Once babies and kids come into the mix, going out to eat or enjoying a coffee can become a lot less straight forward. All the child friendly cafes and restaurants on Red Kite Days have been tried and tested. Some are great because they have a garden with a play area where the kids can run around safely and you can kick back and relax. Others are fab because the staff are so friendly and welcoming. Click on any of the red links below for a full review.
I’ve got fidgety kids, you know the kind who wolf down their food before you’ve even had a mouthful and then they’re ready to play. But I love to eat out, so I’m always on the look out for somewhere new to try that’s relaxing with my kids too. Here’s a great round up of kids friendly cafes, restaurants and pubs to try. Keep checking back as more get added regularly or head straight to the Eating Out section of Red Kite Days, pop in your postcode and find out what’s nearby.
A lovely family-friendly cafe to visit in central Wallingford, great for coffee and yummy cake.
Great for unfussy breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. There’s a lovely big grassy area outside that kids can run around in and not far from the local Blewbury playpark.
Mamma Mia Pizzeria, Summertown Oxford
A favourite of many north Oxford families over the last 35 years. An authentic Italian experience with great service and you can see your pizzas being made too.
Buffet style all you can eat restaurant in central Oxford, no matter how fussy your kids are you, there will be something for all tastes. The chocolate fountain is a great finishing touch to a meal out. Great for large groups.
Willow Tree Cafe & Restaurant, Kidlington
Run by former Jamie Oliver Chef, Simon Winters and his wife Julie, the Willow Tree Cafe & Restaurant is open to all as a local community cafe. This popular spot has an extensive menu that caters to all ages and tastes and special food nights like their sizzling steak and grill night.
A lovely little cafe within the local library at Charlbury Community Centre. It opens onto a gorgeous wooden playpark with indoor and outdoor seating.
Gail’s Artisan Baker & Cafe, Summertown Oxford
A great breakfast spot with lots of pastries and fluffy American pancakes. There’s a lovely enclosed garden tucked away at the back.
Vale & Downland Museum Cafe, Wantage
Highly rated by Mums when asked on a local Wantage facebook group, it’s a great stop for a cake before exploring the museum. There’s also lots of books to borrow and baby & toddler toys to keep the kids occupied.
One of my favourites in all seasons, the Old Shed is perfect for a substantial lunch, just a snack or a delicious cake. There’s a great play park in the grounds of the campsite, outdoor play area at the cafe and some farm animals to have a look at too.
Sturdy’s Castle, near Tackley/Kidlington
Great for family meals with large portions and a play park outside to run off some energy.
The Jam Factory achieves the perfect blend of bohemian style, relaxed atmosphere and great food and coffee. There are lots of informal seating areas with sofas and coffee tables as well as a more formal dining area. The artwork on the walls changes regularly and it’s fun to check it out with the kids. There is also a games shelf with various retro games to keep children amused. It’s great to combine with a trip to Oxford Ice Rink
Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot
The menu is fab for kids – with treat options such as milkshakes as well as healthy snack options such as hummus, carrot and pepper platter. We love the ‘book swap’ shelf in the cafe which also has a selection of toys and books for kids to look at whilst in the cafe.
The Milk Shed, Weston-On-The-Green
The food is fabulous, fresh and seasonal but what will keep the kids happy is the amazing range of ice cream they make!
A welcoming child friendly cafe with small soft play area and toys. A perfect place to meet a friend if you have a baby and toddler.
The Flo Cafe at Florence Park Oxford
I’ve fallen in love with the cafe which has the perfect combination of delicious food, wow cakes, a community space indoors with toys for under 5’s and it’s own outdoor space perfect for a sunny day. It’s also right next to the play park at Florence Park as an added bonus.
Light, bright and airy with a counter heaving with delicious cakes, buns and sandwiches and absolutely great coffee. Lyall & Co is also home to Jessie’s Art Shed which runs creative workshops for kids and when they’re not on you can purchase a craft tailored by age and distract your kids while you enjoy your cuppa.
