Top 5 places to eat with kids in gungahlin

It is cold in Canberra at this time of the year, so it is great to find a place that has space for a pram or for kids to be kids, an outdoor area in case the sun is out and the wind is not and entertainment for the kids. I live in Gungahlin and I have a 6 and 9 year old, so while I don’t use a pram anymore, I am still looking for family friendly spot for brunch, lunch or dinner! Here are my top 5 picks for eating out with the kids in Gungahlin (in no particular order).

The George Harcourt Inn – Gold Creek, Nicholls

I have always enjoyed visiting the George and the kids love it too. In Spring/Summer it is great to sit outside in the sun as there is large open areas for the kids to wander and play. If it is a nice sunny day in Winter it is just as nice, bring a jacket and they do have some outdoor fires. Inside they have a fire (the tables are squashed together, so not ideal if you have a pram) but you will need to book ahead to get this spot.

On the weekend they have live music outside (can be a little too loud, I sound like an old person but I like to be able to chat too!). The food is classic, tasty pub food, and has a good kids menu, the cost of meals is normal for Canberra but it can be busy on the weekend so be prepared to wait a little for your food. But don’t worry, there is plenty of beer, cider and wine to keep you entertained in the meantime. I would pack some snacks for the kids in case it is a long wait. I enjoy taking my kids here as they have fun exploring and climbing over the rocks on the hill and meeting and playing with other kids. George Harcourt Website

Café Enjoy –  Gold Creek, Nicholls

Café Injoy has been around for a long time and that is because is it great value for money, the service is quick and friendly and the food is tasty. There is a large enclosed deck and outside seating, which is nice on a sunny day. There is a small play gym and a large pond with fish for kids to look at. There is an extensive menu, blackboard specials and all day breakfast!! Who doesn’t love all day breakfast! At peak times ie weekends you might like to make a booking. Plus there are many shops and activities to do with your kids after your meal eg Reptile Zoo, Cockington Green, Dinosaur Museum, walk-in aviary plus more. – Cafe Injoy – Canberra, Australian Capital Territory – Cafe | Facebook

Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club 

A great place for the family or a Mother’s group catch up as there is ample room for prams. The atmosphere is nice with a view over the golf course and there is a games room for the kids with a TV and large foam blocks to play with. The food is usually tasty, maybe a little on the high side for a club. There is a Pizza bar, cafe and a good selection of kids’ meals. Raffles are held every Wednesday and Friday night and being opened plan you and the kids can sit back and relax while watching the footy or waiting to win the raffles! gungahlin-golf-club

Raider’s Gungahlin

It has an extensive menu for Mum and Dad (I cannot go pass the chicken schnitzel (the size of your head) served with mash/vegetables or chips and salad – and I love to add béarnaise sauce!) (only $13 only a Wednesday). There are $10 kids meals and it comes with vanilla ice cream. There is a large “Kidz Only” play area (with McDonald’s style play equipment) separated by glass panelling, so you can sit at your table and see the kids playing but there is a little bit of a sound barrier. The service is quick so you can be in and out for lunch or dinner if the kids are not on their best behaviour and need to be sent for a sleep!

Frankies at Forde

I have only been to Frankies for breakfast because I cannot go past the Eggs Benedict (it was better when they served it with a Rosti but still tasty). I also really enjoy the atmosphere (quite chilled), friendly and helpful customer service and good coffee (not being a coffee drinker I have to take it from my coffee snob husband and he says it is good (yes I don’t know how I got through those early years on no coffee!)).

There is plenty of space inside and out…so pram friendly. At busy periods on the weekend it is harder to negotiate with a pram and it is a little bit noisy, but no different to any other busy café. It is best to book in advance too.

They have deals on some nights of the week, on Saturday it is kids eat free with any adult meal between 5pm and 6pm – Frankies at Forde website

There are more family friendly cafes in Gungahlin, it is the perfect excuse to get the kids off the technology and for you to enjoy a meal cooked by someone else. So pack your Sash & Belle Nappy Bag, grab the wet wipes, and spend some family time together this weekend.