And let’s face it, when you eat out with kids, sometimes the ‘chill out’ part can be really difficult…unless you go somewhere that caters for kids. It certainly makes all the difference. So if you’re itching for a meal out with your family, here are some of my picks for child-friendly dining in Ipswich.
Queens Park Café
When my kids are having a good day and are happy to sit quietly for a couple of minutes, Queens Park Café is a perfect spot to enjoy the gorgeous outlook over Queens Park and listen to the birds while I imagine myself sipping a cocktail on some tropical island for a couple of minutes. But back to the kids and reality.
The menu has plenty of child-friendly options and buckets of crayons and colouring books are available to keep youngsters entertained, if only for the amount of time you need to drink your coffee or eat your lunch. And of course a visit to the Queens Park café isn’t complete without a ride on F-11 ride, toddlers love it.
Moselles Springfield Lakes
Originally the Lakeside Café, Moselles is fairly new to Ipswich and offers a mix of Vietnamese and Western cuisine. The outlook onto the main lake is very relaxing, but even more relaxing is the fact that parents can enjoy a meal while the kids play on the fenced playground right next to the restaurant. I would recommend securing an outdoor table if you want your kids to be able to play, that way they’re always in your view.
Journeys Kitchen and Bar
If you take an outdoor seat at Journeys, you will actually have a view down to the lagoon. Journeys has a childrens’ play corner to keep kids occupied as well as a kids menu. If you’ve got well-behaved kids and you think they deserve a treat, I hear the milkshake towers look pretty good – Nutella brownie, banoffee crush, cookies and cream….yum!!
Forty West Café
Combine that with a skinny cappuccino and I was all set. If you have older kids who are confident to play by themselves while you watch on from the café, lucky you. If you have younger kids that need closer supervision, don’t worry, the café and its relaxing vibes will be waiting for you when the kids are worn out.
Whether you’re looking for a coffee and cake on a play date, a family breakfast, lunch or early dinner, Forty West serves breakfast and lunch 7 days a week and dinner on Fridays. Oh, and in other good news, they’re licensed so you can enjoy a well-deserved drink over dinner.
116 Laneway Café
What’s great about this little laneway is not only the food but its trendy and eclectic feel and its consideration for families with a designated kids area with a kids table, blackboard and toys.
