The lovely Jolie from the fabulous site Hey Bambini has put together another list of kid friendly cafes for Planning With Kids. This time the focus is on cafes that offer activities for the kids.
If you haven’t visited Hey Bambini before it is a fantastic site for parents that helps you find unique places to have coffee or lunch, that cater for kids as well. You can subscribe to their newsletter to be kept up to date on the best cafes for kids in Melbourne.
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Parents love to get out of the house to grab a quick coffee or enjoy a slice of cake with their wee ones. As much as kids love getting out of the house with mum sometimes visiting a café really isn’t on the top of their priority list. They want to run around in the park or play with their friends. So Hey Bambini have compiled a list of funky cafés that are not only super kid friendly but they also run activities for the kids. From book reading classes to crafty workshops, there is plenty of fun to be had if you know where to look. So next time you need a caffeine hit and the kids need to do something creative, check out some of these Melbourne gems.
1. Babycinos
Babycinos in South Yarra offer a variety of classes from French for Kids, Art by Mini Picasso and Gardening for Kids Workshops for a small fee. Babycinos update their Facebook Page daily with current events, activities and costs. Bookings Essential.
Full review
2. Miss Marmalade
Miss Marmalade in Brunswick holds Story Time Workshops which are hosted by My Little Bookcase. The workshops bring stories to life and encourage the wonder of reading to young children. Suitable for all ages, bookings essential.
Full review
Event information
3. Each Peach
Each Peach in Brunswick East is super small but is a cute child friendly café with loads of baked treats. Next door is The Harvest Room Workshop which holds crafty classes for little ones from Flower arranging to Knitting and Painting. See website for more details and session times.
Full Review
Event information
4. Happy River Café
Happy River Café in Footscray is situated next to the Footscray Community Arts centre, which have workshops on offer for the kids. Kids can dance their way through Hip-Hop classes or bound into the Kids Circus club. Bookings Essential.
Full Review
Event Information
5.Ceres
Ceres in Brunswick is the ultimate place to visit for organic goodness, plus they are also home to the Rhythm Tree music classes run by the delightful Gillian Lee. Classes are run every Friday and Saturday – Bookings most essential and suitable for babies and toddlers.
Full Review
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6. The Observatory
The Observatory is situated in the beautiful Botanical Gardens and right next door to the Ian Potter Children’s Garden. They host a variety of activities for kids from “Draw and Explore” to Spring Garden Magic classes, where little ones can learn about plants and looking after the environment.
Full review
Event information
7. Tea Time and Tales
Tea Time and Tales in Carlton is another favourite with families and are well known for their Craft and Baking Activities. Make a Kite or whip up a tray of Lamingtons – there is sure to be a suitable class for your little one. Classes run weekly with different themes – check HERE for daily updates.
Full review
Event information
8. Lulabelles
Lulabelles in Camberwell host Tea parties and High Teas for little ones. Pop your “Little Miss” in her best tea party dress and nibble on Ribbon Sandwiches and Cupcakes. Bookings Essential.
Full Review
9. Heide Museum of Modern Art
Heide Museum of Modern Art in Bulleen run Heide Art Bubs which is a series of tours conducted for parents and carers with babies and toddlers, followed by crayon drawings and morning tea provided by Café Vue at Heide. Suitable for ages 0 to 5 years.
Full review
Event information
10. Gasworks Café
Gasworks Café in Albert Park have kids programs that offer creative and entertaining experiences for children aged 4-14 both during and outside School Holidays. From magic shows to cooking, there is something for everyone. Bookings Essential.
Full review
Event information
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Can you add to this list? Know of a cafe that has activities for the kids too – feel free to leave a link in the comments!