They’ve recently introduced a new menu, including a section ‘Just for Kids’, and it’s so much more than a couple of scoops of ice cream. Hard to pick one favourite, both the Fairy Bread Brownie and the Mini Me Churros were stand outs for us. These desserts are colourful, playful and clearly designed with kids in mind, the kind of thing that feels special without being too over the top. It’s a great option for kids who love choosing something fun from the menu and for parents who appreciate a place that actually thinks about younger diners. It also doesn’t have to be a long dining experience, perfect in our opinion.

For the parents? Expect a sophisticated drinks menu (hello Biscoff Latte) and indulgent European desserts and gelato. Our favourite? The hot Classic Brookies, served to your table in a skillet. There’s also Croffles, Crepes, Churros, and light brunch options. The venues are licenced too.

You’ll find St. Louis stores right across 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝ in eleven locations, so regardless of where you are, it’s going to be convenient. Find them in North 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝, Glenelg, Hyde Park, Norwood, Gouger Street, Semaphore, Prospect, Elizabeth, Munno Para, Mawson Lakes and Tea Tree Plaza and also Brighton, a smaller gelato only stop. Each one has its own feel, but they all deliver the same friendly service and relaxed vibe that makes families feel welcome from the moment they walk in.

The beauty of St. Louis is that it doesn’t need to be a big occasion. It’s just as perfect for a quick cone, cup or take away coffee as it is for sitting down and taking time out. Whether you’re popping in for scoops, cones, coffee or making it a proper treat at the table with the kids, St Louis is one of those dependable 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝ favourites that never disappoints. South Australian owned for the win too.

Find St. Louis individual stores on Facebook and on

What really makes Mick’s shine for families is how intentionally the whole outdoor area has been set up with kids (and sanity-seeking parents) in mind. The fully fenced playground sits right next to the outdoor seating, meaning you can sip, snack or sneak a moment of peace while the kids play safely in full view. Add in a big grassy area with picnic benches and umbrellas, plus comfy couches, tables and bar stools under cover, and suddenly you’ve got a spot that works whether you’re wrangling toddlers, entertaining big kids or juggling both.

Then there’s the fun stuff and Mick’s delivers it in spades. Free mini-golf (four holes of pure kid joy), Sunday kids’ entertainment that ranges from face-painting and balloon twisting to petting zoos and magic shows, and one of the best kids’ menus going around. Everything is $15 or less and comes with a drink, and the “Junior Ploughman” – cheesy garlic bread, grilled chicken, shaved ham and fruit — was such a hit with our crew we saw multiple kids at nearby tables demolishing theirs too. Worth noting, kids eat free on Monday and Tuesday evenings, one child per paying accompanying adult.

Great food, loads of space, relaxed vibes and plenty to keep the kids happy equals a no-brainer family outing. Lunch or dinner, sunshine or showers, Mick O’Shea’s just works. If you haven’t visited this southern institution since the renovation, bump it to the top of your list — it’s absolutely worth the trip.

Mick O’Shea’s Hotel
Main South Road
HACKHAM 5163
(08) 8384 6944

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We visited for breakfast, what a way to start the day and fuel us up for exploring wineries, playgrounds and even a local hedge maze! Standouts that we gave a solid 10/10 were the kids plate, kids pancakes, Manna corn fritters, the big Fleurieu breakfast (proudly punched in by our hungry eight year old) and the most delicious orange and raspberry pancakes you could ever think up! The drinks menu is also worth a mention, with every thing from coffee’s to smoothies, juices and the most beautiful matcha too.

There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can soak up the sunshine or stay cozy inside depending on the weather. The coffee here absolutely hits the spot (we’re still dreaming about their trio of coffee flight), and the food menu is as carefully curated as it is delicious. The kids’ menu is a thoughtful stand out and it’s so fun, not just an afterthought. The kids options really appeal to little taste buds, and parents, you will approve! Take a better look at the food on their visual website menu. It certainly sealed the deal for us.

Inside, you’ll find a small lounge and play corner for toddlers, perfect for keeping the little café-goers happy while parents and friends can enjoy a chat and get their caffeine in, or actually eat with both hands and no child on their lap.

Now, if you live near by or you’re in town on a Monday, make sure to stop by for Story Time!
Manna McLaren Vale runs Story Time every Monday at 11 am in their “Manna Studio” space. It’s a free 30-minute session, with stories and songs aimed at preschoolers (0–5 yrs). Families are welcome to come and go as they need and its just a relaxed, heartwarming way to start the week.

Beyond being a family-friendly cafĂ©, Manna also has a beautiful private function space at the back of the property and it’s perfect for birthday parties, celebrations, meetings or community events. The Manna Studio can even be set up with soft play for kids’ parties, making it one of the most versatile venues in the Vale.

All in all, Manna McLaren Vale has nailed the balance between style, coffee, and quality food for all ages. It’s family comfort and it’s truly a spot where everyone (big or small) leaves happy. Parties of 5+ are encouraged to book.

Location: 211 Main Road McLaren Vale SA 5171
Opening Times: 7 days a week 7am to 3pm | Public Holidays 8am – 2pm
Phone: 0409 393 818 
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Grazing in the Valley is a family friendly cafĂ© that’s full of heart and flavour. It’s a hit with every one from the littlest locals, to the grandparents who often bring them in. From the doggos to the parent’s after morning school drop off. The tradies who know how to sniff out a good coffee or lunch, and the local community at large. The welcoming space is small but vibrant, relaxed, and also includes outdoor seating. It’s the kind of place you really wish was in your neighbourhood.

The menu is as thoughtful as it is delicious. Think warming soups of the day (perfect for chilly Hills mornings), freshly made baguettes, colourful grab-and-go salad bowls, and a rotating selection of sweet and savoury pastries that cater to both hungry adults and picky kids. Their snack and grazing boxes are ideal for school lunches, road trips, or last-minute entertaining. Now lets talk about the coffee. They serve exceptional Dawn Patrol brews that keep locals coming back for their daily caffeine fix.

Beyond the bites, Grazing in the Valley is a true community hub. Explore cute giftwares from local makers, and check out their seasonal events from fun school holiday workshops for kids to relaxed evening gatherings for adults. It’s a welcoming space run with passion, purpose, and some of the nicest staff you’ll ever meet.

The love for food extends beyond the café too! Grazing in the Valley offers a beautifully curated catering service for parties, corporate events, birthdays and everything in between. Their grazing tables, brunch platters and custom boxes are full of fresh, local produce and styled to impress, just like everything else they do.

Address: 4/10 Sherebrooke Boulevard, Woodcroft SA 5162
Opening Hours: Mon & Tues 7am – 2pm, Wed, Thur & Fri 7am-4pm, Saturday 7am – 4pm, Sun Closed
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One of the standout features is the massive, new, outdoor playground, designed to keep children entertained for hours. It’s a safe, exciting space where little ones can climb, slide, and explore while parents can unwind nearby. The hotel’s vibe is trendy yet relaxed, offering the perfect mix of casual dining and stylish surroundings. No one needs to compromise here.

The salty air and views of the sea add to the relaxed vibe and remind you that you are indeed on the coast, making it a wonderful place to enjoy a meal while taking in the scenery. The food is a highlight, with delicious options for both adults and kids. Kids’ meals come with a drink, an activity pack to keep them entertained, and even self-serve ice cream to finish, rest assured our kids thought that was very cool.

For those looking to keep the fun going, there’s even an indoor cinema room where kids can watch something on the big screen in a cozy space. Whether it’s a casual meal, a day out with the family, or a relaxing evening by the sea, the Christies Beach Hotel is a fabulous spot that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s worth checking out their social media for special events, a regular kids club and more!

Location: 12-30 Gulfview Road, Christies Beach SA 5165
Opening Times: Daily from 9am until late
Phone: (08) 8372 1072
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The outlook at Nest Kiosk is stunning all year around. Bonus if it is a beautiful sunny day, however during winter you can sit snuggly indoors and watch the clouds roll in over the ocean (this any one else’s love language?) There are ample seating options with tables indoors, outside under cover and even little benches and tables directly opposite the shoreline, offering uninterrupted water views. Outdoors is also perfect if your little one doesn’t like to sit for too long, as they can run about on the beachfront path, or older kids could even play down on the sand where you can still keep an eye on them while waiting for your order.

Now, it’s a little bit hidden, but we love that, and you will find this gem of a spot located at the front southern end of Brighton Beachfront Holiday Park.

The menu offers all day breakfast including acai bowls with some great flavours (mint, anyone?)

There’s a bunch of simple and tasty kids meals. The ‘Little People Menu’ includes Scrambled Eggs On Toast ($10), Kids Pancake & Ice Cream ($10), House made Chicken Tenders & Chips ($14) and Crumbed Fish & Chips ($14). Our kids opted for the scrambled eggs and pancakes and by the end there was nothing left on their plates – always the sign of a good kids meal! (The pancakes were also some of the fluffiest, yummiest we have ever tried!)

Lunch options include meals that are perfect for a seaside meal such as Squid & Chips, Double Beef Burgers, Zucchini & Corn Fritters, a Health Kick Salad Bowl and more. Drinks include milkshakes, smoothies, cold pressed juices on tap and of course, COFFEE! No doubt it will change from time to time. Nest Kiosk is also licensed and we loved that they not only sell their own coffee beans, you can buy their own ‘Nest Wines’ by the bottle to takeaway, how cool is that?

Speaking of takeaway, they do have a takeaway menu which is perfect if you want to eat down on the beach, are staying at the caravan park next door or want to take a meal to the playground which is less that 100 metres away.

Have a meal at Nest Kiosk to fuel yourself and the kids before a walk along the coastal trail to Brighton OR pop in on the way back for a well deserved treat on your return.

Nest also open for dinner on Saturday nights and the dinner menu looks INCREDIBLE. We’ll definitely be going back for that!

NEST KIOSK
4 Burnham Road, Kingston Park

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Beth and her team are super welcoming and have over 5 years experience creating mouthwatering food! This all began when Beth opened her food truck doors of Taste Of Paradise SA back in 2019 to South Australians. Living and breathing her dream, they decided to open a funky little bricks and mortar, last year located on the corner of Penneys Hill Road and States Road, Hackham. On the menu you’ll find a range of smoothies, juices on tap, milkshakes, raw treats, nachos (with beef, veggie and vegan options), coffee, tea and of course the Acai Bar. Everything was fresh, delicious and good for the soul!

Most people will be familiar with the self serve concept of the Açai Bar- you choose what you want! Choose your flavour of whip which are all Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Vegan from Acai, Dragon & Passionfruit, KoKoNut or Black Pearl (or a mix). Then choose from a huge variety of divine toppings including top of the range granola, freshly prepared fruit salad, coconut flakes, chia seeds, hempseeds, shaved almonds, Biscoff biscuits, sprinkles and more. Finally, pick a sauce such as passionfruit coulis, mango, chocolate fudge topping, salted caramel or pistachio sauce. YUM! Then weigh your delicious creation and pay per 100g of weight. There are cones available too, along with three different bowl sizes. This is SO MUCH FUN for the kids (and us big kids too!).

Beth took her time researching authentic Acai, until finally she found the right one. Beth is such an advocate for this moreish, healthy delicacy. Taste Of Paradise SA was the first Acai Food Truck & self serve Acai Bar in South Australia and her passion for health shines through. The store itself is like something you would find beachside in Bali, Hawaii or Tahiti – the pop of bright colours, palm tree and sunset decals and surfboard signage will definitely make you feel like you are in paradise!

You can opt to takeaway or dine in – there are a few seats inside or sit at one of the outside tables. If you sit inside you’ll find yourself surrounded with tons of beautiful giftware, including jewellery, dreamcatchers, plants, handbags and more. There really is something for everyone here and Miss 8 spent AGES looking over the shelves and deciding which treasure to choose to bring home.

Whether you are looking for a snack, a meal, a coffee, a tasty treat or even a gift, Taste Of Paradise in Hackham is a great option. They are still running the food truck at events and locations around 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝ too, so if you can’t get down south soon, check out their socials for where they will pop up next. 🏝️🌺

Taste Of Paradise
1/109 Penneys Hill Road, Hackham SA

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So, a couple of years back we shamelessly stalked owners Amy and Eric for a while, having fallen in love with their ‘Croque’s’ (French toasted sandwiches) when they only had their cute coffee van. When we saw their bricks and mortar venue pop up, with a cute fully fenced playground, we were hot on it, and the rest is history. We were so pleased to return again recently, and they have only gone from strength to strength. PS they still have their van and you should totally book it for your next school sports day, childcare picnic, or even an adults celebration with booze.

The menu is superb with so much on offer beyond those world class toasted sandwiches, including a breakfast selection, a pasta selection, specialty pulled pork options and a very cute kids menu. Star of the kids menu? Glad you asked….for us it was the Kids French Toast served with Blueberry Compote, Maple Syrup and a ball of Ice Cream. There’s also a great range of fresh daily cabinet treats for grab and go with a coffee, along with a daily specials board. Yum. I mean home made beef ragout with parmesan in a toasty? Life doesn’t get much better!

There is ample car parking out the back (enter from Gate 3 off of Daws Road) which makes it super easy to load/unload little people safely and to manoeuvre a pram. Of course there are highchairs available and we always love a choice between indoor and outdoor seating. (Worth noting, indoors has a little play corner with some colouring and a floor mat too – so don’t be put off if its a hot day or a wet day.)

Every one is going to love the cute little playground. It’s just steps from the outdoor tables and it’s fully fenced and has that really lovely soft rubber surface that’s actually easy for toddlers to walk around on. With a cute cubby, plenty of colour and ample climbing and hanging opportunities, they will work up an appetite in no time, and you’ll actually enjoy a hot coffee!

Last thing we need to say – the cafĂ© has a fabulous big private dining room with its own external door directly into the playground. We need playgroups and Mums groups etc in the area to know about it, because it would make a magnificent hang for that type of thing. It’s big and spacious, I mean even a morning tea birthday party would be 10/10 in this space and I’m sure would comfortably seat twenty people.

So when can you go? What the Croque! is currently open Monday to Friday 8am to 2.30pm and Saturday’s 9am to 2pm PLUS don’t forget to check their socials and find out where 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝’s OG caravan is at!

Location: 216 Daws Road, Daw Park, SA (enter from gate 3 for easy parking)

Phone 0422 213 667
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One of the first thing the new owners did was create a kids play area inside – surrounded by lounges and large tables for groups of parents to gather, the kids will stay occupied with drawing and toys while you indulge in some much needed adult conversation! If the weather is nice, you can opt to sit outside – the cafe is set far back enough from the road that you won’t need to stress. If you are sitting outside, feel free to bring your dog along too – yep Cantina61 is pet-friendly and also offer pet biscuits and FREE puppacinos!

Onto the menu and WOW, what a menu it is! You’ll find breakfast favourites, through to nachos, schnitzels, burgers, veggie stacks and HEAPS MORE. The kids are well looked after with scrambled eggs, chicken popcorn, toasties and what are possibly the prettiest pancakes we have ever seen! It’s an all day menu so no matter what you’re in the mood for, the Cantina61 team will have something on the menu to suit!

If you’re not in the mood for a meal, check out the range of sweet treats at the counter. We opted for scones and a brownie and they were DELISH. Of course, the kids spotted the ice cream freezer – great to see our local SA ice cream company, Golden North being supported here!

The highlight of our visit were the juices and smoothies – freshly squeezed juice, nothing beats it! And the smoothies are so fun and colourful, we couldn’t keep the kids away from them! Also, babycinos are FREE, what a win!

Service at Cantina61 is warm and welcoming – they are making a huge effort to attract families, so if you are down south, head in and support them! It’s the perfect place to catch up with friends for a coffee after school drop off, to get together with your Mums Group or have a casual lunch with the family!

Cantina61
61 Dalkeith Road, Seaford Rise

Open 6:00am to 2:00pm weekdays & 8:30am to 2:00pm weekends.

If you answered YES to any of the above, then it is time to take a drive down the Fleurieu Peninsula to Smiling Samoyed Brewery at Myponga. It is situated right on the Myponga Reservoir and it is one of our favourite spots to hang out with the family while enjoying a great meal.

Smiling Samoyed Brewery is open 7 days a week and have their pizza oven firing everyday. So there’s no need to wait until a weekend, head down there anytime for a great meal. You’ll be greeted by the stars of the show – Kent and Hoppy, their two GORGEOUS white samoyed dogs who lap up the attention of all the guests.

There is an outdoor playground, perfect to keep the kids entertained while they wait for their food. It’s a decent sized playground too, definitely not an afterthought. Our kids loved playing “houses” on the playground and our three year old learnt how to slide down the fire pole – so much fun!

If it is too wet or too hot to be outside on the playground, don’t worry – the lovely Smiling Samoyed staff will happily fetch some colouring sheets and pencils to keep the kids entertained.

Onto the menu – as we mentioned, the wood oven is busy firing pizzas everyday with some delicious traditional pizzas available, along with some quirky options (kangaroo pizza, anyone?). The rest of the menus is impressive with smaller snacks such as arancini balls, onion rings and tempura cauliflower through to the DELICIOUS desserts. Our tip? Have the Dark Ale Brownie. YUM. Local produce shines throughout the extensive menu.

The drinks list is also extensive, with beer tasting paddles available to sample the Smiling Samoyed beers, along with local wines, spirits, juices and soft drinks. Seriously, settle in for an afternoon here, relax and try a bit of everything while the kids play. You won’t be disappointed!

Make a real day of it and leave time for a walk around the Myponga Reservoir before or after your visit to Smiling Samoyed Brewery. We can guarantee that you will leave with a full belly and a full heart after seeing the kids pat the dogs and have the BEST time on the playground.

SMILING SAMOYED BREWERY
Hansen St, Myponga
(08) 8558 6166
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Open 7 Days
Monday – Friday 12:00 noon – 4:00pm
Weekends 11:30am – 5:00pm
(Bookings recommended)