents often say these little touches—like a Magic Lemonade or a themed story about a seaside adventure—turn a simple Monday morning into something magical. And it’s all here, waiting for you.

Tips for a Smooth Storytime Visit

To get the most out of your Monday morning:

1. Arrive a few minutes early to claim your favorite spot.
2. Let children explore the play areas—they’re part of the fun.
3. Bring a friend—the experience is even better shared.
4. Make your drinks part of the plan—pre-select your coffee and kids’ drinks so everything is ready upon arrival.

No rush. No pressure. Just stories, smiles, and a little bit of coffee bliss.

Why Families Keep Coming Back

Here’s the thing: families return not just for the stories, or the coffee, or even the whimsical kids’ drinks. They come back for the experience, for the community, for the moment that says, “Hey, Mondays can be fun.”

Children leave with imagination sparked, social skills honed, and stories remembered. Parents leave with coffee in hand, friends nearby, and a reminder that community can be simple, joyful, and right around the corner.

And you know what? That’s exactly the kind of Monday everyone deserves.

Join Us Every Monday

Ready to make your Mondays something to look forward to? Come to Weekly Little Storytime at High Tide Coffee in Laguna Niguel. Bring your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Let them enjoy stories, explore the play kitchen, strum a tune on the guitar, or even challenge a parent to one of our vintage arcade games. Meanwhile, sip on your favorite coffee, or grab a kid-friendly Magic Lemonade or Orange Creamsicle—ready the moment you arrive.

Weekly Little Storytime is free, friendly, and a perfect blend of stories, play, coffee, and community. Don’t just start the week—start it with smiles, sips, and shared moments.

Reserve your drinks ahead, gather your friends, and see you this Monday at 10 AM. Stories, laughter, and a little coastal magic are waiting.