Everyone enjoys a meal out. What’s not to love…no grocery shopping, no food prep, no dishes. But the inevitable downside of eating out is the seemingly endless wait between when the order is placed and the food arrives. Kids turn into food-crazed monsters waiting for their meal to arrive. Nothing distracts the kids more than a good play area. We’ve rounded up a list of restaurants & cafes which offer tasty food and a good play space. If we’ve missed your favourite off this list, please send an email to vancouver@familyfuncanada.com or leave us a note in the comment section. Bon appetite!
Restaurants with Play Areas
Cafe deux Soleils (2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver)
The Cafe which offers something for everyone. While the adults are sure to enjoy the restaurant’s Poetry Slam events, Fictionals Comedy shows, or their eclectic live music nights, parents are also encouraged to bring the little ones along for a play date. Whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are kid-menu options bound to appeal to the pickiest of eaters. The little kids’ play area boosts a kid-height chalkboard in addition to toys.
Circus Play Cafe (1650 East 12th Avenue, Vancouver)
At Circus Play Cafe they put equal emphasis on quality, healthy food and a great play space for the kids. Childminders will love the locally sources hot beverages (tea & coffee), as well as the locally made goodies. The kids will have fun in the 800 sqft play area designed for 0 – 5 year olds. Lots of wooden toys, comfy cushions, and climbing structures will keep the kids busy & using their imaginations.
Greens & Beans (143 E Columbia St, New Westminster)
Got a train enthusiast in your family? Take them to Greens & Beans where a little train delivers the food around the restaurant!
Kids’ Play Cafe (14885 60th Avenue, Surrey)
Parents will enjoy delicious espresso, baked goods & soups. The kids will love the the indoor playground with lots of space to climb and explore. They can also put on a puppet show and drive on a road!
Ludica Pizzeria & Game Room (2 locations: 189 Keefer Place, Vancouver | 601 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster)
You will find some of the best pizza in Canada along with an incredible selection of board games to enjoy (for free) while you gobble up the yummy pizza. Seriously there are hundreds of board and card games to try, and the staff will even teach you how to play some of the games.
Sal y Limon (5-701 Kingsway Street, Vancouver)
I can not get enough of this place! Ultra good and ridiculously well-priced Mexican food! While peak times can result in a line out-the-door, the staff move quickly and there is the ever popular kids’ play space. A mini kitchen with lots of wooden toys keep the kids entertained while the delicious food is prepared. I’m seriously drooling just thinking about the pulled pork tacos!
The Raving Gamer (#106, 5735 203 Street, Langley)
Get ready for a fun evening of board games and yummy food! Locally sourced ingredients make for incredibly tasty food that ranges from smoked olives and charcuterie to burgers and out-of-this-world grilled cheese sandwiches. The stafff are games masters and will happily suggest a game or two for you to enjoy with your meal.
Rocky Mountain Flatbread (4186 Main Street, Vancouver)
Sundays are family night at Rocky Mountain Flatbread! Kids get to make their own pizza. They roll out the dough, spread the tomato sauce, sprinkle on the cheese and finish with the toppings of their choice. Just think, your kids can learn to cook without messing up your kitchen! On the non-pizza-making-nights, kids can entertain themselves in the play kitchen while waiting for their tasty meal to magically appear on the table.
Wooden Spoon (15171 Russell Ave, White Rock)
Tucked in the back corner of the restaurant is a lovely little play area for kids. The separate space has a wide range of toys for toddlers to keep busy while the super fresh and tasty food is prepared.