Whether it’s eating at record speeds to avoid chaos, meltdowns over menus or trying to keep the noise to a minimum, eating out with the kids can be hit-and-miss.
The good news is, the Sunshine Coast is filled with family-friendly cafes, restaurants, breweries, and taverns to ensure dining out with the kids is a piece of cake.
From the hinterland to the coast, we’ve got you – and the kids – covered with this curated list of the Sunshine Coast’s best family-friendly restaurants.
Restaurants & Breweries
The Doonan
The Doonan
A giant jumping pillow, trampolines, playground and footy field… when it comes to catering for the kids, The Doonan has much more than chicken nuggets. Tucked away in bushland between Eumundi and Noosa, this picturesque venue is literally made for family friendly dining. Book a table, sit back with a cold drink, and watch the kids run wild as you tuck into your Mooloolaba prawn brioche, duck spelt risotto and ox cheek pie. Did we mention they also have a pizzeria and ice-creamery on site? If you haven’t visited this hot spot already, consider this your sign.
Matso’s Sunshine Coast Brewery
Matso's Sunshine Coast, Eumundi
Picture this: the sun is shining, you’ve got a cold drink in hand, and the kids are having the time of their lives playing outdoors. With an undercover playground onsite, Matso’s Sunshine Coast Brewery in Eumundi is the perfect spot to dine out with the family. As the kids play under the mango trees, you’re free to kick back with one of Matso’s famous Mango and Ginger beers. Pair this with a cracking menu, and you’ve got something for the whole family.
Terella Brewing
Family at Terella Brewing, North Arm, Sunshine Coast
Terella Brewing has a Farmyard on site every weekend for the kids – need we say more? We’re talking pigs, ducks, chickens, sheep, goats, miniature horses, rabbits and guinea pigs – with entry to the Farmyard just $6 per person or $25 for a family pass (five tickets). Pair that with food trucks and seriously good beers, it’s the perfect spot to while away an afternoon. Book a table or bring a picnic blanket and make yourself at home on the sprawling lawn at this charming spot located just a few minutes’ north of Yandina.
Your Mates Brewing Co & Crackerjack Cooroy
Family at Your Mates Brewing Co, Warana, Sunshine Coast
They had us at indoor playground. But couple that with the award-winning craft beers at Your Mates Brewing Co, and you’ve got yourself an epic spot for a family meal out. Expect coastal vibes and delicious food at this local institution, located in the heart of Kawana. And if you’re further north, make sure to make a reservation at their sister venue – Crackerjack Cooroy. Here they pair an Asian-inspired menu with lawn bowls and great beers, making it one stop shop for family fun.
The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard
With a venue shaped like a giant wine barrel, it’s impossible to miss The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard when you’re driving up the Hinterland range. Inside you’ll find a selection of south east Queensland wines, craft beers and local produce. With a grassy lawn, onsite playground and giant chess set outside, add this spot to your favourite places in the Hinterland to sit back and soak in the magnificent views.
Driftwood Restaurant, Cafe & Bar
The pool at Ingenia Holidays Rivershore
It’s poolside dining at its family friendly finest. Driftwood Restaurant, Cafe & Bar – located at the riverside holiday park Ingenia Holidays Rivershore - is open for guests and visitors alike, making it the perfect spot to base yourself for the day. With views overlooking the resort pool, you can swim, eat and repeat until your heart’s content. We recommend booking a day pass in advance – they cost $20 for kids aged 3 and over – and lean into the holiday vibes.
Fish & Chips at The Spit Mooloolaba
Family Picnic at The Spit, Mooloolaba
It’s hard to beat throwing down a picnic blanket and unwrapping some freshly-cooked fish and chips at the beach. And The Spit at Mooloolaba is the perfect spot to do just that, with a bunch of delicious fisheries to choose from. Take your pick of delicious Mooloolaba prawns, spanner crabs and fish brought in by trawler that morning, get a family sized serve of chippies, and head down to watch the sunset by the water. Make sure to pack a towel for a splash in the waves, before hitting up the nearby playground. It’s the kind of family meal holiday memories are made of.
Cafes and brunch spots
The Ginger Factory
The Ginger Factory, Yandina
The Ginger Factory is one place you will want to linger longer with the little ones. A celebration of all things ginger (yes, really!) this family-friendly attraction has an onsite café packed sweet, savoury and spicy treats. The best part? There are multiple playgrounds with slides, tunnels and ropes - as well as a smaller play space for toddlers – nearby, meaning you can have your Ginger Beer Battered Fish and eat it, too.
The Local Parklakes
This Bli Bli cafe is the perfect spot to relax alfresco and enjoy delicious food while the kids live their best lives in the adjoining playground. This local haunt is open seven days for breakfast with plenty of options on the kid’s menu – we’re looking at you, dippy eggs and soldiers – as well as dinner Thursday to Sunday. You can even bring the fur babies along, we’ll see you there!
Pubs & Taverns
Kawana Waters Hotel
Kawana Hotel, Sunshine Coast
Relaxation comes easy here on the Sunshine Coast – dining experiences included. Located along the Mooloolah River, Kawana Waters Hotel is a great spot for a sunset meal with the kids. The family bistro has a menu to please even the fussiest of eaters and a kids’ play area to keep the little ones happy in between courses.
Buderim Tavern
Boasting killer views over the Sunshine Coast, this is the perfect spot for family lunch. Buderim Tavern dishes up your pub favourites – think Chicken Parmigiana and a Steak Sandwich - as well as the freshest local seafood and salads. They also have an outdoor bar area, perfect for warm summer afternoons. Good news is the kids will be just as stoked as you are with plenty of kid-friendly food options and a playground to keep them entertained.
Coolum Beach Hotel
Let’s face it, we don’t need an excuse to visit Coolum Beach – it’s a mecca for laidback family fun – but this venue is a definite drawcard for chilled family dining. Relaxed and fuss-free, sit back and listen to live music while the kids explore the sprawling playground and Kids Room.
