Melbourne’s best pubs are redefining family-friendly dining—with proper playgrounds (yes, actual slides and climbing frames), delicious food (hello, gourmet parmas) and cocktails to top you off.
We’ve hunted down the 16 spots where kids go feral in enclosed play zones, teens disappear into arcades and parents finally get to eat a meal while it’s still hot. Genius? Absolutely. Long overdue? Even more so.
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Without further ado, these are 16 of Melbourne's Best Family-Friendly Pubs With Playgrounds:
The 16 Best Pubs With Play Areas In Melbourne
Stomping Ground Brewery
100 Gipps Street, Collingwood
Image: Stomping Ground | Website
This is where Melbourne's craft beer scene got family-friendly! Stomping Ground's awesome cubby house lets kids climb, slide and explore for hours, while parents down some of Melbourne's best craft beers (with 30 taps to choose from). The cypress timber cubby house fits right into the cool brewery vibe—no bright plastic here! There's even space for birthday parties. With great food for grown-ups and kids alike, it's the perfect spot for parents who want proper drinks while the kids have their own fun.
Pink Hill Hotel
20 Pink Hill Boulevard, Beaconsfield
Image: Pink Hill Hotel | Website
Get ready for double the fun at the Pink Hill Hotel’s next-level play zone, where kids can go wild in both indoor AND outdoor play areas! The dedicated space—packed with soft play mats, epic slides and climbable wonders—lets imaginations run free while you relax in the bistro (with a clear view, thanks to the smart separate-but-connected setup). Whether they’re bouncing inside or exploring outside, one thing’s guaranteed: they’ll crash out after, leaving you to enjoy your meal in peace. Parents 1-Kids 0!
The Berwick Spring Hotel
288-296 Clyde Road, Berwick
Image: Berwick Spring Hotel | Website
The Matthew Flinders Hotel
667 Warrigal Road, Chadstone
Image: Matthew Flinders Hotel | Website
The Matthew Flinders Hotel is a complete entertainment zone! Little ones go wild for the ALLEYZ bowling arcade and dedicated games area, while parents relax knowing they can always request to keep an eye on the action. The hotel takes birthday parties to the next level with awesome add-ons like magicians, puppet shows and karaoke—plus delicious platters starting at $75. Whether it's a special occasion or just Friday night dinner, this is where families come for guaranteed fun (and sanity-redeeming grown-up time).
The Station Hotel
59 Napier Street, Footscray
The Dava Hotel
614 Esplanade, Mount Martha
Image: The Dava Hotel | Website
The Dava Hotel is a parent’s paradise, offering the best of both worlds with indoor AND outdoor playgrounds for non-stop kid fun. Little ones can climb and explore in the safe indoor playroom, while adventurers conquer the mega outdoor playground—all while you keep an eye on them via live screens in the dining area. No more interruptions to check on the chaos! With a menu full of crowd-pleasers and coffee always on tap, it’s the prime "play hard, dine easy" family place.
The Croxton Park Hotel
607 High Street, Thornbury
Image: Croxton Park Hotel | Website
The Croxton Park Hotel is a family favourite thanks to its cleverly designed indoor play area, perfectly positioned behind glass right in the dining space. Kids get their own zone to climb, slide and play safely while parents enjoy a meal and a drink—all without losing sight of the action. The modern bistro serves up crowd-pleasing pub classics (think loaded parmas and crispy fries), while the relaxed vibe makes it a go-to for stress-free family dining.
Coolaroo Hotel
Corner Of Barry Road & Maffra Street, Coolaroo
Image: Coolaroo Hotel | Website
A hit with local families, the Coolaroo Hotel keeps both kids and parents happy with its carpeted indoor play area—ideal for little ones to safely climb, slide and burn off energy for hours. While the kids play, adults can unwind in the sports bar or enjoy a meal from the bistro, complete with a dedicated kids’ menu (even fussy eaters will find something to love). With relaxed vibes and hassle-free supervision, it’s a restful spot for the family.
The Ball Court Hotel
60 Macedon Street, Sunbury
Sundays just got more exciting! The Ball Court Hotel’s new playground—set on soft green turf—lets kids run wild while parents kick back. And here’s the kicker: kids eat half-price every Sunday, with meals like burgers, pasta and (the ultimate win) ice cream with sprinkles. Add live entertainment and space for them to burn off that sugar rush, and you’ve got the ultimate Family Day destination.
Lower Plenty Hotel
4 Main Road, Lower Plenty
The Victoria Hotel
188 Hyde Street, Yarraville
Edwardes Lake Hotel
257 Edwardes Street, Reservoir Victoria
The Glasshouse
31 Station Street, Caulfield East
Image: The Glasshouse | Website
The Glasshouse nails family-friendly dining with its bright indoor play centre right in the heart of the restaurant—so kids can slide, climb and groove to the interactive TV while you enjoy a meal in peace. With all-day dining, modern pub classics and a laid-back lounge vibe, it’s ideal for early dinners or lazy weekend lunches. Parents get to laze in the sports bar or comfy booths, while little ones take care of themselves (no bribing required).
Auburn Hotel
85 Auburn Road, Hawthorn East
The Templestowe Hotel
23 Parker Street, Templestowe Lower
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