Looking for a family-friendly pub where the kids can run wild while you relax with a cold drink and a decent meal?
Melbourne is packed with great options that tick all the boxes: playgrounds, kid-friendly menus, and enough atmosphere to make you feel like you’re not just at a soft play centre with beer. Here’s our roundup of the best pubs with playgrounds and restaurants with play areas for kids across Melbourne and beyond.
Melbourne Pubs and Restaurants with Play Areas for Kids
1. Stomping Ground Brewery, Collingwood
Craft beer and kids? Hear us out. Stomping Ground Brewery nails the family vibe with its dedicated indoor cubby house and slide, tucked away in a corner of its spacious beer hall. Parents can sip their way through a curated beer paddle while little ones make friends and climb to their heart’s content. High chairs, change facilities, and a menu with pizza and sliders keep everyone happy.
Stomping Ground Brewery – 100 Gipps St, Collingwood, (03) 9415 1944
2. Slices, Keilor
Slices Keilor offers the best of both worlds: stylish, modern dining for adults and a dedicated play space for kids. Tucked away at the back of the venue, the fully enclosed indoor playground is a winner with young families—especially those looking to enjoy a meal without the usual mealtime meltdowns.
The play area features a colourful climbing structure, slide and soft flooring, making it safe and engaging for little ones. It’s visible from many of the tables, so parents can keep an eye out while still enjoying woodfired pizzas, hearty pastas, and a great selection of mains.
The kids’ menu includes favourites like spaghetti bolognese and chicken nuggets, and there’s plenty of space inside for prams or larger family groups.
Slices Keilor, 920 Old Calder Hwy, Keilor, VIC 3036, 03 9390 9933
3. Terminus Hotel, North Fitzroy
The Terminus is known for its great food and cool atmosphere, but it’s also surprisingly family-friendly. Out back, there’s a covered outdoor beer garden with a small playground perfect for younger kids.
With a solid kids’ menu and enough space for prams, it’s an easy win for lunch or an early dinner.
Terminus Hotel 492 Queens Pde, North Fitzroy, (03) 9481 3182
4. Auburn Hotel, Hawthorn
This beautifully restored pub blends old-school charm with thoughtful family-friendly features.
The courtyard includes a multi-level play area where kids can entertain themselves while you enjoy brunch or a long lunch.
Sunday Funday runs every Sunday from 12.30pm-3.30 pm and includes a FREE petting zoo! Their woodfired pizzas and Sunday roasts make it a popular spot for family gatherings.
Auburn Hotel, 85 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn, (03) 9810 0032
5. Wheelers Hill Hotel, Wheelers Hill
If you’re in the south-east, Wheelers Hill Hotel is a crowd-pleaser. The large indoor play area is fully visible from the bistro seating, meaning you can actually finish a conversation.
There’s a generous kids’ menu and regular family-friendly specials too.
Wheelers Hill Hotel, 871-881 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill, (03) 9560 8922
6. Boundary Hotel, Bentleigh East
A classic family pub with an enormous indoor play zone, the Boundary Hotel is one of the best pubs with playgrounds in Melbourne.
The kids’ area includes a climbing frame, slides, and interactive games. It’s particularly popular on weekends, so booking ahead is wise.
The Boundary Hotel, 730 Centre Rd, Bentleigh East, (03) 9570 7044
7. The Victoria Hotel, Footscray
With a fantastic outdoor playground and loads of space for strollers and scooters, this inner-west gem is made for families.
There’s often live music and weekend events, and the all-day menu covers everything from hearty pub classics to vegan options.
The Victoria Hotel – 43 Victoria St, Footscray, (03) 9224 6168
8 The Palace Hotel, South Melbourne
The Palace is a local favourite for its relaxed vibe and top-notch pub grub.
The outdoor courtyard features a kids’ play area with toys and chalkboards, making it one of the best restaurants with play areas for kids close to the city.
The Palace Hotel, 505 City Rd South Melbourne, (03) 9682 3177
9. The Berwick Springs Hotel, Narre Warren South
Families in the outer south-east flock to the Berwick Springs Hotel for its large indoor playground, arcade games, and extensive kids’ menu.
With a designated kids’ zone near the bistro, it’s ideal for dinner without the fuss.
The Berwick Springs Hotel, 288-296 Clyde Rd, Berwick, (03) 9702 6223
10. Braeside Brewing Co, Mordialloc
This laid-back brewery combines small-batch beer with big family energy. The enclosed outdoor play area is great for toddlers and preschoolers, and the relaxed vibe means no one bats an eye if there’s a bit of noise.
Braeside Brewing Co, 43 Governor Rd, Mordialloc, 0435 985 423
11. The Matthew Flinders Hotel, Chadstone
Another big-hitter with a massive indoor playground and arcade, Matthew Flinders Hotel is a lifesaver on rainy days.
Parents can relax in the adjacent dining area while the kids burn off steam. There’s also a kids’ club on certain nights with entertainment and games.
The Matthew Flinders Hotel, 667 Warrigal Rd, Chadstone, (03) 9568 8004
12. The Dava Hotel, Mount Martha
A destination in itself for Mornington Peninsula families, the Dava Hotel boasts a spacious indoor playground and views across the bay. It’s a solid choice for a beach day pit stop or relaxed family lunch.
The Dava Hotel, 614 Esplanade, Mount Martha, (03) 5975 1555
13. The Croxton Park Hotel, Thornbury
Croxton Park is one of those venues that does a bit of everything—and does it well. The playroom best suits younger kids and sits right next to the family dining area. There are even family meal deals to keep dinner budget-friendly.
The Croxton Park Hotel, 607 High St, Thornbury, (03) 9480 2233
14. Coolaroo Hotel, Coolaroo
This local favourite features an indoor playground and a spacious bistro area that makes family dining easy.
It’s especially popular for birthdays and big family get-togethers, with party packages available.
Coolaroo Hotel, 9 Maffra St, Coolaroo, (03) 9309 3211
15. Beretta’s Hotel, Langwarrin
Out east? Beretta’s offers a fully fenced playground and a large bistro with plenty of kid-friendly seating.
There’s even a kids’ corner with video games and activities to keep older children entertained.
Beretta’s Hotel, 220 Cranbourne-Frankston Rd, Langwarrin, (03) 9789 2711
16. The Ball Court Hotel, Sunbury
Tucked away in Melbourne’s north-west, The Ball Court Hotel has a great kids’ playground with seating nearby so parents can keep a close eye.
The menu has solid pub staples and affordable kids’ meals.
Ball Court Hotel, 56-60 Macedon Street, Sunbury, (03) 9744 1310
17. Lower Plenty Hotel, Lower Plenty
This place is a go-to for families in the north-east thanks to its huge indoor play structure and relaxed atmosphere.
Add in a kids’ eat free deal on select nights and you’ve got an easy midweek dinner option.
Lower Plenty Hotel, 4 Main Rd, Lower Plenty , (03) 9435 1722
18. Waltzing Matilda Hotel, Springvale
This south-eastern staple offers a secure indoor playground and a spacious family dining area. The menu is classic pub fare, and there’s a separate kids’ menu with plenty of choice.
Waltzing Matilda Hotel, 856 Heatherton Rd, Springvale, (03) 9546 1333
19. Pink Hill Hotel, Beaconsfield
Stylish yet practical, the Pink Hill Hotel combines a modern interior with a thoughtfully designed kids’ play space.
The fenced playground makes it easy to relax with a meal or drink while the little ones stay entertained.
Pink Hill Hotel, 20 Pink Hill Bvd, Beaconsfield, (03) 9707 6888
20. Edwardes Lake Hotel, Reservoir
The family-friendly bistro area overlooks a secure indoor play area. It’s not huge, but it does the job, and the menu caters well to all ages, making it a solid pick for a casual dinner out with the kids.
Edwardes Lake Hotel, 257 Edwardes St, Reservoir, (03) 9460 5799
21. The Glasshouse, Caulfield
While not a traditional pub, The Glasshouse offers modern dining with an outdoor play area that’s ideal for younger kids.
It’s perfect for brunch or an early dinner when you want a touch of class with the convenience of a playground.
The Glasshouse, 31 Station St, Caulfield East, (03) 9257 7170
22. Station Hotel, Footscray
Not to be confused with Werribee’s Station Hotel, this iconic west-side pub doesn’t have a full playground but includes a shaded outdoor play zone and plenty of space for kids to explore. Known for its steak and family vibe.
The Station Hotel, 59 Napier St, Footscray, (03) 9810 0085
23. The Templestowe Hotel, Templestowe
With a colossal indoor playground, this pub is more like a play centre with beer. Kids love it, parents appreciate the decent food and ample seating nearby.
There’s even a small stage for kids’ shows during school holidays.
The Templestowe Hotel, 23 Parker St, Templestowe Lower, (03) 9851 4283
24. Anglers Tavern, Maribyrnong
Sitting pretty on the banks of the Maribyrnong River, Anglers Tavern offers beautiful views and a playground in the outdoor beer garden.
It’s a great pick for sunny weekends when the kids need to stretch their legs after lunch.
Anglers Tavern, 2 Raleigh Road, Maribyrnong, (03) 9318 2811
25. Victoria Hotel, Yarraville
The Victoria Hotel has all the charm of a classic Yarraville pub, but with a big bonus for families—it’s home to a secure, shaded outdoor playground and an indoor playroom that’s perfect for younger kids.
As an ode to the local area, the playroom has been thoughtfully designed as a mini-Yarraville. There’s a café cubby with play food, a reading corner stocked with books, magnetic stickers to decorate the walls, and a big screen TV for quiet moments. Kids can also enjoy drawing and colouring, soft play blocks, and even a little train to climb on and sit in—plenty to keep them entertained while parents relax nearby.
The beer garden is the heart of the action on weekends, and thanks to the enclosed play space, grown-ups can enjoy a drink and a meal while the kids play safely. High chairs, a solid kids’ menu, and plenty of room for prams round it out as a genuinely family-friendly spot.
Victoria Hotel, 188 Hyde Street, Yarraville VIC 3013, (03) 8840 4821
26. Altona Sports Club, Altona
Altona Sports Club is a laid-back bayside venue that ticks a lot of boxes for families. It’s spacious, welcoming, and packed with kid-friendly features—including a colourful enclosed play area that’s ideal for keeping little ones busy while the grown-ups enjoy a meal.
There’s also a well-priced kids’ menu with all the classics (think nuggets, pasta, and fish and chips), and the generous dining area makes it easy to park a pram or wrangle a high chair.
Located just minutes from Altona Beach and the pier, it’s a great spot to wind down after a seaside walk or playground stop. Plus, the club atmosphere means it’s friendly, relaxed, and never too fussy about a bit of noise from the kids.
Altona Sports Club, 11 Altona Rd, Altona VIC 3018, (03) 9398 2283
Did we miss your favourite family-friendly pub? Let us know! There’s always room for more spots that make dining out with kids that little bit easier (and a lot more fun).
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