Coffee is what Kiwis do best (and that game called rugby), so if you are needing a refresher, or even wanting a place for breakfast, lunch or dinner, most cafes in Auckland are open for the best part of the day. Sometimes dining out with children can be awkward, especially if they are younger and have a small attention span. Recently a friend and I had a mummy/baby date at a noted café in Ponsonby. We were very excited to go as it has such great reviews but unfortunately left very disappointed. The café was not set up at all for the younger customer. The tables were high, with only stools to sit on, there were no high chairs, and absolutely no room to park a stroller, a baby bag, or anything other than yourself. The food and coffee were also slow – which can be problematic with energetic young children. There are, however, some fantastic cafes in Auckland which have open doors to your little, much louder ones. Here is a small list of some of my favourites, all of which serve great coffee, and aren’t deterred by the sometimes fussy, or grumpy child (not that my children are ever tired, grumpy, messy or loud). Some even have a play area or corner dedicated to kids, or at the very least have a basket full of toys. Fantastic kids’ menus are usually readily available, but with buttery scones, perfectly poached eggs and marshmallow-laden hot chocolate on offer, my two littlies are already in their happy place.

Café Windsor
Windsor Park, 550 E Coast Rd, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 0630
This café is not central, and it definitely isn’t fine dining, but it is family haven here. Two playgrounds (one outside and one inside) cater to just about any age child, and the cabinets are filled with child-friendly food. The coffee is usually ok, but what makes this place so appealing to a mother (me) is the sheer amount of parents and children all coming together in the one place over coffee and a bit of cake.

Cornwall Park Café
Cornwall Park Pohutukawa Dr, Epsom, Auckland 1051
This café is stunning in the mornings, the sun seems to pour down directly onto the tables outside, and the views of the park are sublime. I always feel very lucky to be in NZ when I come to this café with my little ones. Room for them to run around, and usually find one or two other children to befriend along the way (especially if the child has a ball or bike in tow!). This café is always packed, but it never seems to slow down the coffee and food which always come out quickly. Quick tip – don’t sit inside, take a seat at one of the outside tables and your children can explore the grounds.

Jam
33-45 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
This is not a great place if it is raining, but if the sun is out there is an ample amount of tables outside, they usually have plenty of highchairs, and they have a basket full of toys to occupy the little ones. The best thing about this café, though, is the coffee, which is superb, and the giant playground (and beach!) only a short walk away. Movenpick and Ben and Jerry’s are also within eyesight…it’s all downhill from here.

Boric
1404 Coatesville-Riverhead Hwy, Auckland 0892
One of my favourite cafes to take my children. It is a long drive from anywhere else, but if you want to see some of the NZ countryside it is well worth it. Tables overlook the amazing farm-themed playground, where the kids can literally spend hours. It also has a vegetable/fruit and deli attached where you can multitask and purchase loads of local goodies, many grown onsite. If you visit in the Spring or Summer months why not coincide your visit with some strawberry picking? Several strawberry farms are only a short drive away where you can pick your own, such as Garelja Bros Strawberry Gardens – 83 Old N Rd, Kumeu 0892.

Whoa Studios
8-14 Henderson Valley Rd, Henderson, Auckland 0612
Whoa Studios is not just a restaurant and cafe but also features a studio offering engaging live puppet shows on the weekend. The restaurant overlooks the beautifully designed playground which is bright and colourful, and incredibly arty. The restaurant is a little pricey, and they could do better in the kids’ food department, but when you can sip a glass of wine while watching your children having immense fun, expense seems to wash away very quickly.

Little King
132 Kitchener Rd, Milford, Auckland 0620
Little King has a small play area for kids and a fantastic children’s menu. They can get quite busy in the weekend, but you cannot be surprised with the divine smoothies and waffles on their menu –I usually end up buying several smoothies, as my toddler seems to drink his own and then mine within seconds! Easy to find as it is on the main road, and the beach and playground are a short walk away.

Luscious Café
165 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland 1061
This café is perfect if you are in the area (Dressmart is around the corner) and in need of a coffee and muffin break. The food is great, but the best part is the full-sized playroom upstairs where you can easily watch your children play while sipping your coffee.
Petit Bocal
177 Sandringham Rd, Sandringham, Auckland 1025
You wouldn’t normally find this on the usual ‘child-friendly café’ exhaustive list, but I couldn’t resist. Although it isn’t exactly set up for the little ones, the café is at least welcoming. They have plenty of high chairs, and not the ugly white plastic ones, they have cute clip-on chairs which make you feel less obtrusive as you sometimes can in a small café. The food is amazing, my little guys adore croissants, and the pastries here are about as Parisien as you will get in NZ. My new fav place to take my boys on a date. A little warning, this is not a place you will lose weight!