Introduction to Kid Friendly Pubs With Playgrounds
We all know that finding a pub where the kids can play while you sit down for a proper meal or a quick drink in peace can feel like landing the jackpot. We’re going to take the effort out of all that hunting for you, though, with these five great watering holes. Whether you’re a local or you’re in town visiting, we’ve got something for everyone here, combining that holy trinity of food, fun, and family-friendly.
You’ll be pleased to hear that the northern Gold Coast is packed with plenty of awesome spots that make life easier for parents. It wasn’t easy to narrow it down, but we’ve rounded up what we think are five of the best pubs and clubs with playgrounds or play zones so the kids can let off steam while you relax. These five range from casual club bistros to snappy waterfront eats and fit the bill for lunch, dinner, drinks, or even a sneaky midweek outing.
Here are our top picks — kid-approved and parent-friendly!
RELATED:
7 Best Kid Friendly Pubs With Playgrounds – Southern Gold Coast
5 Best Kid Friendly Pubs With Playgrounds – Gold Coast Hinterland
Wattle Hotel – Coomera
Wattle Hotel
1 Reserve Rd, Upper Coomera
The Wattle Hotel is a pub-style venue that’s made a name for itself with families, and you don’t have to look too hard to see why. The headline act? Boasting a fully fenced outdoor play area right next to the bistro, and an indoor soft play, you can actually eat with both hands while keeping an eye on the kids. You might even get to have an adult conversation!
With indoor and outdoor seating, there are plenty of tables conveniently positioned to face the playground. It has a relaxed vibe, and despite the wealth of fun for kids to enjoy, it is not too noisy and has a welcoming sunny feel on weekends. Perfect for whiling away the hours over a long lunch with friends while the kids run wild.
Atmosphere:
This is a lively, modern, and casual hotel with a bistro and is a firm favourite with locals.
Family Activities:
Attention has been paid to safety with soft flooring in the playground, shade sails, and climbing equipment that is suitable for toddlers through to early primary schoolers. There’s also grass nearby if they fancy a kickabout.
Community Events:
The Wattle often hosts Sunday family days with face painting or live music. We recommend keeping an eye on their socials for up-to-date information on upcoming events.
Food Style:
Think pub-style classics with a modern twist. Schnitzels, burgers, salads, and seafood jostle for space on the menu amongst some regular pub grub favourites.
Food Price Range:
Mains from $20–$35
Kids’ Menu:
$12 meals (includes a drink and dessert). Choices include kid-friendly options like chicken nuggets, pasta, cheeseburgers, or fish and chips.
Extra Tips:
If you’re planning a weekend visit, we recommend going early for easy parking and shorter wait times. As always, bring hats and sunscreen if you’re sitting outside.
Features:
Playground: Yes – indoor and outdoor, fenced
Kids’ menu: Yes
Highchairs: Yes
Change table: Yes
Shade: Yes
Parking: Free on-site
Booking needed: Recommended on weekends
Pet friendly: No
Standout feature: The fully visible playground right by the dining area
Oxenford Tavern – Oxenford
Oxenford Tavern
179 Old Pacific Hwy, Oxenford
Let’s be honest, when we’ve got kids in tow, it’s all about enjoying a casual feed without the fuss, and for this, the Oxenford Tavern is a winner. This classic-style tavern is very much geared towards families, and their fun indoor kids’ play zone is especially popular and is a great way to while away those sweltering summer days or rainy afternoons with a moment of some adult downtime thrown in for good measure.
The bistro seating wraps around the play area, so you’re never far from your merchants of chaos. Plus, the vibe is relaxed — no one’s going to throw evil looks if your toddler has a mini meltdown.
Atmosphere:
This is an old-school Aussie pub with a fun, family suitable vibe.
Family Activities:
The indoor play space has tunnels, slides, and padded areas. It best suits toddlers and young kids (ages 2–7). There’s also a small games area with claw machines and ride-on toys, so bring the pocket money.
Community Events:
There are occasional family nights or themed evenings; make sure to check out their Facebook page before you go.
Food Style:
The menu features classic pub favourites — schnitzels, steaks, pastas, and generous portions to boot.
Food Price Range:
Mains $18–$30
Kids’ Menu:
Around $10–$12 with options like chicken strips, spaghetti, and mini pizzas. Often includes a small drink or ice cream.
Extra Tips:
Don’t forget to bring socks if the kids want to use the play area. There is plenty of free parking available out front.
Features:
Playground: Yes – indoor
Kids’ menu: Yes
Highchairs: Yes
Change table: Yes
Shade: N/A (indoor play zone)
Parking: Free on-site
Booking needed: No, but a good idea on weekends
Pet friendly: No
Standout feature: Fully air-conditioned indoor playground
Southport Sharks – Southport
Southport Sharks
Corner Olsen and Musgrave Ave, Southport
Southport Sharks is much more than just a club, and you can’t help but be impressed by the range of facilities and amenities on offer. It’s a full-on leisure and entertainment hub! When it comes to kids, they’ve nailed it. Their dedicated Wobbygongs Kids Fun Zone is legendary and even has supervised sessions at certain times, so parents can genuinely kick back and enjoy a drink or dinner in peace.
The large open-plan bistro has plenty of seating, and the playground is just around the corner and is safe and secure for your little ones.
Atmosphere:
This is a modern, vibrant club with a bit of everything.
Family Activities:
Wobbygongs includes a play area with slides, soft play, and video games for any older kids. It’s ideal for ages 3–12. They sometimes offer free arts and crafts or host kids’ disco nights.
Community Events:
School holiday activities, themed family nights, and entertainment on weekends.
Food Style:
With several different venues to eat at, think modern Australian in the main — burgers, salads, and pizza all feature prominently, plus there are some European-style dishes on offer.
Food Price Range:
Mains range from $22–$38
Kids’ Menu:
$12–$14 with meal, drink, and ice cream. Options include nuggets, Bolognese, and mini pizzas.
Extra Tips:
Membership to the club gives you access to discounts and member-only specials. Bring socks for the play area. The supervised play hours are usually available on Friday and Saturday nights.
Features:
Playground: Yes – indoor supervised fun zone
Kids’ menu: Yes
Highchairs: Yes
Change table: Yes
Shade: N/A (indoor play zone)
Parking: Free on-site, undercover
Booking needed: Recommended
Pet friendly: No
Standout feature: Supervised kids’ play area for true grown-up time
Southport Yacht Club – Southport
Southport Yacht Club
1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach
What’s not to love about a yacht club? We’re big fans of feeling like you’re on holiday without leaving town, and this is certainly the spot for that. The Southport Yacht Club has a relaxed, resort-style feel, complete with a backdrop of boats bobbing about in the marina and an open-air dining area providing the sea breeze.
While not a playground in the traditional sense, there’s a sandy area by the deck where kids can potter about and play under supervision. There is also a grassy space nearby that is perfect for toddlers to burn off some energy.
Atmosphere:
This chilled-out coastal club has unbeatable waterfront views.
Family Activities:
There is no fixed play equipment, but there is plenty of space for games, scooting, and sandcastle building. Great for creative outdoor play.
Community Events:
The club regularly hosts live music, seafood nights, and family days, especially during summer.
Food Style:
Upscale pub and seafood are the norm — think grilled fish, gourmet burgers, and charcuterie platters.
Food Price Range:
Mains $25–$45
Kids’ Menu:
Around $12. There is a smaller selection than some, but it is of good quality — grilled fish, pasta, or chicken.
Extra Tips:
This spot is best for kids who love being outdoors and don’t need a structured playground to enjoy themselves. Bring beach toys or a ball. Note that the dress code is smart casual.
Features:
Playground: No – open space and sand
Kids’ menu: Yes
Highchairs: Yes
Change table: Yes
Shade: Yes
Parking: Free on-site
Booking needed: Yes
Pet friendly: No
Standout feature: Relaxing marina views with space to roam
CSi Club Southport – Southport
CSi Club Southport
154A Scarborough St, Southport
CSi Club Southport truly is a hidden gem for parents. Their Kidz Zone is a bright and colourful indoor playroom with everything from slides to tunnels. Above all, it’s fully enclosed, so you can relax while the kids do their thing.
With a big, light, and airy dining area, there are plenty of tables near the play area. It’s a budget-friendly option for larger families or midweek dinners.
Atmosphere:
This friendly local club has a big focus on families.
Family Activities:
Indoor play zone (great for kids aged 2–8), plus colouring sheets and sometimes live entertainment. The open space means there is room to move!
Community Events:
Bingo, raffles, themed nights — and of course, school holiday fun.
Food Style:
Club classics — schnitzels, steak, pasta, and several Asian-inspired dishes.
Food Price Range:
Mains $18–$30
Kids’ Menu:
Meals around $10, including spaghetti, nuggets, and sausages. This usually includes a drink and dessert too.
Extra Tips:
Non-members are welcome, but members enjoy food discounts. Bring socks for the play area. This club is great for rainy day outings with its wealth of space and things to do.
Features:
Playground: Yes – indoor
Kids’ menu: Yes
Highchairs: Yes
Change table: Yes
Shade: N/A (indoor play zone)
Parking: Free on-site
Booking needed: No
Pet friendly: No
Standout feature: Big indoor playroom and excellent value meals
Wrap-Up
Whether you’re chasing a lazy Sunday lunch or you’re grabbing a quick weekday dinner on the hoof where the kids can burn off steam, these family-friendly pubs and clubs on the northern Gold Coast are tried, tested, and toddler-approved.
Save this list, share it in your mum group chat, and keep it handy for those “what are we doing this weekend?” moments. Happy dining — and here’s to finishing a meal in peace!
