Dining out with the kids isn’t always easy, so it pays to find a spot that has something to offer them more than just a few coloured pencils.
As it turns out, Brisbane/Meanjin’s got some of the best family-friendly pubs where the kids can play while you pack away a pint.
From playgrounds to play areas, free kids’ meals, and activities that’ll keep them busy (plus a decent food and wine list to keep you content, too), everyone’s a winner at these watering holes. Take it from us at Urban List—we’ve done the digging.
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Victoria Park
309 Herston Rd, Herston
Let the kids loose at Victoria Park, where there’s plenty of ways to burn energy. After a round of putt putt for the whole family, take an outdoor seat at the Bistro, and watch on as your kids become king of The Playground. This adventureland is suitable for kids ages 3-12, and features slides, climbing ropes, a cubby house, and more.
Lord Stanley Hotel
994 Stanley St E, East Brisbane
Unwinding over a good meal is easy when you decide to book a spot at the Lord Stanley, who have made the smart decision to cater to all thanks to their recent renovation. This family-friendly local knows how to entertain the kids, with a brand new indoor playground, kids’ movies, and games section— right where you can keep an eye on them while you kick back with a cold one.
Sandstone Point Hotel
1800 Bribie Island Rd, Sandstone Point
Pack up and pile in for a drive up north via the M1 to the seaside Sandstone Point Hotel, where your kids will discover a playground like no other. Outdoors and fully fenced, the Sandstone Point playground has been built to look like an outback farm, complete with rainwater towers, windmills, sheds, and plenty of castles to climb. There’s also a jumping pillow, soccer net, and grass for them to run around on, as well as an indoor playroom which includes a big screen TV and games. Yep, they really thought of everything.
Newnham Hotel
516 Newnham Road, Upper Mount Gravatt
Image credit: Newnham Hotel | Instagram
This Mount Gravatt staple reopened in February after a massive transformation, adding a brand new bistro, outdoor deck, and— you guessed it— kids play area to the scene. Priding itself as a family-friendly pub, the Newnham Hotel's stylish new beer garden directly overlooks the playground, so you can enjoy a brew and a plate of cauliflower popcorn while the kids run themselves ragged. There's even free kids' entertainment from 11am on weekends including face painting and balloon animals, plus an extensive kids menu if you plan on hanging around for dinner.
Carina Leagues Club
1390 Creek Rd, Carina
Your kids won’t believe their eyes when they arrive at the Carina Leagues Club where their expansive, purpose-built paradise Playland awaits. From the climbing wall to the craft area, disco room, arcade games, and more, your kids can stay and play while you dine stress-free. A fully supervised experience that includes a food and drinks package, bookings are highly recommended, so pick your time and check out here.
Koala Tavern
36-40 Moreton Bay Road, Capalaba
This popular Redlands pub is known for keeping the kids busy (and in turn, you very happy). At Koala Tavern, they’ll love the fenced off playground, which is right next door to the outdoor beer garden (how handy), meaning you can enjoy a meal and a drink without having to take your eyes off them. Let them take care of Sunday dinner with the fam too, thanks to their signature rotisserie chicken with sides. Why wouldn’t you?
The Glen Hotel
Corner Logan Road And Gaskell Street, Eight Mile Plains
Image credit: The Glen Hotel | Instagram
The Glen Hotel's outdoor playground is frankly so good the kids will be asking you to go to the pub, not the other way around. Featuring a double slide, tractor, and caterpillar tunnel tube, it's easily overlooked from the verandah dining area, and is covered in shade cloths for sunny afternoons. Every kids meal comes with a free activity pack, to help keep them entertained at the table.
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Springlake Hotel
1 Springfield Lakes Boulevard, Springfield Lakes
Surrounded by natural bushland and overlooking the neighbouring lake, Springlake Hotel is more just a pretty scene. Here, they’ve made it their mission to become the most family-friendly watering hole around, and with a huge fenced outdoor playground and specialty kids BBQ menu, we’d say they’ve hit the nail on the head.
Salisbury Hotel
668 Toohey Road, Salisbury
Yes, there’s colouring material on the table, but that’s the last thing your kids will be asking for once they start to explore what’s on offer at the Salisbury Hotel. To help you find a little peace, Salisbury offers a playground and outdoor kids area where they can spend all that pent up energy.
Everton Park Hotel
101 Flockton Street, Everton Park
Image credit: Everton Park Hotel | Instagram
Another suburban local that's had a total transformation, Everton Park Hotel is back and better than ever, with a new sun-drenched beer garden, plus the largest kids playground in the area, making it the perfect family day out. Featuring new playground equipment, vibrant play zones, sensory experiences, and carousel, the Kids Club is where it's at. They’ve also added ten different dishes to the kids menu, and a DIY soft serve station for those who finish everything off their plate.
Browns Plains Hotel
64 Browns Plains Road, Browns Plains
Now, here’s a pub that’ll keep the whole crew happy. With a dedicated kids area for the little ones and an outdoor dining terrace where everyone can relax, the Browns Plains Hotel is a no-brainer when looking for somewhere to take the kids for tea. There’s also a kids menu full of all their favourites, and each comes with an ice cream for just $12.
Pineapple Hotel
706 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
If you’ve never been to the Pineapple Hotel, here is your official invite to make it your new family local. This Brisbane institution has been around for over 150 years and we’re happy to report that they consistently serve up good times for kiddos and grown-ups alike. On top of the obligatory kids’ menu of mini pub faves and high chairs on hand, they also have a fenced playground inside the pub.
The Hills Of Rivermakers
82 Colmslie Road, Morningside
Image credit: The Hills of Rivermakers | Instagram
Inside the sprawling riverside complex that is the heritage-listed Hills Of Rivermakers, you'll find a brew pub and eatery complete with a wooden playground right outside. While the two-level play structure is bound to keep the kids occupied long enough for you to enjoy a glass of wine and a steak burger, there's also an entire indoor play area upstairs, plus a petting zoo every Friday to Sunday from 9am-4pm.
Redland Bay Hotel
160 Broadwater Terrace, Redland Bay
Redland Bay Hotel keeps things simple, rolling out all the favourites you expect from a family pub. From the playground to the kids’ menu, high chairs, and welcoming atmosphere, you’ll have no trouble feeding the entire family without risking any boredom tantrums. With the kids appropriately occupied, all that’s left for you to do is enjoy your parmi with a backdrop of sweeping coastline views.
Waterloo Bay Hotel
75 Berrima Street, Wynnum
Wynnum's Waterloo Bay Hotel may just have the cutest playground of them all—and some of the biggest parmies we've ever seen— so everyone in the family is covered here. In even better news: kids eat free every Friday, with every full price meal and drink purchased by the adults. Sign us up.
Ballistic Beer Co
37 Sinnathamby Boulevard, Springfield
Planning a big family get-together? Ballistic Beer Co has large tables, a mouthwatering menu, and a kid-friendly vibe to accommodate and entertain your entire extended family. Not only do they have a large grassy area out front, but there’s also a small fenced-off playground outside for the tots who need closer supervision. The cherry on top is their tasty kids’ menu that will satisfy any picky eater alongside a lengthy tap list for parents to explore.
Felons Brewing Co
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Howard Smith Wharves | Instagram
When it comes to kids’ entertainment, Felons at Howard Smith Wharves aren’t playing around. With a playground outside and indoor games set up inside, there is plenty of fun on hand for your kids to have a blast, rain or shine. They even take it a step further on Sundays to draw in the family crowd. Expect face painting, balloon twisting, a reptile show, arcade games, family trivia and more festivities each Sunday arvo (for free), plus kids eat on the house from 11am to 3pm.
The Full Moon Hotel
118 Eagle Terrace, Sandgate
It's hard to believe that a pub this good-looking exists in the northern reaches of Brisbane, let alone that it's kid-friendly, but there you go. Even better, The Full Moon Hotel's kid’s area is indoors, meaning you don't need to worry about the weather (or your escape artist making a run for it). Let the kids expand their imagination in the treehouse play area, complete with a tree swing and pretend kitchen while you nibble on wood-fired camembert and sip something from the cocktails list.
Mango Hill Tavern
Corner Anzac Avenue and Halpine Drive, Mango Hill
After a mega makeover, Mango Hill Tavern is back with a brand new indoor playroom, plus an upgrade to their bistro and sports bar. With the kids busy roaming the soft play area and multi-level fort, you can scope out the new digs and order from their extensive menu of pub classics and seasonal dishes. There’s even a DIY soft serve station you can bribe the kids to eat their dinner with—it’s a win-win.
Looking for more kid-friendly activities in Brisbane? Head here:
Main image credit: Victoria Park | Instagram
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