Best family-friendly restaurants on the Sunshine Coast
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Family lunch at Your Mates, Kawana

Whether it’s eating at record speeds to avoid chaos, countless trips to the loo or trying to lower the noise levels, dining out with the tribe in tow can be hit-and-miss.

The good news is, the Sunshine Coast is filled with kid-friendly cafes, restaurants, breweries and taverns to ensure dining out with the family is an absolute breeze.

From the hinterland to the coastal pockets and everywhere in between, we’ve got you – and the kids – covered with this curated list of the Sunshine Coast’s best family-friendly venues.

Breakfast and cafes

The Ginger Factory

This hinterland haven is one place you will want to linger longer with the little ones. A celebration of all things ginger (es, really!) at The Ginger Factory you’re spoilt for choice for sweet and savoury treats, with their Gingerlatis store slinging seriously delicious gelato, a chocolate shop and on-site café The Ginger Kitchen to curb your every craving. The best part? There’s a secure and undercover playground with slides, tunnels and ropes as well as a smaller play space for toddlers – meaning all you have to do is kick back and enjoy your Ginger Beer Battered Fish in peace!

The Ginger Factory, Yandina
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The Ginger Factory, Yandina

Park and Co

To be honest, they had us at the mention of ‘playground.’ This Bli Bli gem 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!

Gun Cotton Coffee Roasters

Yes mamas, it actually is possible to drink an entire cup of coffee without it getting cold. All you have to do is pull up a table at Gun Cotton Coffee Roasters! Tucked away in the oh-so-dreamy town of Yandina, this indoor/outdoor small batch coffee roastery has an indoor toddler play area so you can sip on your delicious brew and make your way through the menu while your little one plays ‘till their heart’s content.

Gun Cotton Coffee, Yandina
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Gun Cotton Coffee, Yandina

Restaurants, breweries & markets

Terella Brewing

For top-notch beer, food and good vibes for the whole family – including your four-legged friend – make tracks to this hinterland hot spot. Nestled in North Arm, a few minutes’ drive out of Yandina, you can throw down a rug or pull up a bench seat in the sunshine and while away the afternoon at Terella Brewing. The adults will enjoy their cold Pale Ale or IPA while you grab some fare for the family from the onsite food trucks – think pizza, dumplings or tacos. But the best part? Every weekend they have their very own petting zoo with goats, pigs, chickens, sheep, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs – the kids will be entertained for hours!

Family at Terella Brewing
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Family at Terella Brewing

Drink with Mates 

Your Mates Brewing Co is your go-to for award-winning beer. Their Larry Pale Ale was voted third favourite beer in Australia in the 2021 GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beers – but it’s also a great place to chow down on some epic eats. As well as their award-winning beer and buzzing local vibe –the kids will love the indoor playground complete with cubby house and slide. Happy kids, happy parents – we’ll drink to that!

The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard

Here on the Sunshine Coast, we’re famous for our craft breweries, but that doesn’t mean we can’t woo you with fine wine, too. Perched atop the lush hills of Maleny is The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard – you can’t miss it, it’s shaped like a giant wine barrel – that serves up a selection of South East Queensland’s best vinos and delicious meals, grazing plates and cheeseboards. Sit back, sip and soak in those glorious vistas while the kids wear themselves out on the grassy lawn, onsite playground and try their hand at the giant chess set.

Fish & Chips at The Spit Mooloolaba

For a touch of nostalgia, why not make some memories with the kids and dine alfresco seaside.

It’s hard to beat throwing down a picnic blanket and unwrapping a salty bundle of freshly-cooked fish and chips overlooking the beach. The Spit at Mooloolaba is a killer spot for a simple, authentic experience, which will take you back to beach holidays of the past. With the beach at your feet, it’s fun for all the family.

Family Picnic at Mooloolaba Beach (The Spit)
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Family Picnic at Mooloolaba Beach (The Spit)

Pubs & Taverns

Kawana Waters Hotel

Relaxation comes easy here on the Sunshine Coast – dining experiences included.

Bring the kids down for lunch at this waterfront pub located along the Mooloolah River.

The family bistro has plenty of goodness for the kids and adults alike – including salads and seafood – and the kids’ play area will entertain the little ones while you soak up the atmosphere of this much-loved venue.

Buderim Tavern

Boasting killer views over the Sunshine Coast, this is the perfect spot for family lunch.

Recently given a stylish new look, Buderim Tavern dishes up your pub favourites – think Chicken Parmigiana and a Steak Sandwich - as well as the freshest local seafood and healthy salads. Good news is the kids will be as stoked as you are with plenty of yummy child-friendly food options and a playground to keep them entertained for hours.

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,  this popular pub’s food and drinks menus won’t disappoint and the little ones will be loving life in the sprawling playground located just off the main bistro. Coolum Beach Hotel’s Cool Kids Room will have them entertained while parents can relax and enjoy their meal and drinks in true Sunshine Coast style.