Looking for a place where you can eat, enjoy a drink, and relax outside while the kids play? There are many fantastic family-friendly restaurants and pubs in Auckland to pick from. Check out our list below for your next family outing.

The Grounds – Henderson

A location with everything required to keep the children entertained, from colouring books and a massive playground to a kids menu featuring handmade pasta, dumplings, and delicious toasties. A dining experience with the kids at The Grounds is always a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Auckland Fish Market – Wynyard Quarter

From fish and chips and sushi to burgers and Asian fusion dishes, you're spoiled for choice at Auckland Fish Market. The open-plan environment at the market means you can order from any eatery and enjoy your meals all together. Following your family feast, take a stroll through Silo Park while the kids play on the playground. A perfect family outing day!

Sugar at Chelsea Bay – Birkenhead

Situated on the North Shore, Sugar at Chelsea Bay not only has a decadent menu (the French toast is a must-try!) and a goodie-filled cabinet. There is an interactive zone where the kids can have fun virtually baking a cake or cookies step-by-step. This modern café has expansive views across Auckland and plenty of space for the kids to run around and spend all their energy!

Cornwall Park Cafe

Tucked away in the breathtaking Cornwall Park, this cafe provides a wide range of options to suit all tastes and occasions. From freshly ground coffee to seasonal menus and a cabinet full of salads, sandwiches, and sweet goodies, there is also tasty food for the little fellas. Grab a smoothie or coffee and let the kids play soccer on the lawn.

Hallertau - Riverhead or Clevedon

Take the whānau to Riverhead or Clevedon for a meal at Hallertau. The food is delicious, and the little ones will love the special kids' menu that includes kid favourites like beef, tomato, and cheese spaghetti, pizza, fish and chips, and a variety of sweet treats (including Duck Island’s famous fairy bread ice cream) that will fill the most hungry tummies. Plus, there are a lot of things to keep the kids entertained (outdoor playground, games, colouring activities, and more).

Hawthorn Dene Historic Country Café – Botany Downs

Tucked away in an 1850’s homestead in Botany Downs, Hawthorn Dene Historic Country Café is one of East Auckland’s best kept secrets. There is a club house, playground and sandpit outside and a kids menu that includes mini pancakes, chicken nuggets and a kiddie breakfast. Pets are also welcome here!

Brothers Beers & Juke Joint BBQ - Birkenhead

Brothers Beer & Juke Joint BBQ Birkenhead is a family and dog friendly establishment with a large and sun-catching covered courtyard and a comfortable interior. Juke Joint BBQ's specialty is Southern Style cuisine, with a sharing menu featuring fried chicken, BBQ meats, sandwiches, salads, and more. They also have a kids menu, high chairs, and plenty of options on the Juke Joint BBQ menu that children will enjoy. Brothers Beer & Juke Joint BBQ has locations all over Auckland, including Mount Eden, Orakei, Onehunga, CommercialBay, City Works Depot, and Piha.

The Bistro - Soljans Estate Winery - Kumeu

The Bistro is a family-friendly cafe with a children's menu and highchairs for babies and toddlers located in a beautiful vineyard setting. There is a fantastic outdoor area with a small playhouse for toddlers and younger kids, as well as a grass field for the little ones to run about safely. Plus, there are also two petanque courts for the adults to have fun with too!

Non Solo Pizza – Parnell

Known as “a slice of Italy in Parnell” Non Solo Pizza is not just reserved for the adults. Kids can enjoy the “Bambini” menu, think pasta, pizza, chicken cotoletta, vegetables and shoestring fries. There’s even a Nutella pizza and marshmallows to try from the dessert menu - delizioso!

Ebisu – Britomart 

Ebisu offers a more elevated Japanese dining experience, right in the heart of the city. Enjoy kids bento boxes, a range of activities including colouring-in and high chairs available for those with smaller children. For the adults, tuck into free range karaage chicken, prawn dumplings, miso soup and more

The Heke - Waiheke Island

If you are looking for a relaxed, family-friendly restaurant on Waihehe Island, head to The Heke. Set in four acres of gardens, there is everything to keep the kids entertained there. From a giant inflatable jumping pillow, trucks to play with, pots and pans to 'cook' with, and Stormy the horse, the kids will love this place! The kids' menu is great value, and they even provide nappy bags for disposal. Oh, and have we mentioned that there are lawn games too?

Wild on Waiheke - Waiheke Island

Let the kids roam wild at Wild on Waiheke. With a children’s playground, sandpit, and giant trampoline to keep the kids entertained, you can rest a little over a hand-crafted beer or a nicely chilled rose! Once rested enough, you can practice your Hunger Games skills at archery, claybird shooting or some of the complimentary activities such as petanque, giant chess, volleyball and more.