What Are Melbourne’s Best Kid-Friendly Cafes?

Our first in a series of guides to the best kid-friendly eateries in the top Bobux-wearing cities is here to welcome you to Melbourne.

The term "child-friendly" encompasses a wide range of concepts. A café that has a playground or other activities to keep the kids occupied is ideal, as is a café that is adjacent to a park, especially if it has outdoor seating so that you can keep an eye on your rambunctious young tyrants.

There are several things to consider when going out to breakfast with children, including the availability of highchairs, changing tables, pram access, kid-friendly food, and personnel that don't roll their eyes at split babycinos.

In order to help you choose a cafe in Melbourne that meets these criteria while still delivering a relaxing experience for the adults in your party, we have compiled a comprehensive list of such establishments throughout the city.

The best kid-friendly cafés in Melbourne

Having children may alter your sleeping patterns, but it does not alter your palate. Fortunately, having kids does not automatically mean brunch is over. Check out these family-friendly coffee shops that don't skimp on style or standards just because they welcome young patrons.

After that, why not visit one of Melbourne's fantastic outdoor playgrounds to get some fresh air and work off some hollandaise sauce? While we're at it, if you need more than breakfast, it would be worthwhile to evaluate out some of Melbourne's kinship pubs.

Go West Eatery and Tuckshop

L-shaped and comfy, perfect for guiding strollers The interior of Go West encourages tranquilly with wooden floors, semicircular chaise seating, and bright marine blue hues.

With this café, Jones (creator of Second Home, Stables of Como, and Friends of Mine) has brought interior cuisine to Rockbank. It's a good thing that his other eateries' patrons will be acquainted with the menu, which ranges from $5 for basic pastries to $22 for the parma. This is comfort food done well, from the cheese toast with béchamel sauce to the healthier fruit porridge and acai bowl to the ample meals.

With regard to size, nutritional content, and presentation, the breakfast super salad is truly epic. Broccoli florets, peas, transparent radish slices, and a dollop of mashed avocado are combined with crunchy kale leaves. Quinoa, a poached egg, and a dollop of creamy, smoked yoghurt provide the protein, and pumpkin seeds provide crunch. This salad will give you the energy you need to overcome any challenges that come your way.

We ordered the Eggs Royale, but the Eggs Benedict was accidentally delivered; nevertheless, we accepted it in the spirit of discovery. A smoky ham hock, runny poached eggs, and an apple cider hollandaise sauce the colour of butter are placed on top of two springy English muffin halves. The glistening, intensely flavorful, slow-roasted tomatoes are not enough for a side, and the dish is average in general because of the chilly ham.

You'll be transported back to childhood birthday parties filled with balloons thanks to sweets in a glass cabinet behind the counter, including chocolate crackles (made with Belgian chocolate, no less), honey joys, and musk sticks. With its massive biscuit base, zesty lemon frosting, and toasted coconut flakes, the lemon slice is a special treat.

The drinks are good, especially the matcha lattes with a honeyed aftertaste from Osso Roasting Co.

Children will enjoy the milkshakes available, while adults who care about their health will enjoy the smoothies.

The only downsidet is that the quality of the service can vary greatly. The adventure and our belief in The Village People are both vindicated by Go West's happy conclusion, which is a bonus.

Smith & Deli

On a Fitzroy side street, there is a meat free Jewish deli called Smith & Deli, which is better than it is authentic. This vegan eatery, a sister establishment to Smith & Daughters, the Latin-inspired restaurant owned by Shannon Martinez and Mo Wyse, serves both carnivores and vegans but, surprisingly, lacks knowledge of açai superfood bowls.

The breakfast menu of the takeout-only establishment is dominated by sandwiches. The Friend Zone is Smith & Deli's vegan take on the traditional ham, cheese, and tomato toastie; it is so creamy and cheesy that you won't believe it's vegan. Fresh, in-house made bagels can be topped with flavor-infused cream cheese.

Seitan is a fundamental ingredient in all'meaty' goods, including ham, pastrami, turkey slices, and salami. The Smith & Deli team has employed vegan magic to transform rolls that roughly resemble the distinctive savoury cured meat flavours from what are primarily stretchy blobs of wheat flour.

The All Hail Seitan sandwich, which contains pieces of the delectable imitation salami, ham, and turkey with a house-made barbeque sauce, is the best example.

Smith & Deli's lunch menu will include easy-to-make sandwiches and will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, antipasto items are offered in tubs for takeout. Groceries are located alongside the deli counter and contain a small range of fresh veggies, Noisette bread, and dry beans and lentils. Locally made kimchi and tempeh sit besides prefabricated soups and pizzas from the Smith & Deli restaurant in the fridge.

Prior to the opening of Smith & Deli, Martinez and Wyse gave their followers a sneak preview of the studies that went into their all-vegan menu. You realise you're doing anything correct when ardent meat eaters and vegans queue up to buy armloads of sandwiches and treats stuffed with vegan meat alternatives.

The Farm Café

The name might evoke visions of babies emerging from enormous pea pods or a seedy sweatshop, but when we checked, we found that the Children's Farm is entirely science fiction and free of animal testing.

We are constantly in awe of the fact that you could be fighting a pig named Typhoon in the wilderness not far from Abbotsford Convent. There are times when people are surprised to learn about the 7-hectare farmhouse and gardens. Even so, it's not really a secret, as evidenced by the throngs of bike-riding or stroller-wielding brunchers, but if you run into a friend who doesn't know, it can be a truly stunning surprise.

The café doesn't have a large menu, and yet what they offer is worth a million points because it uses ingredients that are readily available outside the side of the door and because it is truly dependent on the weather rather than just using the latest buzzword.

Goat's toast with chevre, sweet and earthy beetroot relish, avocado, and if you'd like, a passable poached egg ($13.50) or green pea and haloumi fritters contrasted by tomato herb salad and a nice kick of acidic yoghurt ($14.50). Although there is meat on the menu in the form of bacon, ham, and house-made sausage rolls, going vegan might make you feel a little less cruel when your breakfast includes a view of a doe-eyed cow.

Staff members are clad in knitwear and exhibit the warm and laid-back demeanour you'd anticipate from people who spend their days working in a farmhouse from a fairy tale. But before being let loose into a goat paddock, they are still awake and able to serve a cappuccino with just the right amount of caffeine.

If you need some good or want to pay some cows like the kids, the farm is good for what ails you. You can sit in the sun with exotic birds and chickens clawing at your feet and vegetation in front of you.

Cowderoys Dairy

The inside is removable, but there is a strong reason behind this. Once you are seated, you can taste the food is excellent; the deviled eggs served on separate platters are popular with both adults and children. If you can't locate a seat or if you're just looking for some coffee and cake, this institution is right adjacent to a local authority-maintained play area. Even though you are not physically present in the same place as the children when they are playing outside on the balcony, you can observe them. The hoop swing may also accommodate an adult's bottom.

Happy River Café

The Happy River Café does a great job of having lived up to its name. The bluestone building has a lengthy front patio where parents can reconnect over poached eggs and coffee. It is situated by the majestic Maribyrnong River.

The cafe's decor is reminiscent of a country farmhouse, with ragged linens, light-colored wooden floors, and wall art created by regional artists.

Simple omelette meals, toasted sandwiches, and salads are available on the menu. Although it is filling, it is not elegant.

Soft green apple segments, apricot halves, and poached pears in red wine are among the fruit that is poached and rests in a pool of light syrup. Warm vanilla yoghurt with cinnamon is served alongside it. Date pikelets are lightweight and fluffy, and date scones the size of your fist have a deliciously crumbly, slightly crispy top. Although maple syrup is more frequently used as a pancake topping, breakfast becomes an especially sweet experience with the addition of ooey caramel drizzle.

On the savoury side, flawlessly poached eggs are delivered with thinly sliced pert mushrooms that are all butter-moisturized on sourdough toast from Pure Bread Bakery.

Facility can be hazy when it's quiet, but when it's busy, it runs smoothly. That is reasonable. The sound of children crashing toy cars into one another, the gurgling river, the lush grass, or the smell of freshly baked scones all have a hypnotic effect on me. As to what the reason, you'll feel revitalised when you leave Happy River Café.

Motorinos

It's possible to enjoy delicious Italian food with the kids in the evening at this restaurant because it's so family-friendly. The restaurant opens at 5 o'clock in the evening. You can bring your family to a restaurant realising that fellow diners won't want to murder you or your kids.

All dietary preferences and appetite sizes are met by the cuisine. However, the highlight is when the staff brings the dough to the table so that the kids can make their pudding pizza. It comes back to the table baked and covered in chocolate for dessert.

NORTH

District North

Green pancakes, to put it simply. Other than these vibrant pandan pancakes, we have no idea what will enthuse your children about breakfast. When building the recently opened District North, owner Andrew D'Aprano asked for four things: white, wood, a captivating bar, and spot for prams," and he got them all.

The kids can draw on the chalkboard, and pencil cases bearing the slogan "District Kids" are given out as gifts for them to take with them and bring back on prospective journeys.

Moonee Ponds, Mount Alexander Road, 678-680

Hours

Mon to Sat 7.30 am–4 pm

Sun 8.30 am–4 pm

Green Park

A culinary chameleon is evident. It is a cosy neighbourhood pub by day and a family-friendly restaurant serving wholesome but interesting food at night. There are ham and cheese toasties without crusts on the kid-friendly menu.

For the adults, there are heartier dishes like poached eggs, goats-cheese croquettes with rocket, and roasted portobello mushrooms with pickled king-brown mushrooms are available. It has a playground right outside the back door and is on a bike path.

Carlton North, 815 Nicholson Street

Hours

Mon to Sun 7 am–11 pm

Birdie Num Nums

The establishment's proprietor, Christopher Vivian, also built a sizable play area with a sandpit and toys out back. The restaurant serves excellent food and beverages. For children, the extensive menu offers pasta, chicken nuggets, and berry pancakes; for adults, the Latkes & Lox or the English Breakfast are options.

You can eat a filling lunch like a Thai-style calamari salad with grilled halloumi and quinoa salad while your kids finish building their sandcastles.

Carlton North, 745 Nicholson Street

Hours

Mon to Sun 8 am–4 pm

Il Melograno

This cafe/gelateria is well-liked by both children and the adults who accompany them. It offers breakfasts and lunches with Sicilian influences until 3 p.m. as well as authentic gelato that is free of preservatives, flavor enhancers, and commercial extracts. Kids will adore traditional flavours of gelato like Dutch chocolate, banana, and strawberry.

Parents can also sample seasonal flavours like fior di latte, cinnamon from Sri Lanka, and Iranian pistachio at the same time. There is a small courtyard in the back for sunny days, as well as a sizable bathroom with a good changing station.

Northcote, 76 High Street

Hours

Tue to Sun 9 am–10.30 pm

Miss Marmalade

Having peace of mind that your kids are safe, order a Bloody Mary. Miss Marmalade offers three Bloody Mary variations and breakfast until three o'clock in the afternoon, which are gin, tequila, or vodka). The family room in the back of the cafe is furnished with games, books, and a blackboard, while the front of the cafe has floral arrangements positioned throughout the tables, rustic brick walls, and recycled wood.

Brunswick, 126 Union Street

Hours

Mon to Fri 7 am–4 pm

Sat to Sun 8 am–4 pm

Eira Café Lounge Bar

The standard breakfast menu, which includes pancakes and eggs cooked however you like, is available until 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and babycinos are free. A few of the items on the tapas menu, which is available starting at 11 in the morning, are Byron Bay prawns that are spiced with hot coconut and chilli, as well as baked camembert that is delivered with crunchy bread and cranberry jelly. Along with numerous toys that can keep kids occupied, there are many high chairs available.

Eltham address: 1 Pryor Street

Hours

Mon & Tues 7.30am–5pm

Wed to Sat 7.30 am–1 am

Sun 8 am–10 pm

EAST

The Stables of Como

The Stables of Como offers family picnic baskets that can be ordered in advance and come with sandwiches, salads made with ancient grains, and cupcakes. Make your way outside to the lush gardens that surround the park after picking it up from the cafe to spend a relaxing day there.

A 170 years cultural landmark in South Yarra, Como House and Gardens is full of tales and adventures. Within this landmark, there are many things for kids to learn about at the Stables of Como.

South Yarra location at the intersection of Williams Road and Lechlade Avenue

Hours

Mon to Sat 9 am–5 pm

Sun 10am–5pm

The Little Village

The Little Village has a kid-sized, brightly coloured miniature "English town." In addition to a plethora of role-playing toys, it is furnished with a doctor's office, clothing store, firehouse, tool showroom, supermarket, and bakery. The adults can make breakfast treats like toasties, quiches, and croissants while the kids are occupied, or morning tea with cakes, muffins, or a fresh fruit smoothie. Everyone over the age of one year must pay admission, which is $6.50 for adults and $15 for family members with three or more kids.

Croydon South, number 33 The Mall

Hours

Mon to Fri 9.30 am–3.30 pm

Mavis

The team behind Lazerpig painstakingly assembled Mavis, an all-inclusive solution. There are many vegetarian breakfast and lunch options, fully prepared meals, homes bread, fruit and vegetables, Seven Seeds coffee, cold-pressed juices, Tielka's organic tea, as well as options for kids like poached eggs with bread soldiers or pancakes with maple syrup. Get some of that extra energy out by spending some time at the neighbouring Gahan Reserve and Yarra Trail.

197 Vere Street, Abbotsford

Hours

Mon to Sat 8 am–4 pm

Sun 9 am–4 pm

SOUTH

Habitots

Habitot is a power in many different areas. In one convenient location, there is a store, a playground, a school, and a party space. There isn't really a cafe; rather, there is a self-service zone where piston coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are provided without charge. You can also bring your own food and drinks if you like. When classes are not in discussion, students have access to an interior play area, and there is also a spacious backyard where they can engage in activities.

Entry is free, but participants are asked to donate at least one gold coin to one of the Habitots-selected charities. The $5 themed exploration boxes that are available in the shop area located at the front of the store are a huge hit with children.

146 Bridport Street, Albert Park

Hours

Mon to Fri 9 am–4 pm

Sat & Sun 10am–4pm

Cubbyhouse Canteen

Every day for both breakfast and lunch, as well as on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings for a kid-friendly early dinner, the Cubbyhouse Canteen is open. Everyone on the team has prior experience working with kids and creating a safe and enjoyable environment for them.

Children are encouraged to place their own food orders, and they have a variety of options to choose from, including "Kermit the Frog," "Slippery Dips," and the "Henny Penny," a sandwich made with chicken and avocado on toast. The decorative wall paintings and the bright bunting give the restaurant a homey feeling.

43A Union Street, Armadale, Western Australia

Hours

Mon to Thu 8am–5pm

Fri 8am– 4.30pm

Sat 8am–5pm

Sun 8am–2pm

The Hungry Peacock

The Hungry Peacock is a great option for a day trip the whole family can enjoy or as a fuel stop on the way to the Peninsula. Two daily task sessions are held in the backyard "Messy Shed" (9 am and 11.15 am). For ten dollars, parents can let their kids get messy with paint, glue, goo, water, and mud.

Children will spend countless hours amusing themselves with the addition of a sandbox, a cubby house, an indoor kids' kitchen, a project area, and wall-mounted tracks for toy cars. Lunch is served from 12 to 3 p.m., and breakfast is available until 11:45 a.m. There is also a wine and beer list available.

Tyabb, located at 16 Mornington–Tyabb Road.

Hours

Tues to Fri 8 am–4 pm

Sat & Sun 9am–4pm