The Best Kid-Friendly Cafés Near Melbourne Central
The Best Kid-Friendly Cafés Near Melbourne CBD
All of these family-friendly cafés are situated within a convenient drive or public transport commute of our Melbourne Central centre – we’ve included address information and menu recommendations to help you plan ahead.
Café with a Playground: Cubbyhouse Canteen
43A Union Street, Armadale
Cubbyhouse Canteen on Facebook
Melbourne locals searching for a ‘café playground near me’ will not be disappointed by Cubbyhouse Canteen – a community-minded space situated inside a reserve with two adventure playgrounds.
This gorgeous café is run by Bec and Narelle Thompson – two sisters who combined their professional experience in early childhood and hospitality to create a place where families can connect over a meal. Your kids will appreciate the outdoor play areas, while you enjoy a coffee and perhaps some of their specialty waffles.
Highlights from the Children’s Breakfast menu include the ‘cheezy’ toastie and thick-cut French toast served with Nutella, sprinkles, ice cream and strawberries. Open for breakfast and lunch, this coffee shop with a play area is also near a dog park – so you have the option of patting a friendly doggo as well!
Kid Friendly Café: KereKere Green
Fitzroy Gardens Visitors Centre
230 Wellington Parade, Melbourne
Located in the middle of heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens, KereKere Green is a small café with a huge heart. The word kerekere (pronounced ‘kerry-kerry’) comes from the Fijian custom where a relative or neighbour can ask for something that they need, and it must be given willingly with no expectation of repayment. It’s this mindset of generosity and community that underpins everything KereKere Green stands for.
With a view that overlooks the gardens, this café serves light breakfasts and lunches, using only ethically-sourced coffee from sustainable producers. Top food selections include the scrumptious pastries and cakes, as well as the delicious gourmet toasties. They can also provide picnic packs so you can enjoy your lunch beneath a tree!
KereKere Green is one of the best kid friendly cafés Melbourne not just because children can enjoy some outdoor playtime in the gardens, but because it runs regular community events such as Storytime and Grandparents Playgroup. Visit the KereKere Green events page for more info.
Family-Friendly Café: The Farm Café
at the Collingwood Children’s Farm
18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
This delightful kid-friendly café is a favourite with families visiting the Collingwood Children’s Farm in Abbotsford. The café can be accessed from the Capital City Trail that extends from the end of St Helier St. Serving breakfast and lunch, the Farm Café has seated open air dining, and they also do takeaway options you can eat in the farm picnic area.
Collingwood Children’s Farm is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to support adults and children who are experiencing hardship. Inclusion and connection are fostered through this working community farm, bringing people together with community events and educational programs.
The Farm Café is one of the most unique family-friendly cafés in Melbourne, providing a beautiful setting where you can enjoy a meal while surrounded by chooks, peacocks and farm animals. They also have a children’s party space that’s available for hire – requests can be sent by email to events@farmcafe.com.au.
Coffee Shop with Play Area: District 35
815 Nicholson St, Carlton North
If you’re searching for a great ‘kids café near me’, look no further. District 35 provides a family-friendly setting for breakfast and lunch, serving up delicious food inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Plus, there’s an outdoor playground for when the weather’s nice, and a selection of children’s books and toys inside the spacious café interior.
For the grown ups, menu highlights include shakshuka, rice pudding and an open kebab platter – especially delicious when paired with a beer or a glass of wine. The kids won’t go hungry either, with a kids menu including classic favourites such as egg on toast, chicken nuggets and chips.
Outside there’s a park and bike track, in case you wanted to add a bike adventure to your day out. District 35 can also accommodate children’s birthday parties – you can get in touch with them via enquiries@district35.com.au.
Café with an Indoor Playground: Honeyccino Kids Café
2-4 Oxford St, Oakleigh
Honeyccino is a colourful café with dedicated play areas, providing a safe space for children to have fun. The play areas span two levels and feature a variety of attractions such as slides, trampolines and an enormous ball pit with over 35,000 balls! There’s also a mini supermarket and a ride-on train that departs every 30 minutes.
The café provides comfortable seats for the adults to relax while the kids are playing, plus there are plenty of kid-friendly options on the menu like mozzarella sticks, sausage rolls and fruit salad. And if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, the Dutch pancakes (served with fruit, chocolate sauce and cream) are a must-try.
If you’re planning a visit, bookings are recommended. Standard sessions run for two hours, and every child gets a train ride ticket included in the entry fee. Honeyccino is designed for children between the ages of 0-6, although older siblings are also welcome. You can also book children’s birthday parties through Honeyccino’s online booking page.
Convenient Cafes Near Melbourne Central Campus
For parents looking for a convenient spot to grab a coffee or bite before childcare, Little Rogue and Pearson & Murphy’s are great options near our Melbourne Central centre. Little Rogue, known for its excellent coffee and creative cakes, offers a cosy hideaway with illustrated walls and a vintage vibe. Open from 7:30 am on weekdays, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy an easygoing morning moment before drop-off. Pearson & Murphy’s is a spacious, stylish café with a courtyard on the university campus, serving classic breakfasts, snacks, and lunches from 6 am on weekdays.
Visit Our Melbourne Central Childcare & Kindergarten
For families who live or work near Melbourne Central Shopping Centre (on Swanston Street and LaTrobe Street), there’s an Only About Children centre located on level 5. We welcome you to have a look at our facilities and talk to our amazing educators to see if our programs suit your needs.
Only About Children offers a holistic approach to learning, plus our centres provide large play spaces for kids to be creative and explore.
You can book a tour at our Melbourne Central campus or any of our Melbourne based campuses online, or call our enrolments team on 138 622 to find out more.
Only About Children can help your child to grow, make friends and explore the world.
Only About Children can help your child to grow, make friends and explore the world.
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