By Carrie x
Does the thought of taking your kids out for a meal (or even just a humble coffee) automatically cause your blood pressure to rise? Kids are naturally loud, messy and curious, which can be so stressful for parents when they feel like their kids’ behaviour is disturbing other patrons or irritating restaurant staff. It’s SO frustrating when a ‘nice meal out’ ends up not only costing you a tonne of money, but leaves you with indigestion and sweaty pits, wishing you’d just stayed the hell home. We’ve all been there!
On the flip side, how refreshing is it when you walk into a venue and see it decked out with a child-friendly play area, kids toys or activity packs to keep them amused? It feels like a call to solidarity declaring, ‘We welcome your kids and accept them — warts and all!’ As parents, this makes us feel INSTANTLY more calm.
Image Credit :: The Golden Cup
Here at Adelady, we either ARE Mums, KNOW Mums, or perhaps one day will BE Mums, so it’s always handy to have a few kid-friendly venues up our sleeves. We put our little heads together and brainstormed 12 of our favourite kid-friendly venues around Adelaide, but would love you to comment with any others you recommend!
Village Grounds Cafe – Alberton
Inspired by the saying, ‘It takes a village’, I absolutely LOVE what these guys are about! They’ve created a warm and welcoming environment for adults and children to come and connect with their ‘village’. Better yet, it’s a chance for people who may feel a little isolated to come and meet new people in an atmosphere which enables connection. I am SO passionate about people having the support of a village to navigate parenthood with, and these guys are here to provide you with a comforting cup of coffee while you debrief in the company of friends, (with the kids happily amusing themselves in the background). Praise be!
Pickle in the Middle – Unley
Not only is this cafe our Adelady local, but Pickle in the Middle is oh-so-welcoming of our little ones as well. You won’t be frowned upon for wheeling your bulky pram in, and your toddlers will have their own little area to tinker and play in while you enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat from their delicious menu.
Sisterhood Cafe – Somerton Park
This one’s another popular choice for Mums who are after the therapy of a good coffee with the bonus of a kids play nook to occupy the little scallywags. You may actually be able to clock off in the time it takes for the caffeine to infuse your soul — what a luxury! Not only is Sisterhood Cafe exceptionally child friendly, but it is also connected to a gorgeous little Mums & Bubs gift store… so you can even fit in a little retail therapy as well. What’s not to love about this?!
Image Credit :: Sisterhood Café
The Suburban Brew – Glynde
A brewery with a dedicated kid zone… you heard right folks! This venue is as family friendly as it gets. The Suburban Brew was designed to bring people together and for your kids to be able to be just that — kids! There’s something for everyone here — board games, a pool table, a chalkboard, a wooden play kitchen, a pinball machine and more. Best of all, your kids can enjoy all this while YOU enjoy their selection of craft beer. Need I say more? They don’t have their own kitchen as such, but a variety of rotating food trucks service the venue on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. So cool! The Suburban Brew runs different events throughout the year ranging from Quiz Nights and ‘Sunday Fundays’, and often cater for the kids with free face painting or other fun activities. I recommend you follow their socials to keep up with all the updates!
The Parkside Hotel – Parkside
The Parkside is an eastern suburb family favourite where you can enjoy the perks and atmosphere of a modern pub, but with a designated family area — playground and all! The kids menu will satisfy your hungry little terrors, and the playground will keep them busy while you enjoy your meal in peace.
Image Credit :: The Parkside Hotel
Belair Hotel – Belair
Another family friendly pub to visit — The Belair Hotel provides a kids menu, as well as an undercover playground and chill-out zone. So even on those rainy winter days, you can be sure your kids will stay dry and amused while you enjoy a nice relaxing lunch.
Tower Hotel – Magill
The Tower Hotel not only offers a spacious outdoor area and a dedicated kids menu, but, wait for it — an inhouse cinema! Your kids watching a movie while you enjoy a meal… what could be more relaxing than that?!
The Marryatville Hotel – Marryatville
This popular suburban pub offers a large kids playground alongside an outdoor eating area (so you can keep an eye on the rugrats while you dine). Look out for their weeknight meal specials and public holiday events as sometimes kids even eat free, cha-ching! Why not arrange to meet some friends and hopefully the kids will be happy in the playground while you enjoy happy hour!
Image Credit :: The Marryatville Hotel
Sidewood Estate – Hahndorf
You CAN have your cake and eat it! Sidewood Estate is only a short drive up the freeway but far enough for the family to feel like they’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of the city. Adults — you’ll get all the perks of enjoying SA’s exceptional food and wine in a stunning venue, and kids — you’ll have a playground to explore and a large grassed area to run off all your energy. See, I told you — order the cake and eat the damn thing too!
Main & Cherry – Chandlers Hill
Spectacular vineyard views, a fireplace, a family-friendly atmosphere… and WINE! Name a better combo! The guys at Main & Cherry encourage you to bring your kids — and there’s plenty of grass for them to run around on. Join them outside for a giant game of Connect Four, or enjoy the rustic interior and cosy fireplace inside. Order a platter and settle in for the afternoon. Keep an eye on their socials as you may even be treated to some live music from time to time.
Image Credit :: Main & Cherry
The Bridgewater Inn – Bridgewater
The Bridgewater Inn is a little slice of paradise in the Adelaide Hills. A visit here can be made into a full afternoon of fun for the family. The kids can burn off some steam next door at the playground before you settle yourselves in amongst their picturesque multilevel beer garden. On weekends they even have live music. Order yourself something from their delicious menu and enjoy a drink while the kids explore the enchanted surroundings. They can potter around the grassed areas, say hello to the resident ducks in the creek, and I hear there’s even a fairy garden for those little ones who like a bit of magic. Shazam!
Victoria Park Social Club – Rose Park
I had a great afternoon here with two other families (and all of our kids). It was a beautiful day so we sat outside, and to be honest — it felt like we were somewhere on holiday. They had a live DJ playing some chilled Sunday beats, and our kids explored the surrounding area, climbing trees and riding their scooters while we drank Aperols and stuffed our faces. The menu is very kid-friendly (you can’t go wrong with pizza and pasta, right?), and the general vibe was really cool. Perhaps more suited to older children if you are going to allow them to roam, as the area is not fenced and does have some main roads nearby. Honestly though, if you don’t have toddlers, you’ll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the Aperols… I mean atmosphere!
Image Credit :: Victoria Park Social Club
Mawson Café – Meadows
Renowned for their friendly, accommodating staff and delicious menu, Mawson House Cafe is a must if you’re venturing hill-side. They offer plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a reading nook AND a kids play area. The littlies will also get their very own menu to choose from. And to be honest — anywhere that has a toasted sandwich on their menu called, ‘Avo Clucking Good Day’, is a big yes from me!
DoughBalls – Rundle Place – Adelaide and Moseley Square – Glenelg
With three locations around Adelaide, DoughBalls’ family friendly restaurants will satisfy both young and old with their dough-based delights! From savoury pizzas to sweet, chocolaty treats, find out the low-down here on why this place has people grabbing life by the DoughBalls!
