LITTLE TUMMIES, BIG SMILES
- Donna Rishton
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
Dining out with kids should be easy, delicious and full of fun — and these local favourites tick every box! From sunny cafes and seaside pubs to pizza nights, tacos and gelato, we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly eats across the coast. Think playgrounds, kids’ menus and food so good even the grown-ups will be licking their fingers!
Ballina RSL – Ballina
Burgers, sundaes and riverside family fun
Overlooking the river, Ballina RSL is made for family days out. Little ones will love the supervised Kids Cove play area, while parents enjoy coffee, cocktails or a riverside meal. There’s live music, family shows, and a $6 kids’ meal and ice cream deal during the holidays — the perfect mix of food, fun and relaxed summer vibes.
Lennox Pizza Bar & Kitchen – Lennox Head
Cheesy slices, mocktails, and all-round good vibes
Pizza nights don’t get better than Lennox Pizza Bar & Kitchen! The Groms Menu keeps little ones smiling with cheesy Margheritas, weekly slushie specials and a scoop of ice cream to finish. Be sure to book early for ocean views, cosy booths for six and that signature Lennox Pizza feel. Easygoing, welcoming and full of flavour — this one’s a family fave.
North Byron Hotel – Byron Bay
Pizza, pasta, playgrounds and plenty of sunshine
There’s always fun on the menu at North Byron Hotel! With a big garden playground, a relaxed family vibe and a tasty $14 kids’ menu (including a vegan option), everyone’s happy here. During the holidays, their Summer Kids Programkeeps little hands busy with pizza-making, craft and creative play — while parents chill with a cold drink in the sunshine.
Three Blue Ducks – The Farm, Ewingsdale
Wholesome eats, wide-open spaces and farm adventures
Set on the rolling green pastures of The Farm, Three Blue Ducks is a dream for families who love good food and room to roam. Kids can tuck into hearty, wholesome meals made with local, ethical produce while parents enjoy seasonal dishes bursting with flavour. Dine in, enjoy something from the BBQ or picnic on the lawn with a house-made picnic hamper, then wander the veggie gardens, meet the farm animals and let the little ones run wild in the fields. Relaxed, delicious and beautifully scenic — it’s paddock-to-plate goodness and family dining made easy.
Pottsville Beach Sports Club – Pottsville
Nuggets, sliders and good old-fashioned family fun
Food, fun and family vibes — Pottsville Beach Sports Club has it all! The Wok Chop & Grill dishes up all the classics — nuggets, spag bol, sliders and fish ’n’ chips — while the kids run wild on the outdoor playground and grassy lawn. There’s even barefoot bowls for the big kids (a.k.a. parents!). Easy, breezy and full of local charm.
@pottsvillesportsclub
The Stunned Mullet – Cabarita
Fish, chips and fresh seaside feels
For a fresh twist on the classic fish ’n’ chips, you can’t beat The Stunned Mullet in Cabarita. Kids love the crispy coconut prawns and crunchy chips, while parents go for the grilled barramundi or fresh salads. Grab a takeaway and picnic on Cabarita Hill for sunset — it’s a seaside meal that’s healthy, delicious and full of holiday feels.
LOLA’S Mexican Cantina – Casuarina
Tacos, guac and good times for the whole crew
We all know Mexican is a huge hit with kids and honestly, you can’t get brighter, fresher or more delicious than LOLA’s Mexican Cantina on the Tweed Coast. Think fresh guac, cheesy quesadillas, and tacos packed with all the good stuff. And if the kids get antsy after their meal, no worries – there’s a playground and child-minding on-site, so parents can sip their margies in peace while the kids burn off energy – now that’s a win-win! Did we mention the take-away? If you’re heading home after the beach, jump online and hola, dinner is sorted.
@lolas_cantina
Dayo Cafe – Tweed Heads
Waffles, French toast and colourful foodie fun
If you’re after an instant mood-lift, Dayo Cafe is the place to be! Bright, bold and full of heart, this riverside spot in Tweed Heads is perfect for families who love a little fun with their food. Run by the Ang family, Dayo serves up colourful dishes inspired by their Filipino heritage — from the famous K-POP chicken waffle (crispy chicken with spicy maple and snowy cheese!) to the strawberry-matcha French toast that kids adore. Pair it with a pretty ube latte or fruity matcha and soak up those happy holiday vibes.
@dayo.tweed
Hotel CBD – Varsity Lakes
Burgers, bistro bites and indoor playtime fun
Looking for somewhere the kids can play while you actually relax? Hotel CBD in Varsity Lakes has nailed the balance between stylish and family friendly. The epic indoor playground (open Monday to Friday 9am–3pm and Saturday 9am–12pm) is perfect for rainy-day adventures, while parents enjoy a tasty pizza, burger or hearty bistro meal. The kids’ menu (just $10–$12) comes with chips, a drink and a scoop of ice cream — guaranteed smiles all round! With loads of space, comfy seating and fun extras like kids’ discos and face-painting days, it’s a go-to for good food and happy families.
Saiko Teppanyaki – Robina
Fire, flavour and a whole lot of fun!
Dinner and a show? Yes, please! At Saiko Teppanyaki in Robina, kids will be mesmerised as flames flare and chefs flip, sizzle and serve up delicious Japanese dishes right before their eyes. From noodles and veggies to juicy steak and seafood, every meal is a mini performance. It’s loud, lively and packed with personality — the kind of dining adventure kids won’t forget! Perfect for special occasions or just a fun family night out.
Tyalgum Gelato Shop – Tyalgum
Scoops, smiles and sweet country charm
Of course, what meal is complete without ICECREAM!! Take a drive out to the village of Tyalgum in the Tweed hinterland, and you’ll discover the magic of Tyalgum Gelato Shop. Artisan gelato made by Valentino, a 2ndgeneration Italian gelato maker. You’re not going to find any more authentic than this! From refreshing White Passion (passionfruit and white chocolate) and Roasted Macadamia & Burnt Caramel Gelato, to Cherry Meringue (with sour cherries and crushed meringue pieces), there’s always something new, sweet, and finger-licking to discover. Open weekends only, and yes, you can take home family packs for later –Yum!
@tyalgum_gelato_shop
Baylato – The Farm / Byron Markets
Sprinkle cones, sweet scoops and happy little explorers
Baylato is all about big smiles and seriously yummy gelato. Paola’s gourmet scoops are beloved at The Farm, and Byron Markets — the perfect sweet stop on family adventures. Little ones can pick from a rainbow of flavours, pile on the sprinkles, and enjoy a delicious treat as they wander the stalls or explore the grounds. Popular picks include Sea Salt Caramel, Tiramisu, Macadamia and Mango, with extra treats like açai bowls and fluffy pancakes on offer too. They even cater for parties and events, bringing the gelato magic to you!
@baylato
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