Where are kid-friendly dining spots with playgrounds or kids areas in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter? Eating out with babies and kids isn’t always easy so it makes sense to look for local child-friendly cafes, restaurants or pubs with a kids play area such an indoor or outdoor playground or specific kids area.
It doesn’t matter if they’re babies, toddlers, preschoolers or school-aged, a family-friendly dining spot makes it so much easier. Choosing the right spot means kids are happy and occupied, and gives parents a chance to actually eat their food while it’s still warm! And somewhere where they are with other kids – so if meltdowns happen, crying ensues or food goes flying, it’s just no big deal. We’ve all been there right?
Here’s a selection of family-friendly cafes and restaurants in Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie that offer playgrounds or a kids area. Most offer high chairs, a kids menu and baby-changing facilities.
And don’t forget to check out our Kids Eat Free guide saving you money with an adult meal purchase all week long! It’s super handy during school holidays.
Featured Image Credit: Toronto Workers Club
Find a kid-friendly dining spot near me
Argenton Hotel
With a giant outdoor playground and spacious cabana shelters, Argenton Hotel is a top family-friendly dining spot in Lake Macquarie.
515 Lake Road, Argenton NSW
Phone: 02 4958 1060
Website
The Bank Hotel
Relax and enjoy your food and drinks while the kids play at this outdoor playground at The Bank Hotel in East Maitland.
72 Melbourne Street, East Maitland NSW
Phone: 02 4934 8284
Website
Belmont 16s
Delicious meals, lake views and a kids play area make Belmont 16s an ideal place to go with your family or mothers group. The family dining area is located in a separate area and features an updated kids play area.
The Parade, Belmont NSW
Phone: 02 4945 0888
Website
The Belmont Hotel
The outdoor play area at the family-friendly The Belmont Hotel is fenced and there are tables nearby. They also have a kids menu that includes pasta, fish and chips, a kids platter and more.
483-485 Pacific Highway, Belmont NSW
Phone: 02 4945 0444
Website
Blackbutt Hotel
If you’re looking for a relaxed no-fuss pub that’s kid-friendly, head to the Blackbutt Hotel in New Lambton. It features a small indoor playground for kids.
80 Orchardtown Road, New Lambton NSW
Phone: 02 4957 3454
Website
The Bradford Hotel
The great outdoor area at the The Bradford Hotel has a huge, fenced, bright and colourful kids playground with lots of slides and activities to keep them entertained while you enjoy your meal.
358 New England Highway, Rutherford NSW
Phone: 02 4932 1842
Website
Cardiff RSL
Cardiff RSL has a small outdoor playground for kids aged 3 – 12. Parents can either supervise their kids outside near the playground or from inside through the glass windows.
45 Macquarie Road, Cardiff NSW
Phone: 02 4954 0766
Website
Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows
With ocean views, Caves Coastal Bar is a relaxed and casual spot with plenty of room to sit inside or outside close to the outdoor kids area. The kids area consists of a large play structure with a few slides.
27 Mawson Close, Caves Beach NSW
Phone: 02 4980 9999
Website
Central Park Cafe
Located beside the Maitland Visitors Information Centre, Central Park Cafe offers artisan coffee and locally sourced meals in air-conditioned dining or or alfresco verandah with leafy views. Perfect for a catch up with friends and family while the kids have fun in their secure kids play area.
Cnr New England Highway & High Street, Maitland NSW
Phone: 02 4936 6965
Website
Cessnock Leagues Club
Dine in Entice Bistro & Cafe while the little ones play in the fenced play area. The play area is best suited to under 6’s.
1 Darwin Street, Cessnock NSW
Phone: 02 4993 2655
Website
Chameleon Play Cafe
Enjoy a play at Chameleon Play Cafe. It’s a family-friendly cafe with a full kitchen and drinks menu available plus a large playground area for the kids to enjoy.
61 Vincent Street, Cessnock NSW
Phone: 02 4025 3747
Website
Club Charlestown
With delicious food, kids play area and a central location, Club Charlestown is a top spot to go with your family or mothers group. It’s a large club with a choice of indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of space to park prams and strollers. There is plenty of seating nearby with a brand new area – The Courtyard that is adjacent to the event area with a new playground to explore as well.
5 Lincoln Street, Charlestown NSW
Phone: 02 4943 3766
Website
Club Macquarie
Parents can relax and enjoy their meals while kids are entertained with a large outdoor play area and Kids Entertainment room. This room has been refurbished with free games including arcade games such as Daytona, PAC-Man, Frogger, Space Invaders & much more plus a large TV set screening the Cartoon Network.
458 Lake Road, Argenton NSW
Phone: 02 4911 9500
Website
Club Maitland City
Eat out at Club Maitland City, Rutherford while the kids play at the indoor Scrambles Play play area. Scrambles is a fully air-conditioned, multi-level playground with dedicated age zones for children aged 11 and under.
14 Arthur Street, Rutherford NSW
Phone: 02 4939 1200
Website
Club Redhead
Enjoy a meal at Redhead’s bowling club. Watch the kids play in the outdoor play area while you relax undercover.
Burns Street, Redhead NSW
Phone: 02 4942 6022
Website
Cute Cafe
The Cute Cafe is a baby and toddler-friendly coffee shop with a great kids play and activity area. They sell hot and cold drinks and sweet treats.
Shop 20, 23 Stockton Street, Nelson Bay NSW
Website
Dullboys
Eat, drink and unwind in Dullboys modern take on the classic American Diner. Afterwards enjoy a game of tenpin bowling, have a game of mini putt or enjoy the arcade games or dodgem cars with the kids. In two great locations.
57 Shipley Drive, Rutherford NSW
Phone: 02 4932 1696
Website
326 Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay NSW
Phone: 02 4954 2477
Website
East Maitland Bowling Club
East Maitland Bowling Club has two soft play areas for kids, one for kids under 5 and one for older kids. They have a number of different dining options to choose from including their family-friendly The Valley Restaurant overlooking a beautiful, perfectly manicured 18 hole golf course and garden.
23 Banks Street, East Maitland NSW
Phone: 02 4933 7533
Website
Edgeworth Tavern
Edgeworth Tavern have an enclosed play area for kids.
Corner of Main Road & Minmi Road, Edgeworth NSW
Phone: 02 4958 1772
Website
ELMAS on Clyde
The cafe ELMAS on Clyde has a great outdoor area and calls itself a kid, dog & human refuge.
Unit 40/54 Clyde Street, Hamilton North NSW
Phone: 02 4961 1520
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General Washington Hotel
Catch the ferry over to Stockton for a meal at the General Washington Hotel and enjoy your meal while the kids play in the enclosed kids area towards the back of the restaurant. They’ll find plenty of toys and books to keep them entertained. Afterwards, head across the road for a play at the Stockton Active Hub.
1 Mitchell Street, Stockton NSW
Phone: 02 4920 1001
Website
The Golden Goat
This boutique espresso bar is located close to a fenced kids play area in Kotara Homemaker Centre. Known for its delicious coffee.
Kotara Homemaker Centre, Kotara NSW
Phone: 0427 699 561
Website
Hanbury 58 Food Collective
Kids can play in the soft play area, Hanbury’s Jungle, inside Hanbury 58 Food Collective (located in the Mex Club). Choose from Soho Grill, The Chicken Shop Grilled and Fried Chicken, Chippies Burgers and Fish or Maria’s Honest Italian Restaurant. They also have a great kids menu. For dessert, choose from Butter All Day Coffee & cake or Lulu’s Sundae Bar serves up soft serve ice cream and lollies for $8.00 per serve!
58 Hanbury Street, Mayfield NSW
Website
Hexham Bowling Club
Enjoy your meal at Hexham Bowling Club while kids are occupied in the indoor kids play area.
290 Old Maitland Road, Hexham NSW
Phone: 02 4964 8350
Website
Heritage Gardens Nursery Cafe
If you and your kids love plants, visit the cafe at Heritage Gardens Nursery. The cafe features delicious lunch packs for kids with real food. There’s plenty of space for kids to run around and in bad weather, there’s a little play kitchen on the side verandah. Heritage Gardens also have a freshly renovated function venue known as the Heritage Gardens Tea House which serves High Tea for both adults and children.
Cnr New England Highway & Four Mile Creek Road, Ashtonfield NSW
Phone: 02 4036 1550
Website
Hotel Elermore
This family-friendly venue features a fenced undercover play area. The kids play area is one that kids will love as it has slides, tunnels, climbing and more. Parents will love the huge glass wall that enables you to see your kids from almost anywhere in the café/restaurant.
145 Croudace Road, Elermore Vale NSW
Phone: 02 4951 4587
Website
Jewells Tavern
Jewells Tavern is well set up for kids with a large outdoor play area. The outdoor area features lots of picnic tables so you can sit out there and keep an eye on your children playing.
73 Ntaba Road, Jewells NSW
Phone: 02 4948 9100
Website
Kahibah Sports Club
Enjoy some mini golf with your meal from The Urban Bistro. Kahibah Sports Club has a mini golf range for kids and families, barefoot bowls, and an indoor playground.
63 Kenibea Avenue, Kahibah NSW
Phone: 02 4943 2987
Website
Kids World Adventure Playland and Cafe – East Maitland
Located inside Stockland Greenhills Shopping Centre, Kids World Playland is a fully air-conditioned centre with plenty of equipment for kids who love to jump, climb and play. There’s also a dedicated under 5’s area. Their gourmet cafe sells hot food, wraps, salads and coffee.
1 Molly Morgan Drive, East Maitland NSW
Phone: 02 4032 0712
Website
Kids World Adventure Playland & Cafe – Charlestown
The gourmet cafe at Kids World Adventure Playland & Cafe Charlestown serves up burgers, pizzas, gourmet wraps and fresh salads. They also have a breakfast menu and a kids menu. Their coffee is made by trained baristas. Play areas include a designated under 5’s area (0-4 years) and an over 5’s zone (5-11 years), this means kids can play and interact on activities with kids of the same age. Open Monday to Sunday 10am-4pm.
Shop G8042A Charlestown Square, 30 Pearson Street, Charlestown NSW
Phone: 02 4923 8700
Website
Kurri Kurri Bowling Club
This bowling club features an indoor and outdoor kids play area and a special toddler play area. The Kookaburra’s Brasserie menu features a variety of kids meals as well.
Tarro Street, Kurri Kurri NSW
Phone: 02 4937 1676
Website
Lakeside Village Tavern
With a great kids menu including Dino Chicken Nuggets and Bangers and Mash the kids will be kept full. While Mum and Dad relax in the courtyard the kids can play in the large, fenced playground.
74 Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrrace NSW
Phone: 02 4983 1700
Website
Lowlands Bowling Club
A renovation has made Lowlands Bowling Club even more family-friendly. Next door to the large playground at Centennial park, parents are able to watch older kids play through the big glass window in the club or from the outdoor tables.
98A Dawson Street, Cooks Hill NSW
Phone: 02 4929 3046
Website
Maryland Tavern
The New Maryland Tavern opened earlier in the year and it’s got something for everyone. This all-new venue seats up to 200 customers in the bistro, has a dedicated sports area, two bars, two beer gardens, a wood-fire style pizza oven, 32 taps with 20 different beer varieties and a revolutionary kids play area. Here you’ll find plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained. The all-new, state-of-the-art and all-inclusive kids zone features PlayStations, Xbox’s, Nintendo Wii’s, BEAM interactive projector, play kitchen and more!
144 Maryland Drive, Maryland NSW
Phone: 02 4955 0588
Website
The Mattara
The Mattara features an indoor play area for kids and is a good place to keep kids busy before and after their meal.
333 Charlestown Road, Charlestown NSW
Phone: 02 4943 3911
Website
Medowie Macadamias
Enjoy a cafe meal at this family-owned macadamia farm in Medowie. It features a large, outdoor play area that will keep kids entertained while you enjoy a coffee and some macadamia cakes and slices.
672 Medowie Road, Medowie NSW
Phone: 02 4943 3911
Website
Medowie Social
With their kids menu and a great outdoor playground, enjoy lunch or dinner outside on a sunny day while the kids play.
Ferodale Road, Medowie NSW
Phone: 02 4981 8474
Website
Hanbury 58 Food Collective at Mex Club Mayfield
The kids will have a blast at Hanbury’s Jungle indoor play area.
58 Hanbury Street, Mayfield NSW
Phone: 02 4968 4411
Website
Mischief Kitchen
Mischief Kitchen is a family-friendly cafe with a large undercover terrace area and garden which is fully fenced and has lots of play options for the kids. They offer craft every Wednesday morning and messy play every Tuesday during term time as well as running a great range of activities during the school holidays which range from slime making to rock painting. Their menu is designed to offer fun and imaginative food for adults and children alike with an emphasis on being simple, seasonal and yummy! They serve coffee Glitch coffee roasters, locally roasted & fully fair trade.
787 Pacific Highway, Belmont NSW
Phone: N/A
Website
Modus Merewether
Modus Merewether, the ultimate family-friendly venue! Includes a huge secure kids play area, surrounded by sheltered outdoor and indoor space – makes for the perfect spot for both parents and kids to enjoy a day out. The menu is delicious and innovative; think elevated pub fare with a sprinkle of fresh Mexican and fresh seafood, small and large share plates, an entire vegan section and innovative kids meals. Sure to keep the whole family happy!
20 Merewether Street, Merewether NSW
Phone: 02 4011 5850
Website
Newcastle Food and Flower Market
Drop in to the Newcastle Food and Flower Market. After parents finish tasting the yummy food and coffee, you can finish it off with a gelato and a stroll through the market.
28 / 1 Rural Drive, Sandgate NSW
Phone: 1 300 760 460
Website
Oasis Cafe on Cleary
The Oasis Cafe on Cleary is run by the Salvos and provides young people with the opportunity to develop hands-on work skills. It has a kids book nook and play area, suited to 0-5 years. You can also pay forward a meal or coffee for someone in need.
67 Cleary Street, Hamilton NSW
Phone: 02 4969 8066
Website
Pacific Dunes Golf Club – The Greenhouse Eatery
The Greenhouse Eatery, located at Pacific Dunes Golf Club at Medowie, prides themselves on their customer service and on serving fresh, seasonal food in an elegant building. They have a good kids menu and a small playground adjacent to the restaurant as well as big boxes of lego for the kids to play with.
Huntingdale Place, Medowie NSW
Phone: 02 4916 0500
Website
Pelican RSL
Pelican RSL is a family friendly venue offering outdoor entertainment area and an awesome fully equipped children’s play room. It features a secured toddlers area, kids gym, and arcade games.
1 Piriwal Street, Pelican NSW
Phone: 02 4971 2165
Website
The Prince of Merewether
As part of a major renovation at The Prince, they’ve created a small ‘kids room’ next to the bistro dining space. Designed to be a chilled out space for kids to enjoy while waiting on their meal, it allows parents to relax and enjoy their dining experience. The room includes at two-storey cubby with space to read a book, watch TV or just have some quiet time, and The Prince ‘Café’ down the bottom which is decked out with wooden café food and appliances. There’s a book wall, a table and chairs to enjoy the ‘café food’ or play a board game, a chalk board wall, a big tv showing kids programs, beanbags and a cosy swing chair.
1 Morgan Street, Merewether NSW
Phone: 4963 1722
Website
Reader’s Cafe and Larder
Located inside East Maitland Library, this cafe features a playground at the back. Take home tasty home-style meals, curries, soups, jams, pickles, relishes and chutneys.
3 Garnett Road, East Maitland NSW
Phone: 02 4933 5644
Website
The Regal Inn
Heaps of outdoor tables to choose from overlooking a large open space for kids to run around plus a fantastic outdoor playground and indoor kids area
33 Metford Road, Tenambit NSW
Phone: 02 4933 2475
Website
Reload Cafe at Wests Mayfield
Open every day, the open-air Reload Cafe features great coffee and healthy light meals. It includes an enclosed soft play area for toddlers and young children.
32 Industrial Drive, Mayfield NSW
Phone: 02 4903 6100
Website
Royal Crown Hotel
Check out the Royal Crown Hotel at Dudley. It has a kids cubby style play area, a kid friendly courtyard / beer garden and a basketball hoop out the back.
94 Ocean Street, Dudley NSW
Phone: 02 4944 7698
Website
Rudy’s Rotisserie
Rudy’s Rotisserie specialise in freshly cooked chicken, meats, burgers, rolls, salads and delicious homemade dipping sauces to top it all off. Sit at one of the outdoor tablesand enjoy your meal while the kids play in the large fenced playground.
Shop 51, 387 Lake Road, Glendale NSW
Phone: 02 4954 2243
Website
Seraphine Cafe
Combine art with coffee at Seraphine Cafe located at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Wander through the gallery and then enjoy some food. There’s a large outdoor area where kids can roam. Go on a Sunday to enjoy free art activities during Free Art Sunday.
230 High Street, Maitland NSW
Phone: 02 4934 7264
Website
The Shortland Hotel
269 Sandgate Road, Shortland NSW
Phone: 02 4951 1844
Website
Enjoy a family meal at Shorty Pub. It features an indoor play area for kids aged 0 – 6 as well as arcade games for older kids.
Spirited Play Cafe
This cafe overlooks a huge indoor kids play area with spaces for babies and toddlers, younger and older kids. Choose from the extensive cafe menu.
2/12 Innovation Close, Taylors Beach NSW
Phone: 02 4982 2065
Website
Sunnyside Tavern
Keep the kids entertained as they play in the playground area while you relax and enjoy your meal.
20 Broadmeadow Road, Broadmeadow NSW
Phone: 02 4961 2084
Website
Sydney Junction Hotel
Keep the kids occupied with a large undercover Kids Zone area with play equipment at the Sydney Junction Hotel.
8 Beaumont Street, Hamilton NSW
Phone: 02 4961 2537
Website
Table 1 Espresso
Next door to the massive Lake Macquarie Variety Playground, Table 1 Espresso is a top spot to enjoy a coffee or a meal while the kids play next door. There’s also plenty of space for mums groups to meet up.
15 Park Road, Speers Point NSW
Phone: 02 4948 1115
Website
Terrace Diner and Play
Terrace Diner and Play are a diner-themed kid-friendly cafe in Raymond Terrace with a great kids play area and an amazing variety of food and drinks. They are open for breakfast and lunch 7 days and dinner from 4.30-7.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Shop 2 26 Sturgeon Street, Raymond Terrace NSW
Phone: 0487 071 933
Website
Toronto Workers Club
Toronto Workers Club now has an upgraded Kids Play Area with 2 slides, net tunnel, memory game and a toddler busy wall located off Indulge Dining restaurant. Please note that children must be 155cm or under in height for entry & adult parent/carer supervision is mandatory at all times.
9 James Street, Toronto NSW
Phone: 4959 2011
Website
Vincent Street Kitchen + Bar
The Vincent Street Kitchen + Bar, located at Cessnock serves fresh, contemporary cuisine with wine country flair. The outdoor kids playground includes a swing set and slide.
Shop 2 26 Sturgeon Street, Raymond Terrace NSW
Phone: 0487 071 933
Website
Wallsend Diggers
With a large play area in its outdoor area, Wallsend Diggers is a great spot for meet ups of mothers groups or families looking for a kid-friendly option.
5 Tyrrell Street, Wallsend NSW
Phone: 02 4951 7000
Website
Warners at the Bay
A relaxed family-friendly spot, Warners at the Bay has a fenced play area visible from the dining area and good kids meals!
320 Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay NSW
Phone: 02 4956 6066
Website
Young Street Hotel
Younger kids will love the fenced kids play area featuring a play shop, cubby house and slides
132 Young Street, Carrington NSW
Phone: 02 4023 5906
Website
Have we missed a great local place that features a playground or kids area? Send us an email and a photo and we’ll add it to the list (and love you forever!)
Here are more articles you may be interested in:
- Wondering where kids eat free in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter? Visit the Kids Eat Free Guide.
- Looking for some affordable family fun? There are lots of free and low-cost things to do in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
- Need a list of local playgrounds? Check out the Parks and Playgrounds section on Newy with Kids.
- Looking for an indoor play centre? Read through our Indoor Play Centre guide.
Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.