A playground shouldn’t exist without a coffee shop or quality eatery nearby. It’s just plain cruel. As parents, you must incorporate self-care where you can, and what’s better than playground supervision duty, with a coffee or recyclable takeaway container with your bite of choice? To save you time zooming in on maps to find the tiny coffee cup or cutlery symbol, here are Perth’s Best Cafes and Restaurants Near Playgrounds.
Koorak
Nestled among lush surroundings, capturing the essence of WA’s vibrant food scene, is KOORAK in Kings Park. Winners of 2023 Best Cafe in Perth by the Quality Business Awards, it’s not hard to see why with their wholesome eats, brilliant coffee and attentive service. You’ve got Ivy Watson Playground right around the corner, or book the pavilion for your next kiddo’s birthday party. They are open from 7:00 AM-3:00 PM every day.
Gage Road Brewery
This Freo brewing hub is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts and families alike. Pick your poison from their homemade drips and unwind among the bustling yet chill atmosphere. Gage Roads Brewery has its sandpit playground, with a disused car and multi-level boat to explore while parents savour the flavours – cheers big ears! Catch them 11:00 AM-11:30 PM seven days a week.
Donnie Taco
Let’s let some international flavours influence our tastebuds. For refreshing yet downright tasty tacos, nachos and sandwiches, head to Donnie Taco opposite Kings Park in West Perth. They also cater to your caffeine needs, serving barista coffee with Twin Peaks beans with the odd sweet treat on offer too. What’s in it for the kids? The eating area faces a basketball court to hire, $5 for 30 minutes or $10 for 60 minutes. Open Monday to Thursday, 7:30 AM-2:00 PM and open an hour later on Fridays.
Clancy’s Fish Pub
With locations across Perth City, Clancy’s is a go-to spot for seafood lovers and live music enthusiasts. Princess May Park surrounds their Freo location, Clancy’s City Beach faces the beachfront and is not far away from Floreat Playspace, and while the Applecross spot isn’t next door per se to a playground, the pretty epic Heathcote Reserve Pirate Playground is a short drive to take your takeaway. Each location has its own hours; see which one is closest to you!
The Lifeboat Mindarie
Fish and chips, bubbly beverages, all by the Marina in Mindarie. Does summer nights with family get any better than this? The Lifeboat Mindarie screens kids’ movies on their huge outdoor screen on Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting. With a playground and free kids activities on Sundays to keep them occupied, weekends in Mindarie are looking a whole lot sweeter. The only downside is that being a fully outdoor venue means they are only open in the summer season. Luckily, you have this list of many other places to visit in the off-season.
The Bassendean Hotel
Ever wondered why our local pubs are technically, or once were hotels? The answer dates back to when liquor licences were easier to acquire if the establishment provided alcohol to tourists. As long as they had the presence of a few rooms (whether utilised or not), these “hotels” became our public houses, or “pubs” for short. Serving the thirsty since 1930, The Bassendean Hotel’s restoration still holds it’s historic charm. The kids can tackle the climbing tower and slide safely in a gated playground while you tackle that parmie and pint. Open 11:00 AM-10:00 PM, until 12:00 PM Friday and Saturday.
Canteen
The coastal gem Canteen in Trigg serves tasty takeaway plates and coffee just about all day. Either utilise Trigg Beach as your playground of choice or hop across to Clarko Reserve and its well-kept playground with your breakfast, whole food or seafood trays with stunning ocean views. On weekdays you can catch them from 6:30 AM-4:30 PM, or weekends, Friday to Sunday 6:30 AM-7:30 PM. Friday can count as the weekend right?
Lo Quay River Cafe
We’ve given you two beachfront recommendations, but what about somewhere making the most of the stunning Swan Riverside? Lo Quay River Cafe in Wilson (not far from Shelley Bridge) is your next delightful waterfront eatery to escape the rise and grind. Nestled along the Canning River, the cafe boasts picturesque views and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely brunch, lunch or takeaway baked treat. Most importantly, it’s right next to the shaded Fern Park Playground, open from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM daily.
Zephyr Cafe
Another riverside spot? Check out Zephyr Cafe in East Fremantle, catering for the whole family. Grab your coffee and bites to go on a picnic rub by the shore or dine in following an epic morning at the nearby John Tonkin Reserve right around the corner. Open for breakfast and lunch. Their menu showcases a delightful range of dishes, from scrumptious breakfast options to delectable lunches and tempting treats in a kid-welcoming atmosphere. Zephyr Cafe is open every day 7:30 AM-4:00 PM.
Zamia Cafe
Located in the heart of Kings Park along May Drive Parkland, Zamie Cafe is a true oasis for families, nature and culinary enthusiasts alike. Their locally sourced menu boasts modern Australian flavours, or order their freshly made cabinet goods for takeaway to eat by Arthur Fairall Playground while the little ones enjoy one of the best playgrounds in Perth. Open and bustling every day from 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
Swan Valley Brewery
For a playground among one of WA’s most picturesque regions, Swan Valley Brewery’s rustic charm is a scenic spot for creating new memories. This Middle Swan spot is an ideal destination for parents, their brewed beverages focus on traditional Irish and English-style ales. At the same time, kids are kept busy with a shipwrecked boat, jet ski and climbing frame while you indulge in various craft beers and classic pub meals. Open at the end of the week 11:00. AM-10:30 PM Friday and Saturday, and Sunday until 5:00 PM.
Midway Farm Stall
Heading down south? Take a detour to Midway Farm Stall, about an hour from the city along Paull Road, Pinjarra. It’s your ideal road trip to go. Stock up on fresh produce, award-winning pies, meats, barista coffee and ice cream. They have a huge fenced playground to let the kids run around to burn off that pent-up energy. There are even some farm animals to adore. Pop in any day from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
For un-caffeinated, hungry parents and their playground enthusiasts, here ends your ven-diagram of culinary delights and child-friendly havens in Perth. That should be enough ideas for Perth’s Best Cafes and Restaurants Near Playgrounds for your next twelve playdates.
Let us know your favourite spots to watch your little daredevils conquer playgrounds.
