Remote control sandbox café opens in Kazakhstan

Published January 27, 2026 12:48

Aset Smagulov

Aset Smagulov

«Мужская» кофейня с экскаваторами и гоночными машинками покорила астанчан, remote control cafe, kazakhstan
Collage by Kursiv.media, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

A café with an intriguing concept has been established in Astana. Instead of a typical kids’ play area, the venue features a large sandbox with RC construction equipment, including excavators, bulldozers and dump trucks, as well as a separate race circuit with RC cars.

Users on social media describe the concept as a good mixture of café and entertainment. Technically, the facility is meant for kids, but commenters joke that the activity brings more joy to their fathers. Grown-ups grab the remote controls with no less enthusiasm and build small «projects» or dig pits.

The café aims to be affordable, with a price tag for equipment rent varying from roughly $4 to $10, and food and drinks being slightly cheaper than in Almaty, whose residents are demanding the opening of a same-style venue in the city.

«We demand opening the same in Almaty! Son’s asking…»

«It’s obvious that it’s more for ‘fathers,’ rather than for kids.»

«All that’s missing is a bathhouse,» users wrote in the comments section.

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