Yum for the whole family: Where to eat with kids

Keep the kids amused at Southern Cross with toys, games, and family-friendly activities. Your kids are always welcome, with space to run around and a colouring activity menu available. There is a weekly timetable of activities for both parents and children, including free face painting and a free 10 minute massage while staff look after the kids. Check the Southern Cross website for current offerings. 

The bathrooms have baby change facilities and plenty of space to park up your pram. Southern Cross has all the essentials to keep the little ones happy while you sit back and enjoy the atmosphere.

Specialising in pan-Asian cuisine, Mr Go’s is a popular gathering point in the central city. The 140-seat restaurant has high chairs and an all-weather outside dining area. The menu focuses on Taiwanese and Chinese food with nods to Korea, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan. If your little one has a more adventurous palate, this is the place to bring them. And if they don’t like spices, it’s a good idea to check with the waiting staff before you place an order. 

The portions are perfect for sharing or smaller appetites. The food is quick and comes out as it’s ready, great for those who don’t have the patience to wait.

Parrotdog welcomes both two-legged and four-legged children. Make sure to dust off your sandy feet (or paws) before heading to the brewery and eatery, found a street back from Lyall Bay beach. The relaxed environment entertains the entire whānau. 

Inspired by traditional pubs, retro decor brings the space to life. Funky wallpaper brightens up the walls. Antiques and taxidermy provide excellent talking points for little minds. There’s a pool table to keep everyone busy, and a window through to the adjacent brewery. Keep an eye on what’s brewing while you take your pick from the bar’s 18 revolving taps. The kids’ menu alongside a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks means everyone is happy.

On the top floor of Lyall Bay’s Maranui Surf Life Saving Club, Maranui Café is a quintessential Wellington experience. The red and white building is a beacon on the beach, having stood in the spot since 1911. Grab a bite to eat with the kids after exploring the local playground, or hitting the beach on a sunny day. Maranui Café overlooks the airport, too, so your kids will love plane spotting. 

Like the colourful furniture and old-school art, Maranui’s menu is fittingly retro. Tasty salads, melt-in-the-mouth baking, and some delicious fries. The milkshakes are famous in Wellington and almost a meal in themselves. Served in the shaker, they’re super thick and super delicious, you and your kids will love them.

Owned and run by a pair of brothers, Scopa is a beloved local Italian restaurant. While it’s known as a pizzeria, there is a large range of delicious Italian food. Pizza is always a winner with children. The menu also covers pasta, salads, and snacks. 

If a sweet treat is warranted after dinner, Scopa’s hot chocolates are a must. Known to be thick enough to eat with a spoon, they’re a classic Scopa (and Wellington) experience. 

In warm weather, the restaurant flings open the vast sliding glass doors. Diners eat al fresco, with a front-row seat to bustling Cuba Street outside.

Let the kids play a game of I-spy on Willis Street to find Burger Liquor. The bright blue building with its artistic murals won't be hard to find. A tiger shark, basketball hoop, and large neon burger sign will lead you into the legendary burger bar. The fries are curly and the milkshakes are creamy. For little ones with limited patience, the food comes out fast. The kids’ menu features a classic cheeseburger with American mustard and tomato sauce, with the option to add ‘naughty’ cheese sauce to the fries. Be careful not to mix your milkshakes. While the kids’ flavours are delicious, the adults can add a lick of liquor to sweeten the deal.

Ice cream is taken to another level at small-batch, big-flavour ice cream shop Duck Island.

Step into a pastel pink dream where the ice cream tastes as good as it looks. The ice cream parlour offers a wide variety of fun and unique flavours that change seasonally, more than you can dream up. Choose from creative options like peanut butter cookie dough, lolly cake, and fairy bread. There are vegan, dairy-free, allergy-conscious, and gluten-free options too, so no one misses out. With its soft-pink decor, the store on Cuba Street is cute and cosy. Plus, the atmosphere is super friendly and welcoming, making it a fun outing for the whole family.

Beneath the road on Willis Street lies an underground wonderland. Willis Lane sits below the corner of Lambton Quay and Willis Street. Head downstairs with the kids to discover a fantastic array of food and entertainment. 

It’s designed to be both convenient and a destination in its own right. There are 14 food vendors with a mix of fast food and restaurants. Everyone can choose their own meal and sit at a booth together. Once the kids have been fuelled up, send them to Holey Moley or Archie Brothers. With mini golf, 10-pin bowling, and arcade games there are hours of entertainment. You can join in, or sit back with a coffee or lunch while you wait.

Looking for the perfect pre or post-exhibition spot to refuel the whole family? Zephyr Café & Bar is conveniently located on the ground floor of Tākina Convention and Exhibition Centre. And if that wasn’t central enough, it’s also across the road from Te Papa. 

The menu features a range of kids’ meals for breakfast or brunch. The café is large and accessible for prams and wheelchairs. The large foyer in Tākina is a great spot for children to spread out while you can enjoy the curated menu.