The Henson

Where: Marrickville

Why visit: An Inner West icon, The Henson has a dedicated kids’ playroom with a climbing wall and blackboards for drawing. But its bright, spacious beer garden and friendly vibe suits more than just the young ones – there’s plenty of room for adults, dogs and big families.

Kid-friendly tip: The kids’ menu is healthier than most with veggie options and upgrades.

The Henson, Marrickville

Hai Au Lang Nuong

Where: Canley Vale

Why visit: There is no restaurant in Sydney like Hai Au Lang Nuong. The entire Vietnamese barbecue restaurant is covered, almost floor to ceiling, in artworks made from repurposed trash (there’s a collection of tuk tuks, an entire pond scene with a buffalo sculpture and random bits of Star Wars memorabilia), making it a treasure trove for kids and adults alike. You might also get a minute of peace when the live music starts and the kids retreat to the play area, complete with indoor play equipment and arcade games.

Kid-friendly tip: Its popularity means it can err on the crowded side, so if you have a pram or need a highchair, ask for one of the tables out the front or upstairs.

Hai Au Lang Nuong, Canley Vale

Harbord Diggers

Where: Freshwater

Why visit: This reimagined RSL on the Northern Beaches has a bit of everything. There are multiple dining options, ranging from classic club food to Vietnamese, and a steak and seafood house. Grab a table on the Ocean Terrace (that’s both kid- and dog-friendly) and take your pick from every venue’s menu. There’s plenty to delight the kids including an on-site soft play centre called Major Fun with a multi-level climbing structure. There’s even a specific area for toddlers to have their own fun.

Kid-friendly tip: On Friday and Saturday nights, Major Fun offers Drop & Dine sessions for children aged three and over. These are the only sessions where the play centre provides supervised play, giving parents the chance to enjoy a relaxed meal while the kids are entertained.

Harbord Diggers, Freshwater - Credit: Harbord Diggers

Chuck & Son’s Brewing Co

Where: St Peters

Why visit: One of Sydney’s newest craft breweries, Chuck & Sons is the work of the famous Hahn beer family. The huge 100-seat taproom has a children’s corner with toys, boardgames, colouring in and a big blackboard on the wall. Eats include house focaccia, smash burgers and porchetta (if you’re hungry), as well as kids’ burgers, pasta and artisan gelato, all washed down with a juice box.

Kid-friendly tip: If you’ve got a Friday lunch free, pop in for the parents group sessions. The non-traditional gathering is a laid-back space to meet other parents over a drink.

Chuck & Son’s Brewing Co, St Peters

The Greens

Where: North Sydney

Why visit: This historic bowls club (founded in 1888) has been transformed into a modern venue for the whole family. There’s still barefoot bowls, as well as a sunny restaurant serving spruced-up pub grub with lots of space for kids to run around. Sundays are family fun day, with kids eating free and the occasional special activities like face painting, balloon animals, live music and more.

Kid-friendly tip: Sitting inside St Leonard’s Park, The Greens is surrounded by wide open grassy space, with a small playground, too. If you’re making a day of it, you’re a nine-minute drive from the state-of-the-art multi-zone playground at Wadanggari Park – a play-paradise for kids of all ages.

The Greens North Sydney - Credit: The Greens

Vic on the Park

Where: Marrickville

Why visit: This sprawling pub starts with a sports bar on the street, a dining room in the middle and a shady deck out the back. The car park has been converted into a basketball court so sporty teens can shoot some hoops or head inside and hit the pool table. The menu goes beyond pub classics, focusing on rotisserie, while the kids' menu is all the expected bites: pastas, burgers, and fish and chips.

Kid-friendly tip: If you need more outdoor entertainment, Enmore Park and the Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre are just across the road.

Vic on the Park, Marrickville

The Marsden Brewhouse

Where: Marsden Park

Why visit: Grab a tasting paddle from the on-site brewery, watch the footy on one of the big screens and let the kids run off some steam in the playground at The Marsden Brewhouse. And, every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, the kids are treated to free face painting, balloon animals, airbrush tattoos and more.

Kid-friendly tip: Who can say no to a free meal? Kids eat free for dinner from Monday to Wednesday (with the purchase of an adult meal between 5pm and 7pm).

The Marsden Brewhouse, Marsden Park - Credit: The Marsden Brewhouse

Coogee Pavilion

Where: Coogee

Why visit: After a day of family fun by the ocean, everyone is going to be hungry. The Coogee Pavilion has long been a family favourite for exactly that scenario. There’s a large play area on the ground floor with an array of toys and books, ping pong tables, a giant Scrabble board, jumbo Connect Four and a cubby house. The kids’ menu is long and includes miniature pizzas plus sweet treats like gelato and a baby Nutella calzone.

Kid-friendly tip: Don’t miss the special kids’ drinks menu with wow-factor smoothies and more – the cherry bomb and elder berry cup put juice poppers to shame.

Coogee Pavilion, Coogee

Camden Valley Inn

Where: Camden

Why visit: Set across five acres, Camden Valley Inn is a little piece of country life on the edge of the city complete with an out-of-action big red tractor and a playground for the kids. Built in 1939, this former milk bar has grown into a pub, hotel and events venue that draws locals and far-flung visitors alike for its warm welcome and family-friendly appeal. The menu covers everything from homemade pasta to stone-baked pizzas, burgers, steaks and a solid selection for little eaters.

Kid-friendly tip: During school holidays, bring the kids for regular events like lawn games, movies, jumping castles, petting zoos, reptile shows and lots more.

Camden Valley Inn, Camden

Promenade Bondi

Where: Bondi Beach

Why visit: Walk straight off the sand at Bondi and into the beach bar at Promenade. The kids can run on the grass while you keep an eye on them and the kids’ menu will entice even the fussiest eater but still deliver them good ingredients. Otherwise dine family style and tuck into a pizza, deli plater of cold meats and French fries with citrus chilli salt.

Kid-friendly tip: If you can’t get the kids to sit still, grab something from the kiosk and walk along the promenade to the excellent playground at the northern end of the Bondi Pavilion.

Promenade Bondi, Bondi Beach - Credit: Leigh Griffiths

The Grounds of Alexandria

Where: Alexandria

Why visit: The Grounds is a veritable wonderland for children (and adults) of all ages, with a cafe, pop-up food stalls, lush plants and more. It hosts a captivating calendar of events that brings everything from Cinderella’s castle and a Mexican fiesta to its sprawling space.

Kid-friendly tip: The Grounds is always photogenic – time your visit with dusk for extra cute snaps of the kids among the decorations.

The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria

Polish Club

Where: Ashfield

Why visit: The centre of Sydney’s Polish community for more than 50 years, the Polish Club has welcomed families for just as long. The authentic restaurant serves crowd-pleasers like pierogi, sausages, potato pancakes and pork knuckle, plus plenty of hard-to-choose-between desserts. The club hosts weekly events like playgroup and music classes for under fives, and there’s a packed schedule of fun during school holidays.

Kid-friendly tip: Put Thursday night in the calendar – kids under 12 eat free at dinner with the purchase of an adult meal.

Polish Club, Ashfield - Credit: Polish Club

Sandy’s

Where: Sydney Olympic Park

Why visit: It’s not technically the ocean, but the new URBNSRF surf park is the next best thing. It brings the best of the beach to Sydney Olympic Park with perfect waves and poolside cabanas (no set-up required). Refuel at Sandy’s, a laid-back eatery that lets you “dwell between swells” with a coastal menu of breakfast, burgers, burritos and health-oriented bowls, as well as a ‘surfside snack pack’ for the groms that includes fries, fruit and your choice of main. The lawn games with giant Jenga and Connect 4 is also a hit.

Kid-friendly tip: Watch on as your little grommet tackles their first surf lesson or joins a Boog in the Bays boogie-boarding session.

Sandy's, Sydney Olympic Park

Luna Lu

Where: The Rocks

Why visit: If your junior diners expect something more than chicken nuggets and plain pasta, Luna Lu has a special kids’ menu that any adult would be happy to eat from. Tiny gourmands can enjoy petite portions of chicken bao buns, beef teriyaki or sweet yuzu chicken skewers.

Kid-friendly tip: Don’t skimp on dessert! Everyone will want a bite of Luna’s Opera House (coconut sponge cake with lamington mousse and wattleseed biscuit base) or pandan fried ice-cream.

Luna Lu, The Rocks

Little India

Where: Harris Park

Why visit: Little India in Harris Park is a great place to kick-off a culinary adventure that wraps in street-food vendors and restaurants alike. Dynamic, ever-changing and always busting, this strip in Western Sydney is lined with budget-friendly venues serving all manner of Indian cuisines, including street-side dining that lets you snack your way along the street without ever having to get the kids onto a seat.

Kid-friendly tip: If you’re dining during the day, swing past James Ruse Reserve but be prepared to get wet – it’s the largest water playground near Parramatta.

Chatkazz, Little India, Harris Park

Bucketty’s Brewing Co

Where: Brookvale

Why visit: Bucketty’s Brewing Co on the Northern Beaches has a dedicated play area at the back that’s perfect for the under-five crowd. There’s live music on weekend afternoons and a kids’ menu with all the usual faves like chicken ‘nuggies’, hot dogs and cheeseburgers.

Kid-friendly tip: Every Sunday during the school holidays the brewhouse hosts Family Bingo with one lucky team taking home a table of toys.

Bucketty’s Brewing Co, Brookvale

Freshwater Brewing Company

Where: Brookvale

Why visit: With its pastel colour scheme and striped umbrellas, Freshwater Brewing Company at Freshie Clubhouse exudes laid-back coastal cool that lures the surf-focused clientele from across the Northern Beaches. The kids’ area will keep everyone from toddlers to teens entertained with chalkboard walls and a basketball hoop.

Kid-friendly tip: After a Sunday morning swim in nearby Freshwater, head down for lunch – every kids’ meal is served with a scoop of ice-cream for dessert.

Freshie Clubhouse, Brookvale - Credit: Freshie Clubhouse

The Vineyard

Where: Vineyard

Why visit: The outdoor playground at The Vineyard in Western Sydney rivals the offering of many parks. The huge wooden play structure (also known as The Farmhouse) at its centre has a two-storey tower, rope bridge, sand-play area, slide, wooden tractor and misters to keep the little ones cool on hot days. Grab a table on The Lawn or at Tommy’s Cafe and relax without the kids ever leaving your sight while you tuck into some southern fried chicken, a pizza and a martini.

Kid-friendly tip: The Vineyard regularly hosts special family events, like a Mother’s Day celebration, visits from the Easter Bunny, live music and pony rides.

The Vineyard, Vineyard - Credit: The Vineyard

Casa do Benfica

Where: Marrickville

Why visit: The whole family can tuck into a grilled seafood platter at the retro-cool Casa do Benfica, a classic Portuguese dining hall in the Marrickville Hardcourt Tennis Club. It’s always packed with hungry locals, and you’ll see lots of highchairs and prams around the tables. Sometimes, a local even gets up to play covers on stage.

Kid-friendly tip: On Saturday afternoons, the club hold social tennis matches for adults and juniors. You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy a few games before an early dinner.

Casa do Benfica, Marrickville - Credit: Sol Flare Photography

Sydney Fish Market

Where: Glebe 

Why visit: With nearly 40 food outlets under one roof, this one-stop dining destination has it all – even something for the fussy eaters. Choose from a lineup of pastries, sandwiches, sushi rolls and the ultimate crowd-pleaser: fish and chips. On warmer days, kids can run through the water fountains on the front steps of the market or burn some energy at the nearby Pirrama Park, where they’ll be kept busy with the sandpit and rope course.

Kid-friendly tip: Sydney Fish Markets cooking school offers a school holiday program, where kids can learn all about Aussie seafood (and how to cook it) from the experts. 

Sydney Fish Market, Glebe

Pancakes on the Rocks

Where: Darling Square 

Why visit: Plate-sized pancakes are a childhood staple, and some of the city’s best can be found at Pancakes on the Rocks. After more than 50 years of flipping fluffy hotcakes and expanding to three additional locations, it’s become a go-to for family outings when the kids are craving all-day breakfast. Order a short stack topped with maple syrup, chocolate, apple crumble, Nutella and ice-cream, or round out the meal with a side of sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns or fruit.

Kid-friendly tip: Don’t skip the kids' menu which gets creative with funny faces, dino nuggets and butterfly-shaped pancakes.

Pancakes On The Rocks Darling Square

The Bowlo Leichhardt

Where: Leichhardt

Why visit: This neighbourhood favourite has been welcoming families for more than 100 years. There’s a sprawling outdoor area where little ones can run wild on the playground, while parents kick back in the beer garden or enjoy a game of lawn bowls. With a menu of hearty pub classics and a kids' menu that’s free on weekdays (between 5pm-6pm) with the purchase of a main meal, it’s an easy choice for your next family outing. 

Kid-friendly tip: The fenced outdoor Kid’s Corner makes for a roomy space to throw a kids birthday party.

The Bowlo Leichhardt, Leichhardt - Credit: The Bowlo Leichhardt