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.

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

Blackbutt Hotel

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, Blackbutt Hotel is a low-key spot to 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

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

Cute Cafe

For those in the Port Stephens area, Cute Cafe is a kid-friendly haven. With a pastel aesthetic and colourful indoor play area, Cute Cafe are a proudly baby and toddler-friendly coffee shop.
Where: Shop 20, 23 Stockton St, Nelson Bay

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

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 play area where they can explore.
Where: 144 Maryland Dr, Maryland

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 kid's 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

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 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

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

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

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

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 exploration while the adults can sit back and enjoy an alfresco dining experience.
Where: 132 Young St, Carrington

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

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