As we approach the warmer months in Melbourne, families are on the lookout for ways to enjoy the sunshine and longer evenings. What better way to spend a balmy afternoon than in a spacious, kid-friendly beer garden, where both parents and kids can relax, play, and enjoy a delicious meal?
These welcoming spots offer the perfect mix of relaxation, tasty food, and refreshing drinks. For an extra tip, be sure to check each venue’s schedule before heading out—some offer great meal specials, while others host events like live music or trivia. So, whether you’re looking to unwind or join the buzz, there’s something for the whole family!
Find A Kid Friendly Beer Garden Melbourne CBD
1. Beer Deluxe, Federation Square
Head to Beer Deluxe at Fed Square for a relaxed drink, a pub meal and a good time with the family. The city pub’s large beer garden, a shaded deck and open-air atrium makes it arguably one of the best pubs in Melbourne CBD. More importantly, one of the most kid-friendly spots in the heart of the CBD.
You can enjoy craft beer on tap, regular live music acts and a menu of pub classics such as burgers, pizzas, parmas and chips.
Family friendly amenities include high chairs and kids meals for $10. You can also combine your visit with a stop at nearby NGV, Koorie Heritage Trust or ACMI.
Beer Deluxe, The Atrium, Federation Square (between ACMI &, Flinders St, Melbourne (03) 9810 0093
2. Urban Alley Brewery, Docklands
Urban Alley Brewery is a vast brewpub at The District Docklands with an outdoor terrace, large deck and indoor areas.
The menu is a mixture of modern pub classics and twists on traditional dishes, all served with Urban Alley beers of course. Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table and pram access plus a kids menu of pasta, corn dogs, nuggets and fish and chips.
This family-friendly brewery is designed with good company in mind, featuring a wide variety of beers—from cold craft brews to house specials. With in-house kitchens serving up a great menu and regular live bands or community events, this is the perfect place for unwinding together.
Whilst you’re out and about, there’s lots for families to do at The District Docklands, including Archie Bros Cirque Electric and Hoyts Cinema.
Urban Alley Brewery, G09/12 Star Circus, Docklands, 03 8080 9800
3. Arbory Bar and Eatery, Melbourne CBD
An outdoor venue situated among riverbank greenery, Arbory Bar and Eatery is a firm favourite due to the uninterrupted views across the Yarra River.
The flavoursome Mediterranean-style menu is complimented by an extensive beverage list of local wines, cocktails and craft beers.
There is plenty of space and varied seating options, a kids menu including hot dogs, and highchairs are available.
Don’t forget to combine your visit with a stop at nearby NGV, Koorie Heritage Trust or ACMI.
Arbory Bar and Eatery, Flinders Walk, Melbourne, 03 9621 2260
Kid-Friendly Beer Garden Melbourne Northern Suburbs
4. Terminus Hotel, North Fitzroy
‘The Termi’ is an iconic Melbourne gastropub that has been part of the North Fitzroy community for almost 150 years.
The North Fitzroy pubs’ beer garden is an excellent spot to spend an afternoon which is partially covered and filled with greenery. There is also outdoor street-front dining but book in early as it’s very popular.
We’re happy to see this is one of the Melbourne pubs with a menu offering multiple vegan meal options, including wood-fired pizzas, mushroom bao and a harissa baked eggplant salad.
The kids menu has a selection of items for $11 such as pizza, pasta, chicken, fish and chips and a kids sundae.
Other amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table, a play area, colouring pages and pencils.
Terminus Hotel 492 Queens Pde, North Fitzroy, (03) 9481 3182
5. Great Northern Hotel, Carlton North
Situated in leafy Carlton North, the Great Northern Hotel is conveniently located on Rathdowne Street, just a few steps from the Capital City Trail.
This landmark pub opened in 1883 and it’s one of the nice pubs near Melbourne CBD with traditional Victorian-style decor boasting one of Melbourne’s largest decked beer gardens. Children and doggos on a leash are welcome!
There are 22 beers on tap to choose from and the menu is full of classic pub fare. There are usually a few good items on the kids menu too. Other amenities include high chairs.
Great Northern Hotel, 644 Rathdowne St, Carlton North, (03) 9380 9569
6. Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Brunswick
Edinburgh Castle‘s beer garden is undoubtedly its best feature. The space is ideal for a summer session, a Sunday roast, or to enjoy drinks and their extensive menu (try the peppered kangaroo steak). On Mondays through Thursdays, there are good food specials and a large selection of craft beers.
Children’s menu items cost $11 and include pizza, spaghetti, chicken, fish & chips, chicken and steak minis, and high chairs are available.
Edinburgh Castle Hotel, 681 Sydney Rd, Brunswick (03) 9386 7580
7. The Woodlands Hotel, Coburg
There is no doubt that children will enjoy the quirky, slightly crazy design of The Woodlands Hotel in Coburg, as well as spending time in the lush courtyard under a canopy of festoon lights.
Kids can choose from cheeseburgers, schnitzel, parma or chicken tenders in the children’s menu. Adults will enjoy the variety of delicious food, craft beer, and local wines.
A change table, a disabled toilet, and high chairs are available.
The Woodlands Hotel, 84-88 Sydney Rd, Coburg, (03) 9384 1122
8. Welcome to Thornbury, Northcote
Welcome to Thornbury is a fun food truck park with a giant beer garden which is perfect for kids who don’t like to sit still.
A rotating schedule of six of the best food trucks in Melbourne along with two long bars with beer on tap, wine and cocktails, gives you plenty of choice for an afternoon of grazing.
In my experience the food trucks generally have some kids food options on the menu. Be sure to check the social media pages for the food truck lineup before you visit, so you can ensure one of your favourites is on the list.
Welcome to Thornbury, 520 High Street, Northcote, 03 9020 7940
9. The Provincial Rooftop, Fitzroy
A breezy, re-vamped rooftop beer garden has opened on the top level of the classic Provincial Hotel in Fitzroy, and it’s a great spot for families.
At The Provincial, the food is hearty and the wine list is long. The Fitzy burger is a must-try with beef, cheese Dorritos and bacon!
The kids menu has a beef burger, chicken or fish all served with chips for $10. Highchairs are available.
Provincial Hotel, 299 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, 03 9810 0042
10. Welcome to Brunswick, Brunswick
Brunswick’s beer garden, brewery and food truck joint, Welcome to Brunswick, is an open-air, spacious and fully-heated outdoor venue.
Families with kids and dogs are very welcome and there’s lots of room for them to move about.
There are four food vendors on regular rotation with a range of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and kid-friendly options available.
The beers are brewed onsite with plenty of variety in taste, it’s worth getting excited about. I couldn’t go past the fruity seltzer on tap.
The kids also loved the stunning murals that cover the beer garden walls, created by local artists including Georgia Harvey, Silk Roy, and Jarryd Hood.
Welcome to Brunswick, 1 Frith Street, Brunswick
Kid-Friendly Beer Gardens Melbourne South East / Bayside
11. College Lawn Hotel, Prahran
College Lawn Hotel has an epic courtyard bar, beer garden and terrace to enjoy a quiet afternoon at one of Melbourne’s best pubs.
There are 14 beers on tap, a delicious looking wine list and plenty of classic pub grub options on the menu.
The kids menu has a beef burger, grilled chicken or fish served with chips, or a macaroni cheese, all of which are $10. Amenities include highchairs, disabled toilet and change table.
College Lawn Hotel, 36 Greville Street, Prahran, 03 9810 0074
12. The Commons, Melbourne
The Commons is a relatively new addition to Melbourne’s family-friendly beer garden hitlist.
There is plenty of space, a selection of boutique beers plus yummy food and coffee.
The kids menu is small and includes a cheese and ham toastie. There’s plenty of space for prams, and fur-babies are welcome too.
The Commons, Ormond Collective, 557 St Kilda Rd, Main entrance via Moubray St, Melbourne, +61 437 004 372, thecommons@thebiggroup.com.au
13. The Palace Hotel, South Melbourne
Dogs and families are welcome at The Palace Hotel, a South Melbourne pub with a beer garden for outdoor dining. There is also a pool table and a pinball machine that kids love!
The Palace Hotel serves craft beer and a traditional pub menu. High chairs are available, as well as a play area with toys and a small children’s menu with healthier alternatives to chips like steamed vegetables or rice.
Whether it’s an afternoon with yard games or an evening enjoying the upcoming events and a good beer, the Palace Hotel offers something for the entire family in a laid-back, welcoming setting.
The Palace Hotel, 505 City Rd South Melbourne, (03) 9682 3177
14. Middle Park Hotel, Middle Park
A stunning two-level outdoor deck/beer garden is the most notable feature of Middle Park Hotel‘s iconic bar and dining room.
There is something for everyone at this gastropub and I think it’s one of Melbourne’s best. Its menu has everything from pub classics to elegant meals featuring the best of Victorian produce. There’s definitely a ‘wow’ dish here – the hanging lamb kebab – and they also specialise in steaks.
There are high chairs, disabled toilets, change tables, colouring pages on the back of the kids menu, and pram access.
Middle Park Hotel, 102 Canterbury Rd, Middle Park, (03) 9810 0079
15. Castello’s Longbeach Hotel, Chelsea
Heading to Chelsea Beach? Then hit Longbeach Hotel, a pub with a fresh and breezy feel in keeping with its beachside location.
You can choose from several spacious dining spaces – an outdoor terrace, bistro, the cafe or a modern lounge area with entertainment and sports.
There’s a small kids play area, high chairs, pram access and a kids menu that’s only $9.50 with a free drink.
Castello’s Longbeach Hotel, 380 Nepean Highway, Chelsea (03) 9772 1633
16. Wheelers Hill Hotel, Wheelers Hill
The Wheelers Hill Hotel is a leafy local pub that offers bistro meals and a range of sports and games on TV. The undercover beer garden welcomes families with open arms, offering huge spaces and plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Founded in 1876 as the Mulgrave Post Office, this modern pub’s Family Bistro area has a huge, covered outdoor seating area with stunning views over the Dandenongs.
The pub grub is generally straightforward, updated with modern dishes like a fattoush salad. Keep kids entertained at the main dining area’s playground.
Wheelers Hill Hotel, 871-881 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill (03) 9560 8922
17. Beretta’s, Langwarrin
Baretta’s Langwarrin Hotel is a favourite with the #TOTSquad because of its comfortable surroundings, decked beer garden, friendliness, delicious food, and huge 4-level play area.
We love that Beretta’s have gone one step further when it comes to welcoming families, with the Beretta’s Kids Club. It is free to join and every day of every month there are special offers and events for the kids like $2 meals, lucky dips or free ice cream.
You can even book a kids birthday party there, with offers such as free kids meals, free ice cream cake, balloons and cards.
18. Stomping Ground, Moorabbin
Bringing people over great beer is the Stomping Ground. They’re a neighbourhood family friendly brewery that has both an indoor and outdoor space including a huge beer garden and sun deck, viewing windows so you can watch the Stomping ground‘s brewers in action.
For families with kids, keep them entertained for hours in the kids cubby house, while you enjoy a glass of your favourite craft beer. Plus when it comes to food, you can expect nothing less than the best coming out of their state of the art kitchen with a wood fire pizza oven. The cafe is also dog friendly which means you can bring along your fur baby to at lovely night out at the Stomping Ground.
Stomping Ground, Moorabbin, Morris Moor, 9 Cochranes Rd,
brewery@stompingground.beer
Kid-Friendly Beer Gardens Melbourne Eastern Suburbs
19. Mt View Hotel, Richmond
Richmond pub Mt View Hotel is one of the good pubs near Melbourne to enjoy a spacious rooftop beer garden and somewhere to watch sports.
The menu is wide ranging, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. One dish I recommend is the fish tacos on the grazing menu.
The kids’ menu is small but satisfying, with nuggets, fish or a cheeseburger all served with chips.
Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table and pram access.
Mt View Hotel, 70 Bridge Rd, Richmond, 03 9428 3973
20. Auburn Hotel, Hawthorn
Auburn Hotel begins an exciting new chapter with a multi-million dollar expansion that honors its 1888 heritage while creating fresh spaces for the Hawthorn community.
The historic corner pub is transforming its adjacent site into a vibrant year-round destination, blending classic charm with modern hospitality.
The redevelopment introduces an expanded beer garden with woodfire pizzas and sunny lawns, plus a new kids’ playground perfect for Sunday family days.
Inside, a light-filled atrium dining hub with function spaces and wraparound decks will offer relaxed gatherings against the backdrop of the pub’s rich history.
Auburn Hotel, 85 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn East, VIC, 3122
21. Prince Alfred Hotel, Richmond
In the heart of Richmond, Prince Alfred Hotel is well-known for providing the ultimate alfresco dining experience.
You’ll really pick up those sweet summer vibes with Prince Alfred’s lush beer garden. There’s loads of tables and plenty of shade, as well as a generous and tasty meal selection and nice family-friendly atmosphere.
The kids menu has a cheeseburger, chicken or fish served with chips, or a macaroni cheese, these are $10 each.
Indoors, there’s a kids play area and kids dining room next to the Atrium. Highchairs are available.
Prince Alfred Hotel, 619 Church Street, Richmond, 03 8563 0046
Kid-Friendly Beer Gardens Melbourne West
22. Station Hotel, Footscray
The Station Hotel Footscray is well known for cooking an excellent steak, but they are also very family friendly with an outdoor beer garden and courtyard that caters perfectly for families.
The gated courtyard includes shade sails and an awesome two-level cubby house with play kitchen.
There’s a restaurant menu and a bar menu, as well as a kids menu full of tasty items including chicken, steak, fish, beef burger, the all important chips, ice cream and desserts. The kids’ meals can even come with a healthy side of peas!
Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet and play area.
Station Hotel, 59 Napier St, Footscray, (03) 9810 0085
23. Junction Beer Hall and Wine Room, Newport
The beer garden at The Junction Beer Hall and Wine Room is spacious and perfect for a family meal. It’s a lovely atmosphere, and there’s plenty of room for kids who aren’t so keen to sit still.
The menu has lots of traditional tasty pub fare, with burgers, steaks, parma, and also a risotto, market fish and pork belly. Children’s mains are $12, with chicken parma, chicken schnitzel, pasta, fried fish and a burger.
Amenities include high chairs and easy pram access.
Junction Beer Hall and Wine Room, 15 Hall St, Newport, (03) 9391 8188
24. The Park, Werribee
Head to The Park, Werribee for a family-friendly experience, extensive drinks menu and a seasonal food menu, as well as a beer garden coined as their ‘urban oasis’!
The kids menu has Bolognese, chicken and chips, fish and chips, margarita pizza, chicken burger or cheeseburger, and the kids mains are just $10.
If you head down to this Werribee local pub on a Sunday, there’s family fun with live music, games and colouring in. There’s also regular events and live music.
Amenities include high chairs, disabled toilet, change table, colouring in, balloons, board games and pram access.
The Park, 12 Watton St, Werribee, 03 9741 1441
25. The Victoria Hotel, Yarraville
The Victoria Hotel reclaims its place as Yarraville’s vibrant family hub after a multi-million-dollar transformation.
The beloved local now shines with exciting new spaces designed for community connection and year-round enjoyment.
A standout addition is the expansive 170-seat beer garden, complete with picnic tables, lush greenery, and a dedicated outdoor bar – plus a fantastic new playground that makes family dining effortless.
Inside, the refreshed bistro flows seamlessly into an imaginative kids’ play zone designed as a mini-Yarraville, featuring an interactive train kiosk, Sun Theatre wall, and creative activity stations.
The Victoria Hotel, 188 Hyde Street, Yarraville, VIC 3013, 03 8840 4821
26. Studley Park Boathouse, Kew
Studley Park Boathouse enters an exciting new chapter following its $5.8 million transformation, reestablishing itself as Melbourne’s premier riverside destination.
The historic 1863 landmark beautifully blends heritage charm with contemporary appeal, offering an unforgettable experience along the Yarra.
Australian Venue Co has carefully revitalized this iconic location in partnership with Parks Victoria, enhancing its connection to the surrounding parklands while preserving its timeless character.
The renovation creates seamless transitions between elegant dining spaces and the boathouse’s stunning natural setting.
Read our review for Studley Park Boathouse.
Studley Park Boathouse, 1 Boathouse Road, Kew, 3101
27. Anglers Tavern, Maribyrnong
Anglers Tavern reopens as a renewed riverside retreat, back better than ever after its 21-month recovery from the devastating 2022 floods. The iconic pub now shines with fresh coastal-inspired spaces while keeping its community spirit alive.
The bright new bistro blends nautical blues and warm woods, flowing into a relaxed beer garden with astroturf, picnic tables and stunning river views.
Kids get their own adventure zone featuring a playground, Scrabble wall and reading nook, while sports fans can cheer in the dedicated bar with giant screens. Upstairs, a versatile function space offers perfect event solutions with partition walls and panoramic water vistas.
Anglers Tavern, 2 Raleigh Road, Maribyrnong, VIC 3032, 03 9318 2811
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