There are few hot spots in Auckland where parents are taking their kids. The trick is to find a restaurant that ticks off the three essentials for family dining: A child-friendly menu, room to move, and a kid-welcoming vibe.
Check out our roundup of child-friendly restaurants in Auckland
Swashbucklers
Where: 23B Westhaven Drive, Wynyard Quarter
Pirates aged 12 and under are served from their own special menu when heading to Swashbucklers and, while seafood reigns supreme, there are plenty of options including chicken fettuccine and a tortilla. And to make sure you don’t walk the plank, there is plenty of space for the kids to run around at the Westhaven Marina location.
Soljans
Where: 366 SH 16, Kumeu
A parents’ mecca, you can send the kids outside to the playhouse and field where they will be entertained right through lunch. In fact, you might have trouble getting them to come in and sit down for their meal from the special kids’ menu that includes a ‘fun platter’ and pancake pyramid.
Ebisu
Where: 116-118 Quay St, Auckland CBD
If Japanese is more your jam, then head to Ebisu where kids’ bento boxes are the norm and they all get an origami activity page to keep them occupied.
The Grounds
Where: 8/14 Henderson Valley Rd, Henderson
With probably the most awesome playground in the whole of Auckland, not to mention an amazing menu filled with healthy but yummy goodies, The Grounds at Whoa! Studios is the place to be when you’re dining with kids.
The Good Home
Where: 37 Normanby Road, Mount Eden
With a cool play area for the kids and meals that only cost $10, The Good Home is perfect for kids.
The Crab Shack
Where: 137 Quay St, Auckland CBD
Seafood will be the main thing on the menu at The Crab Shack, but when it comes to the kids’ menu there’s also some other goodies including chicken nuggets, mac ‘n’ cheese and a delicious burger. And side note, if you head down to the Viaduct location on a Sunday, the sprogs will eat free.
Prego
Where: 226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
With a dedicated children’s menu, and meals coming with a scoop of ice-cream for dessert (score!), Prego cater not only to children’s nutritional needs, but also provide games and colouring-in activities to keep the little ones entertained while you wine and dine in relative peace.
By Tayla Mitchell
