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Five of a kind: Child-friendly cafes in Melbourne

Justine Costigan

The Farm Cafe at the Collingwood Children's Farm.
The Farm Cafe at the Collingwood Children's Farm.Eddie Jim

THE FARM CAFE

The combination of a great outdoor area and a good place to eat and drink will always work a treat with children and their parents. And few cafes have a better location than The Farm Cafe at Collingwood Children’s Farm. Where else can you have a coffee and see a cow eyeing your breakfast as you eat? If you have older children, let them explore while you finish your coffee in peace.
The Farm Cafe is at the Collingwood Children’s Farm, St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, 9415 6581. Open Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm, Sat and Sun 8am to 5pm.


THREE LITTLE SEEDS

Three Little Seeds, Thornbury.
Three Little Seeds, Thornbury.Supplied
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Cute pram parking space, roomy baby-changing facilities with child-height sinks, books, dress-ups, a play kitchen, crayons and paper to keep little hands busy, a cosy sofa, chairs and tables make this one of Melbourne’s most child and parent-friendly cafes. However, it’s the laid-back atmosphere, wholesome food, good coffee and friendly service that make it the kind of place even unaccompanied adults feel welcome.
Three Little Seeds is at 562 High Street, Thornbury, 0409 665 456. Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 8am-4pm.

CUBBYHOUSE CANTEEN

Sisters Rebecca and Narelle Thompson were on to a winning idea when they opened Cubbyhouse Canteen in 2011. Located in the clubhouse of the Malvern Tennis Club, part of the cafe faces a tennis court and the other a leafy park with a playground. Add in great coffee, healthy, delicious food and a children’s menu, plus a counter filled with tempting treats, and you can see why this cafe and playground are busy every day of the week.
Cubbyhouse Canteen is at 43A Union Street, Armadale, 0421173886. Open Mon-Thu 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-4.30pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 8am-2pm.

Cubbyhouse Canteen, Armadale.
Cubbyhouse Canteen, Armadale.Eddie Jim


HAPPY MAREE

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Happy Maree has lots of child-attracting charm, from the small toy corner with books, crayons and paper to the low tables and stools. Owners Delanie and Mario Varricchio make the food themselves, from savoury pies and pastries to cookies and tiny strawberry tarts. Drinks come in small and large sizes too, perfect for small hands and tummies. Check out the kids’ bookshop opposite, too.
Happy Maree is at 229 Somerville Road, Yarraville, 0448 284 827. Open Mon and Wed-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat and Sun 9am-3pm.


PICNIC

Sturdy wooden tables, red and yellow stools and two red plastic high chairs are the first signs that the welcome mat is out for children of all ages at Picnic. The menu has lots for kids and adults to like. Special children’s offerings include toasties with ham, cheese, tomato and aioli, baby bircher muesli and egg, bacon and cheese muffins.
Picnic is at 60 Toorak Road, South Yarra, 9866 4493. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3.30pm, Sat and Sun 8am-3.30pm.

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