From kids’ meals to play areas, consider this your go-to guide to Canberra family-friendly dining.

Clubs and pubs

Canberra’s clubs and pubs are a haven for families.

The combination of kids’ menus and play spaces ticks all the boxes.

They’re usually accessible, with ramps and lifts for prams, and highchairs available.

Some of the meal deals apply to members only – be sure to check with the club.

Ainslie: Ainslie Football Club – Kids eat free offer on Monday nights (with an adult main meal purchase).

Conder: Lanyon Vikings features an indoor play area. It also serves a $5 kids’ lunch menu on Sundays.

Curtin: The Statesman Hotel – There’s a great family-friendly atmosphere and all kids’ meals include ice-cream with topping for dessert.

Greenway: Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong has a Henry’s restaurant and indoor play area. Kids eat free on Tuesdays (with an adult main meal purchase).

Gungahlin: Eastlake Gungahlin has an indoor play area in the dining and bistro section. Kids eat free on Tuesday nights (with an adult main meal purchase).

Gungahlin: Raiders Gungahlin features a kids-only area with a playground and arcade games.

Holt: Raiders Belconnen has an indoor playground in the kids’ area of the bistro. Kids eat free on Monday nights (with an adult main meal purchase).

Lyneham: The Old Canberra Inn welcomes families with plenty of outdoor space and a play area. Seating is nearby so parents can keep a close eye while they eat.

Macquarie: Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison has a Henry’s restaurant, arcade room and outdoor play area. Families can enjoy free lawn games in the fenced outdoor space. Kids eat free on Tuesdays (with an adult main meal purchase).

Mawson: The Mawson Club, a Raiders club. It features an indoor kids' playroom.

Nicholls: The George Harcourt Inn offers a large outdoor grassed area, ideal for kids who need to need to move around while waiting for their meal.

Nicholls: Gungahlin Lakes Golf and Community Club has a games room that’s great for older kids. Kids can also eat free on Monday nights (with an adult main meal purchase).

Phillip: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden – The Henry’s soft play area is visible from the family dining area. There’s also an arcade games room. Kids eat free on Wednesdays (with an adult main meal purchase).

Phillip: Hellenic Club Woden features Arcadia, a family-friendly arcade. Kids under five eat free at the Kivotos buffet on Sundays. There’s also a gelato bar.

Stirling: Weston Creek Labor Club – There’s an outdoor playground and bowling greens. Get a free kids’ meal when ordering something from the Grill on Thursday or Friday nights.

Wanniassa: Erindale Vikings has both indoor and outdoor kids play areas near the bistro.

Weston: Raiders Weston features a kids’ play area.

Yarralumla: Snapper & Co serves up kid-sized fish and chips and more, along with lake views, plenty of grassy space and a relaxed family atmosphere.

Cafes and restaurants

Acton: Pollen Café is located in the Australian National Botanic Gardens so there is plenty to see and do after you eat, including a children’s discovery walk.

Aranda: Two Before Ten – After tucking into something tasty, kids can explore the onsite urban farm complete with fruit trees, vegie and herb gardens and more.

Canberra City: First Edition is located in the Novotel. Kids receive activities to do at the table and all kids’ meals come with a drink. They’ll even serve up a simple spaghetti with butter for plainer eaters.

Florey: The Irvine Café and Bar – There’s an enclosed playground outside and lots of tasty menu options. On Thursdays get a free kids’ meal with any full-priced adults’ main meal.

Fyshwick: Wildflour – A great option for younger kids. There’s a play space with swings, cars to ride and more, And yes, it’s fenced!

Gold Creek: Pulp Book Café offers kids’ books and a play area, including a cubby and play kitchen. There’s also a small play space just outside the café.

Gordon: Little Luxton – Kids can enjoy a courtyard area, sandpit, cubby and colouring-in sheets designed by local high school students.

Kambah: Toots Café and Play Space – Grown-ups can refuel while the kids choose between dress-ups, colouring-in and more. There is barista coffee, cold drinks and light snacks.

Molonglo Valley: Café at the Arboretum is steps from Pod Playground, the Children’s Garden and the amphitheatre hill – ideal for running off some energy.

Ngunnawal: Blossom Café has a play corner for little ones as well as a tasty menu including kid-sized hot and cold drinks. Platypus Park is also located in the shopping centre.

Parkes: Rosa’s at the Lawns – Overlooking the National Rose Gardens, this relaxed pizza spot is an ideal spot for kids to run around while remaining well in sight.

Pialligo: Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s is located in Rodney’s Plants Plus. There’s a playground right next to the outdoor café tables and lots of space to play.

Pialligo: Tulips Café – Tulips offers a great enclosed playground for young kids. There are tasty meals and treats for all ages. You may even spot a roving peacock!

Throsby: Wildbark Café – This is located in the visitor centre on the edge of Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary – the ultimate kids’ playground! There’s also a fenced play area. (Note: it’s closed during winter).

Yarralumla: The Oaks Brasserie – Located beside the Heritage Nursery with ample green space for kids to run about outside. It’s also close to Weston Park attractions.

Options for more adventurous eaters

Braddon: Lazy Su has great sharing options for the whole family. There are also wontons, gyoza, bao and more, with the option to make some dishes less spicy.

Canberra City: Akiba is great for families, with booths, communal tables and standard dining areas to choose from. There are dumplings, Japanese Fried Chicken and plenty of share plates. Come early to beat the rush.

Griffith: Agostinis Italian Restaurant offers authentic pizza and pasta dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. There are also delicious gelato and sorbet options to choose from.

Kingston: Caribou – The menu at this Canadian-themed eatery offers fun names and lots of flavour. Choose from classics like poutine and beaver tail. There are ordinary kids’ meals, too, served with a drink.

Phillip: Kickin’Inn – Eating with your hands with permission to get a bit messy? What’s not to love? Kids under eight eat free every day when dining with a full-paying adult.

Get in touch

Did we miss your favourite spot? Email us at ourcanberra@act.gov.au