Cancel the babysitter. These 10 family-friendly Sydney pubs have your back

Family-friendly Sydney pubs are boosting their fun factor in preparation for summer. From the waterfront ship-themed playground launching next week at Felons Brewing Co. in Manly, to the nostalgic “frog in the pond” dessert on the kids’ menu at newly refurbished Rooty Hill pub The Woodstock, there’s never been a better time to share a pub feed with the kids (no iPad required).

Here are our top 10 pubs to try with the children in tow.

Public House, Petersham

This beloved inner-west pub has recently given its dining area a family-friendly glow-up. Foliage, picnic tables, and chalkboards now fill the outdoor space, while inside, there’s a soft play area, activity tables, and sensory walls. During school holidays, staff run activities such as pizza-making classes, arts and crafts sessions and reptile shows, and kids’ dishes like spaghetti meatballs, dino nuggets and mini wood-fired margherita pizzas are free when ordered with an adult meal.

292 Stanmore Road, Petersham, publichousepetersham.com.au

Felons Brewing Co., Manly

Waterfront brewery Felons is set to launch a new beer garden and playground, complete with giant ship, next week. Every Sunday, the Brisbane-born brewery hosts a community day with free face painting for kids from 11am to 3pm. Over a schooner of the brewery’s award-winning Australian Pale Ale, grown-ups can keep one eye on the harbour views and the other on the little ones tucking into fish and chips or cheeseburgers and chips from the kids’ menu.

E Esplanade, Manly, felonsbrewingco.com.au

The Henson Park Hotel, Marrickville

This community hub has one of the most delicious menus in the inner west for both kids and adults. Beyond the usual fish and chips and burgers, there’s a children’s version of a ploughman’s plate, which includes bread, butter, ham (or falafel bites), cheese, lettuce cups, baba ghanoush and cucumber. Don’t be surprised if the kids beg you for some of the pub’s famous soft serve, with toppings like chocolate crackle or Biscoff, or maybe the Mars Bar slice. There’s an outdoor play area, and every Friday, you can score two-for-one deals on the whole kids’ menu. Even better, it’s pokies-free.

91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville, thehenson.com.au

The Woodstock, Rooty Hill

Rooty Hill locals will remember the aquamarine carpets and plastic foliage of the original Carousel Inn, but it’s had an overhaul. In September, Solotel (the hospitality group behind pubs such as The Abercrombie in Chippendale and Courthouse Hotel in Newtown) relaunched it as The Woodstock. Post-renovation, the pub has become a parent-friendly paradise with a bright orange fitout, a massive playground with soft flooring, and a $12 kids menu. There’s grilled chicken and mini pizzas, but we’re most excited to see the iconic Aussie dessert frog in a pond (Freddo Frogs suspended in jelly) listed.

Cnr Woodstock Avenue & Duke Street, Rooty Hill, woodstock-hotel.com.au

The Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale

The lush, grassy, and fenced beer garden at The Mona makes it one of the northern beaches’ best family pubs, allowing parents to enjoy a meal or a drink, while the children run around. Inside, there’s a room with gaming consoles and board games, and every Sunday, staff put on activities such as petting zoos, magic shows, balloon twisting or face painting. Kids’ meals are $15, which includes ice-cream and a soft drink or juice.

2 Park Street, Mona Vale, themona.com.au

The Marsden Brewhouse, Marsden Park

“Kids eat free” might be the best three-word pitch when you’re a family looking for a suitable pub. From 5-7pm Monday to Wednesday, they get free mini schnitties and spaghetti napoletana when you buy an adult-sized main at The Marsden Brewhouse. To sweeten the deal, there’s also a large, shaded playground with swings, climbing frames, tunnels and cubby houses. Visit from noon at weekends or during school holidays for kids’ activities such as face painting, balloon art and temporary tattoos.

Hawthorne Avenue, Marsden Park, themarsdenbrewhouse.com.au

Leichhardt Bowlo, Leichhardt

This inner-west bowls club is the only one in the area with a fenced playground featuring a slide, monkey bars and a miniature rock wall. It’s right next to the bowling lawn, too, for those who don’t want to miss any of the action. Plus, the kids’ menu is loaded with favourites like fish and chips and penne napoletana, and a dessert menu that will pique your kids’ interest with ice-cream, Nutella pizza and churros. The venue also hosts children’s birthday parties.

88-92 Piper Street, Lilyfield, leichhardtbowlingclub.com.au

Watsons Bay Hotel, Watsons Bay

Get a big group together to visit Watsons Bay Hotel this summer, where renovations to the top and mid-decks have increased capacity. Taken with a shaded outdoor area and the gentle shores of Watsons Bay as a backdrop, it’s a great daytime option for a post-beach feed (children are welcome until 9pm). The pub’s family focus shines during school holidays, when there are activities such as reptile shows, cookie-making classes, face painting and treasure hunts. There’s a kids’ menu with bolognese and fish and chips, plus a playground next door.

10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay, watsonsbayhotel.com.au

Taren Point Hotel, Miranda

Beyond its “Ankle Biters” menu with classic pub fare, Taren Point Hotel has a large outdoor area loaded with ping-pong tables to entertain the kids. There are activities such as slime making, reptile zoos and face painting from noon-2pm every Sunday, and there’s a “mega kids day” once a month. Check the hotel’s website for more information on upcoming events, such as their Halloween party, a chance to meet Peppa Pig, and a toy giveaway with Santa Claus.

105 Parraweena Road, Miranda, tarenpointhotel.com.au

BrewDog South Eveleigh, Eveleigh

Brewdog is another brilliant example of a family-friendly brewery beyond the inner west. Adults can sample BrewDog’s range of Scotland-born, Brisbane-brewed beer (try the famous Punk IPA), while kids feast on “Hoppy Meals” with their choice of main (think burgers, nuggets), hot chips, a soft drink and a small toy to take home. Little ones will stay entertained with giant Jenga, Connect 4 and colouring in, and older children can get competitive with card games like Monopoly Deal and Uno.

Bay 1, Locomotive Workshops, South Eveleigh, drink.brewdog.com/au/south-eveleigh