Six of the Best Kid-Friendly Cafes in the Northern Suburbs

By Llynden Singh, ellaslist explorer 

If you are looking for that winning combination of great coffee and a kid-friendly location, Sydney’s Northern suburbs has some great cafes to visit. Here’s our pick of the best that the North have to offer.

1. Vertical Espresso

217A Kissing Point Rd, South Turramurra

Vertical espresso is a funky new café that serves great specialty coffee, good food (including all day breakfast) and a fun kids menu. The kids will love the milkshakes served in bear jars and the popular ‘nutella rabbit’. The café backs on to Balmaringa Reserve, a fenced playground that can be seen from the outdoor seating. The playground is across a little laneway, so best to eat first and then head to the playground if you have young children.

2. Stain @ the Cove

Mowbray Rd, Lane Cove West

Stain @ the Cove has a small outdoor play area adjacent to the café. The outdoor deck is a lovely spot to enjoy a Toby’s Estate coffee while keeping an eye on the kids. The kid's menu includes kid-sized drinks and breakfast and lunch options. The play area is not covered, so don’t forget to pack a hat for the kids on hot days.

3. Incinerator Café

2 Small St, Willoughby

The Incinerator Café is a spacious café that serves fantastic coffee by The Grounds Roasters. The spacious interior and extensive outdoor seating are pram-friendly. The café is located next to Halstrom Park, which offers a playground, oval and bike track. The park is not accessible directly from the café – you may need to eat first and then visit the park or grab some takeaways.

4. Groundskeeper Café

Ryde Park, Ryde

Located within the grounds of Ryde Park, the Groundskeeper Café offers speciality coffee and delicious Mediterranean inspired food. There are plenty of options for kids to eat and drink, and seating both outside and under cover. The shady playground is located adjacent to the café within eyesight of the indoor tables. If you have toddlers it’s good to keep in mind that the playground is not fenced and there is a small water feature next to the café.

5. Sprout Wholefood Café and Grocer

272-274 Willoughby Rd, Naremburn

There is no need to break your diet when you visit Sprout. The Café offers delicious wholefoods and healthy options for grown-ups and kids, and great coffee. If you have any intolerances or special food requirements Sprout is the place to visit. Make sure you ask to sit at the back of the café. The enclosed back area (with cubby house) is a lovely space for kids to let off some steam and explore the veggie garden, and would be great for mothers groups.

6. Pages Cafe

28 West Parade, West Ryde

Pages Café is part of the Koorong bookshop at West Ryde. The outdoor seating provides a nice spot to enjoy a coffee and watch the kids play in the enclosed play area. Pages has a great value kids menu which includes cheesy fingers ($3.50) and frog in a pond ($3.50). The outdoor area is spacious enough for prams and a number of highchairs are available.