The Best Kid-Friendly Pubs in Sydney Because a Family Meal Out Should Be Child's Play

Any outing with kids can be hit-and-miss. But when you find a venue that embraces the colour, chaos and (sometimes) cuteness of kids, it's one less thing to worry about. Also, watching your babe fall in love with hot chippies dipped in T-sauce is one of life's simple pleasures. 

And while we'd never dream of bringing our kids to a white tablecloth restaurant (that's what babysitters are for, after all), the Sydney pub scene has become super family-friendly in recent years. 

With dedicated play spaces, meal deals and creative fun packs, you have an entirely appropriate reason to bring your kids to the pub. So the next time you're feeling game, or maybe you just need to get out of the house, drain your little one's batteries before bed and enjoy a cheap family pub feed, here are the best kid-friendly pubs in Sydney.

The Mona Vale Hotel

Recently revamped, the Mona Vale Hotel now features a fully fenced playground with slippery dips, climbing structures, and swings. The huge beer garden has space for prams, a table tennis table for older kids, and plenty of room to relax.

Inside, you’ll find a kids’ corner with toys, a chalk wall, and Nintendo Switches. Plus, grab coffee and pastries from Ben’s Bakery Cafe onsite. Keep an eye out on their schedule e over the school holidays, too, as they often run petting zoos and other fun events. 

2 Park Street, Mona Vale

The Log Cabin Hotel

Perched along the beautiful Nepean River, the historical Log Cabin Hotel is a Penrith favourite that’s a hit with families. Following a stunning renovation in 2021, this pub features two stylish restaurants, a diverse menu, and a welcoming vibe that appeals to all ages.

The star attraction for kids? A fantastic train-themed outdoor play area, complete with a large pretend train, perfect for climbing and imaginative play. During the school holidays, the fun ramps up with plenty of kids' entertainment on offer while parents can relax and take in the gorgeous riverside views

 20 Memorial Avenue, Penrith

The Guildford Hotel

The Guildford Hotel's heritage charm and welcoming atmosphere make it a great spot for families. On Sundays, the weekly Sunday Funday offers exciting free activities for kids, including slime school, bath bomb making, and cookie decorating. Suitable for ages three and up, it’s a fun and creative way to spend the day—just be sure to book ahead!

The venue also features a kid-friendly play area, while the menu boasts hearty smoked meats, and shared plates for family dining.

309 Guildford Road,
Guildford 

The Henson

Family-friendly and pet-friendly, The Henson more than delivers with their gourmet pub grub, pinball tables and converted garage behind the beer garden that acts as a pretty serious play area. Stuffed with balls and entered by a small door or slippery dip, the kids will only want to check in when they're hungry. 

91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville

Coogee Pavilion

The Coogee Pavilion’s ever-popular ping pong table, toy area, and giant scrabble wall were made for kids. More active kids can run around on the astroturf or compete in a game of oversized Connect Four, while parents can relax knowing there’s plenty of space for the little ones to explore.

169 Dolphin Street, Coogee 

Northies Cronulla Hotel

Northies has some of the best water views around and an equally awesome play area for your little ones. Plus, on Sundays, kids eat free with any main meal purchased. Yes, you read that right! So skip cooking, rally the troops and get amongst it. 

Corner of Kingsway and Elouera Road, Cronulla

The Greens North Sydney

Surrounded by St Leonards Park and with glimpses of the city skyline, this bowling club turned chic bar is a popular Lower North Shore haunt. Its light-filled interiors open out onto an outdoor space with a garden party vibe.

When not in play, kids can run around the greens, and The Greens regularly host family-friendly events (read: events with jumping castles and petting zoos!) throughout the year. 

50 Ridge Street, North Sydney

The Diddy

When it comes to family-friendly pubs in Sydney, a visit to The Diddy in Loungueville is a must. A much-loved local institution, it's a place where kids reign supreme and can spend hours playing on the sprawling greens. The laid-back, casual atmosphere makes it an excellent setting for family gatherings. With bistro-style food on offer (think tacos, burgers, fish and chips and pizza), you can easily feed the kiddos before they let off some steam and run amok. 

243 Longueville Road, Longueville

Calabria Bowling Sports and Social Club

The Calabria Bowlo (as locals affectionately call it) is one of the most kid-friendly pubs in Sydney. Come the weekend, and the closed-in soccer field is taken over by kids running around as their chilled-out parents watch on from the nearby tables, sipping their wines in peace.

It feels like an old-school bowling club from the '90s and we're here for it. With classic pub grub like wood-fired pizza, pasta and schnitty (save room for their ice cream or something from their delicious dessert offering!), everyone will go home happy and well-fed. 

Lot 1, Campbell Parade, Manly Vale

Belrose Hotel

Equipped with an enormous soft playground with slippery dips, a ball pool and a jungle gym, your children will run themselves ragged at the Belrose Hotel. There is also a separate infant/toddler room so the smaller ones aren’t trampled by excited groups of older kids. The children’s menu is made up of fresh Australian produce and they also offer kids' party packages.

5 Hews Parade, Belrose

Harbord Diggers

The Harbord Diggers prides itself on being one of the most family-friendly pubs in Sydney, and this Northern Beaches destination truly has it all. Outside, your little ones can run around in the expansive gardens of the courtyard.

Or if you really want to go all out, you can take them to the on-site playcentre, Major Fun. It has soft play, an indoor ball pit, play slides, and sensory play areas, with age-specific play areas for babies, toddlers, and big kids (and of course, the all-important in-house café for mum and dad, or the pub is literally right next door so you can choose your fighter). 

88 Evans Street, Freshwater

The Newport

Located on the shores of Pittwater, The Newport has a kids’ area that features badminton, ping pong and a gigantic magnetic Scrabble board. To help keep the children occupied, various educational programs are held throughout the week, allowing parents to enjoy some ‘me’ time. In terms of kid-friendly bites, parents have a choice from four different food outlets within the venue.

2 Kalinya Street, Newport

The Marayong Hotel

We love a good pub with an even better playcentre and the Marayong Hotel's indoor set-up for kids is next level. With slides, climbing tunnels and obstacles aplenty, your babes will be entertained for hours as you watch from the sidelines and tuck into a well-deserved pizza. Their other family-friendly features include high chairs and a kid-friendly menu, and mother's groups are also welcome. We love to see it! 

6 Cobham Street, Kings Park

Vikings Sports Club

Vikings Sports Club does not mess around when it comes to creating a family-friendly pub environment. Broken up into the Baby Vikings section and the Little Vikings play area, you can kick back as your kids enjoy the soft play, arcade games, and colouring in. Their menu is also perfect for feeding the fam. 

35 Quarry Road, Dundas Valley