There’s family friendly, then there’s family friendly. The first is an establishment that has a kids menu – a few fried options and not much more. The second is somewhere that you genuinely feel comfortable being.

The space absorbs the noise of a boisterous toddler, the menu has both treat and healthy options and there might even be a little section for play or colouring in. At very least, you don’t feel judged taking an iPad there! A true family friendly venue is gold and here’s our list of favourites around Hobart. We’d love to hear yours, so drop us a line or a tag and we’ll add to the list.

COFFEE, TEA, FAMIL-Y

Lost Freight

Is there anything better than a cafe with a massive, natural outdoor play area? At The Springs, halfway up the mountain, minis will love a babycino and banana bread while parents will enjoy sitting on the outdoor tables with a good quality coffee watching the kids run wild. Pinnacle Road, Wellington Park. 0417 719 856

Queens Pastry

We wouldn’t recommend taking a big group and loads of prams here but it’s a functional space for a family coffee date. Think superb donuts, croissants and good coffee with easy parking in the side streets. 114 Harrington Street, Hobart. 6236 9198

Rivulet Cafe

On the banks of the rivulet in South Hobart, the Rivulet Cafe is the ultimate in kid friendly cafes. There’s an actual playground there, lots of kid friendly fare (hello banana bread!) and both inside and outside seating options with plenty of space for a whole parent’s group of prams. 64 Anglesea Street, South Hobart. 6122 0112

WINNER, WINNER, KID-FRIENDLY DINNER

Mures

Definitely an oldie but a goodie. In summer the outdoor seating comes complete with water sprayers to ward off cheeky seagulls and the menu, while fried, is oh-so-attractive to most kids. Indoors, the space absorbs even the rowdiest of kids. And there’s ice cream. Enough said! Victoria Dock, Hobart. 6231 2009

Myu Easy Bites

This hidden gem on New Town Road, New Town, is great for kids who like to adventure off the kids menu, but stay safe. Think dumplings, ribs, bao – delicious Malay-style food that can easily be toned down in the chilli department for little tummies. Their wine and beer list is strong too, so parents needing a wind down will be well catered for too. Shop 2/93 New Town Road, New Town. 6228 7777

Saigon Express

For very low key, but very delicious Vietnamese head to this unassuming spot in North Hobart. The amazing thing here is that if your kids aren’t into Vietnamese side of the menu they also serve fried chicken, chips and burgers too. But trust us, you’re going to want to try the prawn pancake and delicious bun noodle salad. BYO for the parentals. 335 Elizabeth Street, Hobart. 6231 6115

Local Pizza

Older kids (and younger too, lets face it, everyone loves pizza!) will enjoy a night at Local Pizza at Berriedale. Proper chewy, traditional Napoli style pizza with a great range of toppings, followed by epic sundaes which change regularly. 52 Maroni Road, Berridale. 6249 3573