Family-Friendly Dining in Ballina Coast & Hinterland
Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants You'll Love
Planning a family outing can sometimes feel like a juggling act, especially when it comes to finding a place to eat that keeps everyone happy. Luckily, the Ballina Coast and Hinterland is filled with fantastic dining spots that cater to both kids and grown-ups alike. Whether you're after a relaxed beachside picnic area, a cosy pub with a play area, or a restaurant serving up dishes guaranteed to please picky eaters, we've got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of Ballina’s best kid-friendly venues that will make dining out with kids a breeze. With two children myself, I can confidently say these venues have been tried and tested by us!
Cherry Street Sports
Best for Outdoor Play and Kids’ Meals
A beloved local gem, Cherry Street Sports in Ballina is the go-to destination for relaxed family dining. A fun playground for the little ones plus a huge outdoor green field that is often full of kids kicking a soccer ball or creating their own games. A large alfresco deck overlooks it all making it an easy dining option for all ages. On Thursdays, kids eat free all day (conditions apply), plus Kidz Klub run craft activities to keep the creative ones entertained. If visiting in the NSW school holidays, make sure to check out the often free activities they host on the back green!
Ballina RSL
A Top Kid-Friendly Restaurant with Supervised Play Area
Ballina RSL offers a dedicated Kids Cove—a haven for children aged 4-12. Supervised by a fully qualified childcare worker, tech enthusiasts can dive into the computer games section while budding artists will love the craft area. Make sure to check out the opening hours, but with free entry the Kids Cover ensures families can enjoy a delicious meal together while keeping the kids happy and engaged.
Westower Tavern
A Family-Friendly Pub with a Playground in Ballina
Westower Tavern makes it a breeze for families with kids! Along with kids' menu and woodfired pizzas, there's also a fantastic outdoor playground for the little ones to enjoy. While the kids are busy climbing and sliding, parents can sit back, relax, and savour their meals on the deck area, all while keeping a watchful eye on the fun-filled action. It's the perfect recipe for a stress-free family dining experience!
Lennox Pizza
Family-Friendly Feasts Just Steps from the Playground in Lennox Head
Now it may not have playgrounds but it does have a great family friendly atmosphere and find me a kid that doesn’t like pizza or pasta! Bonus, it has Lennox Heads most popular playground opposite and a great ice cream shop downstairs to finish off the evening while the adults enjoy a cocktail.
Shaws Bay Hotel
Waterfront Dining with Room to Play in East Ballina
Newly refurbished, Shaws Bay Hotel has a fantastic beer garden overlooking Shaws Bay. There is a great sandy beach for kids to play on or dip there toes in the water when they have finished eating their delicious dinner. On Sunday afternoons they have live music so a dance floor will keep the kids moving.
Picnic Spots
If you are up for a really relaxing evening, no tables or cutlery, then I highly recommend grabbing take away and enjoying the last rays of the sun at the following spots along the waterfront.
- Fawcett Park has plenty of grass area to pull up a picnic rug, a playground right on the waterfront and food options to suit all tastes. Grab a wood fired pizza from Wharf Bar, burgers from Malibu Ballina or fish and chips from Dory’s and finish it off with an ice cream from Baskins
- Grab your fish and chips or a pizza packed with toppings from Brighton St and sit under the trees at Gawandii Beach. On dusk keep and eye out for the dolphins that often come close to shore chasing the fish
- Order a Family Pizza Pack from Quattro in Lennox and take it down to Lake Ainsworth to watch the sun set between the tea trees overlooking the freshwater lake. Take your swimmers and enjoy a refreshing dip after dinner.
Ready to Plan Your Next Family Feast?
From seaside picnics to pub meals with playgrounds, the Ballina Coast and Hinterland is brimming with family-friendly food spots. Explore more local dining gems, plan your visit, or create your own family friendly itinerary using our suggestions and tips —because happy kids make happy holidays!
