Looking for family-friendly dining spots in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter? We’ve rounded up local cafes, pubs, clubs and restaurants with playgrounds, indoor play spaces and kids areas, so parents can enjoy a meal while the kids stay happy and entertained. Most venues offer high chairs, kids menus and baby-changing facilities.
Also looking to save money? Check out our Kids Eat Free guide saving you money with an adult meal purchase all week long!
Find a kid-friendly dining spot near me
Featured listings are posted at the top. We thank these businesses for their support of Newy with Kids. Be sure to tell them you found them in the Newy with Kids Dining Guide.
Dullboy’s Social Co
Eat, drink and unwind in our tasty modern take on the classic American diner. Keep the kids occupied at our Warners Bay and Rutherford venues by taking advantage of all the unique activities we have at your disposal, such as our tenpin bowling lanes, 18 hole mini golf courses, video arcade games, dodgem cars, and our famous virtual reality simulations.
Address: 326 Hillsborough Road Warners Bay / 57 Shipley Drive Rutherford
Phone: (02) 4954 2477 (Warners Bay) & (02) 4932 1696 (Rutherford)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
The Gladdy
The Gladdy is Stockton’s go-to for families – from toddlers to grandparents (and the dog). Bright, relaxed and full of coastal character, it’s the kind of place you can settle in.
Drop in the café all week long for standout coffee roasted locally by Newy Legends: Lord’s Supply and fresh pastries, smoothies, toasties and Stockton’s only soft-serve. It’s the morning meet-up spot for prams, school drop-offs and weekend catch-ups. Parents can sip a piccolo or a local beer while kids explore the alfresco play corner and tuck into a kid-friendly menu.
From Wednesday to Sunday, enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Famous for breakfast and Chef Simona’s revamped pub classics using seasonal, locally sourced produce.
There’s always something on the horizon: kid-friendly events, creative workshops and wallet-friendly mid-week specials, making The Gladdy an easy “yes” for Newy families. Community-minded and proudly gaming-free, The Gladdy is about good food, good coffee and good company – a true Hub, not pub.
36 Mitchell Street, Stockton NSW
Website | Facebook | Instagram
DoughHeads
DoughHeads has been a Newcastle institution for more than 11 years, serving up big flavour and big fun – plus we have a serious doughnut obsession.
Our artisan doughnuts are made fresh on site every single day. You can grab them in two sizes: regular or mini. Minis are perfect for sampling a few flavours and are available individually, or in 8 packs and 12 packs. Regular doughnuts can be purchased individually, or in 6 packs and 12 packs for sharing (or not sharing… we won’t judge).
Five legendary flavours are always on the menu: Cinnamon, Original Glaze, Nutella, Salted Caramel and Gaytime. On top of that, we drop three more flavours every month, plus two vegan flavour options and two low-gluten flavour options, so everyone can join the dough-liciousness.Need coffee with that doughnut? We proudly serve Floozy Coffee, locally roasted just down the road. Grab your favourite hot or iced drink. Plus, we have milkshakes, thickshakes, DOUGHshakes and gelato shakes, with a bunch of different flavours available!
And if that’s not enough? We also make our own gelato, with eight flavours, including favourites like Salted Caramel, Nerd Party, Mango and Milo.
Keep an eye out for our special event doughies and limited-time creations… because at DoughHeads, there’s always something new rolling out of the kitchen.
Shop 17, 204 Union Street (in Junction Fair), The Junction NSW
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Salamander Hotel
Eat, drink and unwind in the heart of Salamander Bay at the Salamander Hotel. Keep the kids entertained in our spacious outdoor playground while you enjoy a meal from our bistro. Serving up a variety of delicious dishes, enjoy al your favourite pub classics plus some personal picks from our chef too. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, function spaces, and a relaxed atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
7 Town Centre Circuit, Salamander Bay, NSW
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Pixie Play Café
Pixie Play Café is Lake Macquarie’s newest boutique indoor play space for children aged 0–6. Designed with little ones in mind, it’s the perfect spot for families wanting a calm, engaging indoor option on the western side of the lake.
Inside, you’ll find a pastel-filled play space with thoughtfully created zones, including a colourful ball pit, a small climbing area and an adorable Pixie Market and play kitchen. The hand-painted 7-metre mural featuring a whale and hot-air balloon adds to the magic and sets the tone for a venue built on creativity and connection.
While kids explore, grown-ups can relax with quality coffee, a frozen yoghurt bar, smoothies and toasties, as well as a range of wholesome snacks — including gluten-free and vegan options.
As a boutique venue, Pixie Play Café keeps capacity low to ensure a safe and calm experience for all. Bookings are recommended for 90-minute sessions.
Pixie Play Café is a charming, screen-free indoor escape for young families looking to play, imagine and unwind together.
3/21 Karoonda Road, Rathmines NSW
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Harrigan’s Cameron Park
Swap the kitchen chaos for a relaxed pub dinner and turn mid-week evenings into quality family time at Harrigan’s Cameron Park. When everyone’s running low on energy, Harrigan’s family-friendly pub makes meals easy and enjoyable for parents and kids alike.
From Monday to Thursday, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after school. Kids can burn off energy in the on-site playground while parents relax with a drink, knowing dinner is sorted without the stress of cooking at home. The menu offers crowd-pleasing favourites for little ones alongside hearty pub classics for grown-ups, making it a win for the whole family.
Mondays are a standout, with the popular Kids Eat Free special. From 5pm, children can enjoy a free meal with the purchase of any adult main – ideal for kicking off the week on an easy note. No planning, no prep, no clean-up.
With a welcoming atmosphere, space for kids to play, and affordable weeknight dining, Harrigan’s Cameron Park is the kind of local venue families return to again and again.
70 McKendry Drive, Cameron Park NSW 2285
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Minmi Hotel
Minmi Hotel is a welcoming, family-friendly local where good food, cold drinks and country charm come together. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, the Bar & Bistro serve a generous menu alongside weekday lunch and dinner specials.
Families love the hotel’s new undercover playground and spacious beer garden, making it easy for parents to relax while kids enjoy endless playtime. On Saturday nights, live music adds to the great, local atmosphere.
Minmi Hotel also caters to kids’ birthday parties and family functions, offering flexible spaces, great food options and free downloadable party invitations to make planning easy. Whether visiting for a casual family meal or a special celebration, Minmi Hotel is the perfect place to gather, unwind and enjoy classic pub hospitality.
156 Woodford Street, Minmi NSW 2287
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Wests New Lambton
The Tree House Playground at Wests New Lambton is designed to spark imagination and entertain the little ones whilst you kick back with a drink and a bistro meal. With its vibrant colours and multiple play zones, leave the kids to play in a safe and interactive space where they can explore, climb, and have endless fun.
88 Hobart Road, New Lambton NSW
Phone: 02 4935 1200
Website
Dining Options by Location
JUMP TO: Newcastle | Lake Macquarie | Hunter Valley | Port Stephens
⭐️ denotes our Featured Listings
Family-Friendly Dining in Newcastle
Looking for somewhere to eat with kids in Newcastle? These local venues offer playgrounds or play areas, relaxed dining and family-friendly options.
Blackbutt Hotel
80 Orchardtown Road, New Lambton NSW
Small indoor playground, ideal for younger children while parents dine.
⭐️ Doughheads
Shop 17, 204 Union Street (in Junction Fair), The Junction NSW
Doughheads has been a Newcastle institution for more than 11 years, serving up big flavour and big fun. This family-favourite spot features artisan doughnuts are made fresh on site every single day. Need coffee with that doughnut? They proudly serve Floozy Coffee, locally roasted just down the road. Grab your favourite hot or iced drink. Plus,they have milkshakes, thickshakes, DOUGHshakes and gelato shakes, with a bunch of different flavours available!
ELMAS on Clyde
Unit 40/54 Clyde Street, Hamilton North NSW
The cafe ELMAS on Clyde has a great outdoor area and calls itself a kid, dog & human refuge.
General Washington Hotel
1 Mitchell Street, Stockton NSW
Enclosed kids area towards the back of the restaurant. They’ll find plenty of toys and books to keep them entertained.
⭐️ The Gladdy
36 Mitchell Street, Stockton NSW
The Gladdy is Stockton’s go-to for families – from toddlers to grandparents (and the dog). Bright, relaxed and full of coastal character, it’s the kind of place you can settle in. Parents can sip a piccolo or a local beer while kids explore the alfresco play corner and tuck into a kid-friendly menu.
The Golden Goat
Kotara Homemaker Centre, Kotara NSW
This boutique espresso bar is located close to a fenced kids play area in Kotara Homemaker Centre. Known for its delicious coffee.
Hotel Elermore
145 Croudace Road, Elermore Vale NSW
This family-friendly venue features a fenced undercover play area with slides, tunnels, climbing and more. A huge glass wall that enables you to see your kids from almost anywhere in the café/restaurant.
Lowlands Bowling Club
98A Dawson Street, Cooks Hill NSW
Next door to the large playground at Centennial Park, parents are able to watch older kids play through the big glass window in the club or from the outdoor tables.
Maryland Tavern
144 Maryland Drive, Maryland NSW
Features a kids play area with plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained. The all-inclusive kids zone features PlayStations, Xbox’s, Nintendo Wii’s, BEAM interactive projector, play kitchen and more!
⭐️ Minmi Hotel
156 Woodford Street, Minmi NSW 2287
Minmi Hotel is a welcoming, family-friendly local where good food, cold drinks and country charm come together. The hotel features a new undercover playground and spacious beer garden, making it easy for parents to relax while kids enjoy endless playtime. On Saturday nights, live music adds to the great, local atmosphere.
Modus Merewether
20 Merewether Street, Merewether NSW
Modus Merewether, the ultimate family-friendly venue! Includes a huge secure kids play area, surrounded by sheltered outdoor and indoor space – makes for the perfect spot for both parents and kids to enjoy a day out.
Newcastle Food and Flower Market
28 / 1 Rural Drive, Sandgate NSW
Drop in to the Newcastle Food and Flower Market. After parents finish tasting the yummy food and coffee, you can finish it off with a gelato and a stroll through the market.
Olive Branch Cafe on Cleary
67 Cleary Street, Hamilton NSW
The Olive Branch Cafe on Cleary is run by the Salvos and provides young people with the opportunity to develop hands-on work skills. It has a kids book nook and play area, suited to 0-5 years. You can also pay forward a meal or coffee for someone in need.
The Prince of Merewether
1 Morgan Street, Merewether NSW
Features a small ‘kids room’ next to the bistro dining space. Designed to be a chilled out space for kids to enjoy while waiting on their meal, it allows parents to relax and enjoy their dining experience. The room includes at two-storey cubby with space to read a book, watch TV or just have some quiet time.
Reload Cafe at Wests Mayfield
32 Industrial Drive, Mayfield NSW
Open every day, the open-air Reload Cafe features great coffee and healthy light meals. It includes an enclosed soft play area for toddlers and young children.
The Shortland Hotel
269 Sandgate Road, Shortland NSW
Enjoy a family meal at Shorty Pub. It features an indoor play area for kids aged 0 – 6 as well as arcade games for older kids.
Sunnyside Tavern
20 Broadmeadow Road, Broadmeadow NSW
Keep the kids entertained as they play in the playground area while you relax and enjoy your meal.
Sydney Junction Hotel
8 Beaumont Street, Hamilton NSW
Keep the kids occupied with a large undercover Kids Zone area with play equipment at the Sydney Junction Hotel.
Wallsend Diggers
5 Tyrrell Street, Wallsend NSW
With a large play area in its outdoor area, Wallsend Diggers is a great spot for meet ups of mothers groups or families looking for a kid-friendly option.
⭐️ Wests New Lambton
88 Hobart Road, New Lambton NSW
The Tree House Playground at Wests New Lambton is designed to spark imagination and entertain the little ones whilst you kick back with a drink and a bistro meal. With its vibrant colours and multiple play zones, leave the kids to play in a safe and interactive space where they can explore, climb, and have endless fun.
Young Street Hotel
132 Young Street, Carrington NSW
Younger kids will like the fenced kids play area featuring a play shop, cubby house and slides.
Family-Friendly Dining in Lake Macquarie
Looking for somewhere to eat with kids in Lake Macquarie? You’ll find plenty of relaxed venues with playgrounds, kids areas and space for families to spread out and enjoy a meal.
Argenton Hotel
515 Lake Road, Argenton NSW
Giant outdoor playground and spacious cabana seating, making it a great relaxed option for families.
Belmont 16s
The Parade, Belmont NSW
Delicious meals, lake views and a kids play area make Belmont 16s an ideal place to go with your family or mothers group. The family dining area is located in a separate area and features an updated kids play area.
The Belmont Hotel
483-485 Pacific Highway, Belmont NSW
Fenced outdoor play area with nearby seating so parents can easily supervise while dining.
Cardiff RSL
45 Macquarie Road, Cardiff NSW
Cardiff RSL has a small outdoor playground for kids aged 3 – 12. Parents can either supervise their kids outside near the playground or from inside through the glass windows.
Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows
27 Mawson Close, Caves Beach NSW
Relaxed coastal dining with ocean views and a large outdoor play structure for kids. The kids area consists of a large play structure with a few slides.
Central Leagues Club Charlestown
8 Bula Street, Charlestown NSW
There’s a dedicated kids area for the kids to play, jump and adventure at Central Leagues Club. They have an inflatable obstacle course in the club.
Club Charlestown
5 Lincoln Street, Charlestown NSW
Relaxed coastal dining with ocean views and a large outdoor play structure for kids.
Club Macquarie
458 Lake Road, Argenton NSW
Large outdoor playground plus an indoor kids entertainment room with free arcade-style games.
Club Redhead
Burns Street, Redhead NSW
Enjoy a meal at Redhead’s bowling club. Watch the kids play in the outdoor play area while you relax undercover.
⭐️ Dullboy’s Social Co
326 Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay
Eat, drink and unwind in a tasty modern take on the classic American diner at Dullboy’s Social Co. Keep the kids occupied at the Warners Bay venue by taking advantage of all the unique activities including tenpin bowling lanes, outdoor 18 hole mini golf courses, video arcade games, dodgem cars, and virtual reality simulations.
Edgeworth Tavern
Corner of Main Road & Minmi Road, Edgeworth NSW
Edgeworth Tavern have an enclosed play area for kids.
⭐️ Harrigan’s Cameron Park
70 McKendry Drive, Cameron Park NSW 2285
Swap the kitchen chaos for a relaxed pub dinner and turn mid-week evenings into quality family time at Harrigan’s Cameron Park. When everyone’s running low on energy, Harrigan’s family-friendly pub makes meals easy and enjoyable for parents and kids alike. Kids can burn off energy in the on-site playground while parents relax with a drink, knowing dinner is sorted without the stress of cooking at home.
Jewells Tavern
73 Ntaba Road, Jewells NSW
Jewells Tavern is well set up for kids with a large outdoor play area. The outdoor area features lots of picnic tables so you can sit out there and keep an eye on kids.
Kahibah Sports Club
63 Kenibea Avenue, Kahibah NSW
Enjoy some mini golf with your meal. Kahibah Sports Club has a mini golf range for kids and families, barefoot bowls, and an indoor playground.
The Mattara
333 Charlestown Road, Charlestown NSW
The Mattara features an indoor play area for kids and is a good place to keep kids busy before and after their meal.
Pelican RSL
1 Piriwal Street, Pelican NSW
Pelican RSL is a family friendly venue offering outdoor entertainment area and an awesome fully equipped children’s play room. It features a secured toddlers area, kids gym, and arcade games.
⭐️ Pixie Play Café
3/21 Karoonda Road, Rathmines NSW
Pixie Play Café is Lake Macquarie’s newest boutique indoor play space for children aged 0–6. Designed with little ones in mind, it’s the perfect spot for families wanting a calm, engaging indoor option on the western side of the lake. While kids explore, grown-ups can relax with quality coffee, a frozen yoghurt bar, smoothies and toasties, as well as a range of wholesome snacks — including gluten-free and vegan options.
Royal Crown Hotel
94 Ocean Street, Dudley NSW
Check out the Royal Crown Hotel at Dudley. It has a kids cubby style play area, a kid friendly courtyard / beer garden and a basketball hoop out the back.
Swansea Hotel
196 Pacific Highway, Swansea NSW
Let your little adventurers explore the large kids playground, opened in 2025, at Swansea Hotel while you soak up the sun and enjoy a meal in their new beer garden.
Table 1 Espresso
15 Park Road, Speers Point NSW
Next door to the massive Lake Macquarie Variety Playground, Table 1 Espresso is a top spot to enjoy a coffee or a meal while the kids play next door. There’s also plenty of space for mums groups to meet up.
Toronto Workers Club
9 James Street, Toronto NSW
Toronto Workers Club has a kids play area with 2 slides, net tunnel, memory game and a toddler busy wall located off Indulge Dining restaurant.
Warners at the Bay
320 Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay NSW
A relaxed family-friendly spot, Warners at the Bay has a fenced play area visible from the dining area and good kids meals.
Family-Friendly Dining in the Hunter Valley
Heading out to the Hunter Valley with kids? These family-friendly spots offer open spaces, casual dining and places where kids can move around while you enjoy a bite to eat.al.
The Bank Hotel
72 Melbourne Street, East Maitland NSW
Relax and enjoy your food and drinks while the kids play at an outdoor playground.
The Bradford Hotel
358 New England Highway, Rutherford NSW
The great outdoor, undercover area at the The Bradford Hotel has a huge, fenced, bright and colourful kids playground with lots of slides and activities to keep kids entertained.
Central Park Cafe
Cnr New England Highway & High Street, Maitland NSW
Located beside the Maitland Visitors Information Centre, Central Park Cafe offers artisan coffee and locally sourced meals in air-conditioned dining or or alfresco verandah with leafy views. Perfect for a catch up with friends and family while the kids have fun in their secure kids play area.
Cessnock Leagues Club
1 Darwin Street, Cessnock NSW
Dine in Entice Bistro & Cafe while the little ones play in the fenced play area. The play area is best suited to under 6s.
Club Maitland City
14 Arthur Street, Rutherford NSW
Eat out at Club Maitland City, Rutherford while the kids play at the indoor Scrambles Play play area. Scrambles is a fully air-conditioned, multi-level playground with dedicated age zones for children aged 11 and under.
⭐️ Dullboy’s Social Co
East Maitland Bowling Club
23 Banks Street, East Maitland NSW
East Maitland Bowling Club has two soft play areas for kids, one for kids under 5 and one for older kids. They have a number of different dining options to choose from including their family-friendly The Valley Restaurant.
Honest Vine
3 Garnett Road, East Maitland NSW
Located inside East Maitland Library, this cafe features a playground at the back. Enjoy freshly baked daily desserts.
Kurri Kurri Bowling Club
Tarro Street, Kurri Kurri NSW
This bowling club features an indoor and outdoor kids play area and a special toddler play area.
The Regal Inn
33 Metford Road, Tenambit NSW
Heaps of outdoor tables to choose from overlooking a large open space for kids to run around plus a fantastic outdoor playground and indoor kids area
Seraphine Cafe
230 High Street, Maitland NSW
Combine art with coffee at Seraphine Cafe located at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Wander through the gallery and then enjoy some food. There’s a large outdoor area where kids can roam. Go on a Sunday to enjoy free art activities during Free Art Sunday.
Stockland Green Hills – The Courtyard
Stockland Green Hills, 1 Molly Morgan Drive, East Maitland
Situated on Level 1 adjacent to the Food Court, The Courtyard at Stockland Green Hills features over 15 eateries featuring a variety of Australian and international food options. Kids can play in The Enchanted Forest Play Area, inspired by East Maitland’s Historical Flora and Fauna.
Family-Friendly Dining in Port Stephens
Looking for family-friendly dining in Port Stephens? From coastal cafes to relaxed pubs, these venues offer great food and spaces where kids can play and unwind.
Lakeside Village Tavern
74 Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrrace NSW
While parents relax in the courtyard, kids can play in the large, fenced playground.
Medowie Macadamias
672 Medowie Road, Medowie NSW
Enjoy a cafe meal at this family-owned macadamia farm in Medowie. It features a large, outdoor play area that will keep kids entertained while you enjoy a coffee and some macadamia cakes and slices.
Medowie Social
Ferodale Road, Medowie NSW
With their kids menu and a great outdoor playground, enjoy lunch or dinner outside on a sunny day while the kids play.
Pacific Dunes Golf Club – The Greenhouse Eatery
Huntingdale Place, Medowie NSW
The Greenhouse Eatery, located at Pacific Dunes Golf Club have a good kids menu and a small playground adjacent to the restaurant as well as big boxes of Lego for the kids to play with.
⭐️ Salamander Hotel
7 Town Centre Circuit, Salamander Bay, NSW
Eat, drink and unwind in the heart of Salamander Bay at the Salamander Hotel. Keep the kids entertained in a spacious outdoor playground while you enjoy a bistro meal. Serving up a variety of delicious dishes, enjoy al your favourite pub classics plus some personal picks from the chef too. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, function spaces, and a relaxed atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Spirited Play Cafe
2/12 Innovation Close, Taylors Beach NSW
This cafe overlooks a huge indoor kids play area with spaces for babies and toddlers, younger and older kids. Choose from the extensive cafe menu.
Terrace Diner and Play
Shop 2 26 Sturgeon Street, Raymond Terrace NSW
Terrace Diner and Play are a diner-themed kid-friendly cafe in Raymond Terrace with a great kids play area and an amazing variety of food and drinks.
Know a great family-friendly dining spot?
If you know a local cafe, pub, club or restaurant with a playground or kids area, send us an email and we’ll take a look.
Want your venue featured at the top of this guide? Contact Newy with Kids about our Featured Dining Partner options.
Here are more articles you may be interested in:
- Wondering where kids eat free in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter? Visit the Kids Eat Free Guide.
- Looking for some affordable family fun? There are lots of free and low-cost things to do in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
- Need a list of local playgrounds? Check out the Parks and Playgrounds section on Newy with Kids.
- Looking for an indoor play centre? Read through our Indoor Play Centre guide.