moon dog beach club, frankston
There’s a new brewery - right in the heart of Frankston!
Located beach side is the newest establishment from Moon Dog Brewery - this is the Moon Dog Beach Club!
There’s a new brewery and dining spot - right in the heart of Frankston!
Located beach side is the newest establishment from Moon Dog Brewery - let Mamma introduce you to the Moon Dog Beach Club!
Here’s a place where you can kick back with a cold brew - or delicious cocktail and enjoy a meal.
The kids can be happily entertained in their own small separate area - which includes a fenced in boat with a slide to play on, some pinball machines and a rubber ducky claw machine.
This quirky tropical-themed brewery is a real mix of a family-friendly pub - to the perfect girls/mates/date bar night out. (Mamma should note - whilst the kids area is at the front of the establishment - and away from the balcony beer garden, it is still very loud and can be overwhelming for the more sensitive little ones. Kids also need to be out of the premises after 10pm.)
The balcony beer garden is a showstopper. Overlooking the beach, it’s the perfect spot to lounge on a couch - or perch on bar stool, sipping on a cocktail or one of a dozen varieties of Moon Dog beer while soaking in the sun and enjoying the view.
Inside there are different sections, from a raised dining platform, to cabana huts - and all are surrounded by lush green trees and neon signs - there’s even a photobooth!
The menu includes share platters, burgers and parmas and the kids have their own menu with the usual faves.
Whether you're after a laid-back drink on the rooftop with the girls or a family meal - Moon Dog Beach Club is one to add to your list!
the nitty gritty
490 Nepean Hwy, Frankston, 3199
OPEN
Sunday –Tuesday 11.30am–10pm
Wednesday 11.30am–11pm
Thursday 11.30am–12am
Friday–Saturday 11.30am–1am
Family friendly - but kids need to leave by 10pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head across the road to General Public for some ten pin bowling or arcade fun!
the heritage balnarring, balnarring
This place is pure heaven!
This restaurant/bar is set on a sprawling 2 acre property, including an absolutely stunning heritage home, complete with an open fireplace, HUGE beer garden and multiple dining areas.
This place is pure heaven!
This restaurant/bar is set on a sprawling 2 acre property, including an absolutely stunning heritage home, complete with an open fireplace, HUGE beer garden and multiple dining areas.
It truly is the most perfect way to spend a few hours with the family. If you sit outdoors, the kids are free to roam and play on the open space in the beer garden. There are some balls they can kick around or they can cartwheel to their heart’s content!
If you don’t have kids with you, take advantage of the stunning dining rooms, or the sunny deck out back.
The food is delicious and so are the cocktails! Mamma sampled a few just to make sure! The staff are super lovely and the service is great. It really is heaven!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday - Sunday
11:30am - late
Monday & Tuesday
Closed
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head to the awesome Funky Farm just up the road.
nordie cafe, red hill
This cafe has an amazing view and THE MOST perfect space for kids to roam!
This gorgeous cafe is set on top of hill with a huge leafy garden and spacious courtyard.
It provides HEAPS of space for the little ones to run around. There’s even a cubby house!
The owners have really thought of everything here; they supply blankets for the chilly weather so that you can still sit outside, there are high chairs and a change table. Oh, and you can bring your fur babies too!
As the name implies, the menu has bit of a Nordic twist on things; delicious Dutch carrots on the smashed avo, Copanhagen hot dog and the Viking breakfast bun to name a few! The kids also have their own menu with yummy options.
Add this one to the list and thank Mamma later!
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Keep the fun going and head down the road the Enchanted Adventure!
miss moose cafe, somerville
Mamma loves to discover a hidden treasure - and that is exactly what the gorgeous Miss Moose Cafe in Somerville is - a truly family friendly GEM!
Mamma loves to discover a hidden treasure - and that is exactly what the gorgeous Miss Moose Cafe in Somerville is - a truly family friendly GEM!
On the walls, along side the gorgeously painted Moose murals, you will find cute little kids coloring masterpieces proudly displayed in amongst the kids corner. Here you can choose from 1 of 5 different Moose picture to colour - plus there’s a basket of assorted toys and dolls, an old-school desk with some stuffed teddies and costumes and a blackboard with chalk that will keep the kids busy for ages!
This allows for the parents to enjoy a yummy meal and even yummier coffee! The menu offers an extensive all day breakfast plus loads of yummy Turkish bread sandwiches, wraps and fritters to name a few - plus a kids menu.
The staff here are super lovely and create a place where kids can be free to be kids - noise and all!
There’s also a lovely tree out the front and numerous picnic style tables to sit at if you would prefer to sit outdoors (just note that it is on a corner of a fairly busy road.)
the nitty gritty
1/25 Grant Rd, Somerville, 3912
OPEN
Monday - Friday
7.30am - 3pm
Saturday
7.30am - 2pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head down the road to the fantastic Dinosaur World!
devilbend farm beer brewery, tuerong
Devilbend Farm Beer Brewery is a great family friendly spot that place that the whole family will love!
The Devilbend Farm Beer Brewery in Tuerong, is the perfect location for a family lunch or a drink with mates. With a rustic wood and corrugated iron shed set-up and bush scenery, you will feel like you have travelled to the country!
There’s over 10 beers on tap and dozens of local wine to check out. The focus is on ‘paddock to pint’, so they grow their hops and grains, so each batch is fresh - and Mamma can vouch for it being delicious, too!
The remnants of the former apple orchard make up the fit out of this old barn-style brewery; old pallets make up part of the live-edge bar, and logs of wood are resurfaced as funky dining tables.
You can sit indoors with a wood heater and large windows overlooking the surrounding farm, where the ingredients for the Devilbend beer is grown. Inside there is a kids corner with a soft floor mat, toys, mini chalkboard and plenty of things to colour with (in warmer months the indoor area is moved outside).
Or you can sit outside, with heaters and a firepit for those colder days. The kids can be kept busy with the outdoor playground - including an undercover tin shelter with blackboard and sandpit - there’s also a tyre swing, bikes and scooters to ride on too.
It’s a great place that the whole family will love! Even the furry kids are welcome here - with a pet station (including treats!) set up outside.
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head down the road to the fantastic The Big Goose animal farm
lennox 3188, hampton
Lennox covers all bases. Family friendly with a cubby house and toys outside in the back courtyard and a kids menu. Doggos are also welcome.
Lennox 3188 is a gorgeous coastal themed cafe in Hampton, offering a calming vibe and a visual delight. The owners vision was to bring a bit of Bryon to Bayside Melb!
Lennox covers all bases. Family friendly with a cubby house and toys outside in the back courtyard and a kids menu. Doggos are also welcome. There’s two shaded, white-stone covered courtyards - one out the front and the other out the back. The inside is crisp white decked out with neutral colours and comfy chairs - there’s even a little fire place in the middle. The atmopshere is very welcoming.
There’s a great all day brunch menu offering colourful acai bowls, cold-pressed juices, smoothies and a range of salads - as well as your standard brekky options - yummy bacon and egg rolls, avo toast and fresh pastries.
It’s the perfect spot for lunch with the kids (and fur kids!) a date day or a catch up with the girls!
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
There’s the wonderfully cute Wishart Reserve - which is a farm yard themed playground - as well as a fully-fenced dog park - around the corner!
bottega 188, mt eliza
Here’s the newest family and pet friendly restaurant to grace the Mornington Peninsula!
Here’s the newest family and pet friendly restaurant to grace the Mornington Peninsula! Bottega 188 in Mt Eliza has recently opened and has already warmed the hearts of locals; stepping through the doors feels like a big warm hug for all the senses!
The aroma of fresh wood-fired pizzas, the ambiance of lush greenery and fairy lights, the sounds of the little canaries singing in their aviary, the weightlessness of swinging in an egg chair, the taste of Palettos AMAZING gelato and even the feel of fluffy donkey fur as you greet resident donkey Elsa - covers all the bases!
This great new restaurant is part pizzeria, part deli, part cafe, part gelateria and even part food truck! So you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner here. There are things like little ride on cars, a play mud kitchen and egg chairs to entertain the kids, they also have their own kids menus. It is super pet friendly, so much so in fact that pups have their own menu too! Including puppy cookies - which are made by Barking Mad - a business created by the owners 12 year old son!
You’ll love this place, it really is the perfect family friendly spot, so make sure you add it your list!
The nitty gritty
188 Humphries Rd, Mount Eliza 3930
OPEN
Monday – Sunday
7am - 8pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Head down the road for a play at the cute little Mt Eliza Regional Park
panda, blairgowrie
How could you not love a restaurant that has a cute little kids corner with cubby and kids corner, has impeccable service by the most friendly staff, stunning location, AMAZING food and is doggo friendly too?!
This has to be one of Mamma’s most favourite places! How could you not love a restaurant that has a cute little kids corner with cubby and kids kitchen, has impeccable service by the most friendly staff, stunning location, AMAZING food and is doggo friendly too?! Panda in Blairgowrie is a winner on all fronts.
You can sit outside in the front and side courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees and enjoy the sea breeze (and kids corner!) or relax inside amongst the cosy candlelit tables and enjoy the vibe. The kids can also be kept busy with some colouring sheets.
The food is truly delicious - we love the open souvlaki, panda bowl and the kids rave about the dumplings! There’s also a kids menu - oh and save room for dessert - the Skillet Cookie Pie is amazing!
The nitty gritty
2871 Point Nepean Rd, Blairgowrie 3941
OPEN
Open Monday – Friday
4:30pm – Late
Open Weekends
12pm – 3pm 4.30pm – Late
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Before or after a meal take in the scenery at the most STUNNING Bridgewater Bay
the store, ventnor - phillip island
Make sure you add the family and dog-friendly The Store in Ventnor Phillip to your list next time you visit Phillip Island!
The Store in Ventnor, Phillip Island is simply magical. Sitting outside in the umbrella-shaded courtyard, with rolling cow-filled fields on one side, and huge trees on the other, fuelled with great coffee and yummy food - it’s serenity amplified!
With a menu offering delicious sourdough smashed avo, gourmet toasties, pastries- including a great range of gluten free options- and a kids menu, everyone will find something that tickles their tastebuds.
Then you have the games and a box full of toys for the kids - even some trucks for those little hands to vroom around, which means you can actually enjoy your meal and take in the peace of this gorgeous little cafe.
If the weather isn’t courtyard friendly, there’s also a cosy little indoor area, with a window overlooking the fields.
What’s more, it’s dog-friendly, even offering a puppy library with toys! You can also pick up some gourmet locally-produced groceries, flowers and fresh produce.
Make sure you add it to your list next time you visit Phillip Island!
old jetty cafe, tooradin
The Old Jetty Cafe nestled beside the Tooradin Jetty, is just the most divine little rustic cafe that’s just perfect for a laid back family meal!
This Mamma loves nothing more than discovering a cute little local spot to grab a coffee and bite to eat, and The Old Jetty Cafe nestled beside the Tooradin Jetty, is just the most divine little place!
This used to be a tea-house and is so reminiscent of a quaint old tea-room inside, and outside is a rustic alfresco courtyard with mis-matched seats and tables, umbrellas and walls crawling with over-grown ivy. There are some smaller tables for kids, and some blackboards to keep them busy. You could also grab some goodies to go and enjoy on one of the many picnic tables alongside the foreshore.
The menu offers varied delights from curries to focaccias, pancakes to sausage rolls, loads of cakes and slices and much more! You can even pick up a bag of lollies as treat.
It’s a great spot to enjoy a laid back meal with the family and enjoy all of the beauty that Tooradin offers! Don’t forget to check out the Lighthouse Playground directly opposite!
The nitty gritty
25 Foreshore Rd, Tooradin, 3980
OPEN
7 days a week
8.30am - 3.30pm
wanna know more? click here.
Mamma's special mention:
There’s always room for a delicious ice cream from Tooradin Ice Cream Shop
the pig and whistle tavern, main ridge
In the front courtyard area there are sprawling gardens bursting with colourful flowers, gigantic trees full of all sorts of birdlife, and a kids playground!
In the stunning Mornington Peninsula Hinterlands, there resides the most family-friendly, spectacularly beautiful and deliciously tasty restaurant called The Pig and Whistle Tavern in Main Ridge.
In the front courtyard area there are sprawling gardens bursting with colourful flowers, gigantic trees full of all sorts of birdlife, and a kids playground equipped with a rope climbing net, wooden balancing logs, a slide - even a log with an etched naughts and crosses board, and heaps of open grass area to kick a ball around!
Inside you will find a delightfully cosy English-style tavern with vintage posters, wood panel ceiling, mosaic windows - there’s even a stone (electric) fireplace, too!
The menu offers old-style favourites like bangers and mash, chicken parma, pie of the day, curries and salads; plus the kids have their own menu including frog-in-a-pond for dessert!
The venue also has The Shed, which has live music and shows, a cellar door and pizza bar! This will quickly become a favourite!
the nitty gritty
365 Purves Rd, Main Ridge, 3928
Open
Wednesday- 12pm - 4pm
Thursday 12pm - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
12pm - 11pm
Sunday 12pm- 9pm
Bookings are essential
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
Finish off (or start) with a walk to see a waterfall at Kings Fall in Arthurs Seat
oscar's hangout, mordialloc
Has Mamma got the perfect hangout for you! Grassy area for kids to play, pencils to colour in - and delectable food and coffee!!
Wide open spaces, colouring in, freshly baked muffins and coffee - what more do you need? How about some delicious food as well? Well then, does Mamma have the hangout for you!
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of main street Mordialloc, this hidden gem awaits! A dedicated kids menu - I’m talking homemade chicken nuggets Mumma’s - complete with pictures to colour in and activities for the older ones, an open outdoor area to run around in plus concrete floors and plenty of room for prams and highchairs inside - it’s just perfect.
Oh, but we can’t forget the Mamma’s need to eat too! The coffee and food are fantastic with a range of freshly baked muffins each day (check out their facebook for the daily flavours), great breakfast options and even homemade pies for lunch in winter. Hot tip: Get the pork belly roll!
Throw in the friendly local owner and chef and you have yourselves a complete recipe for cafe happiness!
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Still want something sweet? Head down the road to Chiavelli Gourmet ice creamery!
the flight deck bar and grill, moorabbin airport
So at the risk of spoiling a local hidden gem - fasten your seatbelts and get ready to explore this wonderful family-friendly restaurant!
At the risk of spoiling the local secret - fasten your seatbelts and get ready to explore this wonderful family-friendly hidden gem of a restaurant!
The Flight Deck Bar and Grill is separated from the Moorabbin airport by a chain-link fence - so enough for the kids to be contained but still with an unobstructed view of small planes and helicopters landing and taking off!
As you relax in the outdoor area (also undercover with heating!), the kids can run around on the open grass, play on the toy plane, or bounce on the jumping castle - yes that’s right JUMPING CASTLE - all while taking in the sights and sounds of the operating airport right next to you.
Inside, you can opt to dine in the ‘First Class Lounge’ with a great menu offering pasta, steak, burgers and more - with a dedicated kids menu - or relax in the “Business Class” bar area with a cocktail and cake - all with floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views!
There’s a relaxed vibe here which is extremely welcoming for families and the staff are just lovely. Definitely need to get on board this one!
the nitty gritty
37 First Ave, Moorabbin Airport 3194
OPEN
Tuesday- Wednesday
11am - 5pm Thursday - Saturday
11am - 9pm
Sunday
11am - 5pm
closed Monday
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Come here a bit earlier and explore the amazing Aviation Museum before your meal!
dainton brewery taphouse, carrum downs
Mamma loves finding a local gem that the whole family can enjoy - and Daintons Brewery in Carrum Downs is exactly that!
Mamma loves finding a local gem that the whole family can enjoy - and Dainton Brewery Taphouse in Carrum Downs is exactly that!
The vibe here is very laid back and welcoming to families, there’s even a little playground in the courtyard with a cubbyhouse, stepping blocks and some toys!
Seating covers all weather options - there’s the heated under cover marquee (next to the playground), a more open courtyard for those balmy nights, and plenty of indoor seating too.
The beer is what you come for, and you will not be disappinted! Mamma suggests getting the tasting paddle, which you can tailer to your individual preferences - so you can sample more of their extensive range.
The menu is your standard brewery faves - pizzas, burgers and salads, whilst the kids have their own menu of nuggets, burgers and pizza as well.
It’s a great spot for a relaxed family meal - oh and there’s plenty of take-home beers to choose from, so once you have finished sampling you can take home your favourite!
the nitty gritty
560 Frankston - Dandenong Rd, Carrum Downs, 3201
OPEN
Wednesday 4pm - 10pm
Thursday - Saturday
12pm - 10pm
Sunday
12pm - 8.30pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Whilst you’re in the area, complement your beer tasting with some chocolate tasting at Chocolate Grove
del mar, carnegie
This great, tropical-themed cafe has a gated play area complete with all kinds of toys and ride-on cars, so you can finish you coffee in peace!
This beautiful cafe in Carnegie is super kid friendly, with lots of space inside and out, plenty of room for prams!
There’s a very tropical vibe here, with lots of island paintings, greenery and leafy plants throughout.
The best space for families is out the back, offering a gated play area complete with all kinds of toys and ride-on cars, so you can finish you coffee in peace, whilst keeping your eyes on the kids playing from the comfort of your seat!
The kids will LOVE the ice cream bar and you will love having time to enjoy your meal!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - closed
Tuesday -Sunday 7am - 3.30pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Grab a coffee to go and head down the road for a play at the fantastic Packer Park!
brownstone micro brewery, doveton
Can you picture a better spot for your Friday or Saturday night than at this micro brewery offering … live music, great food, delicious craft beer and … KIDS EAT FREE?!
Can you picture a better spot for your Friday or Saturday night than at this micro brewery offering … live music, great food, delicious boutique beer and … KIDS EAT FREE?!
Yep, on Friday and Saturday nights kids eat free (with a main meal ordered), and the kids menu is YUM! Crispy, succulent chicken served with crunchy golden fries or cheesy hand-stretched pizzas to name a few.
The kids can be kept busy with one of many boardgames, puzzles, coloring sheets, and UNO, while the adults can sit back and enjoy the live music, pool table and cold award-winning craft beers.
Mamma recommends getting the tasting paddle, where you can sample 4 different styles. If you’re unsure what to choose, just ask the helpful staff and they will narrow the choice for you. They are all great - but the clear winner has to be the gold-medal winning Doveton International Pale Ale - so punchy and delicious.
This brewery has a great, laid-back vibe, and it’s the perfect spot for a family meal - that everyone will enjoy!
the nitty gritty
5/17 Doveton Ave, Doveton 3177
OPEN
Monday - Saturday 3pm - 9pm
Closed Sunday
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and check out the gorgeous Myuna Farm before your visit!
nature cafe bar, frankston
This is one of the prettiest cafes this Mamma has ever seen!
This is one of the prettiest cafes this Mamma has ever seen!
Full of leafy plants, vibrant paintings and an outdoor courtyard with a jungle-themed wall mural, it’s such a beautiful vibe from the moment you walk in.
Parents will love the couch area, where there’s a play kitchen, books and some toys to keep the kids busy.
The cafe serves healthy, vegan food, which is colourful and delicious; hot tip - the Acai Bowl is as tasty as it is stunning! The cold pressed juices and smoothies are divine, and there’s a diverse menu offering everything from avo on toast through to burgers, pasta, spring rolls and cocktails! The kids also have their own menu with options as ‘beef’ burgers, pancakes and smashed avo.
Mamma can’t wait to come back and try out the cocktails! Keep your eyes on their socials as they also have live music on Friday nights.
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head across the road and have a some ten pin bowling or arcade fun at General Public.
apple espresso cafe, mornington
Tucked in a corner, between a nursery and produce shop, you will find this little hidden treasure.
Tucked in a corner, between a nursery and produce shop, you will find this little hidden treasure.
Boasting both a sprawling grassy area, with barrel tables under the shade of umbrellas and its own takeaway window; as well as a cute cottage-style cafe, with indoor and outdoor seating area.
The takeaway area is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a drink or some brunch/lunch, where the kids can run around - perfect for a Mothers group catch up with plenty of room for prams. (Though there is a carpark nearby, so as always - would need to keep a close eye on the kids).
There’s a great menu offering pizzas, an extensive variety of toasted wraps/rolls, Johnny Ripe pies and a HEAP of mouth-watering desserts. You can also grab ice cream from the takeaway window and sit under the shade of a beautiful pear tree!
Oh, it is also licensed so you can sit outside and enjoy a cocktail, too! It’s a great little spot.
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head up the road for a play at the Mt Eliza Regional Playground or go for a Heritage Train Ride!
sages cottage farm and cafe, baxter
A cafe - a playground - a lake AND animals? This will be your new favourite place!
Let me introduce you to one of Mamma’s all time favourite places!
Not only does this place have THE most gorgeous little cafe with a playground; it also has a small farm, gardens, lake, historic cottage, bushwalks, is set amongst stunning surroundings… and …. PIGS!
The cafe focuses on community integration by employing all ability staff from their partnership with Wallara. Staff are trained in the industrial training kitchen based at Sages Cottage, and once students have successfully competed their training, they are employed to work at the cafe to improve their social skills. Staff are also trained in horticulture and work in the gorgeous gardens- which makes this lovely place even more special.
Now, lets talk about this cafe! It's a gorgeous old wooden barn, decked out with fairy lights and flowers on all tables indoors - and outside there is a new marquee area - with picnic table seating. Here you can sit and watch your little ones play in the playground and play with some of the toys provided - like giant Connect Four and trucks etc. It is just perfect.
The menu at the moment is very simple - but very tasty, and the coffee is delicious. The staff are just gorgeous and very attentive.
After you've had your meal, take a stroll around the lake or into the gardens. Visit the little farm and say hi to the chooks, bunnies and guinea pigs. Then make sure you go to the ‘pig viewing area’ (Mamma’s favourite) and check out the gorgeous girls Edna and Ursula. There’s also goats and miniature horses near the car park, too!
Currently the cafe is only open Monday - Thursday, but by the start of March it should be operating 7 days - AND have some new play equipment!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
7 days
8am - 4pm
* the playground is currently under renovations
Plenty of room for prams - toilet facilities
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Kids wanting more play fun? Head down the road to the fully enclosed Overport Park Playground.
merricks general wine store, merricks
Nestled underneath shady trees, just opposite the walking trail and across the road from views of the stunning Merricks Beach, lies Merricks General store.
Wow, is this place PRETTY!
Nestled underneath shady trees, at the end of the red hill trail and just opposite views of the magnificent Merricks Beach, stands the hidden treasure that is - Merricks General store.
Walk into an outdoor oasis of tables under the shade of umbrellas and vine-draped canopies, flower beds and majestic trees - and order some food from the Verandah coffee window - or some wine from the little caravan bar.
You can also peruse The Traders, which is a little boutique store selling all sorts of things like plants, bags, clothes and more!
Or if you prefer, dine inside the cosy bistro - with a log wood fire, kids menu and an extensive wine list! You can also sample and purchase some wine from the Cellar Door.
This place is just heaven for a relaxing long lunch with the family, some wines with friends, or any occasion really!
the nitty gritty
3460 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks, 3916
OPEN
7 days
8.30am - 5pm
Verandah Coffee window- 7am - 3pm
The Traders Store - 9am - 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Before/after your meal - head down the road and explore the stunning Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens!
