With this pleasant weather lending itself well to a daily stroll with the little ones, a family friendly spot for a snack en route would make for the perfect day.
So here then, our list of Vancouver’s best kid-friendly cafes and restaurants for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or just a quick bite. Two are in our own Kitsilano neighbourhood while the rest are just a short drive away. Almost all of our picks have a play area for kids and a special kids menu to make life easier for the parent(s).
As a bonus, they all offer great food and drinks for you too. Enjoy the break!
This Whistler original recently opened up a little shop next to the new location of Aphrodite’s on West 4th in our Kitsilano neighbourhood. They graciously offer healthy organic salads, rice bowls, raw creations, smoothies, fresh juices, desserts, and more. There’s a play kitchen area for kids plus a healthy menu for them too. A perfect stop after a day at Jericho Beach Park.
2. Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.
Another Kitsilano spot is this wonderful pizza and more restaurant on West 1st. Rocky Mountain pleases both parents and kids with delicious organic food, fresh juices, great wine & beer, plus a large play kitchen area (though this play area could do with a little sprucing up). They also provide crayons, colouring paper, and a special kids menu.
Stop by this Point Grey cafe for a light brunch or some good strong coffee and freshly baked French pastries like macarons and croissants. Sandwiches and salads are available too, as are a few comfort food items like mac & cheese and lasagna. While you enjoy your snack, let the little ones hang out in the dedicated play area.
4. Darcy’s Cafe
Also in Point Grey, further up on West 10th, is this lovely cafe that is always busy with moms & tots. Park your stroller outside or in the back and order a healthy sandwich or breakfast platter for you, and a fluffy waffle for your little one. Great coffees and gorgeous pastries too. There’s a play area and spacious, clean bathrooms for diaper changes.
A Dunbar favourite, this friendly cafe has a large play area in the back, lots of seating for parents, and a decent selection of light lunch options. The kids will love the real smoothies and familiar snacks available. Out of diapers and wipes? Stong’s Market is right across the street.
Sure it’s a chain, but the West 2nd & Cambie (near the Olympic Village), offers a large play area for toddlers, big breakfasts, burgers, and sandwiches, and of course, sweet & savoury pannekoeken (Dutch crepes) that kids just love.
Located in Chinatown, downtown Vancouver, this brick oven pizzeria doesn’t have a play area but it makes up for it by providing over 600 board and card games for all ages to play with during dinner. Menu items also include pastas and a kids selection. Note: Open for lunch & dinner Fri-Sun, dinner only Mon-Thu.
8. SweetSalt
SweetSalt is a bright and airy German bakery and cafe on Fraser and East 19th that has a nice play kitchen area. Goodies include authentic pretzels, healthy sandwiches, a kids menu, and fresh pastries that pair nicely with their great coffee. They also offers fun kids baking classes and birthday parties.
On the Drive, this hectic (and sometimes messy) vegetarian restaurant serves good breakfasts, (veggie) burgers, and other brunch and lunch items at value prices. There’s a kids menu and a play area that includes a well-used chalk board. The stage is a hit with the kids as well, when it’s not being used for open mic night and other live performances.
Last modified: January 17, 2017
