Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll know there’s a bunch of family-friendly restaurants on the Gold Coast. From beautiful views to indulgent food, check out our list of family friendly restaurants below!
The Wattle Hotel Coomera
Located on Reserve Road in Upper Coomera, the Wattle Hotel is a family-friendly pub that has been designed with families front of mind! Kids will be wowed by the dedicated kids area featuring loads of play equipment to climb and explore. The pub has a relaxed atmosphere and a kids menu featuring favourites like nuggets & fish & chips.
Oxenford Tavern
The Oxenford Tavern offers indoor and outdoor seating and has a colourful playroom for kids with a small indoor playground, PlayStations, games, and a TV playing kids’ movies. The Family Bistro is open for lunch and dinner daily and offers kid’s meals that come with a drink and dessert.
Southport Sharks
Southport Sharks offers a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone from kids to parents and grandparents can have a great time. They feature live entertainment every Sunday with a Kids Show, and the Frenzy’s restaurant has dining options that kids will love and some nights there are specials on like kids eat free with a paying adult. Kids can also have fun at Wobbygongs, a play area designed for children aged 3 to 12, with activities such as rock-climbing, basketball, movies, and drawing tables.
Cafe Catalina on the Broadwater
If you head to Broadwater Parklands for a family day out amongst the rock pools and leisure area, be sure to book a table at Cafe Catalina for a meal. A brilliant spot for a meal out with kids, the cafe offers lovely water views and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as dinners and live music on Friday & Saturday evenings. On each menu, there’s a ‘Little Guys’ section for under 12’s, with plenty of choices for the kids.
Southport Yacht Club, The Spit
Indulge in a touch of luxury with the family without breaking the bank at the Southport Yacht Club. With breathtaking views of the Broadwater, you and the kids can imagine life on a super yacht while enjoying family-friendly dining at a waterfront restaurant. Not only is there a delicious kids Cadet’s menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s also a shaded and fenced playground just meters from the dining area and meal specials on certain days of the week.
Hinterland Family Bistro – Nerang
Hinterland Hotel in Nerang is a popular dining spot for families in the Nerang and Highland Park area. There’s a large playground with slides and climbing areas for kids to explore and an indoor zone with interactive screens. The kids menu includes the essentials – nuggets and chips, mini burgers, fish & chips and pizza.
Dog and Parrot Tavern, Robina
The Dog and Parrot Tavern in Robina serves lunch and dinner daily, and features a shaded playground area outside. The Family Bistro menu includes a kid’s menu with classic Australian pub options and a poke bowl option, all served with a Paddle Pop dessert.
The Wallaby Hotel
At the Wallaby Hotel, enjoy the classic atmosphere of one of the oldest pubs on the Gold Coast. Parents can relax on the open-air deck while their children play in the large, fenced playground, complete with a train, climbing area, and slide. The playground pays homage to Mudgeeraba’s heritage and promises hours of fun for kids and parents alike.
Lonestar Tavern Mermaid Waters
A well-established favourite on the Goldy, the Lonestar Tavern in Mermaid Waters has a great kids playground and playroom with games next to the undercover seating area. Kids meals includes fish & chips, nuggets, burgers and steak, and include a drink.
A great spot for a celebratory dinner or to watch sports on the big screen, this family-friendly bistro also offers kids parties and family-fun nights for Halloween and other events.
Mermaid Beach SLSC
Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club is spacious, features an indoor playground (which is in easy view of a certain room of tables) and Kids Eat Free on Mondays!
The Mermaid Beach Surf Club Restaurant also known as ‘Merlina’s’ ’is a popular kid-friendly restaurant located in Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast. The restaurant is located upstairs from the surf life saving club and boasts stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding beach area. Merlina’s serves a range of delicious meals including seafood, steak, and pasta, making it a great option for families and groups with diverse tastes.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it the perfect place for families with kids. There’s a spacious indoor seating area and a large enclosed balcony area making it a great place to enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views. Kids love the Nippers Menu with smaller portions of some of their most popular dishes and includes a Zooper Dooper or vanilla icecream.
There’s an indoor children’s play area, and a playground across the road. The staff are super friendly and accommodating, making it a welcoming destination for families with kids.
The Miami
Situated looking over the beach at North Burleigh, The Miami (known as Miami Tavern in a previous life) The Miami doesn’t offer a dedicated kids play area although it’s still a nice place to take the kids for a meal. Kids will enjoy the classic meals (chicken schnitzel, ham and cheese pizza, cheeseburger slider, and more) which all include a small soft drink.
Burleigh Town Hotel
The newly renovated Burleigh Town Hotel (formerly the Burleigh Town Tavern) is open for business! With a spacious bistro area, relaxed beer garden and an awesome kids playground, this a venue for the entire family to enjoy. Kids menu options include chicken nuggets, fish and chips, fettuccine, cheese burger, and pizza.
Currumbin RSL
Enjoy a cold beverage, delicious food, and a view of the creek and kids at The Deck at the Currumbin RSL. While there’s no longer a kids play area inside the venue, the side gate leads to a playground within the Currumbin RSL reserve, so the kids can play while you sit back and relax. With options ranging from a quick pizza to a full menu, it’s the perfect way to spend some family time.
We hope you’ve found our list of family friendly restaurants on the Gold Coast to be helpful! For more ideas, could you also check out our article about kid friendly cafes on the Gold Coast, covering north to south of the Goldy including cafes in Coomera, Nobby’s Beach, Burleigh Heads and down to Chinderah. Visit the Historic Rivermill, Dune Cafe and more!
