The best kid-friendly cafes in Sydney make eating great food, a family-friendly vibe, and finishing an entire almond-milk latte while it’s still warm, seem possible.
Finding a café that makes both parents and kiddos happy is no small feat. You want a coffee that doesn’t taste like dishwater, and they need a play area that doesn’t involve them climbing all over you. Luckily, Sydney has some fabulous spots where both grown-ups and children can kick back, eat well, and not cop dirty looks from kid-free patrons.
1. Vitaland Kids Café, St Leonards
The only play centre on our list, Vitaland is a magical play space that’s purposefully designed to keep little ones entertained for hours and looks like a Wes Anderson fever-dream. The safe, clean, and whimsical environment is tailored for crawlers, toddlers, and preschoolers, the play area is a full-on wonderland. From a colourful ball pit to a choo-choo train and even a mini supermarket, there’s so much to keep kids occupied. Vitaland also offers fun extras like dance classes and face painting.
Address: Shop LG04/500 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards NSW 2065
Contact: 0452 412 958
Opening Hours: 9:30 am – 5pm every day
vitalandkidscafe.com
2. The Incinerator, Willoughby
Okay yes, the name is a bit dark for a kid café. But tucked next to Hallstrom Park in Willoughby, The Incinerator is not just a café—it’s a slice of history that’s been artfully, beautifully transformed. It has a modern, super welcoming vibe and family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to fuel up after a morning play session at the nearby playground—complete with climbing structures, kids’ cycling paths, and picnic spots—or just want to enjoy some top-notch coffee.
Address: 2a Small St, Willoughby NSW 2068
Contact: 0406 056 888
Opening Hours: 7:30 am- 3pm
theincinerator.com.au
3. Shuk, North Bondi
When it comes to kid-friendly cafés with genuine foodie appeal, Shuk is a North Bondi institution. This Israeli-inspired bakery and café knows how to balance grown-up indulgence with family-friendly vibes. It’s got a dedicated kids’ menu, with fun and healthy options, plus a good-sized outdoor area that’ll keep them busy while you savour their house-made pastries. Shuk has plenty of room for high chairs, prams, and all the chaos that comes with a family outing. Pro tip: try the challah French toast.
Address: 2 Mitchell St, North Bondi NSW 2026
Contact: 0423 199 859
Opening Hours: 6am – 4:30pm
shuk.com.au
4. Babyccino, Lindfield
Conveniently located near Lindfield train station, this café is a hit with locals and a lifesaver for those in search of a kid-friendly café on the Upper North Shore. There’s a dedicated play area for children, so you can actually drink your coffee hot while the kids run amok. With an impressive all-day breakfast and lunch menu, Babyccino strikes the balance between playground and serving up good coffee, tasty food.
Address: 317 Pacific Hwy, Lindfield NSW 2070
Contact: (02) 9416 6237
Opening Hours: 6:30am -3pm
instagram.com/babyccinolindfield
5. The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria
If there’s one café that seems to top everyone’s list, it’s The Grounds of Alexandria. It’s not just a café, it’s an experience. With a gorgeous garden, farmyard animals (hello, friendly goats), and themed displays, it’s a sensory wonderland for kids. The food is wholesome and delicious—think farm-to-table meals that will nourish your soul. If you make it there during spring, there’s an amazing a burst of flowers, filling the cafe’s laneways (with one that is completely made of mirrors) with lavender, wisteria, and jacaranda flowers. And yes, they do incredible coffee.
Address: 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Contact: 02) 9699 2225
Opening Hours: 7am – 9pm
thegrounds.com.au
6. Grounds coffee factory, Eveleigh
From the same team behind the ultra-Instagrammable Grounds of Alexandria is the new Grounds Coffee Factory in Eveleigh. Housed in a historic building that once served as a railway workers’ cafeteria, this new roastery and café marries industrial charm with whimsical, Willy Wonka-inspired touches. A coffee bean transport system zips beans from one end of the café to the other, adding a playful element to the seriously good coffee. Although the space is large and captivating, there’s no dedicated play area for kids, so it’s not the ideal spot for families with toddlers. However, for parents looking for a quality coffee fix in a fun space, Grounds Coffee Factory delivers.
Address: Bay 4a/2 Locomotive St, Eveleigh NSW 2015
Contact: (02) 9699 2225
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 4pm, closed on Sundays
thegrounds.com.au
7. The Boathouse, Balmoral
Few things beat grabbing a coffee by the water while the kids burn off energy, and The Boathouse at Balmoral is the place to do it. The rustic, beachy vibe makes it a perfect laid-back spot on Balmoral beach. The Boathouse is all about quality, with simple but delish dishes (hello old friends, hot chips and strawberry milkshakes) a good kid’s menu and a fenced-in playground just steps away.
Address: 2 The Esplanade, Mosman NSW 2088
Contact: (02) 9974 5440
Opening Hours: 7am – 4pm
theboathousebb.com.au
8. Eat n Chill, Naremburn
Locally sourced brunches, gorgeous salads, and a back garden with a cubby house—Eat n Chill ticks all the boxes. This Naremburn café is one of those spots where you feel good about what you’re eating while the kids get stuck into their fun. They cater to a variety of dietary needs (sugar free, gluten-free, paleo, you name it) and have a fab menu for under-12s.
Address: 272/274 Willoughby Rd, Naremburn NSW 2065
Contact: 0451 523 499
Opening Hours: 6:30am – 3pm
eatnchill.com.au
9. Sideways Deli Café, Dulwich Hill
Tucked away in Dulwich Hill, Sideways Deli Café family-friendly meets charm. Not only do they have a dedicated play zone for kids, but they also tailor every kid’s meal to your child’s specific needs … so less meltdowns over what’s on the plate.
Parents can enjoy options from fluffy scrambled eggs to homemade baked goods while the kids stay entertained with colouring activities. This café truly celebrates children, so expect to feel the love the moment you walk in.
Address: 37 Constitution Rd, Dulwich Hill NSW 2203
Contact: (02) 9560 1425
Opening Hours: 7am – 5pm
sidewaysdelicafe.com.au
10. Three Williams, Redfern
When you think of trendy Redfern, “kid-friendly” might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But tucked beneath street level, this cavernous underground café offers a buzzing atmosphere where little ones can be themselves—squeals and all. The cafe has a giant chalkboard where their imaginations can run wild. Meanwhile, parents can sit back and enjoy some seriously delicious food—Three Williams is known for its top-notch fare—and the staff here are wonderfully indulgent with their youngest guests, making everyone feel welcome. Chaotic but in a cute way.
Address: 613A Elizabeth St, Redfern NSW 2016
Contact: (02) 8021 2847
Opening Hours: 7am – 3pm
threewilliamscafe.com
