The days of enjoying a nice quiet dinner out are long behind us now that we have some little ones that tag along EVERYWHERE we go. Much as we’ve tried, most of the time we end up negotiating prams, managing the attention spans of a goldfish and encouraging the food consumption of people who can skirt around vegetables and salad with the precision of a F1 driver.
So, we turned to our lovely Pineapples and asked for your best recommendations for family-friendly dining… and here’s what you came back with.
Smiling Samoyed Brewery :: Myponga
When the brewery is named after the owners’ Samoyed dogs, you know you’re onto something special. Here the kids can play with the much-loved Hoppy and Kent, explore the playground or enjoy the colouring sheets so you can enjoy a moment of peace.
“Smiling Samoyed for lunch any day of the week!”
— Kate
Photo credit :: Smiling Samoyed Brewery
Sneaky’s :: Angle Vale
Sneaky’s has a kids menu that says ‘we got you’ and includes those classic U12-wins like nuggets, spag bol, fish and pizza. Plus, there’s a large area where the kids can kick a ball so make sure to pack one.
“It means I can sit and eat and have a wine while the kids are running around tiring themselves out. It’s the best.”
— Lisa
Photo credit :: Sneaky’s
Pindarie :: Barossa Valley
The perfect lunch spot with kids in toe, Pindarie has wide spaces for the kids to play. There’s also a sandpit and cubby house to keep them occupied and a Kids’ Plate on the menu to make them feel like one of the adults.
Photo credit :: Pindarie
Doughballs :: Glenelg and Mawson Lakes
They’ve got one of the most comprehensive kids’ menus we’ve ever seen — if your little rug rats aren’t completely distracted by their three courses, then they will be by the colouring in they can do on their menus.
“The kids love colouring in the menus and the kids’ meals are great value!”
— Lauren
Image credit :: Wayne Pearson
The Tower Hotel :: Magill
Weather not great for running around outside? It’s all good. The Tower Hotel has the cutest little cinema room for playing movies that the kids will love but you might love even more for getting a quiet moment to chat.
The Bridgewater Inn :: Bridgewater
Not many eateries can boast a creek through the venue, but the Bridgewater Inn can! Right at the edge of the seated area, you can keep an eye on your little adventurers as they explore the gentle wildlife of the water, and they might even catch a tadpole while you encourage them from the banks and sip a wine or two.
Photo credit :: The Bridgewater Inn
The Parkside :: Parkside
So, yes, the Parkside has an amazing menu and stunning surrounds but… ‘enclosed play area’ – need we say more?
Artisans of Barossa :: Barossa
If you’re looking to head out to the Barossa, there are SO MANY reasons to stop in here!
“Artisans in Barossa has outdoor area with lawn games and a large green space for them to run around on.”
— Jane
Brighton Metro Hotel :: Brighton
If you’re dealing with fussy kids, these guys have you covered with their buffet style lunch and dinner — you’re bound to find something that EVERYONE will eat!
“There’s a cinema room, play area and the kids get to choose from the endless smorgasbord.”
— Kate
Barristers Block Wines :: Woodside
Hayley’s extended family has countless kids and cousins, so this is a go to for their gang when they all get together!
“Plenty for the kids to do outside once they’ve finished their meal!”
— Lauren
“Barristers Block has animals to check out, a sandpit and plenty of lawn to play on.”
— Georgie
Image credit :: Richard Lyons
Lot 100 :: Adelaide Hills
Endless rolling hills, lawn games and space to spread out on a picnic blanket (when the weather is good) so your kids aren’t bothering anyone at the next table. Perfect!
Christies Beach Hotel :: Christies Beach
After a day at the beach, sometimes you just need a cold drink and a good quality pub meal — the Christies Beach Hotel has you sorted.
“Christies Beach Hotel has activity packs, a kids cinema room and a big outdoor playground.”
— Steph
Image credit :: Christies Beach Hotel
North Haven Surf Life Saving Club :: North Haven
Smack-bang on the beachfront, you’ve got views for days while the kids can run far and wide!
“North Haven Surf Life Saving Club for dinner on Friday nights, or breakfast/lunch on Saturday and Sundays. There’s colouring in, arcade games, a TV and a huge grassed outdoor area for the kids to run around and kick a ball. After, you can head to the beach for a stroll. Bring the dogs too!”
— Bridget
Image credit :: @btadelaide
Village Tavern :: Golden Grove
After a refurb, the Village Tavern is looking mighty schmick… and it seems they’ve thought of everything so that families can enjoy the space together!
“There’s an inside enclosed playground for the kids”
— Gail
Image credit :: @theadelaidefooddude
Sidewood Estate :: Adelaide Hills
Sidewood is an ace destination, as they’ve got heaps of room and activities for the kiddos BUT it also has some areas that are reserved just for adults, so you don’t have to worry about your kids disturbing the peace.
“Sidewood Estate has a bark chip area with play equipment and a big oval, kids love it!”
— Sophia
Image credit :: Sidewood Estate
Swell Brewery :: McLaren Vale
Swell Brewery has the relaxed vibe down to a tee — almost anything goes at this beer-lover’s destination.
“Swell Beer has plenty of room (all enclosed) for them to run around. Bring a ball and Bob’s your uncle!”
— Olivers Taranga
Image credit :: Swell Brewing Co.
ArtWine :: Woodside
Truly one of the most picturesque spots in the Adelaide Hills, Artwine is one of those spots where you get a bottle of wine and a platter and waste away the arvo lounging on the lawns while the kids play old-school games around you. Bliss!
“Artwine in the Adelaide Hills have a great place for kids to run.”
— Sooty
From mama to mama — THANK YOU!
Tory xx
