Best family friendly eats
When it comes to eating out, it takes more than good food to keep the kids happy. It’s all about location, options to play, to roam, to swim. If you want to stay seated long enough to avoid indigestion, keep them inspired and entertained with these ideas.
SPACE TO ROAM
You eat, they go exploring. Sound good? Kids can run amok on the grassy hill overlooking the sea at Jack Rabbit Vineyard, build castles in the sand pit at Basils Farm and at Mr Grubb @ Oakdene, dining is outside amongst the birch trees, making a great natural playground. Not only does Flying Brick Cider have a massive lawn to play on, it’s right next door to Adventure Park, Victoria’s biggest water theme park.
PLAY ZONES
If you need any proof that play centres in pubs have come a long way in recent years, head to Buckleys Entertainment Centre. Alongside the bar and bistro is Uncle Bucks a super impressive fun zone catering to every age group with foam climbing mounds, ramps and ropes, an 8-metre tower, theatrette and even a mini ninja warrior course. Geelong RSL has a pretty cool play parlour too, with everything from slides to beanbags.
GO COASTAL
Show me a kid who doesn’t like fish & chips. On the rooftop deck at Geelong Boat House, floating on a barge over Corio Bay, is an ideal place to tuck into some. Further along, Eastern Beach is a magnet for pleasure seekers of all ages with its protected sea baths, diving boards and floating pontoons. You’ll find the indoor/outdoor café Pavilion (it’s in the old art deco bather’s pavilion) sitting right opposite the children’s pool and fountain.
TAKE A WALK
Eat with the kids at Wharf Shed on Geelong Waterfront and then send them off to explore the Wangim Walk, a 440-metre over-water walkway directly opposite.
