Parenthood brings with it an interesting new set of challenges — some you’re prepared for, others not so much.

Among the surprises is the new, ever-present dilemma of finding something fun for families that doesn’t require leaving the kids with a sitter. For Honolulu husband-and-wife team Mark “Gooch” Noguchi and Amanda Corby Noguchi, problems like these are meant to be solved, even if it means rolling up their sleeves and doing something about it themselves.

That’s what happened in 2014 when the Noguchis were finalizing their move into the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives to open Mission Social Hall and Cafe, which celebrated its first anniversary last month.

With one daughter at home and another to come, Amanda found the options lacking for her and her celebrity chef husband to go out after work with their children.

“There seem to be few places these days where kids can run around freely,” she said. “I wanted to create something where we could spend time with our friends who also have kids.”

That desire spawned the launch of Mission Pau Hana, which features food and drink by Mission Social Hall and Cafe to go with live entertainment by Uncle Wayne and the Howling Dog Band. From 5 to 7 p.m. every third Wednesday of the month, a rear courtyard fills with anywhere from 80 to 100 people ranging in age from newborns to retirees, many of them dancing or lounging atop blankets spread out on the grass. Beer and wine are also available for families with a designated driver who are looking to cut loose a little bit.

“It’s a one-stop shop,” Noguchi said. “You can bring the kids, get something to eat and then wear them out so they’re ready to go to bed when you get home. As a parent it’s nice to have two hours where you can relax a little with your friends and not worry about what the kids are getting into.”

Mission Social Hall and Cafe is at 553 S. King St. For information, call 447-3913.