Featuring babycinos, playgrounds and fish-feeding…
When it comes to dining experiences, kids can be the toughest critics. The babycinos need to be frothy, the atmosphere needs to be friendly, and the play options need to be plentiful.
From playrooms to kids’ corners and fish-feeding opportunities, we’ve rounded up the best spots for the most discerning little ones.
CASA DE BILSK, HOWARD SPRINGS
Fresh air, cold smoothies and lush gardens make this café/nursery the perfect spot for a bite to eat and a game of hide and seek. In the heart of Howard Springs, Casa de Bilsk has a fenced play area and plenty of toys to keep the kids busy and the adults relaxed.
KOPI STOP, DARWIN CITY
Opened from 6:30am on weekdays and 7:30am on weekends, Kopi Stop is an institution for early risers. The cosy café on Harriet Place does seriously good Singaporean comfort food. Kids can enjoy the house-made Kaya Toast while hosting their own tea party at the play-kitchen in the corner.
EVA’S BOTANIC GARDENS CAFÉ, THE GARDENS
The kids’ meals at Eva’s Café come with a juice popper and an epic playground next door. Enjoy a plate of scrambled eggs before conquering the mighty treehouse and riding the Viking Swing in the George Brown Botanic Gardens.
THE GULLY, LARRAKEYAH
On the grounds of the Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary at the water’s edge of Doctor’s Gully in Larrakeyah, is The Gully café. Come at high tide to experience the rush of hand-feeding wild fish and stay for a schmeared bagel and NT mango smoothie.
DE LA PLAGE, CASUARINA
Beanbags by the beach! Hammocks in the trees! Pancakes on the plates! De la Plage café at Casuarina Beach welcomes kids, dogs and their adults alike every day during the dry season from 7am. Don’t miss their famous Friday Night Fish and Chips, serving up local seafood, hot chippies and a sublime sunset.
THE BOATSHED, CULLEN BAY
The Boatshed is a kid’s paradise. Outside, you’ll find the great views and friendly fish of Cullen Bay. Inside, there’s a dedicated kids’ room with chalkboard walls, colouring-in pages and books galore. Pair all of that with a homemade cookie or a lemon-sugar crepe, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a wholesome morning tea.
SALTWATER AT BUNDILLA, THE GARDENS
According to my two-year-old niece, the babycinos at Saltwater at Bundilla are “dee-licious.” Take her word for it, the kid has fantastic taste. As well as the scrumptious babycinos, the café is ideally located inside the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, offering a full morning of activities in air conditioning.
DARWIN SKI CLUB, FANNIE BAY
An early dinner makes for an early bedtime, and the Darwin Ski Club makes for a fun family night out. The kitchen opens at 5pm with a kids’ menu that includes the timeless favourites: chicken nuggets, spaghetti bolognese, and fish and chips. With a playground, lots of green grass and the beach, the little ones can run wild and free. As is the Darwin way.
BY ALLEY PASCOE