Best Kid-Friendly Cafes in the Inner West
With the cooler weather upon us, it’s never been a better time to hit your local cafe for your fave coffee and something warm and nourishing – but where to go with pram or toddler in tow?
Thankfully, a number of Inner West cafés have answered our prayers so that you and your little one can have a stress-free coffee outing. Whether it’s a cubby house, a ball pit, toy box, activity pack or a great children’s menu – head to one of these venues and the kids will be amused long enough for a coffee and a natter!
For more options, you can also take a look at our previous guides – parks with a café near by and best family-friendly pubs.
[Above: The Yard, Camperdown – photo courtesy of The Yard]
The Yard at Camperdown Commons, Camperdown
Camperdown Commons is an urban farm with The Yard (formerly Acre), its casual, outdoor dining venue, open Thursday to Sunday. For little ones, there’s beds of flowers and bushes for hide ‘n seek, a sunken play area in the back, and a wide swathe of lawn for toddlers still finding their feet. For adults, there’s a DJ and live music on a Saturday and Sunday, even salsa lessons for those who fancy a twirl.
The menu is meat heavy and includes a chorizo platter, jerk chicken and brisket plate. There are wo
The menu has a focus on supporting local farmers and producers and ethically sourced produce with plenty of dining options: you can choose to have breakfast or coffee on the Garden Terrace or lunch and dinner in Acre Eatery. You can also get your coffee fix and takeaway snacks from the Container Café and sit on the wooden decking beside the play area. There is plenty of room on the lawn for kids to move about and rugs are available for you to use on the grassy areas. Complete with a chicken coop, and community library there is lots to keep your little one busy!
Kid-friendly features:
- Outdoor play area & lawn
- Kid’s menu
- Highchairs
Address: 31A Mallett Street, Camperdown
Phone: 9559 0050
Website: For more information & opening hours visit www.camperdowncommons.com.au
[Above: Double Roasters, Marrickville – photo courtesy of Double Roasters]
Double Roasters, Marrickville
Good coffee isn’t the only great thing about Double Roasters, in Marrickville. There is also a fun cubby house and slide for the kids in the outdoor space, so you may even get a chance to eat something delicious from the menu!
Kid-friendly features:
- Outdoor play area
- Cubby house and slide
- Kid’s menu & free babychinos
- Highchairs
Address: 199 Victoria Road, Marrickville
Phone: 9572 7711
Website: For more information & opening hours visit www.doubleroasters.com
[Above: Envy Deli Cafe, Summer Hill – photo courtesy of Envy Deli Cafe]
Envy Deli Café, Summer Hill
Located in Summer Hill, Envy Deli Cafe is another chirpy kid-friendly café, serving up Toby’s Estate coffee and all-day breakfast or lunch. You can choose to sit out in the large courtyard under the Jacaranda tree or inside where there are plenty of toys, books and colouring activities to keep the kids entertained. There is a counter full of homemade cakes and treats as well as a kid’s breakfast option.
Kid-friendly features:
- Toy box
- Colouring supplies
- Kid’s breakfast option or menu can be modified
- Highchairs
Address: 109 Smith Street, Summer Hill
Phone: 9797 1668
Website: For more information & opening hours www.envydelicafe.com.au
[Above: Garçon, Tramsheds – photo courtesy of Garçon]
Garçon at the Tramsheds, Harold Park
There are plenty of coffee and food options in this converted tram depot, including Garçon. Garçon is a slice of Paris, right here in the Inner West! There is outdoor seating, which is ideal if you have a pram, whilst inside – there are wooden games for the kids to play with, books and colouring activities. As well as a great kid’s menu, there is also a crepes/pancakes cart from 2.30pm Thursday – Sunday.
Whilst you are there, the kids will probably want a check out the tram next to Butcher and the Farmer cafe (also very kid-friendly). There is also a fantastic new playground right next to the Tramsheds. Our top tip – check out the amazing parents room whilst you are there – 5 star luxury!
[Above: The Tramsheds, Harold Park & parent room – photos by Anna Jameson]
Kid-friendly features:
- Wooden toys, books and colouring
- Playground close by
- Spacious & clean parent room
- Kid’s menu
- Highchairs
- Free 2-hour parking
Address: 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge
Phone: 0415 868 550
Website: For more information & opening hours visit www.tramshedssydney.com.au
[Above: Gather on the Green, Camperdown – photo courtesy of Gather on the Green]
Gather on the Green, Camperdown
Gather on the Green overlooks Camperdown Oval, a popular spot for mother’s groups and locals with a relaxed atmosphere. Although there is no dedicated play area, the café can provide you with picnic rugs for you to sit across in the oval. Staff will happily deliver your (Mecca) coffees wherever you choose to sit. If you choose to sit inside, colouring supplies are on hand to keep your little ones busy as well as some tasty treats!
Kid-friendly features:
- Close proximity to Camperdown oval
- Picnic rugs available
- Kid’s colouring kits
- Menu can be modified for kid-sized portions
- Highchairs
Address: 15 Fowler St, Camperdown
Phone: 9557 4106
Website: For more information & opening hours visit www.facebook.com/GatherOnTheGreen/
[Above: BonHomie Cafe and Bar, Five Dock – photo courtesy of BonHomie Cafe and Bar]
BonHomie Cafe and Bar (formerly Lab Kitchen), Five Dock
Lab Kitchen was a fave of IWMs and the good news is that BonHomie Cafe and Bar has retained the spirit of the previous cheerful Five Dock cafe. The backyard play area is still there and pets are still welcome. But with a license there’s now a bar and a Friday Happy Hour so parents can ‘wine-down’ after a long week.
The mod-Oz menu is full of faves like smashed avo on sourdough, burgers and pasta – but there’s also a taco menu and healthy bowls to cater to everyone’s taste and dietary needs. Grab a chair under the awning and savour your morning latte as the kids burn off some much needed energy on the play equipment.
- Outdoor play area with toys and play equipment
- Undercover play area
- Dog friendly
- Highchairs
- Kid’s menu
Phone: 0483 297 307
Address: 108 Great North Road, Five Dock
Website: For more information & opening hours visit www.bonhomiecafe.com.au
[Above: Outfield, Ashfield – photo courtesy of Outfield]
Outfield, Ashfield
This café has a winning combination – great food, great coffee plus space for the kids to explore and play on the grassy lawn of Yeo Park. With plenty of outdoor seating, picnic rugs to borrow, this is the perfect venue for kids of all ages. There is a simple and healthy kid-friendly menu with an array of tasty treats such as cookies, cakes and Pure Pops ice blocks. Our top tip – during the school holidays there are some fantastic free activities such as a Paper Plane making workshop!
Kid-friendly features:
- Kid’s menu
- Located inside Yeo Park
- Ball and park games provided
- Picnic rugs available
Address: 230 Victoria Street, Ashfield (inside of Yeo Park)
Website: www.outfield.com.au
[Above: Sideways Deli, Dulwich Hill – photo courtesy of Sideways Deli]
Sideways Deli, Dulwich Hill
Located in Dulwich Hill, Sideways Deli has a great reputation amongst families for being very kid-friendly. The staff are very welcoming of children and there are colouring supplies on hand to keep little ones busy, whilst there is also a toy box and kid’s books. Kid’s brekkie is available as well as an amazing array of themed-cookies – including iced unicorn cookies on sticks, ‘Tiny Teacups’ with sprinkles and marshmallows and ‘Teddy Hot Wheels’ treats – perfect rewards for good behaviour! Johnson Park playground is close by and the The Magic Yellow Bus play bus (with toys and activities) also runs here.
Kid-friendly features:
- Kid’s toy box
- Colouring supplies
- Kid-friendly portions
- Johnson Park playground close by
Address: 37 Constitution Road, Dulwich Hill
Phone: 9560 1425
Website: For more information & opening hours visit www.sidewaysdelicafe.com.au
[Above: The Cove Dining Co, Abbottsford – photo courtesy of The Cove Dining Co]
The Cove Dining Co, Abbottsford
Located in a former factory and heritage-listed building in Abbottsford, The Cove Dining Co has plenty of character and space both inside and out – making it ideal for those with prams and larger groups. There is outdoor seating overlooking the garden and veggie patch and lots of space for the kids to run about. The café is well equipped for kids – with baby change tables, highchairs, toys, books and pencils and paper. There is a great selection of homemade treats, a delicious breakfast and lunch menu and Campos coffee.
Kid-friendly features:
- Pram friendly
- Good for large groups
- Garden
- Kid’s menu
- Highchairs
- Toys & activity packs
Address: 378 Great North Road, Abbotsford
Phone: 9713 7896
Website: For more information & opening hours visit www.thecovediningco.com
[Above: The Grounds of Alexandria – photo courtesy of The Grounds]
The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria
Not technically Inner West, but this mega-café deserves a mention. Located in a heritage-listed warehouse, The Grounds of Alexandria is a great place to visit with the family. There is a busy indoor café and an enormous outdoor courtyard where you can order takeaway and sit under the trellis. Choose to eat and drink from the Potting Shed, the Garden, or the Café – beware there is a counter loaded with incredible sweet treats that are too good to resist. The kids will love exploring the garden area that is bursting with things to look at including the resident pig – Harry Trotter and some feathery friends. The laneways are often transformed into themed installations including, Aladdin and Frozen – and it has become one of Sydney’s most instagrammable cafés. On the downside it can get really busy and tricky to park, especially on weekends – but definitely worth the trip.
- Large courtyard seating area
- Farm animals
- Kid’s menu
- Highchairs
Address: 7a/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria
Phone: 9699 2225
Website: For more information & opening hours visit www.thegrounds.com.au
The Picnic, Burwood
Location is everything! The Picnic is an outdoor café that has a great position inside of a park – a few metres from a fenced playground. There is a kid’s breakfast and lunch menu, easy access for prams and you can even order from the kiosk and take a picnic rug to the park.
Kid-friendly features:
- Fenced playground (few metres away)
- Kid’s menu
- Highchairs
- Picnic rugs and takeaway
Address: Burwood Road & Park Avenue, Burwood
Phone: 9745 1034
Website: For more information & opening hours visit www.thepicnicburwood.com.au
[Above: The Pig & Pastry, Petersham – photo courtesy of The Pig & Pastry]
The Pig and Pastry, Petersham
The Pig and Pastry is a cosy café, located directly opposite Petersham Oval. Serving up delicious, award-winning handmade baked goods and brunch – using fresh, organic and local produce. With a toy box to keep the kids entertained and a fabulous ‘ Little Piggy’ menu – this a great family-friendly venue.
Kid-friendly features:
- Toy box
- Colouring
- ‘Little Piggy’ kid’s menu
- Highchairs
Address: 1 Station Street, Petersham
Phone: 9568 4644
Website: For more information & opening hours visit www.thepigandpastry.com.au
[Above: Twinkle Kids Café, Burwood – photo courtesy of Twinkle Kids Cafe]
Twinkle Kids Café, Burwood
Located in Burwood Plaza, Twinkle Café is kid heaven – a café meets indoor playground in one! Whilst this strictly speaking is a play centre and entry fees apply, it’s also a café for parents and carers to enjoy a coffee and watch the kids play. There is huge colourful ball pit, an enclosed play structure, slides, role-play activities, dress ups and a dedicated baby area.
Kid-friendly features:
- Indoor play centre
- Kid’s menu
- Parents room
- Highchairs
Address: Shop 48A, level 1/42 Railway Parade, Burwood
Phone: 9715 1558
Website: For more information & opening hours visit www.facebook.com/twinklekidscafeburwood
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Bitton Gourmet, Alexandria – great enclosed indoor play area
Contessa, Balmain – best babychinos in Sydney!
Little Cup and Saucer, Canterbury
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