Hobart’s Kid-Friendliest Places To Eat & Drink like A Grown-up
By Romely Cadornigara
From cafés to wineries and some local institutions, here’s our list of the best family-friendly places to eat out in greater Hobart.
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There’s a moment in a child’s life when the discovery of their own legs (good for running) and their own hands (excellent for picking up and hurling objects) activates a new phase of parenthood for those they call mum and dad. Favourite pastimes and daily activities that were once straightforward and relaxing - a café lunch date or an al fresco wine, say - have the potential to become traumatic events with a toddler in tow. Between the public tantrums, table setting deconstruction, and cold stares from other patrons, eating within the comfort and safety of your own home can seem like a better option for many parents.
Time to push those fears and anxiety aside, Mum and Dad! Providing more than just a few high chairs and deep-fried menu items, these establishments are perfect for busy little humans that need entertaining.
PUDDLEDUCK VINEYARD
Puddleduck Vineyard (image: Tourism Australia)
Puddleduck’s “Green Zone” is specifically for groups with younger children, so it’s the ideal place to pull up a seat when Mum and Dad are craving a vino, but still have to responsibly parent. There’s a playground for under-6’s, plenty of balls, bouncy toys and grass to run around on, plus it’s close to the duck feeding area. Order the Puddleduck Play Pack from the Children’s Menu for some tasty treats, an activity book, pencils and duck food. And don’t worry, they haven’t forgotten about the adults - there’s also an extensive Pecking and Drinks menu for mature taste buds! Everybody wins!
992 Richmond Rd, Richmond
Monday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
LITTLEWOOD BERRY FARM
Littlewood Berry Farm (image: Tourism Australia)
Just up the road from Puddleduck - though technically not a café or restaurant - is an amazing place for the whole family on a sunny afternoon! Affectionately known as “The Patch”, little kids can explore row upon row of delicious and ripe strawberries in their gumboots, and pick a punnet of their own, then say hello to Littlewood’s pet sheep and Highland cows. The big kids can fuel up at the Little Bean Coffee Van on-site, and browse the Hut for locally-made ice cream, jam and liqueurs. You’re even welcome to BYO picnic and find a spot on the grounds.
1192 Richmond Road, Richmond
Seasonal opening hours - check Facebook for details
MONA
Concert on the Lawn, Mona (image: Mona and Rémi Chavin)
You almost definitely know about the poo machine inside the museum, but did you know that Mona’s outdoor areas serve up a perfect family weekend activity that doesn’t require a booking? From Friday to Monday, grab a tasty fire-cooked treat from Heavy Metal Kitchen, a glass of something cold from Moorilla Wine Bar, and a beanbag or two on the lawn. Then sit back and indulge while the kids run around the giant bronze sculpture (“Girls Rule” by US artist Tom Otterness) which doubles as a children’s playground. Before leaving, enjoy a few minutes of air-time on the trampoline located near the museum entrance.
655 Main Rd, Berriedale
Friday-Monday, 9.30am-close (Wine Bar); 12pm-3pm (Heavy Metal Kitchen)
MURES LOWER DECK
Mures (image: Instagram)
For 50 years, this Hobart institution has provided fresh, locally-caught seafood and delicious fish & chips to the masses. During school holidays, every Mures kids meal purchased comes with a complimentary juice and single scoop ice-cream, with plenty of colouring-in sheets & pencils to keep them occupied. Wander around the waterfront with the tribe and check out the boats docked nearby - if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a seal or two.
Victoria Dock, Hobart
Monday-Sunday, 8am-9pm
RIVULET CAFÉ
Rivulet Café (image: Instagram)
A must for mums and dads groups, this hidden gem is tucked away from the main street within the C3 Church complex. Just outside Rivulet Café’s doors is a spacious fully-fenced playground with plenty of outdoor seating, room for prams, and equipment to keep the kids busy while you sit peacefully and enjoy a coffee in the sun (or shade). Bonus points for free ample parking and its location right on the beautiful rivulet walking track.
64 Anglesea Street, South Hobart
Monday-Friday, 8.30am-3.30pm
RED SQUARE CAFÉ
Red Square Café (image: Red Square Café)
In the heart of the Cambridge Homemaker Centre is a café that has everything you’ll need for a little shopping break. Red Square offers a dedicated kids menu (with other suitable items on the extended menu), and a fenced outdoor play area with shaded seating. Be strategic with the timing of your visit, though, because the kids probably won’t want to leave!
66 Kennedy Drive, Cambridge
Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm
Saturday-Sunday, 8am-5pm
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