The Best Inner West Family-Friendly Dining

In this guide, we’ll explore kid-friendly dining in the Inner West that will make your little ones feel welcome while also providing a great experience for the grown-ups. 

Our team, who know the area inside and out, has curated these recommendations to help you find places that offer yummy menu options, good value for money, and space for your kids to play. 

Top Family-Friendly Dining in the Inner West 

If it’s a pub meal you’re after, the Inner West has heaps of kid-friendly venues that serve up the classics. Here are our top recommendations for family-friendly dining in the Inner West that have a relaxed and warm atmosphere, plus menus that cater to everyone.  

Marrickville: The Henson 

91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville

This beloved Marrickville pub welcomes children of all ages, and offers a dedicated play area near the beer garden. It’s a bustling spot for Inner West families where parents can enjoy a craft beer and chicken schnitzel while their kids have fun. 

On the kids’ menu you’ll find classics such as cheeseburgers and fish and chips – plus they also offer vegan and gluten-free options. With its leafy outlook and retro aesthetic, The Henson is a top choice for a great day out. 

Stanmore: Salisbury Hotel

118 Percival Rd Stanmore

This charming pub in Stanmore has an outdoor area with a restored 1926 delivery truck for kids to climb, providing entertainment while the grown-ups tuck into a hearty meal. The courtyard is also dog friendly, so you can bring your furry friends with you. 

The Salisbury Hotel is right next to Stanmore Station, and there’s also street parking. All kids’ meals come with a free drink and an ice cream cup. The space can also be booked for functions, which is convenient if you need a venue for a birthday party. 

 

Enmore: Golden Barley Hotel

165-169 Edgeware Rd, Enmore

If you’re on the lookout for a family-friendly pub with a garden in the Inner West, look no further. The Golden Barley Hotel is a favourite among Enmore locals thanks to its leafy beer garden, yummy food, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s dog friendly as well.

The Golden Barley has a substantial kids’ menu featuring burgers, nuggets, pasta, and fish and chips. All kids’ meals come with a complimentary soft drink or juice. Additionally, the staff are very accommodating. All up this is a lovely spot for a big gathering or a relaxed lunch. 

 

Annandale: North Annandale Hotel

105 Johnston St, Annandale 

The North Annadale Hotel is a great venue for families, offering decent pub grub and a ‘fishbowl’ play area for kids. Additionally, all items on the kids’ menu come with an activity bag and ice cream to keep them occupied and happy. 

This venue takes bookings for large groups and parties – the staff are very helpful and accommodating. This pub also has an outdoor section which is perfect for sunny afternoons. Definitely worth checking out if you live nearby!

 

Best Kid-Friendly Clubs in the Inner West

Next, we’ll highlight some of the best kid-friendly clubs in the Inner West. These places all serve up delicious food, plus many of them included dedicated play areas. Most importantly, these clubs have a welcoming atmosphere that will make everyone feel comfortable. 

 

Five Dock: Canada Bay Club

8 William St, Five Dock 

Located inside Canada Bay Club, The Brasserie by Granata’s is perfect for birthdays and special celebrations. A kids’ playground is situated alongside the dining area, providing a fun safe place for kids aged 3-10. For older kids, there’s also a Kids’ Arcade (near the Brasserie counter) with a wide range of classic arcade games. 

Adults can enjoy a traditional Italian meal while watching their kids in the playground – it’s the perfect set up. On the kids’ menu are chicken nuggets, penne bolognaise, and other favourites – plus gelato for dessert. 

 

Ashfield: Ashfield RSL

374 Liverpool Road, Ashfield

Buffet 88 at Ashfield RSL is a standout choice for families. They take bookings for large groups, and the staff are very courteous and accommodating. It’s also great value for money, which is perfect if you’ve got a lot of mouths to feed!

The buffet serves Asian-inspired dishes with an impressive selection of seafood options. Your kids are certain to enjoy the dessert station with soft serve ice cream and other sweet treats that will ensure no one goes home with an empty tummy. 

 

Leichhardt: Leichhardt Bowling Club

88-92 Piper St, Lilyfield

The Leichhart Bowlo is a local gem, offering fun for all ages. It features a fenced children’s play area that gives your little ones a chance to play and roam around safely. All kids’ meals come with complimentary ice cream and sprinkles. 

For the grown ups, there’s an extensive beer menu, good value food, barefoot bowls, and the Lily Fields Distilling Co Garden Bar (open weekends). This venue is ideal for parties, delivering memorable experiences for everyone. 

 

Petersham: Petersham Bowling Club

77 Brighton St, Petersham

Pokie-free since 2007, the Petersham Bowling Club is a lively community hub offering food, drinks, live music, party bookings, and more. From poetry readings to bouncy castles, this venue has something for everyone – visit their Facebook page to learn more about upcoming events. 

The food is reasonably priced (with plenty of options for kids including chicken nuggets and pizza) plus the staff are friendly. Enjoy a day out playing barefoot bowls in this tranquil location – also very close to Petersham Park and Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre.

 

Inner West Restaurants with Kids Eat Free Deals

With the ever rising cost of living, it pays to do some research before taking the family out for dinner these days. Here are some of the best venues in the Inner West that offer specials for those dining with children. 

Petersham: Public House Petersham

292 Stanmore Rd, Petersham

The Kiddies Eat Free’ deal at Public House Petersham is available every Sunday. All you need to do is purchase a main meal, and your kids can choose from a selection of pizza, pasta, grilled chicken, and chips – plus ice cream for dessert. 

This is a thriving community venue that can be booked for parties. It also has a rotation of special events such as raffle nights and ‘paint and sip’. Warm and welcoming, Public House Petersham is a nice little spot for all age groups.

 

Five Dock: Club Five Dock RSL

66 Great N Rd, Five Dock

If you’re a member of Club Five Dock RSL, you can take advantage of their Kids Eat Free deal every Friday night from 5pm. Simply purchase any meal over $25, and receive one free kids meal (note: the Kids Activity Pack does not come with free meals). This offer is valid for children aged 12 and under, and is not available on special event days and public holidays. 

This venue has been recently refurbished, and the menu is top notch. The Dock & Co restaurant has an indoor play area for children, plus two sitting areas (Family and Adult) to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. 

 

Leichhardt: Koi Bento

123 Norton St, Leichhardt

This cosy Japanese eatery in Leichhardt offers a Kids Eat Free deal on Wednesdays. We recommend getting in touch with the restaurant directly by calling 0493 979 134 to make a booking before you go. 

Fash and fresh, Koi Bento serves up Japanese favourites such as sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, udon, and more. If you live in the area and you’re looking for a place that’s family-friendly, look no further. 

 

Explore Early Learning Centres in the Inner West

At Only About Children, we’re dedicated to helping your child grow, make friends, and explore the world around them. With seven campuses throughout Sydney’s Inner West, we provide safe, nurturing and fun environments where your kids can develop new skills and thrive. 

Discover an OAC campus near you and learn more about how we can support your child’s early learning journey:

• Leichhardt Norton Plaza
• Leichhardt Marion St
• Leichhardt Elswick St
• Haberfield
• Enmore
• Glebe
• Alexandria