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!
Concord Club
1 Nullawarra Avenue, Concord
The Concord Club has everything parents are looking for: a massive outdoor play area for kids aged 2–10, loads of space, a relaxed vibe, plenty of seating, great food (including woodfired pizzas and Croatian-inspired dishes), regular events and a true community feel.
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!
Castle Hill RSL
77 Castle Street, Castle Hill
Castle Hill RSL is a gem. The big, fully fenced play space in the courtyard has climbing structures suited to both toddlers and older kids, making it an easy lunch or dinner option for families. There’s heaps of room, easy parking and plenty of meal choices – all while the kids burn off energy.
Club Five Dock RSL
66 Great North Road, Five Dock
This favourite offers a dedicated kids’ playroom plus a bistro, making it a super convenient choice for families. The play area keeps little ones entertained while you relax, and there’s a great kids’ menu and parent amenities on site. A reliable pick when you want an easy outing where the kids are happily occupied.
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. On-site 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!
Frankie’s Food Factory
265 Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills
Frankie’s Terrey Hills is a family favourite thanks to its bright, spacious layout and huge, fully fenced outdoor playground. Kids can climb, slide and explore while you enjoy a relaxing meal overlooking the garden centre surrounds. There’s plenty of room for prams, lots of highchairs, and a great kids’ menu to bring little ones back to the table when they’ve worked up an appetite. Make sure to try their Milperra and Glenhaven venues as well – they’re just as good!
Gladesville Sporties
181a Ryde Road, Gladesville
The upgrades to Gladesville Sporties have been a long time coming but they’re in the works and due early 2026.
Buckle Cafe Distillery
1 Fredrick Street, Artarmon
Buckle Cafe & Distillery is a dynamic all-day venue in a heritage-listed glass atrium in Artarmon. The outdoor play area for 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 are 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 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 outdoors 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
The Ranch
Corner Epping & Herring Roads, Eastwood
There is plenty to keep the kids happy at The Ranch. 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.
More info here.
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.
Sunny Side Café
Coonara Avenue, West Pennant Hills
Sunny Side Café is a dream for parents who want good coffee and a safe spot for little ones to play. The outdoor courtyard has a sweet, fully fenced play area complete with a cubby, toys and tiny picnic tables – perfect for toddlers who can’t sit still. Indoors is spacious and pram-friendly, and the whole café has a relaxed, community feel that’s ideal for mums-group catch-ups.
Vikings Sports Club
35 Quarry Rd, Dundas Valley
RSLs and sports clubs are long-time family favourites for their relaxed atmosphere and value-for-money meals. The Little Vikings area at Vikings Sports Club is separate from the main dining room and is situated right next to the play equipment so you can eat or have a coffee in peace whilst the kids roam. The two soft play structures, one aimed at the 2-5-year-olds and one for 5- 10-year-olds, the TV and lounge area and 2 walls of pesky arcade games plus skill tester machines will keep the kids going for hours.
Read our full review here.
Source: Hello Sydney Kids!
The Wentworth, Homebush
195 Parramatta Road, Homebush West
This fantastic kids’ play area is definitely one that the kids 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.
