Melbourne’s 27 best restaurants and pubs with playgrounds

Dining venues that please both you and your kids can be tricky to find, so we’ve put together a list of Melbourne’s top restaurants and pubs with playgrounds to guarantee a successful family day or night out.

Melbourne is often praised for its vibrant adult dining scene, but its abundance of family-friendly restaurants should not be neglected. These dinner spots combine delicious food with facilities that are designed to keep your little ones entertained. Keep reading to discover Melbourne’s best restaurants and pubs with playgrounds in the inner suburbs, North, East, South and West.

Inner Suburbs

Croxton Park Hotel

Thornbury

Conveniently located around the corner from Croxton station, Croxton Park Hotel is an old-school bistro with a large indoor playground that will have kids jumping in excitement. The venue has a 14-metre wide stage for live music and offers free children’s entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 8pm, notably featuring the well-loved performer Captain Adam. While their premium cocktails and hearty menu are a hit among parents, it gets even better – kids can eat free on Sunday evenings.

The Beer Garden in Footscray

Footscray

Love outdoor settings with entertainment for all? The Beer Garden in Footscray, part of the Station Hotel, not only boasts a free petting zoo and wooden cubby house, but also a weekly Sunday Funday. This event is held from 12:30pm to 3:30pm and is run by an entertainer who organises activities like face painting. For teenagers and sport-loving adults, the semi-shaded courtyard streams live sports on its TVs. Try one of the locally sourced steaks or vegetarian options on the menu, or order from the kids’ menu from $12. The entire family can enjoy one of Melbourne’s best pubs with a playground as the dog-friendly venue welcomes you to bring your furry friends along.

The Glasshouse Caulfield

Caulfield East

The Glasshouse Caulfield is a fantastic restaurant with a playground sure to tick all your boxes. Its all-day dining means that you can come in at your convenience to enjoy modern pub food in the company of family and friends. Featuring a lounge area, sports bar and a designated kids’ area that offers colourful slides and an interactive TV, you can relax while the kids play their hearts out.

Moreland Hotel

Brunswick

Praised for its value-packed meals and popularity among kids, the Moreland Hotel has been one of Melbourne’s most loved pubs for years. The Family Bistro includes an extensive indoor playground replete with twirling slides and hideaway corners. Parents can feast on a pub grub made with local ingredients  while children can order from the kids’ menus at unbeatable prices, with a soft drink included. The Moreland Hotel is a true crowd-pleaser that locals keep coming back to.

The Victoria Hotel

Yarraville

An ideal family pub situated in Melbourne’s inner west, the Victoria Hotel has been operating since 1873. After a recent refurbishment, The Vic offers a beautifully tiled bar area, modern facilities and a menu filled with fresh, seasonal dishes. The Kids Room offers a stimulating environment for kids of all ages, featuring a giant chalkboard, Lego wall, colouring tables and a beanbag area. Plus, there is live kids’ entertainment every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. Onsite parking is free, with easy pram access, making getting there a breeze.

north

North Melbourne

Edwardes Lake Hotel

Reservoir

Kids will have the time of their lives amongst the jungle of rope structures, arcade and mini movie theatre at the Edwardes Lake Hotel. Parents can unwind knowing their kids are well taken care of in the pub’s playground area, all while making the most of the $12 kid’s menu. In terms of adult meals, regulars rave about the classic chicken parma, as well as the delicious pastas served fresh from the pan.

Slices Keilor

Keilor

Slices Keilor blends contemporary Italian and Australian cuisine in a picturesque interior with rustic timber touches. Mondays are a great day to visit because kids’ meals are 50% off with every adult main. Since the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is no need to modify your busy schedule. On top of all this, there are two kids’ play areas: the first is a Disney-themed room suited for toddlers aged two to five and the other is a dynamic climbing area for kids up to 12 years old.

Skaterz

Eltham

Situated in Melbourne’s northeastern suburbs, Skaterz is an excellent venue for fun-loving families where everyone can brush up on their skating skills. The entry fee covers skating sessions, which include music and games. You can hire skates for an additional few dollars if you don’t bring your own. Families can also enjoy skate rink classics like hot dogs and wedges in the café area.

The Vale Bar & Eatery

Ascot Vale

For a classy night out without having to leave the kids at home, The Vale Bar & Eatery is a terrific restaurant with a play area. The outdoor seating area has a pop-up tent with games for kids, while the indoor area is elegantly styled. Please your palate with their Italian-inspired menu and cultivated wine list.

east

East Melbourne

KAIJU! Beer&Pizza

Huntingdale

Only a short walk away from Huntingdale station, KAIJU! Beer&Pizza is the ultimate casual diner with a playground. The converted warehouse is decked out with a retro Toyota Coaster that kids can play in, hanging plants and mid-century decor, making for a cosy setting. Beer lovers will not be disappointed, with 16 different beers on tap and limited edition craft offerings that come straight from their 600-litre brewery South East Brewing Co.

Dancing Dandelion

Balwyn

Dancing Dandelion is a café with a playground located in the heart of Balwyn, on Whitehorse Road. It is designed to encourage imaginative play for 6-month to 6-year-olds in a safe and clean environment. The dedicated dining area has a clear view of the playground, allowing parents to relax and enjoy their self-care time while the little ones play behind child-safe gates. The menu ranges from delicious pastries to nourishing rice dishes that are handmade onsite using only quality ingredients.

Stomping Ground Beer Collingwood

Collingwood

Inspired by European beer halls, Stomping Ground Beer Collingwood in Melbourne’s East has an effortless charm. The restaurant takes reservations from two to 30 guests, bringing people together to socialise over a delicious meal in a warmly lit setting. You can choose from an impressive array of tasty brews from the 30-tap bar, delight in a Sunday slow roast and unwind while the kids play away in the forest-themed cubby house.

Stamford Inn

Rowville

In the heart of Rowville, this family bistro and steakhouse is exactly where you’ll want to spend an evening with friends and family. The huge playground in the Stamford Inn is designed to ensure that the kids are entertained while the adults can graze on spicy chicken wings or pork belly bites. The menu is extensive and the prices are fair, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Cherry Hill Tavern

Doncaster

The Cherry Hill Tavern is a spacious pub with an indoor playground suitable for three to 10-year-olds. Every Sunday, the friendly staff create a kids’ activity corner during lunchtime. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available, and drink specials are always on offer.

Flying Duck Hotel

Prahran

Flying Duck Hotel is a must-visit family restaurant in southeast Melbourne that serves up a global cuisine. Featuring an indoor-outdoor glass Marquee and a leafy beer garden with a courtyard where kids can safely roam free, this newly revamped venue offers a wonderful ambience for all. Whether you’re coming for a formal event or a casual dinner, good times are guaranteed.

south

South Melbourne

Berwick Springs Hotel

Berwick 

If you want to keep your kids entertained for hours on end, look no further than Berwick Springs Hotel. Berwick Springs Hotel’s Kids Planet is by far the largest playground within a restaurant in Melbourne’s southeast, a warehouse-sized, high-ceiling complex decked out with vibrant climbing equipment and interactive games. It is a fantastic choice for bigger groups or your next family function.

Waltzing Matilda

Springvale

Looking for family bistros with playgrounds in Melbourne’s southeast suburbs? The Waltzing Matilda Hotel has you covered. The venue features comfortable seating, pool tables and an indoor slide area where the kids can burn off their energy. Even the fussiest of young eaters can’t refuse the delicious kids’ menu, which includes a main course and dessert.

Seaford Hotel

Seaford

The Seaford on Frankston-Dandenong Road is praised by local residents for its old-school atmosphere. Have a bite to eat with loved ones in the Family Bistro, where the menu is inspired by the coastal surroundings. With forever-changing drink and food specials, the Seaford is a value packed pub that the kids will love too. The playground features four slides and interactive racing games.

The Sands Tavern

Carrum Downs

You’re more than welcome to bring the kids along to The Sands Tavern in Carrum Downs, one of the top pubs with playgrounds in the southern suburbs. The arcade style kids’ area has games galore. From hearty burgers to fresh beetroot salads, your palate is also in for a treat, whatever you choose. Kids can even eat free on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Keep reading:

• 30 of Sydney’s best restaurants and pubs with playgrounds
• 46 best things to do in Melbourne with kids

Castello’s Longbeach Hotel

Chelsea

A great place to bring together the family over a plate of seafood is Castello’s Longbeach Hotel. This restaurant boasts an alluring beachside location, not only offering an indoor bistro but also an adjoining outdoor terrace. Its entertainment features face painting, magic shows and pirates to ensure the kids are kept happy.

Sandbelt Club Hotel

Moorabbin

The Sandbelt Club Hotel on South Road has been happily serving locals for years. The restaurant’s playground area will have kids grinning, with games to play and DVDs to watch. You can feast on a succulent steak while watching the footy or treat yourself to a glass of pinot noir while the kids make new friends in the playground.

west

West Melbourne

La Porchetta Restaurant Altona Meadows

Altona Meadows

Located in the Central Square Shopping Centre, La Porchetta Altona Meadows is an easy choice for fuss-free family dining. Bookings are not required and the enclosed, indoor kids’ area is visible from your table. Enjoy a hospitable Italian atmosphere while delighting in a quality wine paired with a traditional pizza, pasta or Italian main dish. 

Westwaters Bistro

Caroline Springs

Doubling as a four-star hotel, Westwaters Bistro brings class and comfort to your dining experience. Enjoy the views of Lake Caroline from the spacious indoor seating or the heated outdoor area while you indulge in a gourmet meal from the Signature or Dining Favourites menus. With a children’s play area and a senior’s menu, all ages are catered for.

Glengala Hotel

Sunshine

Situated on Glengala Road, the Glengala Hotel has everything a family needs: a spacious bistro, an adjacent indoor playground and a relaxed atmosphere.  Endless entertainment including trivia nights, $1 Pool on Mondays and Tuesdays, a sports bar and live music means that there is no possibility of boredom. Functions and kids’ parties are also available. For families looking for a quick staycation, the venue offers an array of comfortable accommodation.

Hotel520

Tarneit 

A modern Australian pub with a playground, Hotel 520’s mission is to serve up high-quality dishes with Mediterranean influences that will please you and your little ones. Within the venue, there is a playroom with interactive games, beanbags and a plasma screen that shows kid-friendly movies.

St Albans Hotel

St Albans

St Albans Hotel is a no-fuss family pub with a playground open from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. No matter what you’re in the mood for, whether it be a fresh veggie Power Bowl or a steak sandwich, the kitchen has something for you. St Albans is the perfect place to raise a glass, offering a range of wines from premium Australian producers.

The Club Caroline Springs

Caroline Springs

The Club Caroline Springs has become a community favourite in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Feast on one of the pub’s mouthwatering meals knowing that everybody will be catered for, from vegetarians to fussy toddlers, and let your kids roam free in the designated kid’s area.

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Keep reading:

• • 30 of Sydney’s best restaurants and pubs with playgrounds
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