Sip, Play, Relax: Sydney’s Best Family-Friendly Cafés with Play Areas

Is there anything better than a perfectly made coffee? How about enjoying that coffee while it’s still hot, knowing your little ones are happily and safely entertained nearby? We hear you. Finding a café that truly welcomes the joyful chaos of family life can feel like striking gold.

Forget rushed sips and constant jiggling on your lap. We’ve curated a list of Sydney’s most wonderful family-friendly cafés where the play areas are as thoughtfully considered as the menu. These are the spots where you can actually take a breath, finish a conversation, and watch your kids make magical memories. You’ve earned this.

Here are six of the best cafés in Sydney designed for both parents and kids to enjoy.

This bright, airy café feels like a permanent garden party. Located within Burwood Park, The Picnic offers a fantastic modern Australian menu with the park’s playground directly adjacent, making it the ultimate destination for a relaxed family meal.

Why You’ll Love It:  The open-plan design and floor-to-ceiling windows mean you can keep a watchful eye on the kids playing in the park from the comfort of your table. It’s the perfect blend of a delicious, stylish brunch and outdoor fun.

• Location:  Burwood Park, Corner of Park Avenue and Burwood Road, Burwood NSW 2134

• Ticket Information:  No entry fee, but bookings are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

• Family Tips:  Grab a takeaway coffee and some treats to enjoy in the park after your meal. The playground has equipment suitable for a range of ages.

Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, The Incinerator offers a unique dining experience with a side of history. Downstairs, a small, enclosed grassy area gives toddlers a safe space to roam while you enjoy your coffee from the adjoining tables.

Why You’ll Love It:  It combines architectural cool with practical family features. The quality of the food and coffee is exceptional, making it a treat for parents, while the contained play space means you don’t have to compromise.

•  Location:  2a Small Street, Willoughby NSW 2068

•  Ticket Information:  Free to enter. Bookings are essential as it’s a popular local favourite.

•  Family Tips:  The downstairs area is best for crawlers and toddlers. For older kids, Hallstrom Park is just a short walk away for a post-brunch runaround.

A true oasis in the middle of Alexandria’s urban landscape, Cooh is renowned for its wholesome, organic menu and its fantastic kids’ play area. The dedicated corner is fenced, filled with toys and a chalkboard, and perfectly visible from many of the tables.

Why You’ll Love It:  The space is huge, so you never feel cramped, even with a pram. The focus on healthy, delicious food means you can find something nourishing for everyone, from vibrant salads to a stellar kids' menu.

•  Location:  90-96 Bourke Road, Alexandria NSW 2015

•  Ticket Information:  No entry fee. It's a large venue, but weekend brunch can get busy, so book ahead.

•  Family Tips:  The café is very pram-friendly with plenty of room to navigate. Their smoothies are a huge hit with the little ones!

An absolute icon of the Sydney café scene, The Grounds is more than just a place to eat—it's an experience. With farm animals, stunning gardens to explore, and regular themed installations, it’s a wonderland for all ages.

Why You’ll Love It:  The sheer amount of things to see and do means kids are endlessly entertained. Visiting Kevin Bacon (the resident pig) and his farm animal friends is a highlight that makes any visit unforgettable.

•  Location:  7a/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria NSW 2015

•  Ticket Information:  Free to enter the general grounds. Bookings for The Café or The Potting Shed are highly recommended to avoid long waits.

•  Family Tips:  Go on a weekday morning if you can to avoid the biggest crowds. The laneways and gardens are perfect for a post-meal stroll and exploration.

While not a single café, Tramsheds is a beautifully restored food hall that houses multiple eateries and a brilliant, centrally located play area. You can grab coffee and croissants from one vendor, pizza from another, and find a table near the retired tram carriage that features a dedicated kids' zone.

Why You’ll Love It:  The variety is unbeatable. It caters to every craving and dietary need in the family. The shared play space allows kids to socialise and play safely while you supervise from a comfortable distance.

• Location:  1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge NSW 2037

• Ticket Information:  Free to enter. No bookings required for the general space, but individual restaurants may take reservations.

• Family Tips:  The play area is inside the old tram, which is a huge novelty for kids. It's fully undercover, making it a perfect rainy-day option.

Located within the Flower Power garden centre, Frankie’s Café is a hidden gem for northern beaches families. The café overlooks a fully fenced and shaded playground, so you can genuinely sit back and relax.

Why You’ll Love It:  It’s a peaceful, green escape. The combination of a reliable café menu, great coffee, and a safe, visible playground is a winning formula. Plus, you can browse the plants and homewares afterwards.

• Location:  277 Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills NSW 2084

• Ticket Information:  No entry fee. The café can get busy, so it’s wise to book, especially for larger groups.

• Family Tips:  The playground is fantastic for toddlers and pre-schoolers. There's easy parking, and the garden centre environment adds an extra layer of fun for curious kids.