Want to know where to find the best local child-friendly cafes around Sydney’s North Shore? We’ve searched the suburbs to bring the best babycinos, brunches, snacks and even sugar-free foods to satisfy you – and your little ones.
- Eat n Chill Wholefood Cafe, Naremburn
- The Incinerator, Willoughby
- Papas Coffee, Willoughby
- Mowbray Eatery, Lane Cove
- Botanica Garden Cafe, Waverton
- Babyccino, Lindfield
- Dukes Green, East Lindfield
- The Dragonfly Cafe, Eden Gardens
- The Tasting Deck @ Forestway Fresh, Terrey Hills
- Frankie’s Food Factory, Terrey Hills
Best Child-friendly Cafes on Sydney’s Lower North Shore
1. Eat n Chill Wholefood Cafe, Naremburn
Eat n Chill is a whole foods cafe that serves fresh, organic and delicious meals from locally sourced produce. The children’s menu is breath of fresh air with a focus on unprocessed and sugar free foods. In fact, if your kids have allergies, this is the place to go with gluten free, dairy free and sugar free options available.
They have a family-friendly environment, so you can take a moment to enjoy their (really good!) coffee sitting on the back verandah while watching the kids play on the grass and inside the cubby house. It’s like a giant backyard where your kids can roam free while you catch up with friends.
- Address: 272-274 Willoughby Road, Naremburn
- Phone: (02) 8021 6291
2. The Incinerator, Willoughby
Incinerator Brunch Menu. Try the Pretty In Pink (v) $21: Ricotta hotcakes, strawberry cream, pistachio, vanilla ice cream and rose fairy floss
The old Incinerator Art Space in Willoughby has been transformed into a trendy cafe with outdoor seating under shady gumtrees. It has plenty of space for prams, and kids can hop down and have a play while you enjoy your coffee. As far as child-friendly cafes go, this one is a winner.
They are open for breakfast & lunch, and have a gourmet menu with a focus on seasonal produce. Each dish is a masterpiece (perfect for that Instagram opportunity), adorned with bright colours and edible flowers to make it pop.
The current lunch menu is inspired by mediterranean cuisine. The vibe is relaxed and friendly with easy pram access, both indoor and outdoor seating and Hallstrom Park is just next door for a play!
- Address: 2 Small Street, Willoughby
- Phone: (02) 8188 2220
3. Papas Coffee, Willoughby
If you have little kids to keep busy, then beeline for Papas Coffee in Willoughby where the pancakes come shaped like animals, the babycinos are topped with copious amounts of sprinkles and there’s a dedicated play space for little tots to set loose. You can enjoy their amazing all-day breakfast menu, feast on burgers, salads and wraps for lunch, or simply sip on a coffee or smoothie while the kids have a play.
Being a kids friendly cafe, Papas Coffee has kids playing space, pram parking area and even nappy change area!
- Address: Shop 3, 56-58 Frenchs Road, Willoughby
- Phone: 0422 247 127
4. Mowbray Eatery, Lane Cove
The playground near Mowbray Eatery
If child friendly is what you are after, then it is hard to go past Mowbray Eatery. From the modern and open plan design to the enclosed playground and gourmet food – this place has it all!
On a nice day, you can sit on the outdoor deck and watch the little ones play in the fenced playground while you enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat. From their deck, you have full view of the playground, giving you time to relax while the kids have fun. All the food is made fresh and they have plenty of delicious menu options.
It is also right next door to Chatswood West Library which hosts ‘Storytime for Preschoolers’ each Thursday from 10.30am during term time. Otherwise, head to Mindaire Park in Lane Cove for an incredible inclusive playground.
- Address: 1 Felton Ave, Lane Cove West
- Phone: (02) 9427 8083
5. Botanica Garden Cafe, Waverton
Botanica Garden Cafe is a relaxing child-friendly oasis in busy Waverton. Happiness and love emanates from the fantastic space which offers something for everyone. It is an eclectic mix of reclaimed vintage furniture, funky wall murals, water fountains and garden animals. No matter where you look, there is something to catch your eye and your attention.
Kids will enjoy the fenced play area on the terrace, making it one of the best child-friendly cafes, with plenty of nooks and crannies for them to explore while you relax back with some seriously good coffee. The vibe is certainly laid back and the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home.
- Address: 61a Bay Road, Waverton
- Phone: 0449 821 909
Best Child-friendly Cafes on Sydney’s Upper North Shore
6. Dukes Green Cafe, East Lindfield
Dukes Green Cafe, East Lindfield
A hidden local gem, you’ll love the relaxed atmosphere at Dukes Green Cafe in East Lindfield. Their wholesome food is not only delicious, but they claim to serve the best coffee north of the bridge. There is also a butcher next door, who is often cooking up a storm for you to taste test – yes please! And if you have a dog, they are more than welcome, with most of the seating outdoors. There is plenty of parking and it is located at the end of the small row of shops, just across from a great fenced playground (recently upgraded!). Sit and enjoy a coffee whilst watching the little ones play at the park – bliss!
- Address: 15 Hughes Place, East Lindfield
- Phone: (02) 9415 6556
7. Babyccino, Lindfield
There’s a kids play area in the corner at Babyccino!
Opened just two short years ago, it’s easy to see why this place has become such a popular spot for families on the North Shore. As the name suggests, Babyccino is geared towards kids with a play area set up in the corner where they can run free. Even better, you can also host birthday parties here!
The food is good – really good – with plenty of fresh choices, including Acai bowls that are too pretty not to photograph, and DIY iced coffees that add a bit of fun to your visit.
- Address: 317 Pacific Highway, Lindfield
- Phone: (02) 9416 6237
8. The Dragonfly Cafe, Eden Gardens
Stylish cafe at Eden Gardens, with plenty of room for prams
The Dragonfly Cafe in Eden Gardens has both indoor and outdoor seating options that are very pram and kid-friendly. Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery while you feast on a collection of specialised cakes and their delicious breakfast and lunch options, incorporating seasonal produce.
If it’s just a coffee you are after, take it to go and wander down into the fenced play area nearby so the kids can run around while you sit back and enjoy some peace and quiet. You can even take a walk around the gardens with the kids in tow. On the way out, you won’t want to miss the nursery – your visit could ignite the green thumb in you.
- Address: 307 Lane Cove Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113
- Phone: (02) 9491 9900
Best Child-friendly Cafes on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
9. The Tasting Deck @ Forestway Fresh, Terrey Hills
The fenced playground next to The Tasting Deck
The Tasting Deck is a child-friendly cafe located in the Forestway Fresh grocery store just off Mona Vale Road, where you can enjoy a taste of the fresh food from the premium store. You can follow up a delicious meal with a fresh fruit and veg stock up, and turn your cafe trip into a grocery shop all in one – the promise of a playground and milkshakes post shopping works a treat for the kids!
They have an extensive breakfast, lunch and dessert menu with some fabulous kids options. The deck overlooks a sunny playground, which is fenced off from the car park so you can relax while you watch the kids play.
- Address: 2 Myoora Road, Terrey Hills
- Phone: (02) 9486 3340
10. Frankie’s Food Factory, Terrey Hills
The playground outside Frankie’s Food Factory
Frankie’s Food Factory is the new cafe to take over the restaurant at the iconic Bonds Nursery (also known as Flower Power). Enjoy quality meals and good coffee, while watching your kids play outside in the fenced play area.
- Address: Flower Power, 277 Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills
- Phone: (02) 9899 2299
