The best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney

This spacious restaurant is set in a former Rosella tomato sauce factory, so it’s got a lovely rustic vibe. There’s a play restaurant out the back complete with all the wooden ingredients your kids need to run their own show. If it’s not too hot, get a table outside so you can watch the little ones as you enjoy a glass of wine. It’s a sophisticated spot to enjoy farm-fresh, spectacular food.  

Kid-friendly tip: There's delicious kids' food, with 'duckling' menu items ranging from around $7-$15. 

The people behind the Grounds knew full well that they’d be attracting families by the minivan load, what with their huge kitchen garden, complete with chicken run and sometimes petting zoos.

Kid-friendly tip: Make sure to check out their what's on and plan your visit around that – they put on some great activations and school holiday programs.

Not exactly a 'restaurant' – indoors is just a small room that hasn’t had a refurb for 50 years, with a micro-brew bar line-up and a yummo bistro with wholesome grub. Outside, one of the lawns is for bowling, but the other one is dedicated to kids. They just run around like they're the ones sinking beers and wines, kicking around balls and being general weirdos.

Kid-friendly tip: There's a change table located in the accessible toilet inside the club house and five high chairs available for use.

Part of the South Coogee Bowling Club, the restaurant has high chairs, a play pen for the under fives (complete with a TV) and a clear view of the greens outside, where you can challenge your children to run around. Staff are very friendly and food is delivered fast. Our tip is to book ahead as this place gets busy.

Kid-friendly tip: On Wednesday's $20 pizza night, kids get a free popper or soft drink.

The downstairs section of Coogee Pavilion is part pub, restaurant, café, oyster bar and pizza parlour – plus there's a large kids' play area. No more sending your kids down to the beach with a couple of blown-up old goon sacks for floaties when there are fun toys and cute decor to admire. 

Kid-friendly tip: Instead of soft drink or other sugary drinks, here you can treat your child to a freshly made smoothie if you prefer. See how they go with the Cheeky Chocolate (coconut water, almond mylk, banana, dates) or the strawberry milk-like Strawberry Orbit – they won't even know they're eating healthy!

Inner West families rave about the Henson, a community-minded pub in Marrickville. There’s a playroom, pinball machines, a great $12 kids menu and a dog-friendly courtyard.

Kid-friendly tip: Treat 'em to a $5 scoop of ice cream with chocolate crackle ($1.50 extra) for dessert.

Chuck and Sons is tucked away just shy of industrial Marrickville in St Peters. Huge and homely, the 230-capacity venue features four seating areas: the casual and comfortable main bar, a family-centric dining room, a sunny courtyard and front terrace for both two- and four-legged guests. Not only is the food for adults here fingerlicking fantastic (think burgers and sauce-slathered carnivorous delights, courtesy of the Tony Eats food truck on-site), there's plenty for the kids to love, too: mini burgers; chicken, rice and corn; mac and cheese; and homemade nuggets.

Kid-friendly tip: There are regular parents group events and crafternoons, perfect for any school hols coming up. Find out what's on at the website.

You need a map to navigate the Newport, such is its expanse. The Shack and Vinnie’s Pizza offer children’s meals; there are other restaurant options for adults. This sprawling Northern Beaches favourite is popular with all ages, but it’s still incredibly family-friendly. Plus, you’ll get stunning views of Pittwater at most times of day.

Kid-friendly tip: The in-venue gymnasium is filled with games to entertain your little ones for hours.

This place is like the Hamptons come to life. There are hammocks and deck chairs scattered among the tables, there’s a playground for kids right on a beachfront, and there’s a pet-friendly café.

Kid-friendly tip: As one mum puts it: “The floor is sand, so crumbs from kids can just be kicked into the sand, rather than leaving the café as a disaster zone.”

Most of your local RSLs or Diggers clubs are family-friendly affairs. If your local hasn’t gentrified, it’s worth checking out (it’s hard to worry about the kids spilling food on the floor when the décor hasn’t been updated since the 1970s). Staff are friendly and food is delivered to your table.

Kid-friendly tip: They are air conditioned and have some of the best views of Bondi, slightly away from the hubbub of the beach.

If you want a location that’s designed for families this is your place. There’s an indoor play area that has separate areas for littlies (ages 2-5) and bigger kids (5-10) with an entrance and exit that’s easy to keep an eye on. Bonus points for the gelato bar kid-friendly food menu.

Kid-friendly tip: Mothers' groups are welcome.

Fortunately, everyone can get behind a tasty burger – kids and kids at heart alike. At Betty's Burgers, little ones are sorted with snack-sized fries, chicken burgers, crispy chicken strips and all the tomato sauce their little grubby paws wish to reach for. It's a little fancier than a Macca's but just as child-friendly. Enter your postcode here to find the Betty's Burgers joint closest to you.

Kid-friendly tip: The classic vanilla milkshake here made with premium custard ice cream goes down a treat.

North Ryde RSL has a spesh place called Tribal Zone – a play area with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can see your children go crazy on the gym equipment, ballroom and arcade games. It's suitable for kids aged 3-17.

Kid-friendly tip: The RSL has a selection of places to eat, but parents will want to head to Riverviews Bar and Dining because it's next to Tribal Zone.