The Best Kid-Friendly Cafés in Sydney Where You Can Sip Your Coffee (& Babyccino) with No Side-Eye

Sydneysiders are certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to café culture, even when the kids are in tow. But for every good experience, there's of course, a tale of disaster.

We've all been that parent who's finally made it out the door with their babes (a marathon feat in itself), only to rock up to a café that's totally off-kilter and doesn't have a family-friendly vibe. And that's OK. Some patrons don't want to eat their smashed avo toast to the dulcet tones of a hysterical newborn... but sleep-deprived mums desperately need their coffee fix, too, you know? 

So instead of rolling the dice and risking copping the side-eye from bereft customers, bookmark this edit of the best kid-friendly cafés in Sydney. From playground kiosks to whimsical cafés, oceanfront dining and kids' high tea, plenty of cafés welcome kids with open arms and marshmallow-topped babyccinos. 

The Grounds of Alexandria

A wholesome menu, a picturesque garden, and farmyard animals to boot, it’s no surprise that The Grounds of Alexandria is one of Sydney’s most popular kid-friendly café. Housed in a sprawling heritage-listed warehouse, parents can indulge in a moreish baked treat, nourishing meal, or a cup of their signature blend while the little ones chat to the farm animals or discover the cubbyhouse.

Throughout the year, they update the café with glorious themed displays that cater to all of the little one's senses. From a festive extravaganza during Christmas, a Disney installation, and an Easter set-up, there's always something to delight and entertain the kids here.

2 Huntley Street, Alexandria

Shuk

An Israeli bakery-slash-deli-slash-cafe, Shuk attracts Sydneysiders as much for its food as its family-friendly offerings. With a dedicated kids’ menu, outdoor play area, fun atmosphere, delicious treats, and plenty of room for high chairs and double strollers, Shuk is the perfect spot for families to while away their mornings and afternoons.      

2 Mitchell Road, North Bondi

Sideways Deli Café

Sideways Deli Café in Dulwich Hill doesn’t just welcome kids to their establishment – they celebrate them. While parents enjoy eggs or housemade baked goods with a side of coffee, kids can entertain themselves with toys in their dedicated play zone and colouring in or eat from the kids’ menu. The best part is that they have a strict policy of tailoring every kid’s meal to their specific needs.     

37 Constitution Road, Dulwich Hill

The Boathouse Balmoral

Along the shores of Balmoral Beach, The Boathouse in all its rustic charm, is a great place to take the kids. A laid-back vibe with incredible food (hot chippies and a chocolate milkshake, name a more iconic duo) and views. When you're done with your meal, the sandy shores and calm waters of Balmoral are literally on their doorstep. A refurbished fenced-in playground is only steps away, so sit on the deck or grab a coffee to go from the kiosk. The choice is yours.

2 The Esplanade, Balmoral

Sugar 'n Spice

Parents and kids will delight at their whimsical décor that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped through the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Whether you’re just popping in for a quick coffee or you want to spoil the kids with a high tea complete with miniature cupcakes, sandwiches, chocolate brownies, strawberries and babyccino, Sugar 'n Spice is the crème de la crème of kid-friendly cafés in Sydney.  

Ground Floor Chatswood Chase, Chatswood

The Incinerator Cafè

With a relaxed vibe, access to Hallstrom Park playground, a scrumptious menu, and some of the best coffee on the North Shore, The Incinerator has plenty of open space for the kids to run amok. The mouth-watering menu (our pick is the fairyberry milkshake and the kids' cupcakes) caters to parents and kids with breakfast and lunch and even offers gluten and dairy-free options.

2 Small Street, Willoughby

Livvi's Café

After losing their 18-month-old daughter to a rare disease, John and Justine Perkins channelled their grief into creating a beautiful play space and on-site café. Livvi’s Place was designed as an inclusive playground for children of all abilities, and Livvi’s Café is only a few steps away. Locals rave about the top-shelf coffee, mouthwatering snacks, and kid-friendly set-up. 

Henley Marine Drive, Five Dock

Girdlers 

With four cafés across the Northern Beaches (Avalon, Dee Why and Warringah Mall), the Manly location of Girdlers is a parents' dream come true. With a dedicated play area on the grass in front of the café, decked out with a rug and toys, you can watch your kids as you work your way through their outstanding menu.

Famed for its açai bowls and sweet buckwheat crepes served with berries and coconut ice cream, or, for a savoury option, order the cauliflower-rice shakshuka for a unique take on the Israeli classic. The coffee is also excellent, and there are a few flavours of kombucha on tap. They also have a dedicated "Little People" section on the menu with offerings like mini pancakes and mini and bacon and egg rolls. They've literally thought of everything! 

Short Street Plaza, Manly 

Flying Fox Café

On beautiful Pittwater, Winnererremy Bay Reserve is where kids of all ages come to play. The focus of all activity is The Flying Fox Café, which has views of Pittwater and the reserve, and indoor and outdoor seating with sail-style sunshades. The café is bordered by a shaded (and fenced-in!) playground, a cycle path that hugs the reserve's perimeter, wildlife sculptures and manicured gardens. They also host children's parties and it's dog friendly, winning all 'round. 

2 Mona Street, Mona Vale

Outfield Café

"Life is a picnic" is the mantra at Outfield Café in Ashfield, and the passionate team here goes above and beyond to ensure your kiddos have a ball. Situated on Yeo Park playground, you can throw down one of their picnic rugs, graze on their delicious modern take on picnic food, sip on their Stitch Blend coffee and watch as your kids run riot on the wide open spaces. Another bonus? Every Sunday, they have live music on site. Seriously, what a vibe!

Outfield of Yeo Park,  230 Victoria Street, Ashfield

Lil Miss Collins

If you ever need a memorable location for a special outing with your child, Lil Miss Collins, in both Parramatta and Burwood, has got you covered. Step through the recycled wooden fence into a pastel courtyard wonderland where they roast their own coffee beans (in-house blend, Orthodox, is to die for).

This beautiful, bright brunch spot has a comprehensive kids' menu with all the classics (think fish and chips, pancakes, eggs on toast). Plus, the Parramatta location has an awesome outdoor play area with a see-saw and slide.

13 Wentworth Street, Parramatta

Westfield, 100 Burwood Road, Burwood

Cook at Kurnell

A hidden gem of the Sutherland Shire, Cook at Kurnell is all about embracing kids with open arms. Situated on Silver Beach, the relaxed holiday vibes filter through the large venue, which has a great play area for the kids. They hold interactive and engaging events for little ones throughout the year — from petting zoos to painting classes and live music during the school holidays. As for their menu, you can expect light and healthy bites like fresh tacos, smoothies, and pancakes and have kiddy options, too, like kid's ham and cheese toasties and kid's fish and chips. 

306-308 Prince Charles Parade, Kurnell 

Now you've conquered the best kid-friendly cafés in Sydney, why not check out the best kid-friendly pubs in Sydney? Or perhaps you want to plan a family day out at the beach? Take a look at our round-up of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.