Top kid friendly dining spots in Christchurch

Lil Brew

This heritage cottage café on Main Road in Redcliffs is a dream for families heading to the beach. With indoor and outdoor play areas, cubby houses and toys galore, kids can play while you enjoy a coffee in the sun. The cabinet is stacked with homemade cookies, scones, and sandwiches — perfect for a post-walk treat or some goodies to pick up after a big day of beachy fun.

Good for:

• Indoor/outdoor play areas and cubby houses
• Homemade cookies, scones and cabinet treats
• Perfect coffee stop after a coastal walk

C1 Espresso

Located in the iconic Old Post Office on High Street, this bustling café mixes quirky retro style with lively city energy. Children (and children at heart) will love the pneumatic tube food delivery flying through the room, plus there are pinball machines, activity packs and a delicious kids’ menu. If that's not enough, you can even get their face printed on a fluffy or hot choccy!

Good for:

• Quirky fun with pneumatic food tubes
• Pinball machines and activity packs
• Sweet treats and custom fluffy art

Beach Bar

Right on Sumner Esplanade, this beachfront gem serves up laid-back vibes and ocean views for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Families love the spacious indoor-outdoor seating and the ‘Kids Club’ menu packed with crowd-pleasers. Older kids can even hang out on the beach while parents relax with a coffee or cocktail as they watch over from the outdoor seating area above the sand.

Good for:

• Ocean views and sandcastle breaks
• Spacious seating for families
• Kids’ menu and beach play while parents relax

Sumner Post Office

Housed in a beautifully restored historic building in Sumner, this breezy spot near the beach offers a laid-back vibe to unwind after some sandy fun. Kids can dive into the ‘Little Critters’ menu featuring a fried chicken burger, mini margherita pizza, chicken ‘n’ chips, and an ice cream sundae to finish. Bonus points for the cubby house, toys and colouring station!

Good for:

• Post-beach bites in a historic setting
• Kids’ menu with fun classics
• Cubby house, toys and colouring station

The Tap

Nestled on Old Tai Tapu Road in serene, countryside surroundings just southwest of Christchurch, this historic pub exudes relaxed rural charm with riverside and garden views. It's no wonder it's a favourite spot for families to head for a few hours. With a large outdoor beer garden, playground, two bouncy castles, live weekend music and a generous kids’ menu, you’ve got the ultimate family day out.

Good for:

• Huge outdoor garden with playground & bouncy castles
• Classic kids’ menu for fuss-free dining
• Live music for a relaxed family vibe

The Borough | The Richmond Club

This spacious, community-focused venue is ideal for family catchups! With a playground, pool tables, live music, and a hearty kids’ menu (think cheeseburgers and cheesy pasta), it’s a top spot for relaxed meals or special occasions, with plenty of room to fit the whole family.

Good for:

• Playground and space for kids to roam
• Hearty kids’ menu with classic favourites
• Great for family celebrations and events

One Good Horse Parklands

This Parklands pub combines old-school charm and great food with plenty of family perks. The multi-level indoor playground keeps under-12s entertained while parents enjoy a stress-free meal. Kids’ menu? Check. Ice cream sundaes? Double check.

Good for:

• Multi-level indoor playground for under-12s
• Ice cream sundaes and kid-friendly meals
• Relaxed family dining in a welcoming pub

Lower Grounds (at the Castle)

Tucked into the historic Sign of the Takahe Castle, Lower Grounds sits atop the Port Hills and is a fun destination for the kids, made even better with tasty food the whole family will love. Think hot pastries, cheesy toasties, ice creams and seriously good coffee. Inside, it’s all cosy medieval vibes, and outside you’ll find beanbags and picnic tables under the trees while the kids run wild on the lawn. Bonus: a table stacked with toys and books!

Good for:

• Kid friendly meals and drinks
• Lots of space to roam outside
• Unique medieval castle location

Base Woodfired Pizza

With multiple locations in the city, including the lively Little High Eatery and Riverside Market, this cool and casual pizzeria offers a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal with kids. The kids’ menu keeps it simple with cheese and ham pizzas, while adults can enjoy the more inventive flavours. Casual, cool and guaranteed to please every palate!

Good for:

• Simple pizza options for little appetites
• Casual, relaxed atmosphere
• Central city locations for easy family dining

Waffle Haus

Tucked away on New Regent Street in the central city, Waffle Haus is a vintage-style café serving up Belgian waffles piled high with whipped cream, ice cream and toppings like lemon curd or berry sauce. Add real fruit ice cream to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect sunny-day stop for families.

Good for:

• Fresh Belgian waffles with fun toppings
• Real fruit ice cream for sunny days
• Vintage café vibes in the city

Cobb & Co

On Cranford Street in Papanui, this well-established, Kiwi-style family restaurant offers a relaxed saloon atmosphere complete with a dedicated kids’ play area and meal-serving robots! The kids’ menu is always a hit, featuring tater tots, ice cream combos and slushy mocktails. This is a full dining experience your little ones will rave about.

Good for:

• Robots delivering meals (kids love it!)
• Dedicated kids’ play area
• Fun menu with tater tots, slushies, and ice cream

Nori Table

With two locations in Christchurch, this pick‑your‑own sushi bar delivers an interactive, fresh and healthy dining experience for the whole family. The self-serve bar means everyone can select their own sushi pieces, making mealtime customisable so everyone leaves happy. Older children can explore new flavours, and little ones can stick with the simple classics they know and love.

Good for:

• Interactive pick-your-own sushi experience
• Fresh, healthy options for all ages
• Two convenient Christchurch locations