Whether you live in or just passing through the area, you won’t want to miss these cafes and restaurants with play areas in North Canterbury.
What’s better than enjoying a hot meal while kids are happy and entertained? Let’s be real, not much. Continuing to arm you with the information you need for a smooth and (relatively) tantrum-free meal out with the family, check out these cafes and restaurants with play areas in North Canterbury on your next outing.
Read more: Your Ultimate List of Restaurants and Cafés With Play Areas for Kids in Christchurch
Cafes and restaurants with play areas in North Canterbury:
Rangiora:
Artisan by Rangiora Bakery
We love Artisan by Rangiora Bakery for its ‘Kid’s Zone,’ a bright, inviting space where littles can play safely with doors that can be closed. While they’re entertained, kick back and enjoy a bowl of their famous curly fries and unwind with a coffee.
Artisan by Rangiora Bakery, 18 High Street, Rangiora, www.rangiorabakery.com
Fools of Desire
Always a great choice for families, Fools of Desire has plenty of toys to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Focusing on local and seasonal produce, they offer an organic and sustainable edge, even using solar-powered energy. Plus, there’s a live beehive in the café, which is pretty cool to watch!
Fools of Desire, Conway Lane, 176 High Street, Rangiora, www.foolsofdesire.co.nz
The Station Cafe
The Station Café in Rangiora is perfect for families looking for a laid-back brunch or lunch. They’ve got a great sandpit, some cool play equipment, and even an air hockey table to keep the kids busy while you enjoy a hot coffee. The menu has something for everyone, including tasty options for the kids, so you can relax knowing they’re well taken care of. Plus, there’s plenty of space for them to run around, making it an easy choice for a stress-free outing with the little ones.
The Station Cafe, 2 Blackett Street, Waimakariri, Rangiora, www.therangiorastation.co.nz
Five Stags Restaurant Rangiora
Check out Five Stags in Rangiora for a fun, family-friendly meal. This spot has a cool New Zealand hunting and game theme with a menu to match. They’ve got a toy box to keep the kids busy so you can enjoy your food in peace.
Five Stags Restaurant Rangiora, 3/29 Huntingdon Drive, Arlington, Rangiora, www.fivestagsrangiora.co.nz
Coffee Culture Rangiora
Coffee Culture in Rangiora is a solid choice for those rainy days. They’ve got a Cubbyhole play area with toys and books perfect for toddlers, so you can sip your coffee while the kids stay entertained.
Coffee Culture, 113 High Street, Rangiora, www.coffeeculture.co.nz/stores/rangiora
The Plough Hotel
If you’re searching for a family-friendly spot, check out The Plough Hotel in Rangiora. A hit with families thanks to its tasty food and kid-friendly amenities; kids can play outside in the playground while you relax and enjoy live music every Saturday.
The Plough Hotel, 398 High Street, Rangiora, www.theploughhotel.co.nz
The Brook Bar & Eatery
Laid-back Brook Bar and Eatery is a family-friendly gem with a cool kids’ area upstairs. They’ve got arcade machines, a comfy sofa, a TV, video games, and plenty of toys to keep the little ones busy.
The Brook Bar & Eatery, 16 Southbrook Road, Rangiora, www.thebrookbar.co.nz
Percival Street Bakery
Percival Street Bakery is a fantastic place for fresh baked goods, from bread and pastries to sweet treats, all made from scratch daily. Plus, right across the road is Victoria Park playground, so you can sip your coffee while keeping an eye on the kids. The playground’s got gear for babies and toddlers and lots of space with picnic tables and grass for a family picnic.
Percival Street Bakery, 138 Percival Street, Rangiora, www.percivalstreetbakery.co.nz
Mitre 10 – Espresso Garden Cafe
We love Mitre 10 for its indoor playgrounds, and Rangiora’s Espresso Garden Cafe is no exception. With a full menu, $10 lunch specials every day, and a cabinet stocked with delicious treats, indulge while the kids make the most of the fenced play space and decent children’s options on the menu.
Espresso Garden Cafe, 1 Southbrook Road, Rangiora, www.facebook.com/espressorangiora
Waikuku + Pegasus
The Good Home Pegasus
The Good Home Pegasus is a go-to spot for families, offering a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for a weekend meal. Kids will love the play area with its giant Scrabble board, and there’s a playground just across the road for even more fun. On Mondays after 5om., kids eat free, making it a great choice for an easy family dinner.
The Good Home Pegasus, 62 Pegasus Main Street, Pegasus, www.thegoodhomepegasus.co.nz
The Office Cafe
The Office Café has you covered with a range of options from keto treats and Buddha bowls to homemade pies and sausage rolls. The menu might be small, but the cabinet’s packed with seasonal salads, house-smoked salmon, slices, and quiches. And great coffee, of course. Kids will love the set of Funky Monkey Bars just outside, as well as neighbouring MAMLAMBO Fossils, full of interactive displays, dig-your-own fossils and more. Check out our reel here.
The Office Cafe, 1429 Main North Road, Waikuku, www.osc.nz/the-office-cafe
Read more: These Child-Friendly Cafés Open Before 7.30am
Kaiapoi
Pineacres Bar & Restaurant
Pineacres Bar and Restaurant has been a North Canterbury favourite since the 1950s. It’s a relaxed spot where you can enjoy great comfort food and cool down with some ice-cold drinks. Kids have their own play area and eat free every Wednesday from 4pm.
Pineacres Bar & Restaurant, 740 Main North Road, Kaiapoi, www.facebook.com/Pineacresbarandrestaurant
Ohoka
The Platform Bar, Restaurant and Cafe
The Platform Bar is a locally owned gem in Mandeville, blending a love for local history with great food and drinks. Named after the old railway platform that once served the area, the spot is a nod to the region’s past. They offer a tasty menu and feature a fully-fenced outdoor play area for kids.
The Platform Bar, Restaurant and Cafe, 468 Mandeville Road, Ohoka, www.theplatformbar.co.nz
Oxford
Cafe 51
Since 2005, Cafe 51 in Oxford has been serving tasty traditional and modern dishes, great coffee, and fresh-baked goodies. Chef Tony has made it a welcoming spot that supports the local community. Kids can enjoy the outdoor play area, and inside, there’s a play kitchen and toys to keep them busy.
Cafe 51, 51 Main Street, Oxford, www.cafe51nz.com
Amberley
Paris Bakery Cafe
Paris Bakery and Café is the spot every town needs. They serve fantastic pies, sandwiches, rolls, cakes, and French breads and pastries. Kids will love the play area with chalkboards and play equipment.
Paris Bakery Cafe, 96b Carters Road, Amberley, www.facebook.com/parisbakeryamberley
Do you know of any restaurants and cafes with play areas for kids that we haven’t listed? Or would like to know more about how your establishment could be included? Send an email to [email protected]
Featured image property of nook NZ, all other images credited to respective businesses via Facebook
