10 Great Places to Eat with Kids

on the Gold Coast

Updated: Oct 27, 2023

The Gold Coast is renowned for being a family-friendly holiday destination, with so many fun-filled attractions and activities for all ages. And when it come to dining out, families are also spoilt for choice, with a fantastic array of cafes and affordable restaurants that cater for children as well as parents. From beachfront pavilions to healthy cafes and a child-friendly beer garden, here's a selection of 10 to bookmark for your next visit to the coast:

Dune Cafe, Palm Beach

You can't beat the location of this cool beachside cafe, which overlooks Palm Beach Parklands, alongside beautiful Currumbin Creek. The perfect spot for pre-beach breakkie or post-swim lunch, Dune Cafe serves up delicious dishes including a dedicated kids' menu that the youngest of foodies will love. Parents can enjoy a barista-brewed coffee and soak up some rays of sunshine whilst children let loose on the expansive grassy parkland. Nearby, Currumbin Creek is an ideal sheltered swimming spot and there's an epic pirate-themed playground for kids to explore

Perched in prime position across the road from Surfers Paradise's main patrolled beach, Sandbar offers a laidback beachy dining experience for all ages, from breakfast through to sunset cocktails and dinner. Featuring a dedicated kids' menu for children under 12, with all dishes $10 or under, Sandbar would have to be one of the best value dining destinations for families in Surfers Paradise. When you've worked up an appetite after a day on the beach, Sandbar also has a special '3 to 5' menu that bridges the gap between lunch and dinner, including waffle fries, buffalo wings, a grazing board, fish and chips, burgers and Hawaiian poke bowls

BSKT, Nobby Beach

For decades it was a landmark corner store where local kids flocked to the lolly counter. Then, in 2013 the beachside shop was converted into BSKT, a health food cafe frequented by locals and visitors who come from afar to enjoy its delectable, wholesome fare. Located on the corner opposite Nobby Beach SLSC, with access to the patrolled beach, BSKT Cafe makes the perfect family brunch stop to combine with a day at the beach. As well as the scrumptious food (including the Cocowhip, which was born here), BSKT has a fantastic covered kids playground out back, with doll's house, construction bricks, books and more

This fantasy dessert bar at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is paradise for children and adults alike, with a menu that could be straight out of a fairytale. Featuring a dedicated nutella section, toasted waffle sandwiches filled with marshmallows and crushed oreos, fruit tingle crepes, pizzas topped with crunchy s'mores, and cookie pancakes, Cowch Dessert Bar is a sweet-tooth's heaven. And that's just the food - kids will love the decadent super shakes, unicorn lemonade and strawberry shortcake mocktails, whilst adults can sip on coconut and marshmallow margaritas, choc peanut butter-tinis or cotton candy vodka cocktails

Enjoying panoramic views from its prime position atop Point Danger, Cafe D'Bar is one of the southern Gold Coast's real treasures. Here families can enjoy a paddock-to-plate dining experience that is a match for the views. Their gourmet breakfast and lunch menus are prepared from fresh ingredients sourced locally from the Gold Coast hinterland through to Byron Bay. Occupying a rustic converted shop, the ambience is beach house chic with a casual vibe, so you will feel right at home, strolling in after a spot of whale watching at the nearby lookout

This all day diner and bar nestled in Harbourtown was originally a dedicated sports bar but has expanded its repertoire to become one of the top family-friendly destinations on the northern Gold Coast. Whilst you can still come here to sink a few beers and watch a game, Crafty's offers a whole lot more. Renowned for their epic burgers and pizzas, craft beers and cocktails, Crafty’s also offers a ‘kids eat free’ mid-week special, free games, and a live DJ on weekends. So while the kids enjoy a hit of table tennis, the parents can kick back and relax after a day of shopping with tasty bites and an ice cold drink

Bring the family along to enjoy some delicious Cali-Mexican food right on the beachfront at Coolangatta when you dine at Beach Burrito. Featuring a colourful coastal aesthetic, the decor is a perfect match for the setting and the food. On the menu you'll find a choice of burritos (including the famous OG chicken), an extensive range of tacos, as well as quesadillos and nachos. Little amigos have their own menu, including burrito, quesadillo, fish and chips and even a DIY taco kit. If that's not enough, there's also a kids activity pack to keep them busy whilst parents can relax with a refreshing cocktail or Mexican beer

Located within Soul Boardwalk in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Vapiano offers family-friendly Italian dining in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Featuring live olive trees and fresh herbs at every table, here's the place to enjoy made-to-order pizzas, house-made pasta, hand-tossed salads and delicious dolci at affordable prices, including an unbeatable $10 lunch deal. Meanwhile kids aged 11 years and under can enjoy a special pasta or pizza meal for just $10 at any time of day

Burleigh Pavilion

You won't find a more iconic Gold Coast dining location that that of stunning Burleigh Pavilion, perched right on the seafront alongside Burleigh's headland. Sit out on the terrace to enjoy refreshing ocean breezes, and enjoy the breathtaking coastline views all the way along to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Despite the million dollar position and chic fit-out, the food served here is casual yet quality pub style - think wood-fired pizzas, fish and chips, burgers, steak and pasta, with a small menu of kids meals

Surfers Paradise Beer Garden

From its first incarnation as part of the legendary Surfers Paradise Hotel (which was created by James Cavill in 1925), the Surfers Paradise Beer Garden has played a leading role in the Gold Coast's history, attracting generations of holiday-makers and fun-lovers. Today the famous beer garden has been revamped, taking inspiration from its heyday but with a fresh new design and menu. As well as the delicious pub-style food, families will love the 'Adults Playground', with its nostalgic games like Jenga, Connect Four, Shufl and Foot-Pool

Images: Burleigh Pavilion & Dune Cafe copyright Must Do Brisbane.com

Other images: Supplied by Destination Gold Coast

This feature was produced in partnership with Destination Gold Coast.