King of the Kids - A Secret No More!!

King Country - Redlands Best Kept Secret
58 Dinwoodie Rd Thornlands Qld 4164

T:  3206 4051

Rating out of 5:           5 child friendly forks!!  Totally geared to kids and Mums being able to relax.

Clean highchairs available? Yes.

Pram access? Yes.
Kids' menu? Yes and very cheap.
Play area? Yes, as well as farm animals, a rainforest walk and when it is busy they have pony rides, face painting and a jumping castle!!

Activities at the table? No, not needed.

Room for kids to move around? Absolutely.

Child friendly atmosphere? Yes, it's all about the kids.

Prices? Very reasonable menu prices for both adults and kids.  All activities are FREE.

We went to King Country for a friend's little girl's 4th birthday party, and to be completely honest, driving there I thought it was like driving to the other end of the earth.  The GPS kept taking us down backstreets instead of sticking to the main road and we were running late, so I was feeling a bit stressed.  But once we got to King Country at Thornlands, it was like an oasis of calm and so fantastic for the children!!
 

When you arrive it appears to be just another plant nursery, which seem to be in abundance for this area.  But take a walk to the back and you will find a casual cafe with indoor and outdoor dining, a lovely rainforest setting including a small rainforest walk, and a plethora of children's activities.  There is the standard fenced play area right next to the cafe, and then farm animals that children can go in and pat and feed including a goat, sheep, piglet, chickens and turkeys.  This is all free.  Plus, during school holidays, for busy periods or special events such as booked Mothers Group get togethers or childrens birthday parties, they also offer pony rides, a huge jumping castle with a slide and beautiful face painting.
 

The coffee was lovely and the menu options were excellent, with kids menu items starting from $2.50 for sandwiches.  They are open 7 days and I would definitely recommend for Mummy get togethers, school break up parties or play dates, or perhaps a family outing on the weekend.  Daddy can pick up the mulch and a few plants at the same time!!  I have never given 5/5, but this is a fabulous spot - King Country is King of the Kids!!  We will be back there.

Would you like Kookaburras with your Coffee??

Green Tree Frog Cafe at Walkabout Creek
60 Mt Nebo Rd
The Gap  4061
T:  3300 2558

Rating out of 5:        4 child friendly forks

Clean highchairs available? Yes.

Pram access? Yes, as well as through the wildlife area - sneaky exit for prams to avoid the stairs.
Kids' menu? Not specifically.

Play area? Not needed with the animal viewing.
Activities at the table? No.
Room for kids to move around? Yes.
Child friendly atmosphere? Yes.
Prices? Cheap cafe prices, and entry to the park is cheap too (free for under school age kids)


Yep, the name says it all....Green Tree Frog Cafe at Walkabout Creek is set amongst the wildlife of Brisbane Forest Park, and it is a fabulous place to take kids for a cheap outing without battling the crowds.  Children under school age are free to go into the wildlife area, and from memory I think school age children are about $2 and adults $5.  It is not a large walk through area, but it is enough for littlies to learn about different animals without having a whole day out.  We arrived at about 10am, walked around the wildlife area until about 11.30, which was then perfect timing for an early lunch at the cafe and home for the littlies'  midday sleep.

The wildlife area includes a platypus, wallabies, a big fat wombat, all types of lizards, snakes and water creatures, and various birds including a frog mouthed owl and several overly eager kookaburras.

The cafe's menu is limited to assorted sandwiches and paninis, sausage rolls, fruit and caesar salads, as well as cute cheese boxes with dried fruit and crackers.  But it is perfect for fuelling up after a big walk around looking at animals.  The coffee was perfect for an exhausted Mummy and Daddy keeping track of all four!

We sat outside on the goregous verandah, positioned up high in the trees of Brisbane Forest Park.  Be careful of the kookaburras as they come down and literally take the food from your plate!!  This provided great amusement for the kids!!

The Green Tree Frog Cafe is open from 9.30am til 2pm Monday to Friday, 10am til 3pm Saturday and Sunday, as well as a special Sunday brekky offer from 8.30am, which is best to book in for.  I would definitely recommend for a family outing that is relaxing for parents and also exciting for the kids, without it being a big full day outing where everyone goes home cranky.  It was the perfect half day out and would also be fun for a group of mums mid-week.  Enjoy!!

School's back....time for a civilised Mummy catch up that can accommodate littlies too.

The Chelsea...a place to eat in Paddington

Ground floor of the Barracks building 

Shop 2, 61 Petrie Terrace.

Paddintgon

T: 07 3367 1288

Rating out of 5:  3.5...maybe 4 child friendly forks....best to sit outside with children.

Clean highchairs available? Yes.

Pram access? Yes, outside seating area.

Kids' menu? No.
Play area? No.
Activities at the table? No.
Room for kids to move around? Yes, outside.
Child friendly atmosphere? Yes, outside.
Prices? Lunchtime two courses with a glass of wine was very reasonable.

With school going back today, why not have a Mummy lunch outing, where you feel special and spoilt, but can still accommodate the littlies under school age.

Okay, I admit that The Chelsea is not geared for children.  It really is an adults outing.  However, I went there recently with a group of friends and several of us had young children in tow.  We requested to sit outside and that the numerous highchairs be included with the setup.  We arrived and everything was ready as we requested.  The outdoor area has enough space that if the kids want to run around after having their lunch they can, without disrupting any other tables.

The lunchtime deal of two courses and a glass of wine for $33 was excellent value, and great for a Mums' catch up.  The food was lovely.  Menu options for kids are a bit limited but can be tailored from the adults menu.  On this occassion, mine were very happy with a big bowl of chips and some of my dessert!!  Not the healthiest I know, but it doesn't happen everyday.

It was a lovely day out where we all felt a bit civilised and still comfortable with the children being there too.  I believe that The Chelsea's owner has three young kids himself, and so he seemed more than accommodating and understanding of having the children there, and went out of his way to ensure we were happy with everything.  I would say that it wouldn't work to have more than one child accompany you inside the restaurant, but outside was a great option.

Go West....Centenary Tavern is great for kids!

Centenary Tavern
96 Sumners Road
Middle Park, Qld  4074
T: 3376 8111

Rating out of 5: 4 child friendly forks.
Clean highchairs available? Yes.
Pram access? Yes
Kids' menu? Yes.
Play area? Yes, outdoor playground and indoor computer room.
Activities at the table? Yes.
Room for kids to move around? Yes.
Child friendly atmosphere? Yes.
Prices? Reasonable- normal tavern prices.

 

I actually took Polly and her friend from school to this venue to see Babba, the Abba impersonator kids show.  If you ever get a chance to see it I would highly recommend it for both kids and parents....I think the mothers were dancing as much of the children.  Anyway, I was really impressed with the child friendly resturant that is on offer at the Centenary Tavern. There is a fantastic playground that is perfect for children over 2 years, which is visible through the large windows and also monitored on CCTV.  The indoor computer game area was small but most of the kids were drawn to the outdoor area, so it was big enough for the demand.

The food was very much standard family tavern meals, that were reasonably priced.  But I have to say the coffee was great, and the coffee lounge area was really pleasant.  The main dining room was also nice with plenty of space in between tables which is always good with prams and highchairs. 

I think the Centenary Tavern would be a great location for a Mothers Group or a Mummy mid-week catch up.  But it would also be fantastic for a family dinner or a catch up with friends where everyone can relax and have fun.  They also do Kids Parties which I think would be great too.  If you live on this side of town, it is definitely a great option for dining out with the kids.

 

Check out our Interview page, to see the latest interview with a busy Mum; talking about favourite child friendly restaurants and cafes in Brisbane / South East Queensland.

Verve for lunchtime catch up with Daddy.

Verve Cafe and Bar
Basement
109 Edward Street
Brisbane 4000
T: 3221 5691

Rating out of 5:    3.5 child friendly forks  - great to take the children for a lunchtime quick bite with Daddy, but essentially not set up for kids. 

Clean highchairs available? Yes.
Pram access? There was enough room but there arestairs.  So you would need assistance to carry the pram down.
Kids' menu? No, but plenty to choose from off the adult menu.
Play area? No.
Activities at the table? No.
Room for kids to move around? Yes, but limited.
Child friendly atmosphere? Yes.
Prices? Reasonable- normal cafe prices.

From the street, Verve is very discreet and hidden, but once you venture down the stairs it is an amazing  and vibrant space.  Initially it feels like you are entering a nightclub as the lights are dim and the music is louder than the average lunchtime restaurant.  But this is why primarily I thought it was a great option for kids.  It is loud enough, without being deafening (you can still hear each other speak), that children will not be annoying or disruptive to those seated around them.  You don't have to continually remind them to keep their voices down or stop tapping their cutlery!!

The walls are covered in colourful and interesting skateboard artwork, which was of particular interest for our kids.  The tables and chairs are very basic, and it suits the space and feels very much like its name - "Verve". 

The salmon cakes were delicious and suitable for children to share - with a little help from the kitchen to "hold the pesto".  But there were many other options that could be tailored to kids.

I am not suggesting that this is a place to take your children for a play date.  I thought it was more suitable if Dad or a friend works in town and you wanted to take the children into the city on school holidays for a lunchtime catch up.  Afterwards you can always venture down to the Botanical Gardens, catch a Citycat from the Riverside ferry stop, or  go for a beautiful river side bike ride for an after-lunch school holiday activity.  Have fun!!

Check out our Interview page, to see the latest interview with a busy Mum; talking about favourite child friendly restaurants and cafes in Brisbane / South East Queensland.

Govs just gets better and better....

Gov's Espresso and Collectables
2457 Gold Coast Highway,
Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast

Rating out of 5:    4.5 child friendly forks - awesome set up for kids!

Clean highchairs available? Yes.
Pram access? Yes, through the side gate.
Kids' menu? No, but gorgeus cupcakes.
Play area? Yes - fantastic.
Activities at the table? No need.
Room for kids to move around? Absolutely!
Child friendly atmosphere? Ditto
Prices? Very reasonable - normal cafe prices.

I know I reviewed this one not too long ago, but I wanted to give you an update.  The new sandpit and play area is now open.  It is huge compared to the previous one and you can catch up with other Mums at unmatched collectable tables and chairs within the gated area, so the children are not crying at the gate for you.  It is fabulous and I would highly recommend a visit if you are on the Gold Coast.

The only drawback being that with the recent renovation, the access is a little disjointed, but this was okay once we worked out where to go.  Also, the GC Council has limited their ability to prepare or toast anything onsite and everything needs to be in a takeaway capacity, even if you are eating/drinking in the cafe.  So the already limited menu is even more so.  It is great for a bircher museli brekky, a lunchtime sandwich or morning/afternoon tea ....and the coffee is divine.  It really is an espresso bar with a fabulous play area for kids - makes for a great catch up with other Mums whilst enjoying a coffee, or a really lovely family outing with the spectacular Spring weather.

There's Pandemonium here.....

Pandemonium Cafe
215 Given Tce
Paddington, Brisbane  4065
T:  3369 4420

Rating out of 5:  4 child friendly forks - very tolerent of children and the food is great!

Clean highchairs available? Yes - about 4 available.
Pram access? Yes, outside.  Inside might be a bit squishy.
Kids' menu? No, but the menu is easily adapted for children.
Play area? No.
Activities at the table? No.
Room for kids to move around? Yes, but limited.
Child friendly atmosphere? Yes.
Prices? Very reasonable.

Located in a lime green "queenslander" in the heart of Paddington, this cafe is an old favourite of mine.  It is very casual and the retro furniture and the non-precious atmosphere, makes you feel comfortable and at home from the moment you walk in the door.  The owner seems to take a hands-on role and has been there every time I go, waiting on tables, taking coffee orders and generally speaking with her patrons.  She is very welcoming of families and takes the time to talk through the menu to make it suitable for the children.


On my most recent visit, the front courtyard had a table of about 15 women, all with young babies or toddlers.  Everyone seemed happy and well looked after.


It does not have a play area or anything specific for children, but the food is fast and the atmosphere is very kid friendly. 


The coffee is lovely and they cater for all walks of life including coeliacs, vegans, vegetarians, and my family being carnivores!!  Plus they have a special on takeaway coffee - only $2 for small and $2.50 for large.  So a great stop if you are going walking with the pram through Paddington, or just want a coffee fix as you are driving through.


All the food is made to order and made on the premises and reminds me of the old style country town cafe, with big servings and wholesome food.  Great for a Spring family outing for brekky, lunch or coffee on Fathers Day.  Dad and the kids are sure to love it!!  We will definitely be back.

Check out our Interview page, to see the latest interview with a busy Mum; talking about favourite child friendly restaurants and cafes in Brisbane / South East Queensland.