Find the best places for a child-friendly feed with plenty of space to run around
When it comes to eating out with small children there are a few key things you want. Firstly, the kitchen needs to be open at feeding time (early). Secondly, you want staff who won’t give you the evil eye when your child behaves like a child. After that: good food and space for the kids to play.
Luckily, our Editor Alice Ellis is a mum, so she has plenty of experience at kid-friendly restaurants. Here are some of the best places to dine with children.
Part of the South Coogee Bowling Club, the restaurant has high chairs, a play pen for the under fives (complete with a TV) and a clear view of the greens outside, where you can challenge your children to run around. Staff are very friendly and food is delivered fast. Our tip is to book ahead as this place gets busy.
Kid-friendly tip: There’s a gelato bar and kids meals for about $14.
The downstairs section of Coogee Pavilion is part pub, restaurant, café, oyster bar and pizza parlour – plus there's a large kids' play area. No more sending your kids down to the beach with a couple of blown-up old goon sacks for floaties when there’s giant Scrabble to play with and a neon whale to admire.
Kid-friendly tip: Because the ground floor is like a range of different venues in one, with different menus, each family member can order from a different bar, then sit down and eat together at the back near the play stuff.
This spacious restaurant is set in a former Rosella tomato sauce factory, so it’s got a lovely rustic vibe. There’s a play restaurant out the back complete with all the wooden ingredients your kids need to run their own show. If it’s not too hot, get a table outside so you can watch the little ones as you enjoy a glass of wine. It’s a sophisticated spot to enjoy farm-fresh, spectacular food.
Kid-friendly tip: There's delicious kids' food, with 'duckling' menu items ranging from $2-$16.
If you want a location that’s designed for families this is your place. There’s an indoor play area that has separate areas for littlies (ages 2-5) and bigger kids (5-10) with an entrance and exit that’s easy to keep an eye on.
Kid-friendly tip: They'll even host a parent's group or kids party if you book ahead.
Inner West families rave about the Henson, a community-minded pub in Marrickville. There’s a playroom, pinball machines, a great $10 kids menu and a dog-friendly courtyard.
Kid-friendly tip: The kids’ menu includes a healthy $10 kids cobb salad – but if that wouldn't fly with your mob, they also have the usual suspects like chicken nuggets and chips.
You need a map to navigate the Newport, such is its expanse. The Shack and Vinnie’s Pizza offer children’s meals; there are other restaurant options for adults. This sprawling Northern Beaches favourite is popular with all ages, but it’s still incredibly family friendly. Plus, you’ll get stunning views of Pittwater at most times of day.
Kid-friendly tip: The play room has a gigantic Scrabble board on the wall and ping-pong tables.
This place is like the Hamptons come to life. There are hammocks and deck chairs scattered among the tables, there’s a playground for kids right on a beachfront, and there’s a pet-friendly café.
Kid-friendly tip: As one mum puts it: “The floor is sand, so crumbs from kids can just be kicked into the sand, rather than leaving the café as a disaster zone.”
The people behind the Grounds knew full well that they’d be attracting families by the minivan load, what with their huge kitchen garden, complete with chicken run and sometimes petting zoos.
Kid-friendly tip: Make sure to check out their what's on and plan your visit around that – they put on some great activations and school holiday programs.
This laidback café on the Northern Beaches is a little wonder. The café grounds are spacious, roomy enough for prams and children to run around, and it’s next door to the awesome Flying Fox playground and a flat bike track – perfect for beginner bike riders.
Kid-friendly tip: If you have a child with sensory issues there’s plenty of space to escape to.
Not exactly a 'restaurant' – indoors is just a small room that hasn’t had a refurb for 50 years, with a micro-brew bar line-up and a yummo bistro with good pizza. Outside, one of the lawns is for bowling, but the other one is dedicated to kids. They just run around like they're the ones sinking beers and wines, kicking around balls and being general weirdos.
Kid-friendly tip: You can even book an affordable fully-catered kids' party, and hire a jumping castle.
Situated in the Blaxland Riverside Park, this café is right next to the most entertaining area for kids in Sydney. The Blaxland Riverside Playground is spectacular. There’s a double flying fox, multi-level tree house, stacks of swings and a water play area. You’ll be able to enjoy your lunch in peace because your kids will be exhausted.
Kid-friendly tip: The car park (and park itself) can get busy so get there early.
North Ryde RSL has a spesh place called Tribal Zone – a play area with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can see your children go crazy on the gym equipment, ballroom and arcade games while you finish a drink (or sentence). Entry is $6 per child for two hours but that includes the cost of friendly staff supervising them.
Kid-friendly tip: The RSL has a selection of places to eat, but parents will want to head to Riverviews Bar and Dining because it's next to Tribal Zone.
Most of your local RSLs or Diggers clubs are family-friendly affairs. If your local hasn’t gentrified, it’s worth checking out (it’s hard to worry about the kids spilling food on the floor when the décor hasn’t been updated since the 1970s). Staff are friendly and food is delivered to your table.
Kid-friendly tip: They are air conditioned and have some of the best views of Bondi, slightly away from the hubbub of the beach.
Take the little ones for a babyccino and a cookie at the most kid-friendly cafés in Sydney.
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