Eating out with small children can be a trying experience – I’m sure most of us can relate to our kids running around, throwing tantrums or whining. Here are some relaxed places with activities and/or open outdoor spaces to keep the kids busy and engaged, so that everyone can enjoy their food in peace!
1. Little Pea Kids Commons
Located in The Commons, Little Pea focuses on food and fun. Order from a selection of tasty options like home-made chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, rigatoni with tomato sauce, and a smoked salmon sandwich, as well as coffee drinks and desserts. Toddlers can walk around, looking at picture books and exploring the Lego brick bar and a colouring wall. Kids over 4 can also check out the drop-in crafts room.
2. Café Tartine
Recently renovated, Café Tartine in Ruamrudee sets the scene for a relaxed breakfast or lunch. You can have delicious sandwiches along with fresh salads, egg dishes, and quiche. A kids’ menu offers a drink, simple dish (Emmental cheese pasta, turkey & cheese sandwich, grilled salmon or grounded beef and fries) and a cookie. The cafe offers high chairs, along with crayons, coloring pages, and children’s movies that play throughout the day.
3. Jumping Beans
Located in Soi Suanphlu in Sathorn, Jumping Beans is “all about good food in a place where everyone can be happy”. In a casual, home-like setting, everyone can enjoy a nutritious, home-cooked meal while the little ones play with toys, look at books, and sit at kid-sized tables. Jumping Beans hosts a number of weekly playgroups, including Tea & Tots and Let’s Get Messy, so it’s also a great place to meet other parents.
4. Mari Go Round
A beautiful open space dedicated to children ages 1 to 6, Mari Go Round offers padded play areas, including a ball pit/slide, wood pit with digging equipment, a gorgeous play kitchen and pretend play accessories, and loads of toys. The whole place has a calming feel, with lots of light and natural tones. Parents can take a breather, have a coffee and pastry, while the little ones excitedly explore the zones.
5. Steps with Theera
A vocational training centre for young adults with learning challenges, Steps with Theera serves up a delicious range of breakfast bites and dishes in a relaxed, low-key setting. There are lots of heathy options, including soy-free, gluten-free and dairy-free choices for those with dietary restrictions. A small nook stocked with toys and books helps to keep the little ones occupied. Come with friends for a mini-playdate while supporting the cafe’s great cause.
6. Blue Parrot Bangkok
Blue Parrot Bangkok provides an open-air tropical setting with a beach club-like vibe. It has a small swimming pool equipped with inflatable toys and a covered toddler play and dining area, catering to parents like to relax with a refreshing cocktail (or two) in poolside cabanas. The family can play pétanque on a dedicated sandy pitch, and order from a menu that includes healthy choices, including kid-friendly selections.
7. Melange
Melange features a home-like space that opens early, by 8am, so you can come for breakfast. Choose from a range international and Thai dishes that can be tailored to any specific dietary requirements, and stretch out by the pool to enjoy your meal while the kids swim or play in the small garden. There’s also a covered play space for the younger children, with padded flooring, a small climbing structure and ball pit, and toys.
9. Bistro 33
For casual dining, Bistro 33 offers a range of tasty choices. Their Sunday buffet brunch spread includes kid-friendly options like pizza, BBQ, roast turkey, ham, lamb, salads and cold cuts and more. Plus kids under 12 eat for the bargain price of 250 baht, and they get to try their hand at making pizza. The staff are friendly and accommodating, while an outdoor patio area is great for al fresco dining (and little ones who like to run around).
10. The Gardens
The Gardens is a good choice for families, especially on a languid weekend. Order from the a la carte menu, and enjoy indoor seating with direct views of the peacock and dove enclosure. Or, opt to sit outside in the gardens or on the deck, next to the pond. The children can roam around, watch and feed the resident swans from wooden bridges, spot turtles, and visit the rabbits and peacocks.
BONUS: The 66 Cottage
An oasis that’s tucked away in the Udomsuk area, The Cottage 66 caters to those who relish dining amidst serene green spaces. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, all with verdant views, as well as a range of savoury Thai and international dishes, sweet treats, and coffee drinks. While waiting for your food, children can check out the garden’s nooks as well as run around in a spacious, well tended backyard.
Photo Credit: Little Pea Kids Commons
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