The Best Cafes and Restaurants for kids in Wellington
By Rebecca
Wellington is famous for its incredible coffee and vibrant food scene, and dining out as a family doesn’t mean you have to miss out. The capital city boasts plenty of eateries that serve delicious coffee and food while also making life easier for parents.
Finding a place where you can actually finish your meal and recharge with the kids is a game-changer. We’ve rounded up our favourite kid-friendly cafes and restaurants to help you plan your next meal out.
You can also find these spots and plenty of others on the Roam with Kids app!
Chocolate Fish Cafe
100 Shelly Bay Road, Maupuia, Wellington
Recently refurbished and nestled in scenic Shelly Bay, this spacious cafe offers an extensive outdoor play area with ride-on toys and a trampoline. It’s a top pick for families with pram access, on-site parking, high chairs, and a kids menu. We love that the outdoor seating and play area have great views of the water (a theme you’ll find in this blog).
Why parents love it: Coastal views and entertainment for the kids - a win for adults and kids alike!
Benedict’s Cafe
191 High Street, Lower Hutt, Wellington
This relaxed Lower Hutt cafe has a playhouse, play kitchen, rocking horses, books, and plenty of other toys too. Plus, it’s a short walk to Holly Grove Playground. There are high chairs, change tables, and parking right outside. They also do all you can eat pancakes on Saturdays! Note: Benedict’s is closed on Sundays.
Why parents love it: You can finish your coffee and your conversation while your little ones enjoy the play area.
Days Bay Pavilion
Dresden Street, Days Bay, Lower Hutt, Wellington
Across the road from one of Wellington’s best beaches, this relaxed all-day eatery is a great option for families. Serving up an all-day menu - whether you want an ice cream, a cold beverage, or a full meal. We also found that it’s one of the more reasonably priced spots in Wellington, and open until 8pm 7 days a week. They have an expansive lawn area out front, provide toys and games, and the spacious seating options make it handy when you’ve got the pram. Combine your visit with a ride on the Days Bay ferry or a trip to the beach.
Why parents love it: Relaxed dining atmosphere and lots to do nearby.
Te Korōria
170 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington
Te Korōria is a community-run cafe that stands out for both its warm atmosphere and top-notch entertainment for kids. They have an expansive soft play area set over 3 levels (for ages 2-12, $5 per hour). The outdoor area is also great for families – with lawn games and a bouncy castle.
The cafe space is a comfortable and relaxing space for parents while the kids are entertained. Their food and coffee are reasonably priced, and they have a kids menu too. We love that Te Korōria is a social enterprise with a percentage of profits going to those in need. They’re closed Monday-Tuesday, so save this spot for later in the week.
Why parents love it: Welcoming atmosphere, community focus, and soft play for the kids.
The Boat Cafe and Bar
139A Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington
If you’ve got boat-obsessed kids like me, then a visit to the Boat Cafe needs to be on your Wellington bucket list. They have a varied menu including options for kids. You can enjoy uninterrupted views of Wellington harbour, while your kids enjoy the novelty of dining on a boat. The Boat Cafe and Bar is also right next to Freyberg Beach Play Area and Freyberg Pools.
Why parents love it: Dining on a boat = a meal out that the kids will remember.
Maranui Cafe
Level 1, 7A Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay, Wellington
The iconic Maranui Cafe is a great spot for all ages. Kids will love watching the planes take off from the runway nearby, the quirky carnival-themed decor, and getting stuck into the provided colouring in. They have a kids menu and plenty of cabinet food, making it perfect for fussy eaters. After fuelling up, you can let the kids burn off some energy at the neighbouring Lyall Bay playground or on the beach.
Maranui gets bonus points for its beautiful ocean views. Note: It’s upstairs with no lift, so while it’s not pram friendly, it’s still worth a visit. Street parking is available right out front.
Why parents love it: Fantastic food options for all ages, coastal views, and the novelty of watching planes while you eat!
Beach Babylon
232 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington
Overlooking Oriental Bay, Beach Babylon is a retro all-day eatery that’s also a great choice for families. Whether you’re craving brunch, dinner, coffee, or cocktails, they’ve got something for everyone. They fully embrace their 70s theme – there’s even cheese fondue on the menu.
Beach Babylon has a kids corner with books and toys, as well a kids menu. It’s also just a short walk to Oriental Bay, Freyberg Beach Play Area, and the Freyberg Pools.
Why parents love it: A fun, retro spot in a great location in Oriental Bay.
Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant
39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Southern Cross is a true Wellington institution. Before having kids, I would come here for a tasty weekend brunch or weeknight drink specials. As a parent, this is the spot to come to when they’re running their regular kids activities.
Southern Cross offers free face painting on the weekends and free massages for parents on Thursdays. They have a great outdoor area, which takes the stress away if you’re dining with a noisy or messy toddler.
Why parents love it: A garden bar where you don’t feel self conscious for taking your kids.
Rātā Cafe
53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington
Housed in what feels like a tree house, Rātā Cafe is a great cafe whether or not you’re visiting Zealandia. Rātā offers a unique experience for families – sit on the deck overlooking Zealandia and you can expect visits from the birds that call the EcoSanctuary home.
Families will appreciate the kid’s menu, high chairs, change tables, and colouring in. It’s also pram-friendly – just take the lift up from the visitor’s centre. You can also visit the interactive indoor exhibition in the visitor’s centre without needing to pay the entrance to Zealandia.
Why parents love it: Surrounded by nature while having family-friendly facilities.
Seashore Cabaret
160 The Esplanade, Petone, Lower Hutt, Wellington
Seashore Cabaret combines eclectic circus decor with great food, fantastic views, and a family-friendly atmosphere. There are ride-on toys, arcade games, and colouring too. This is one of the few family friendly spots that’s also open for dinner (Thursday-Sunday).
While it’s located upstairs, so it’s not pram friendly, there’s a dedicated parking lot right out front and high chairs once you get upstairs. They also have a kids menu and change tables.
Why parents love it: Harbour views, dinner options, and dangerously-good sweet treats.
