Where to eat with kids

Eating out with kids means fuss free favourites, happy full tummies, and no cleaning up afterwards — so yes, it's time to head out with the crew and enjoy some of Newcastle's family-friendly faves. 

504 Glebe Road, Adamstown NSW 2289 

Affectionately known as the ABC, Adamstown Bowling Club is home to The Barn Bistro and The Rinks Pizza Bar. With indoor dining and a sprawling outdoor eating space (where the kids can run about and burn off some energy), pop along with the family for some relaxed vibes and great food classics.  

Sneak peek eats: Barn Bistro serves pub classics, like burgers and schnitzels, plus crowd favourites like fish tacos and pulled pork sliders. For pizza lovers, it's an eclectic mix of Italian staples and Australian twists, all on wood fired bases. Yummo! 

11 Steel St, Newcastle West

If there’s one cuisine adults and kids seem to agree on, it’s Mexican. And this family friendly eatery serves up authentic Mexican street food, packed full of flavour and fresh ingredients – with everything on the menu made from scratch. Casual vibes, complete with a fun caravan cubby house.  

Sneak peek eats: Expect all the Mexican classics, like burritos, mulitas, nachos and tacos but with a contemporary twist served in an airy warehouse in Newcastle West’s burgeoning west end. 

99 Frederick St, Merewether

A long-time Merewether favourite is the newly renovated and revamped The Beaches. The kids will love eating out on the alfresco balcony, while the parents soak up the fresh salty air and chilled pub atmosphere. Or for the ultra-nostalgic milk bar experience, Larrie's downstairs might be your thing.  

Sneak peek eats: Think pub classics featuring quality local produce, and that's The Beaches. Larrie's serves up a healthy dose of fresh seafood, skewers, and burgers, with classic kid-friendly options.   

80 Orchardtown Road, New Lambton  

With a huge indoor play area and a kids eat free special offer on Sunday evenings, Blackbutt Hotel absolutely welcomes little ones. Plus, for the adults there's regular live music events, trivia, and delicious pub fare. A New Lambton favourite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Come on kids, let's go.  

Sneak peek eats: Bacon and eggs, waffles, and beautiful barista made brews at brekkie, through to pub classics, such as pizza, steaks and schnitzels, and pasta for lunch or dinner. Kids meals also come with ice cream!   

40/54 Clyde St, Hamilton North

If family outings always include your fur baby, Elmas in Hamilton North will tick all your boxes. Families with pets will enjoy sitting among the towering gums and festoon lights outdoors, while the cosy café interior invites lovers of international flavours and smooth rich coffees.  

Sneak peek eats: From classic sandwiches to Banh Mi or Moroccan pulled pork wraps for brunch and lunch, plus an after dark menu with the likes of slow cooked lamb to mushroom arancini, Elmas menu is seasonal and sensational. 

218 King Street, Newcastle  

Foghorn Brewery is an all-ages friendly venue with fresh local produce showcased alongside a host of local and award-winning brews. The industrial décor and working brewery vibes are a perfect backdrop for noisy and energetic families.  

Sneak peek eats: From the popcorn cauliflower and patatas bravas starters to the St Louis pork ribs and chicken saltimbocca, to generous pizzas, an under 12s menu, and fresh churros for dessert, there is something for even the fussiest of families on Foghorn's relaxed, yet vibrant menu. 

64-66 Scott Street, Newcastle East  

When the tables are adorned with snakes and ladders boards, you know this local beer house is going to be a winner with the kids. Oh, and how about the arcade games, activity packs, and kids menu — tick, tick, tick.   

Sneak peek eats: With 21 independent and Australian brewed craft beers on tap, the menu boasts a host of classic pairing options, like buffalo wings, burgers, steaks, and pizzas. Of course, there are salads, wraps, and kid classics to make sure everyone leaves happy. 

188 Union St, The Junction

If the kids are old enough to sit still for more than 10 minutes, they’ll love the retro inspired Hood with cosy booths and street facing milk bar. In the heart of The Junction this casual spot is perfect for breakfasts, brunch and burger loving families. 

Sneak peek eats: Grab a cosy booth and order dishes like corn fritters or fried chicken burgers from the all-day menu. Or order a milkshake, waffles or a decadent sundae. You can also grab a house made gelato for kids on the move.  

*Speaking of gelato, check out where to get your hands on Newcastle’s best icy treats 

42 Shortland Esp, Newcastle East

Beach vistas and miles of sandy playground make The Kiosk an ideal family lunch or (early) dinner spot. While there’s little in the way of official seating here, you can nab a picnic table overlooking the waves, sprawl on the tiered steps or head down to the sand to really stretch out. 

Sneak peek eats: Daytime visits might call for acai bowls, coffee, burgers or milkshakes. And if the family is ready for coastal comfort food at its best, it's hard to go past the takeaway family fish and chip pack. Oh, and the delicious Pure Pops make a great dessert. 

98a Dawson St, Cooks Hill

With Centennial Park playground right next door and barefoot bowls on offer, Lowlands is a firm family favourite. If you have young kids that can’t sit still, order takeaway and grab a picnic table beside the playground. They’ll buzz you when your order is ready. It’s a win-win for families.  

Sneak peek eats: Food is by Little Castro, known for serving up delicious Caribbean dishes (you really must try the rice bowls — so good!), as well as flavour-filled burgers, mains, and kids menu favourites. 

237 Hunter Street, Newcastle  

Just past the main bar of this iconic Newcastle pub, a Palm Springs inspired expansive courtyard awaits, and this is why families love the Lucky. Especially when kids eat free on Mondays after 5pm, and all kids' meals come with a complimentary activity pack.   

Sneak peek eats: Cocktails, share plates, pastas, and of course, pub classics are all on the menu. Plus, the kids will be happy to know that their menu doubles as a colouring-in picture. Yep, there is plenty to keep little ones entertained and well-fed while the parents relax the afternoon away.  

5 Henderson Parade, Merewether  

Located on the Beach Promenade at Merewether Beach, the Beach Bar features fresh, local flavours with some of the best views in Newcastle. Scoot or ride up and then relax as the team serve up a delicious range of breakfast, lunch and dinner favourites.   

Sneak peek eats: For breakfast, treat the kids to waffles while you order one of the decadent egg options. And Mexican inspired tacos, burritos, burgers and nachos will keep the whole crowd happy for lunch or dinner, including churros after the main event…because there's always room for dessert.

20 Merewether Street, Merewether 

Whilst the parents are tucking into the Mexican-inspired elevated pub fair and enjoying one of the 36 frosty taps pouring brewery-fresh beers, the kids are close by hanging out in the huge secure kids play area, surrounded by sheltered outdoor and indoor space.  

Sneak peek eats: For families that love to share, loaded guacamole, prawn skewers, and tostadas are just some of the share plate options. Of course, like any good pub, there's also steaks, burgers, wings, salads, and kid-friendly favourites.  

173 King Street, Newcastle  

When you think of family-friendly food, Italian must be right up there, and Napoli Centrale is one of Newcastle's best. Monday to Wednesday, 5pm till 6:30pm, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Plus, there are colouring pages and card games to keep those little ones entertained. 

Sneak peek eats: Napoli Centrale specialises in authentic style Italian pizzas, so first up there are loads of great options on the menu, including the heavenly Santa Lucia. Plus, there are calzones, lasagna, gnocchi, and pastas that will transport your tastebuds to Naples with every mouthful.  

1 Morgan Street, Merewether

Complete with a book wall, cubby house, TV and wooden cafe, the kids' room at The Prince gives the kids a place to stay entertained while the adults relax. The Prince also has weekly food specials, music bingo, live music, trivia, and DJ sessions, so it's a total win-win for all family members.  

Sneak peek eats: The kids menu is next level, including pasta, burgers, parmigiana, steak and pizza options. Of course, the parents are taken care of too with signature steaks, ceviche and carpaccio seafood, plus pub classics and even poke bowls. This place is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. 

36 Scott Street, Newcastle East

This iconic East End eatery with its cosy restaurant space and alfresco eating under marquee lights has long been a local favourite. The biggest drawcard for families is undoubtedly the busy hole in the wall takeaway and adjoining grassy patch — perfect for alfresco eating in the fresh salty air. 

Sneak peek eats: Families can order takeaway fish and (hand cut) chips, fish burritos, wraps, burgers, or the ever-popular lobster club sandwich. Plus, mum and dad can enjoy a glass of wine or beer while the kids explore the local surrounds. 

8 Beaumont St, Hamilton

A pub with a playroom? Need we say more. This Beaumont Street watering hole near Hamilton Train Station has had a revamp and now offers a cool beer garden, undercover kid’s play area and family friendly menu. Grab a pint and let the kids loose!  

Sneak peek eats: Fancy some decadent snacks while the kids play nearby, then the charcuterie board and chicken wings are amazing. The menu includes the likes of prawn and crab pappardelle, whole baked snapper, plus all the pub classics — and the kids' menu has inclusive ice cream cups! 

132 Young Street, Carrington

Featuring an outdoors kids haven - slides, cubby house and play shop. Plus, its fully fenced to keep the adults relaxed. Oh, and did we mention they host kids' birthday parties! All you need to do is book and show up - they do the rest (including take home lolly bags for the kids).  

Sneak peek eats: Tasting platters, charcuterie, and pizzas, oh my, this is going to be one delicious family outing. Nourish bowls, share plates, pub favourites, even teriyaki salmon and grain fed rump steak. But wait, puppy platters for your furry friends!? Yes, you can bring your fur baby too!