Sometimes all you want is to have a nice meal and maybe even an “adult” beverage. This, of course, means that the kids need to enjoy themselves too. Here’s a list (in alphabetical order) of local cafes, clubs and hotels where you can achieve just that.
The Backyard, Concord
Briars Sports Club – 14 Ian Parade, Concord
Spacious, outdoors, contained. Three words parents will always be thankful for and The Backyard has all of these features! When the kids need to run off some steam and get their free-range on, this is the perfect option. The huge green outdoor area has an array of things to play with, as well as other kids to befriend. There’s also colouring and a yummy kids’ menu to eventually tempt kids back to the table. There is also plenty of room for prams!
Carlingford Sports & Recreation Club
334 Pennant Hills Road Carlingford
Carlo Dragon Bistro offers a wide variety of Chinese meals along with traditional Bistro faves. With excellently priced and generously large servings, Maggie and staff will not let you leave hungry. Adjacent to the bistro is a covered outdoor playground accessible Tuesday to Sunday and suitable for children 3-8 years of age.
Canada Bay Club
8 Williams Street, Five Dock
With not one but TWO kids play areas and kids-eat-free deals on Monday AND Tuesday, great parking, spacious, attentive TABLE service ? and a nice vibe – Canada Bay Club is definitely one to check out!
Club Parramatta
2 Macquarie Street, Parramatta
Club Parramatta looks different from how you might remember it! It’s still huge but it now has multiple eateries, lots of table styles from cafe tables to booths and of course an outdoor kids play area. It’s downstairs so some supervision may be required depending on the age of the children. Onsite parking is plentiful and it’s free for members and visitors using club facilities
Club Ryde
728 Victoria Road, Ryde
Club Ryde has not only an indoor dedicated play room for all ages complete with wall toys, puzzles, iPads, PlayStations and more, but it also has a huge bowling green perfect for kids and pets are allowed too! There is plenty of space for casual dining and a menu with loads of variety. If you live within 5kms of the club you’ll have to either be signed in by a member or become one but don’t worry – membership is only $5 a year!
The F.C. Social
6 Park Road, Rydalmere
Located off Victoria Road in the heart of Rydalmere, The FC Social serves a modern food and beverage menu in a newly renovated family-friendly space. Kitchen, Café and Bar open Wednesday – Sunday from 11am.
The Gardens Restaurant & Terrace Bar, Eden Gardens
307 Lane Cove Road, Macquarie Park
Eden Gardens is a beautiful spot to spend a few hours, whether it’s walking in the gardens, visiting the playground (features a sandpit, bee-hive cubby house and tube slide), shopping in the nursery, homewares and florist or lunching with the friendly dragon lizard. The cafe doesn’t overlook the play area but it’s a great place to visit after a delicious lunch.
Gladesville Sporties
181a Ryde Road, Gladesville
With a little indoor and outdoor kids’ play area and a relaxed vibe, Gladesville Sporties is a great option to grab lunch or an early dinner with the family. Parents can sit at tables right next to a glass window looking into the play area and keep an eye on the kids, all while enjoying a bit of P&Q for as long as you can get it! Nearly all the kids’ menu items are $8.50 and they all include ice cream.
Buckle Cafe Distillery
1 Fredrick Street, Artarmon
Buckle Cafe & Distillery is a dynamic all-day venue in a heritage-listed glass atrium in Artarmon. There outdoor play area for the kids has games, space for handball, balance beams and more.
Hotel Pennant Hills
352 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills
This one is a little further afield but definitely worth the drive. With its recent renovation, Hotel Pennant Hills indoor play area is a real winner. It’s big, there’s plenty of tables and chairs close by and they often have a bouncy castle and other kids’ entertainment happening at the weekend too!
NBC Sports Club, Northmead
166 Windsor Road Northmead
‘Kids Backyard’ is NBC Sports Club’s and family-friendly place for lunch or dinner and is perfect for that special family occasion. The Kids Backyard features one of Australia’s largest jumping castles, Tiki Island, all outdoor and within sight of the dining area. Plus kids eat free with adult meals purchased on Thursday and Sunday!
North Ryde RSL
Corner Pittwater and Magdala Road, North Ryde
This FREE supervised indoor playground has a huge jungle gym, ball room, mini-carousel, air hockey, arcade games and more. The best bit is that you have the option of leaving children aged 3-17 to stay and play without you for up to two hours! Staff give you buzzers and will buzz you if there is a problem. There are always several staff members overseeing the area.
Putney Bowlo (CLOSED)
68 Frances Road, Putney
The Ranch
Corner Epping & Herring Roads, Eastwood
There is plenty to keep the kids happy at The Ranch – read our full write up here. Besides the always-available jumping castle, games room, shade covered play area (and more), they also offer extra fun every Saturday and Sunday e.g. face painting, superhero appearances, arts and crafts, iPads and more!
There’s also loads of parking, tables and menu options. But if that isn’t enough, kids’ meals come free when ordering an adult main meal all day Sunday.
Rashays Top Ryde
Level 1, Top Ryde City Shopping Centre
With $2 hot drinks, a huge menu, spacious layout, kids climbing frame, colouring packs and convenient location, Rashays Top Ryde ticks many boxes for busy mums!
Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club
117 Ryedale Road, West Ryde
The kids’ play area in the Palm Court bistro could be considered a best-kept secret! Behind glass doors in the newly renovated dining area are two rooms that could keep kids of all ages very happy for quite some time!
The bistro itself is excellent value for members and kids’ meals are around $8.
If you live within 5kms of the club you’ll have to either be signed in by a member or become one, but for $11 a year, you’ll make that back in savings on your meal.
Vikings Sports Club
35 Quarry Rd, Dundas Valley
The Wentworth, Homebush
195 Parramatta Road, Homebush West
This fantastic kids play area is definitely one the kid will love, complete with fairy lights at night. It is outdoors, so rain could hamper the plans.
Open for breakfast (on weekends), lunch and dinner, all kids meals are $10.
