Picnic Basket Cafe at the Magic House

Take Me Here Using Metro Transit

THE PICNIC BASKET CAFE at the Magic House incorporates sustainability into everything they do. Thanks to an energy audit, LED lighting (and exit sign), and reflective roof, they save tons of money every month on their electric bill. They keep storm water from flooding particulate matter and pollutants into the sewer system through their use of bioswales and rain gardens. Their hydroponic rooftop garden helps supplement fresh fruits and veggies for the café – their rooftop garden produced 500 lbs. of tomatoes in 2017! They’ve implemented online ordering and encourage guests to pre-order their meals before arriving at the Magic House which helps them forecast how much food to prepare each day. This helps reduce food waste, which helps to keep methane out of the atmosphere.

They also reduce single-use waste by offering branded Magic House water bottles for $3, making a great souvenir while reducing waste. The Picnic Basket Café and the Magic House help keep toxic materials like used, broken electronics out of the landfill by using them in the Make-it-Workshop exhibit, where children can (safely) take apart and put together electronics. Even their picnic tables are all made from recycled materials!

Straws and cutlery are compostable and they are moving away from plastic bags in time to coincide with their Splash and Bubbles exhibit!

The Magic House’s participation in the Good to Grow program ensures that healthy living –including nutrition – is considered throughout their campus, especially in The Picnic Basket Café! Be sure to pay the café a visit on your next Magic House excursion!