Ultimate Guide to the Most Fun and Unique Interactive Dining Experiences for Kids in Melbourne

Discover unforgettable family-friendly restaurants that blend dining with adventure

Key Takeaways

Diverse Experiences: Melbourne offers a wide range of interactive dining options, from icy adventures to themed playgrounds.
Engaging Themes: Many venues incorporate unique themes such as trains, board games, and sushi trains to captivate children's imaginations.
Combination of Fun and Food: These dining experiences seamlessly blend delicious meals with engaging activities, ensuring both kids and parents have a memorable time.

1. Immersive Themed Restaurants

Easey's: Dining on the Rails

Located in Collingwood, Easey's offers a truly unique dining experience where families can enjoy their meals inside refurbished train carriages situated five stories up on a rooftop. The whimsical setting provides panoramic views of the city, enhancing the adventure. The menu features kid-friendly staples like burgers, fries, and shakes, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters are satisfied.

Marche Board Game Café

Nestled in Melbourne’s CBD, Marche Board Game Café combines the joy of delicious Taiwanese cuisine with hours of entertainment. With an extensive collection of board games ranging from classics like Monopoly and Catan to creative indie games, this café is perfect for families looking to bond over food and play.

Sushi Train Experiences

For children fascinated by sushi, the Sushi Train Experiences at venues like Yoyogi in Emporium Melbourne and Tetsujin Sushi Train provide an engaging way to dine. Kids can watch freshly made sushi roll by on the conveyor belt and select their favorites, making mealtime interactive and fun.

2. Interactive Play Areas Combined with Dining

The Sands Tavern

The Sands Tavern in Carrum Downs is a family-friendly pub that goes beyond just offering a meal. It features a dedicated playground where kids can play while parents relax. The menu includes a variety of kid-friendly options, ensuring that there’s something for everyone in the family.

Berwick Springs Hotel's Kids Planet

Located in the southeast of Melbourne, Berwick Springs Hotel's Kids Planet is home to the city's largest restaurant playground. This warehouse-sized complex boasts climbing equipment, interactive games, and ample space for children to explore and play, making it an ideal spot for families looking to combine dining with active fun.

Moreland Hotel’s Kids’ Play Area

Moreland Hotel in Brunswick offers a dedicated kids’ play area adjacent to the dining space. Equipped with slides, an interactive TV, and ample room for movement, this play zone ensures that children are entertained while parents enjoy their meals in a relaxed setting.

3. Unique Culinary Experiences

IceBar Melbourne

IceBar Melbourne offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience where families can enjoy their meals in a sub-zero environment. Equipped with snow capes, ugg boots, and gloves to keep everyone warm, the icy setting is both mesmerizing and interactive, making it a memorable adventure for children.

Dans Le Noir?

Dans Le Noir? provides an extraordinary sensory dining experience where meals are served in complete darkness. While this experience is generally more suited for older kids, it offers an unforgettable adventure that encourages conversation and imagination, allowing children to explore their senses in a unique setting.

Madame Brussels

Madame Brussels, a rooftop garden party-themed bar and restaurant located in the CBD, offers a playful and whimsical dining atmosphere. During the daytime, it maintains a family-friendly vibe with fun decor and a unique environment that captivates both kids and adults.

4. Engaging Workshops and Interactive Activities

Miss Marples & Gepetto's Workshop

Situated in the Dandenong Ranges, Miss Marples & Gepetto's Workshop provides a charming spot where children can enjoy a cozy meal at Miss Marples tea room and then engage in interactive toy-making experiences at Gepetto's Workshop. This combination of dining and creative play fosters both hunger satisfaction and imaginative development.

Ice Creamology Workshops at Messina Gelato

Messina Gelato in Collingwood hosts interactive gelato-making workshops where kids can learn the science behind ice cream while creating their own delicious scoops. This hands-on experience is both educational and delightful, making it a perfect outing for families.

5. Classic Favorites with a Twist

Chuck E. Cheese's

Chuck E. Cheese's in West Melbourne remains a classic favorite for families. It offers arcade games, trampolines, and interactive entertainment alongside a menu of pizza and other kid-friendly meals. The combination of food and fun activities ensures a lively and enjoyable environment for children.

The Pancake Parlour – Themed Locations

The Pancake Parlour boasts various locations across Melbourne, each offering whimsical décor with fantasy-inspired themes. Their stacks of fluffy pancakes, dedicated kids' menus, and occasional promotions like free meals for children make it a beloved spot for families seeking both delicious food and a fun atmosphere.

Brunetti Classico

Brunetti Classico provides an interactive dessert experience, allowing children to watch the preparation of freshly made treats. With promotions such as free pizza or pasta for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult main, it ensures that kids are both entertained and well-fed.

6. Active and Adventure-Based Dining

GlowGolf Docklands

GlowGolf Docklands offers Melbourne’s most unique mini-golf experience, entirely glow-in-the-dark. Families can enjoy a round of miniature golf complemented by bright neon themes and interactive course elements, followed by snacks or drinks from the on-site café.

Darkzone Laser Tag with Snacks

Darkzone Laser Tag in Box Hill merges food with team-based laser tag experiences. Families can enjoy kid-friendly snacks like pizza or chips before or after their laser tag adventures, providing a perfect mix of dining and active entertainment.

7. Riverside and Outdoor Dining Experiences

The Atrium Restaurants (Southbank)

Located in Southbank, the The Atrium Restaurants boast several family-friendly dining options that offer interactive experiences, children’s menus, and ample space for strollers. The riverside location adds to the appeal, providing a scenic backdrop for family meals.

Luna Park Eateries (St. Kilda)

A visit to Luna Park in St. Kilda ensures fun meals paired with rides and games. With kid-friendly food options like hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream, dining here provides an immersive carnival experience that children will cherish.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Interactive Dining Experience

Consider Age Appropriateness: Ensure that the venue's activities align with your children's age and interests, whether they enjoy board games, interactive food experiences, or active play zones.
Embrace Interactive Themes: Choose establishments that offer engaging themes, such as trains, gaming, or culinary workshops, to enhance the dining experience and keep children entertained.
Plan Ahead: Popular interactive dining venues often require advance bookings, especially during weekends and school holidays. Planning ahead ensures you secure a spot at your preferred location.
Balance Fun and Relaxation: Select places that allow both children and parents to enjoy the experience. While the kids are entertained, parents can relax and savor their meals.

Conclusion

Melbourne stands out as a city that seamlessly blends culinary delights with interactive and engaging experiences for children. From dining in whimsical train carriages at Easey's to enjoying icy adventures at IceBar Melbourne, the city offers a plethora of options that cater to families seeking both fun and delicious meals. Whether it's participating in gelato-making workshops, enjoying glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, or exploring dedicated play areas in restaurants, Melbourne ensures that every family outing is filled with joy, laughter, and memorable moments. By choosing the right venue that aligns with your family's interests and planning your visits in advance, you can make the most of these unique dining experiences and create lasting memories with your children.