10 of our favourite playgrounds to visit for a family-friendly getaway these school holidays
School Holidays are upon us, which means it’s time to step away from the daily grind and enjoy quality time with family. Travelling with children can get a little tricky at times, especially when you’re looking for somewhere that is entertaining for both kids and adults. We’ve done the hard yards and selected 10 of our favourite pubs that are not only family-friendly, but also have great kids facilities for the younger ones to amuse themselves while you tuck into a good feed & great drinks. The best part? Each of the pubs listed below also offers accommodation by Nightcap Hotels, so you can enjoy yourself to the fullest and simply walk back to your hotel room at the end of the night. At Nightcap, we’ve got it all under one roof, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy your holidays!
NEW SOUTH WALES
Ocean Beach Hotel
Steps from the sandy beach, Ocean Beach Hotel has one killer beer garden. The furniture is fun and bright, plus there’s astroturf on the ground and a massive TV screen to watch the game. Oh, and did we mention there’s a JUMPING CASTLE?!? As if your beach holiday couldn’t get any better, you can end your day with sunset drinks in the lush beer garden while the youngin’s burn off the last of their energy hopping around the jumping castle. Oh, and there’s also a boat on the roof, but couldn’t tell you how it got there.
Colyton Hotel
The large indoor kids area at Colyton Hotel offers a playground, multiple arcade games and plenty of space to lounge and watch the tele. Like many of the pubs on this list, it’s situated off the Bistro for easy supervision. With a generous amount of space, it's a great spot for kids parties, too!
QUEENSLAND
Kawana Waters
Don’t be fooled by the delightfully open bar and bistro with a pool table and Marina views - Kawana Waters Hotel is a kid-friendly pub with play areas tucked away for the little ones to enjoy. Kids can choose from the indoor playroom with games, movies and colouring activities or the outdoor undercover playground, perfect all year ‘round.
Hinterland Hotel
On the Nerang River in the suburbs of Gold Coast lies Hinterland Hotel - recently renovated to offer 26 modern hotel rooms at affordable prices. Order your favourite pub meal and drink at the bar, then head out to the alfresco dining area to settle in while the kids amuse themselves in the fenced-in play area with a bright and cheerful playground. It’s a safe and spacious area for them to let loose and enjoy.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Finsbury Hotel
Finsbury Hotel, Woodville North SA
The kids area at Finsbury Hotel is great for older kids, as the drawcard here is a kids play area with PS4 stations, old-school arcade games and a lounge area (though youngsters will most definitely enjoy a run around the safe and colourful space). Adults can relax over their tasty pub meals as the kids keep themselves entertained. The play area is located just off the Bistro, so easy to keep one eye on the little ones while catching up with friends and family.
Playford Tavern
Playford Tavern, Davoren Park SA
North of Adelaide lies Playford Tavern, a local pub with a Family Bistro. The food is classic and delicious, the drinks are fresh and the service is friendly; everything you’d expect from your local. The indoor kids play area is equipped with a playground, claw machine, playhouse and more, so young ones will be spoilt for choice when it comes to games to play. It’s all under one roof, so you can watch them from a distance as you tuck into a good feed in the Bistro.
TASMANIA
Riverside Hotel Motel
Riverside Hotel Motel, Riverside TAS
In the outskirts of Launceston, Riverside Hotel Motel offers great value food and accommodation in a convenient location. The kids play area is located just off the Bistro and packs a lot into a small space. There are gumball machines with toys inside, an arcade claw, games and a playground with a helicopter-spaceship (we think?). Let their imaginations run wild in this safe space while the adults enjoy a meal in the Bistro.
VICTORIA
York on Lilydale
York on Lilydale, Mount Evelyn VIC
Nestled at the gateway to the Yarra Valley, York on Lilydale is Mt Evelyn’s local pub offering the best of local beer, cider and Yarra Valley wines. Settle in for a classic pub meal and let the kids run free in not one but TWO play areas. The little ones can choose from the indoor and outdoor play areas, both of which are within eye’s reach of the Family Bistro dining areas. Between two massive playgrounds and multiple tablet games, there’s no shortage of entertainment, not to mention York being the perfect spot for a kids birthday party…!!!
Matthew Flinders Hotel
Matthew Flinders Hotel, Chadstone VIC
Holy cow, is this a good one. Though geared slightly towards the older kids, Matthew Flinders Hotel has a play area that’s sure to excite all ages. From 10-pin bowling to air hockey and a variety of arcade games, there’s fun for all at this local pub. Located a hop, skip & jump away from Chadstone Shopping Centre, it’s the perfect spot to settle in after a day of shopping (or, well, any day really).
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Wanneroo Villa Tavern
Wanneroo Villa Tavern, Wanneroo WA
Wanneroo Villa Tavern has a spacious Bistro offering a tantalising menu for adults and children alike. It’s got a vintage and homely feel with corrugated iron accents and sprinklings of retro decor. Grab a seat inside and settle in as the kids explore the indoor play area with an exciting and colourful playground. With floor-to-ceiling windows, they’ll have plenty of sunshine to brighten up their day while playing safely inside and within close proximity of the adults.
