THIS POST IS OUT OF DATE AND YOU CAN FIND A NEW POST WRITTEN IN JUNE 2016 HERE – Top 12 child friendly cafes in Melbourne.
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This fabulous list was compiled by Jolie from Hey Bambini. Hey Bambini is an online review site for baby and child friendly cafes and restaurants. As Jolie says lots of cafe’s:
“will say they are “baby friendly” – but are they really?? And do they have a little extra to offer the baby crowd??
You will see in the list below there are many great places that do offer that bit extra!
1. Birdie Num Nums
Birdie Num Nums – 745 Nicholson St, Carlton North
This busy cafe has a fabulous selection of delicious food at reasonable prices. But the real bonus is the great courtyard out the back with the sandpit and variety of toys to keep your young one occupied while you enjoy a break. The large courtyard is sheltered from the sun and rain. In the colder months they pump the outdoor heaters keeping everyone toasty warm. Toys are scattered around the place making it a home away from home while providing fabulous entertainment for children. Full review.
(Kids Menu, toys-sandpit, changing facilities, babycino, pram access, highchair)
2. Pampered Mummies
Pampered Mummies – 92 Somerville Rd, Yarraville
Safety is high on our list and these guys have it covered with an automatic door to lock in runaway toddlers – not that they will stray far with the array of toys, books and games on offer. Located in the front of the cafe is a secure playpen where the kids can play while you relax. If your meeting with a group of mums you can opt to sit out in the enclose yard complete with fake grass, chalk board and more toys for the kids. Now if you little one isn’t up for playing then they can sit with you in one of the many highchairs and snack from the kids menu – complete with baby food! Pampered Mummies also offer a great little Activity program for the kids complete with cooking, crafts and music and all for just a tiny gold coin donation. Changing facilities are EXCELLENT with loads of room to move a pram inside the cafe. Full Review.
(Baby food, toys, safety door, changing facilities, pram access, highchair)
3. Ceres Cafe
Ceres Cafe – Cnr Roberts and Stewart St, Brunswick East
Ceres Cafe ticks all the boxes when it comes to being green. This environmental cafe is dedicated to conservation with all organic food served with loads of veggie options. On a sunny day you can easily lose hours, set among trees and gardens this great little cafe has so much to offer mums and bubs And we weren’t alone the day we made a visit – seems to be a BIG favourite with a lot of local mums. It boasts a great little playground and sandpit for the kids so mum can sit back and enjoy. Full Review.
(Sandpit, organic food, changing facilities, pram access, animals (chooks), highchair)
4. The Nursery Cafe
The Nursery Cafe – 1060 Mt Alexander Rd, Essendon
Set on busy Mt Alexandra Rd in Essendon this cafe ticks all the boxes. When I first arrived the crowd was dispersing, yes that’s right a “crowd” of mums and bubs. I’ve never seen anything like it – except for in a maternity ward. And why do local mums flock here? The facilities are fabulous, plain and simple. It has indoor/outdoor seating complete with outdoor cubby house and chalk wall for the kids to play on. A separate lounge for mums who are still breast feeding – what a great idea. The lounge is partitioned off, so lots of lovely privacy and to pass the time you can chat to other fellow mums or watch the huge flat screen TV. Excellent changing facilities available and the staff are friendly and helpful. Full Review.
(Outdoor cubby house, chalk board, breast feeding area, kids menu, high chairs changing facilities.)
5. Small Block Cafe
Small Block Cafe – 130 Lygon St, Brunswick East
This cafe is tiptop for wee ones. To the many families who pack this place out on the weekends to the constant flow of prams on the side walk during the week Small Block has great coffee and a quality menu. Full Review.
(Changing facilities, toys/games, highchair, pram access, babycino)
6. Happy River Cafe
Happy River Cafe -45 Moreland St, Footscray
Happy River Cafe is just a short drive west of the city and hugs the banks of the Maribyrnong River. With spectacular city views, access by bike path, ample parking and kids menu who could ask for anything more?? How about colourful play mats and loads of toys for the kids to play with? Even better! Food is tasty and with cheerful staff Happy River Cafe ticks all the boxes for a great family breakfast, lunch or coffee break. Full Review.
(Toys, large front lawn, kids menu, pram access, high chair)
7. Foxy Brown Espresso
Foxy Brown Espresso – 31a South Crescent, Westgarth
Now let me tell you this place is very baby and child friendly. They have it all. Highchairs, change table, pencils, books and of course a great little kids menu, which consists of mini sausages, muesli with fresh organic yogurts and mini soup complete with the colourful water cups. Full Review.
(Kids menu, changing facilities, toys/pencils, high chair)
8. Nacional Cafe
Nacional Cafe – 36 Mills St, Albert Park
Nacional boasts a great menu, and let’s not forget the delightful eats and treats for the kids. With a basket of toys to occupy the little hands while you eat, you may even be able to sneak in a cheeky wine with lunch from their great little cellar. Nacional also offer excellent changing facilities with outdoor seating available for extra room to move. Full Review.
(Changing facilities, toys, kid menu, highchairs)
9. Beasley’s Tea House
Beasley’s Tea House – 195 Warrandyte Rd, Doncaster East
Great change room with toilet, baby chinos, kids menu, plenty of room for prams and the icing on the cake a large playground opposite the nursery car park. It is a must on any mums list for a change of scenery. Just don’t expect quick service – it is rather popular, even more reason to check it out! Full Review.
(Changing facilities, kids menu, babycinos, pram access, playground nearby)
10. Babycinos Garden Cafe
Babycinos Garden Cafe – 1 Northampton Place, South Yarra
BabyCino Cafe has thought of everything when it comes to keeping the little ones entertained. With an outdoor play area consisting of swings and mini sandpit to the enclosed playroom complete with books, games and doll house – your kids will surely be entertained for more than the ten minutes it takes to enjoy a good cup of coffee. Full Review. EDIT: Now closed.
(Changing Facilities, free babycinos, play ground, indoor play room, highchairs)
Do you have a favourite child friendly cafe in Melbourne you can share with us?