Kid-friendly pubs in Melbourne: A guide to the best pub playgrounds
IF you’re looking for a counter meal that comes with a side serve of free babysitting, these are the best pubs with playgrounds (and kids’ menus) in Melbourne.
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A PUB might not seem like the most natural place to take your kids, but when it comes to a relaxed and affordable family outing, they’re pretty hard to beat.
As well as all the regular child-friendly facilities such as high chairs, pram space and dedicated kids’ menus, myriad local hotels, taverns and bistros also boast play areas, arcade games and, in some cases, live entertainment and activities. Many even host their own school holidays programs for kids, with magic shows and petting zoos among the free entertainment.
That means mum and dad can sit back with a glass of vino or a freshly poured frothy while the little darlings (ahem, devils) are off enjoying themselves — see, wreaking havoc — in a safe, enclosed, play space that is not your own living room. Winning.
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So, if you’re looking for a counter meal that comes with a side serve of free babysitting, these are Melbourne’s best pubs with playgrounds and family-friendly bistros.
Because when you’re eating out with youngsters, you want to be able to book a table, rock up and not have to worry about pre-loading the kids’ tablets with movies. Let them run wild and free so that you’re free to enjoy yourself.
Melbourne’s best child-friendly pubs:
Zagames: Multiple locations (Berwick, Boronia, Caulfield, Reservoir)
You know you’re off to a good start when your lunch venue has a play area called Kids World, which boasts arcade games, indoor playground, treasure hunt, toy box and even jumbo games. They also have a dedicated kids menu with a selection of healthy, gluten-free and vegetarian options. Fancy.
Chelsea Heights Hotel: Springvale Rd & Wells Rd, Aspendale Gardens
Indoor playground, arcade games, games of skill.
The Moreland Hotel: Corner Sydney and Moreland roads, Brunswick
The huge indoor play area at this Brunswick stalwart is kitted out with colouring books, giant Connect Four and an indoor playground. They also host theme night parties on the last Friday of every month where they have face painting, magicians and even karaoke. Keep an eye on their school holiday events, like silent discos and magic shows. Kids will also love the indoor-outdoor feel and painted sky ceiling of this Vegas-style, themed hotel.
Westwaters Hotel: 10/20 Lake St, Caroline Springs
Children’s menu, playground and free school holiday entertainment.
The Sands Tavern: 71 Hall Rd, Carrum Downs
Club 4 Kids has plenty of special events, birthday treats and exclusive news and offers for families. Kids eat free on Tuesday nights.
Matthew Flinders Hotel: 667 Warrigal Rd, Chadstone
Arcade games, air hockey, indoor playground and even a bowling alley. May as well book a room because you might be here a while.
Monash Hotel: 2077 Dandenong Rd, Clayton
Indoor playground, plus join the kids club for a free gift with every kids meal purchased.
The Settlement: Corner South Gippsland Hwy and Camms Rd, Cranbourne
Kids’s menu and playground. A great local pub, or as a pit stop on the way through to Phillip Island.
Croydon Hotel: 47 Maroondah Hwy, Croydon
Enclosed, undercover outdoor adventure play area.
Dorset Gardens: 335 Dorset Road, Croydon
Children’s playground with kids’ arcade video games
Deer Park Club: 780 Ballarat Road, Deer Park
Deer Park Club has regular weekly activities and entertainment to keep kids of all ages happy. As well as a massive indoor playground and arcade games, they also offer free face painting, balloon twisting, magic shows and glitter tattoos, as well as school holiday activities including day discos and art workshops. Or get them out on the green for a game of lawn bowls. Kids also eat free on Mondays. Check website for details.
Cherry Hill Tavern: 195 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East
Kids eat free Mondays. And there’s a pretty epic indoor play area.
Eltham Hotel: 746 Main Rd, Eltham
Kids eat free Mondays. And the playground has a Chupa Chups machine. What’s not to love?
Kealba Hotel: Sunshine Ave and Main Road East, Kealba
The kids will never be short of things to do at the Kealba Hotel. With a dedicated kids’ menu filled with all their favourite meals, and kids specials, the family-friendly Kealba Hotel offers fun for the kids, and peace of mind for parents. The kids will love play time at the Kealba Hotel’s exciting play area, the largest of its kind in the western suburbs.
Beretta’s Langwarin Hotel: 220 Cranbourne-Frankston Rd, Langwarrin
The Kids Club at Beretta’s is known for its epic Kids Club activities and functions. We’re talking $2 kids meals, free lolly bags, free ice creams and Balloon Man Mondays. Keep an eye on this popular outer south eastern local — it is soon going to be home to the largest free-entry playground in Australia. Or so they say.
Lilydale International: 471 Maroondah Hwy, Lilydale
Kids eat free Fridays, which is pretty ideal timing, really. Let them loose in the play area while you unwind (unwine as we like to call it) after a busy week.
The Vale Hotel: 2277 Dandenong Rd, Mulgrave
Kids are the stars at the Vale Hotel. With an indoor kids playground featuring amusements and regular activities, there’s fun for the whole family.
Sandown Park Hotel: Corner Corrigan Rd and Princes Hwy, Noble Park
The Sandown has a pretty epic indoor playground. Plus on Family Meal Deal Mondays you can feed two adults and two kids for $45. Booyah.
Cardinia Club: 71 Racecourse Rd, Pakenham
Cardinia Club is the go-to venue in the heart of Pakenham. With TVs, arcade and skill tester machines and play equipment, as well as games and prizes all year round, it offers hours of fun.
Sanctuary Lakes Hotel: 280 Point Cook Rd, Point Cook
Indoor play centre and pool tables. Happy days.
The Brook: 215 Sneydes Rd, Point Cook
As well as a dedicated kids playground, The Brook also has daily mums and bubs sessions from 9am-12pm. Sit back and relax while the little ones run amok. Genius. Kids meals are %4 from Monday to Wednesday and they do complimentary drinks refills.
The Coach and Horses: 33 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood
The Coach has been a melting pot and meeting place for locals and travellers alike since as far back as the mid-1800s. The children’s play area and games corner will help you relax and enjoy your meal while the kids are entertained.
The Stamford Inn: Corner Stud and Wellington Rds, Rowville
This family bistro has a kids menu for the little ones, and an even more fun kids play area.
Sandringham Hotel: Corner of Beach and Bay Rd, Sandringham
Indoor kids’ entertainment and playground.
Riviera Hotel: 30 Nepean Hwy, Seaford
Family bistro with a kids playroom and a reputation for providing delicious pub grub.
Waltzing Matilda: 856 Heatherton Rd, Springvale
A local favourite. The children’s entertainment area features an indoor playground and new play equipment as well as the latest movies and Playstations.
Somerville Hotel: 84 Station St, Somerville
This beautiful, renovated hotel has everything you could want. Good food, plenty of activities for the kids, including Super Hero Saturdays and Fancy Dress Fridays.
Commercial Hotel: 820 Plenty Road, South Morang
Indoor playground and discount kids meals.
St Albans Hotel: 5 McKechnie St, St Albans
Indoor playground with Playstations, arcade games and plenty of toys, plus pool tables for older kids.
Templestowe Hotel: 23-29 Parker St, Templestowe Lower
The Templestowe Hotel’s provincial cottage-style exterior hints at the accommodating welcome you’ll receive inside. Established in 1868, the Templestowe Hotel extends over an impressive area, with views out over its leafy surrounds. Books, painting, movies and colouring-in are available year-round in the safe play area, along with face painting on Fridays and the fun and frivolity of a clown on Sundays.
Hogan’s: 92 High St, Wallan
Situated in the Melbourne highlands at Wallan, Hogans Cafe & Bar Restaurant welcomes you to sample its style, unique family atmosphere and friendly service. With a generous kids’ play area, it’s a great place to stop if you’re on the way to the snow.
Wantirna Hill Club: 715 Boronia Rd, Wantirna
The Wantirna Hill Club has been part of the landscape of Wantirna for many years and is the home of the Vermont Football Club. The venue has recently undergone a major upgrade of the interior decor, which includes a brand new kids playroom with jumping castle.
Knox Tavern: 1 Capital City Blvd, Knox City, Wantirna South
The Tav, as locals call it, has also undergone a recent transformation and now boasts an indoor/outdoor playground and Kids ‘Monkey’ Club.
Mulgrave Country Club: Corner Wellington and Jells Roads, Wheelers Hill
This place is like mecca for families. It has a kid playground, indoor and outdoor lawn bowls as well as a range of other games and activities. Friday night is Family Night with a music show and fun for the whole family.
Yarra Valley Grand Hotel: 19 Bell St, Yarra Glen
This family friendly venue has both a large outdoor playground to keep the kids entertained, as well as an indoors kid’s play area to keep them happy while adults enjoy their meal.
Yarraville Club: 135 Stephen St, Yarraville
A separate play area just for kids with safe modular play equipment, three PlayStation consoles and a toy vending machine. Kidzone will keep the kids entertained in view of parents while they enjoy lunch or dinner.
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