Where to take the family on Military Road-Spit Road

If you’re serious about cycling Le Spit Cyclery has the gear you need. The bicycle store stocks eight different brands of bike including premium racing brands Cervelo, Focus and Bianchi, as well as bike components, clothing and footwear, bike accessories and helmets. They even do services for under $100.

Away from the bustle of Military Road, Chaos Café is a favourite for families. With lots of seating, space for prams and a well rounded menu of café classics, it’s no surprise that Chaos is heaving on weekends. Sit outside on a good day and enjoy the relative serenity of Grosvenor Lane while eating a Chaos big breakfast (there’s a vegetarian version as well) and sipping a Toby’s Estate coffee. 

Without doubt the grandest cinema in Sydney, Cremorne’s Art Deco picture palace is a stunning step back in time. Built in 1935 by George Kenworthy, the top theatrical architect of the period, today’s version is even glitzier than the original thanks to a $2.5-million restoration some years back by owner and local TV celeb Mike Walsh.  The Orpheum regularly hosts kid-friendly events like Frozen sing-a-longs, mums, dads and bubs sessions, and Disney film screenings. 

This smart little salon specialises in children’s hair. Inside, your scissor-phobic tyke can choose from a little red airplane, yellow taxi or pink jalopy to sit in while the stylists work their magic. There's even a flatscreen in front of each chair that broadcasts the Wiggles on high rotation. 

On the corner of Minsky’s Hotel you’ll find Crumbs Café, a dinky little place with a vaguely Parisien atmosphere. Retro photographs and art line the walls and a stack of vintage children’s books are on hand to keep little ones distracted. In the afternoons the café is bathed in sunlight making it an ideal place for a coffee and warm Belgian waffle – sit at the window bar for optimum basking.   

This grand old historic Mosman mansion opens its doors to those looking for a spot of high tea, and they do it suitably well. Bring the kids along for a Little Ladies high tea featuring child-friendly favourites like ham and cheese finger sandwiches, fairy bread and mini pancakes. $30 per person for three-to-12 year children. 

Every neighbourhood needs a good, no-frills pizza shop. Somewhere that you can get eight slices of tomato and cheese perfection with fresh, simple toppings. If you’re in Spit Junction you can get your dose of pizza heaven from Sopranos.

At Maisy's, brekky is 24/7 (go for the mega breakfast with eggs, bacon, tomato, sausage, hash browns, mushroom, baked beans, tomato and toast) which means that your chances of finding a meal for a picky eater are much, much higher.