Keep the little ones occupied with these kid-friendly eateries

Going out to eat with the kids isn’t always easy, but having a family dinner out of the home doesn’t need to be stressful. Looking for a place that can keep the little ones occupied while you enjoy your meal? Our guide to restaurants with playgrounds in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie will help ensure the whole family enjoys their night out.

The Argenton Hotel

For a casual, pub-style meal, look no further than The Argenton Hotel. The comfortable, modern outdoor area features a large playground and cabana shelters, perfect for family-friendly eats.
Where: 515 Lake Rd, Argenton

Belmont 16s

Soak up the sunshine on the water at Belmont 16s, where there's plenty of space for the whole family. Enjoy a meal overlooking the lake while the kids enjoy the play equipment.
Where: The Parade, Belmont

The Belmont Hotel

The Belmont Hotel is a child-friendly spot on the highway at – you guessed it – Belmont. Kick back with one of the daily specials for a cheap feed and let the kids roam on the playground.
Where: 483-485 Pacific Hwy, Belmont

Blackbutt Hotel

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, Blackbutt Hotel is a low-key spot for a family meal. All the meals are reasonably priced, so you won't have the break the bank when you dine.
Where: 80 Orchardtown Rd, New Lambton

Carrington Bowling Club 

This old-fashioned bowling club situated on Cowper Street in Carrington has a relaxed friendly space for the whole family. The best part? Right next door is Connolly Park that has a great little playground for the kids to explore.
Where: 1C Cowper St N, Carrington

Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows

For all the Caves Beach locals, Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows is the ideal venue for kids and adults alike. With stunning ocean views, modern interiors, a beer garden, and a dedicated child playground, it truly is a family experience!
Where: 27 Mawson Cl, Caves Beach

Club Charlestown

With an outdoor courtyard and fenced-off playground, Club Charlestown serves up a family-friendly experience with a great kids menu to match.
Where: 5 Lincoln St, Charlestown

Club Kotara

Located right on the corner of Kotara Park and a short drive from Westfield, Club Kotara was fitted out with a new indoor kids area in 2024. This paired with their monthly markets on the green, Club Kotara is a great kid-friendly spot.
Where: 2 Howell St, Kotara 

The Diner at Dullboy’s Social Co. 

Inside Lake Macquarie’s premier entertainment destination, Dullboy’s Social Co. is this American diner-inspired foodie spot. With bowling, mini-golf, and arcade games right at your fingertips, it’s as kid-friendly as it comes!
Where: 326 Hillsborough Rd, Warners Bay

General Washington Hotel

Just across the harbour in Stockton is the General Washington Hotel comes complete with your standard pub meals plus an enclosed kids’ area towards the back of the venue.
Where: 1 Mitchell St, Stockton

Harrigan's Cameron Park

Take a seat in the main dining area, known as Lakeside Bistro. The expansive open plan space is adjoined by the enclosed kids play room which houses a range of activities to keep the little ones occupied.
Where: 70 McKendry Dr, Cameron Park

Hotel Elermore

Featuring an undercover kids’ play area with slides, tunnels, and sensory toys, keep the little ones occupied while you dine at Hotel Elermore.
Where: 145 Croudace Rd, Elermore Vale

Jewells Tavern

Grab an easy pub feed with the family at Jewells Tavern, a much-loved local pub for many years. The big kids will love happy hour from Wednesday to Friday, while the little kids will love the play area and dedicated kids’ menu.
Where: 73 Ntaba Rd, Jewells

Kahibah Sports Club

The recently refurbished bar and bistro are great for dropping by for a feed at the best of times. But, if you’re looking for a little active entertainment for the whole family, slot yourselves in for a round of mini-golf at their on-site 18-hole course.
Where: 63 Kenibea Ave, Kahibah

Lowlands Bowling Club

Neighbouring Cooks Hill’s Centennial Park, Lowlands Bowling Club offers several options for in-dining child supervision. Sit down at the window seats or at the outdoor tables to enjoy a casual family meal.
Where: 98A Dawson St, Cooks Hill

Maryland Tavern

Maryland Tavern is your family-friendly local in Maryland, with a $12 kids menu to keep the hungry little ones happy and a play area where they can explore.
Where: 144 Maryland Dr, Maryland

Minmi Hotel

Minmi Pub has recently come under new ownership with the owners/management making some fantastic improvements to the space, including a new beer garden and a great playground for kids.
Where: 156 Woodford St, Minmi 

Mattara Hotel

Charlestown’s Mattara Hotel has something for the whole family. The kids’ indoor playroom features arcade games and equipment, while the indoor and outdoor dining spaces are open to everyone.
Where: 333 Charlestown Rd, Charlestown

Modus Merewether

This brewery in the backstreets of one of Newcastle's favourite suburbs, Merewether, includes a massive kids’ play area. Let the kids run around while you enjoy a beer or two, and a meal from the menu full of elevated pub-style fare.
Where: 20 Merewether St, Merewether

The Prince of Merewether

Following their all-inclusive 2019 renovations, The Prince of Merewether now contains a dedicated kids' playroom which features books, cubbies, and toys. With outdoor deck space and modern indoor dining, The Prince is a great spot for families.
Where: 1 Morgan St, Merewether

The Shortland Hotel

Get the kids to the play zone before grabbing a drink and enjoying a pub feed for yourself at The Shortland Hotel.
Where: 269 Sandgate Rd, Shortland

Souths Merewether

Souths Merewether boasts a fully enclosed, air-conditioned indoor play area that comes with an arcade game. The play area is open daily from 10am, perfect for those rainy days or hot summer days. 
Where: 46 Llewellyn St, Merewether

Sunnyside Tavern

The much-loved Broadmeadow tavern opened a kids’ playground in early 2021. While the young ones play on the undercover equipment, the rest of the family can enjoy hearty pub food.
Where: 20 Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow

The Sydney Junction Hotel

With an impressive indoor playground and tasty pub menu, The Sydney Junction Hotel offers the ultimate kid-friendly experience. As a bonus, the spacious beer garden has a retractable roof for year-long enjoyment.
Where: 8 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Wallsend Diggers

Drop by Wallsend Diggers and let the kids enjoy their huge undercover kids’ playground.
Where: 5 Tyrell St, Wallsend

Warners at the Bay Hotel

While the adults enjoy a meal and a craft beer, leave the young ones to the undercover play area. With a dedicated kids’ menu, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Where: 320 Hillsborough Rd, Warner’s Bay

Wests New Lambton

Treehouse Play Zone at Wests New Lambton is open daily 10am–10pm, with safe, colourful play zones for kids while you relax with a drink and meal. Kids menus include a free drink and fun pack. Kids menus are offered at each Wests location: New Lambton, Nelson Bay, Cardiff, Mayfield, and City.
Where: 88 Hobart Rd, New Lambton

The Young Street Hotel

The Young Street Hotel’s eco-play space is a childhood wonderland. Featuring wooden cubbies and twin slides, the young ones are open to explore while the adults can sit back and enjoy an alfresco dining experience.
Where: 132 Young St, Carrington

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