The best kid friendly cafes in the hinterland for your next ‘Play and Sip’
The best kid friendly cafes in the hinterland for your next ‘Play and Sip’
Caffeine is a core requirement of parenthood, and my offspring have decided that babycinos are a core requirement of childhood. So, I need to think about where I can take them that has activities to keep them occupied while I enjoy my beverage and they digest their marshmallows.
I have developed a very scientific list of key criteria that make for a great café experience with children:
· Frothy babycinos served with a marshmallow or other little sweet treat
· Kids play area or open space for running around
· Books and/or colouring in pages and pencils
· Kids’ menu
· Bathrooms close by
· Bonus points if there are comfy chairs for breastfeeding
I have filled my weekends with more hinterland café outings than I can count, so here is my list of favourites, in random order.
The Hunted Café, Bonogin Valley
The owners of this hidden gem took a huge leap of faith when they opened their doors in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. The brunch is excellent, there is a delightful kids’ menu, warm babycinos, and best of all, a grassy play area for children to run around.
There is also colouring in pencils and paper, and not to mention a sweet little gift shop area and corner store staples like bread and milk. Convenience with a beautiful outlook; win-win.
Globe Trotters Travel Café, Mudgeeraba
This one has it all. Babycinos served with chocolate freckles, children’s menu, play café, books, colouring in options, little gifts, and it’s right around the corner from a playground.
They are also a travel agency so you can book your next family (or child-free) getaway while the kids are bringing you pretend donuts from their pretend shop. They have a couple of armchairs that are extremely comfortable for breastfeeding, too!
View Café, Advancetown
It well and truly earns its name, with panoramic views of the beautiful Hinze Dam and the surrounding green hills. Hinze Dam has so much potential as an eco-tourism destination, and View Café is the perfect spot to refuel and caffeinate before exploring the area on foot or mountain bike.
Babycinos, plenty of kids’ food options (including ice cream), and direct access down to a large flat area where children can run around or ride their bikes make this a unique spot for families.
Bookness Mudgeeraba
The Mudgeeraba Village has always been known for its charm, and the addition of this quaint bookstore café elevates the area even further.
Order your drink and browse the shelves while the kiddos are entertained by morning story time in the children’s nook. The large couch is perfect for breastfeeding or nap-trapped mamas to enjoy a nice book, a snack, and a warm drink.
Polly’s Country Kitchen, Neranwood
This idyllic venue has been around for a long time and has an excellent reputation with the locals.
The farmhouse holds the kitchen and coffee machines, while the huge balcony is where visitors sit to admire the view of untouched bushland and enjoy the farm-style hospitality.
What makes this place so kid-friendly is the huge grassy area for the kids to run around on, and the gorgeous swing right near the edge of Little Nerang Creek.
Shack and Co, Mudgeeraba
There is a fabulous children’s play kitchen and book area that is in view of pretty much every table in the joint, so you can keep a close eye on the kids while enjoying a moment of peace with your drink of choice.
If you really feel like treating yourself and the kids, the strawberry and Nutella pancakes are a favourite with us. We eat veggies at home, promise. Shack and Co is often open on public holidays when other cafes aren’t, which is a bonus.
When the time comes for your next ‘play and sip’ and you feel like venturing into the western part of the Gold Coast, you’ll know where to come.
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