Let’s face it – dining out with kids can be an adventure. You want to find a place that’ll feel fun and welcoming to your little ones while still having delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere. After all, mum and dad (and grandparents, aunts, and uncles) want to enjoy themselves too!
If free kids’ meals, indoor play areas, clean toilets (bonus points if there’s a changing room!), stroller space, and budget-friendly menus are what you seek, Singapore’s East has plenty in store for you.
So ditch the stress of fussy eaters and spilled drinks and read on for our list of family-friendly restaurants in East Singapore that will make eating out a hassle-free affair for everyone!
1. Café Melba at Goodman Arts Centre
Café Melba, a 120-seater café located within the Goodman Arts Centre compound near Katong, is well-known among families, and for good reason.
Surrounded by a lush green lawn, the spacious café has both indoor and alfresco seating to cater to a relaxing family brunch. It has an extensive menu, with brunch classics like Eggs Benedict and pancake stacks, to mains like Battered Fish & Chips and pizzas that are good for sharing. Kids eat free from the extensive kids menu with every main meal purchased at Café Melba on Mondays. On weekends and public holidays, from 9am to 4pm, kids can also enjoy endless fun on the bouncy castle set up right outside the restaurant.
What’s more, Café Melba goes the extra mile with its Kids Club programme, where you and your child can enjoy great perks such as 10% off dining during your child’s birthday month and a free 6” birthday cake if you have your party at Café Melba!
Bonus: The compound is h-u-g-e. Check out what’s on for kids at The Artground nearby, including an engaging arts space with a range of paid weekend arts programmes for your little ones, including performing arts workshops, art and craft activities, and gardening-inspired workshops.
Café Melba (Goodman Arts Centre)
Address: 90 Goodman Rd, Block N, #01-56, Goodman Arts Centre, Singapore 439053
Opening hours: Friday to Monday — 8:00am to 10:00pm; Tuesday to Thursday — Closed
2. East Coast Commune
If you’re a frequent East Coast Park goer with your family and tots in tow, you must check out East Coast Commune. It opened two years ago and is fast gaining popularity, given its ideal location at Marine Cove near the beach, as well as for its fresh and delish menu featuring cold-pressed juices, hearty brunch selections and sourdough waffles.
The cool-vibes café is also one of the rare ones which has a private space doubling up as a nursing and baby changing room, making it our top baby-friendly restaurant.
Did we also mention that within its spacious sea-side inspired interior, there is an indoor play area with books as well as unique wooden play structures? With such thought given to make this the best eat-and-play café haven for kids, it’s hard for families not to love East Coast Commune.
Bonus: Seasonal pop-ups of handmade goods, sustainable products, art collectibles, and more add vibrancy to this space. Check out their Facebook or Instagram for upcoming events.
East Coast Commune
Address: 1000 East Coast Parkway, #01-03, Marine Cove, Singapore 449876 (Carpark C2)
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday — 8:00am to 5:30pm; Saturday and Sunday — 8:00am to 9:00pm; closed on Tuesday
Bonus: If you have little fur kids in your family, this will be the perfect place for you as well! SandBank is a pet-friendly café so start planning for your family weekend at East Coast Park now.
3. Tiong Bahru Bakery
We are stoked that Tiong Bahru Bakery has (finally!) opened an outlet in the east. Oh, the smell of artisan French bakes and fresh gourmet coffee wafting through the air!
Nestled in the heart of Siglap, the new outlet pays tribute to the old-school charm of the vicinity with its whimsical biscuit-inspired décor. This new outlet is also roomy with indoor and outdoor seating, making the restaurant quite baby-friendly, unlike some of the other more tight-on-space branches. You can bring your child, pram and diaper bag, and still have some space to breathe.
The bakery’s signature buttery croissants, ooey gooey chocolate danishes, and yummy hot chocolate drinks are guaranteed to satisfy hungry little tummies. Parents will enjoy their selection of coffees and teas as well as savoury mains too.
Tiong Bahru Bakery at Siglap
Address: 77 Upper E Coast Rd, #01-01, 77@East Coast, Singapore 455218
Opening hours: Monday to Friday — 7:30am to 8:00pm; Saturday and Sunday — 8:00am to 8:00pm
4. TONITO Latin America Kitchen
A popular family-friendly spot in Jewel Changi Airport is TONITO Latin America Kitchen. Its quirky, colourful interior provides the most welcoming space for ‘diners of all ages’ as they proudly state. This restaurant serves Latin American fare from across the continent, including street food and staples like Mexican quesadillas, Argentinian pastas, and Peruvian stews.
Kids aged 12 and below eat free with every adult main course ordered. The kid’s menu includes all-time favourites, such as tomato pork pasta, egg and cheese quesadilla, and fish & chips.
Bonus: Some of the seating in TONITO will give you a clear view of the Jewel Rain Vortex. Enjoy the views of the waterfall in the background with lush greenery and take full advantage of the panorama, especially during the Light & Music Showcase that happens every evening.
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Tonito Latin America Kitchen
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard #02-248, Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: Daily, 11:30am to 10:30pm
Light & Music Showcase (Jewel Rain Vortex)
Timings: Monday to Thursday — 8.00pm and 9.00pm; Friday to Sunday, Public Holiday & Eve of Public Holiday — 8.00pm, 9.00pm and 10.00pm
5. Hub & Spoke Café
Hub & Spoke is another café that has entered the eastie scene in the last two years. Its lovely glass house setting with both indoor and alfresco dining makes it an ideal restaurant for a family get-together.
Serving mainly western delights as well as local classics, families can take their pick from the kid-friendly options in the menu, including bangers and mash, carbonara pasta, and ham & cheese soft bun. Hub & Spoke also offers an assortment of milkshakes, yogurt soft serves, and fruit shakes – perfect for kids with a sweet tooth.
During the daytime, it is common to see families with kids making a pit-stop at the café to fuel up before biking to East Coast Park via the park connector linked directly to Changi Airport Terminal 2. No bike? You can rent one at the adjacent GoCycling shop too (from $6/hour for a kid’s bike) and let your little one experience an unforgettable post-meal visit to the Jurassic Mile.
Bonus: Hub & Spoke is not only a family-friendly café, but is also pet-friendly too. Go ahead and bring your fur kid along!
Hub & Spoke Café
Address: 60 Airport Blvd, Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, #01-T2S-02, Singapore 819643
Opening hours: Daily, 7:30am to 10:30pm
6. Beauty in The Pot @ Jewel Changi Airport
Who doesn’t love steamboats? But those who have tried eating hotpot with young children would know that it’s no fun having to keep their little hands away from piping broths and trays of fresh raw food all the time.
Thank goodness for hotpot chains like Beauty in The Pot, which offers complimentary children’s toys and an exclusive play area with climbing structures and slides to keep children entertained while parents dine. This means parents can nourish their bodies with rich collagen soup in peace, while kids can play to their heart’s content.
Bonus: The playground at the Jewel Changi Airport outlet is also fully enclosed and air-conditioned, like most of its outlets. This makes it the perfect family-friendly restaurant to go to, especially on rainy days when the craving for hotpot hits you hard. Kids still have energy to burn off after their meal? Head to the Jewel Changi Airport attractions at the Canopy Park for even more fun!
Beauty in The Pot @ Jewel
Address: 78 Airport Blvd, Jewel Changi Airport, #B2 - 224, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am – 3:00am
7. The Tree Café
The Tree Café at E!Hub is another place where parents can consider a kid-friendly restaurant experience. Its rustic, café-in-a-garden setting offers the family a unique dining experience. It’s like a picnic under the trees, but better. Not only is it fully air-conditioned, but clean toilets are just a stone’s throw away.
Did we mention that the whole menu is so kid- and budget-friendly that there is really no restriction to what children can eat. Everything from mains to pastas and rice bowls is below S$10. The portions are generous too. This makes The Tree Café one of the most value-for-money, family-friendly cafés in the east.
Bonus: The Tree Café at E!Hub is located just beside Tayo Station, a massive 10,000-square-feet themed playground for children aged 12 and below. Head over for unrivalled sensory play after a sumptuous meal!
The Tree Café (Halal-certified)
Address: E!Hub, Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, Level 3, Singapore 519599
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00pm to 9:00pm
8. The Coastal Settlement
If you're looking for a unique and nostalgic restaurant dining experience, The Coastal Settlement in Changi Village is a must-visit.
This charming café is housed in a beautifully restored colonial bungalow, offering a glimpse into Singapore's past. The spacious outdoor area provides plenty of space for little ones to run around before the food arrives, plus a large playground featuring swings, slides, and climbing structures to get their appetite up and running.
Both the ala carte and weekend brunch menus boast a diverse selection of Western and Asian dishes, including kid-friendly options like fish and chips, cheese burgers, and sausage and pasta.
The best part? The Coastal Settlement is pet-friendly, so your furry friends can join in the fun too! It's the perfect spot for a relaxed family meal (fur-kids and human kids alike) amidst a nostalgic and charming setting.
The Coastal Settlement
Address: 200 Netheravon Road, Singapore 508 529
Opening hours: Monday to Friday — 10.30am to 11.00pm; Saturday & Public Holiday — 8.30am to 11.00pm; Sunday — 8.30am to 10.00pm
9. PS. Cafe at East Coast Park
For a stylish and breezy restaurant dining experience by the sea, head to PS. Cafe at East Coast Park.
This popular café chain is known for its chic interiors, delectable cakes, and relaxed atmosphere – all of which the East Coast Park branch has in spades.
A beautiful outdoor terrace overlooks the sea, perfect for enjoying the refreshing sea breeze while you dine. The spacious layout is also ideal for families with strollers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient dining experience.
Their menu features a variety of international and local dishes, including a dedicated junior menu featuring grilled ham and cheese toasties, spaghettini bolognese, and carbonara pasta. Kids will also love their ice cream shakes and crushed fruit sodas, or a cold-pressed juice for a healthier option.
PS. Cafe at East Coast Park
Address: 1110 East Coast Parkway, Cyclist Park, 01-05/06/07, Singapore 449880
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday & Public Holidays — 8.00am to 10.00pm; Friday to Saturday & Eve of Public Holidays — 8.00am to 10.30pm
10. Jimmy Monkey Cafe at Paya Lebar Quarter
For a kid-friendly café with a touch of urban cool, head over to Jimmy Monkey Cafe at PLQ (Paya Lebar Quarter).
The café’s play area offers a relaxed and spacious setting, perfect for families to unwind and enjoy some quality time together. Sip on specialty coffee and munch on delicious brunch fare while the kids have a blast at the playground right next door – ahh, the perfect start to a family day out.
The Melbourne-inspired menu features a variety of brunch classics, healthy salads, and tempting pastries, with plenty of options to satisfy both little and big appetites. The kids menu includes mac and cheese, pizza soldiers, ham and cheese grill, and more, plus a free drink to accompany it!
Jimmy Monkey Cafe at PLQ
Address: 2 Paya Lebar Rd, #01-10 Park Place Residences - next to playground, Singapore 409053
Opening hours: Open daily, 8.00am to 10.00pm
Benefits of family dining in Singapore
Okay, let's be honest, sometimes the thought of dining out with kids can make you want to order takeout and call it a day. But trust us, these family-friendly restaurants and kid-friendly cafés are a game-changer! Here's why:
- Stress-free vibes: Say goodbye to the anxiety of keeping your little ones entertained while trying to enjoy your meal. These places have got you covered with high chairs, baby changing facilities, and kids' menus that even the pickiest eaters will love.
- Entertainment galore: From bouncy castles to play areas with slides and climbing structures, these venues offer endless entertainment for the little ones. This means you can actually have a conversation with your partner or friends without constantly having to jump up and chase after your kids.
- Bonding time: Let's face it, life can get busy. Family meals are a precious opportunity to connect, create memories, and strengthen those family bonds. And what better way to do it than in a relaxed and enjoyable setting where everyone feels welcome?
How to pick the right dining venue for your family
Consider these factors when choosing a family restaurant or kids' café to ensure it’s the right fit for everyone:
- Playtime is a must: Dedicated play areas, preferably with age-appropriate activities, can make a big difference in keeping the little ones happy and entertained. Some of the eateries above even host the occasional kid-friendly event or workshop, giving you more options to keep the little ones busy while you dine.
- Variety is the spice of life: Ensure the menu offers a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. A good kid-friendly restaurant will have a dedicated kids' menu or offer smaller portions of adult dishes.
- Stroller-friendly zones: Choose venues with ample space for strollers and easy access for families with young children. Nobody wants to be wrestling a stroller through a crowded restaurant!
- Parking made easy: Check for convenient parking facilities nearby, especially if you're driving. The last thing you want is to be circling the block with a car full of hungry kids.
Plan your family day out fuss-free
Bookmark this article and the next time you rack your brains on where to bring your little ones, a trip to one of these 10 kid-friendly cafés and restaurants might be the perfect weekend plan!
Share your experiences with us or check out other curated lists on the Changi Airport platform for more kid-friendly restaurant and entertainment recommendations. From picnic spots in Changi Precinct to the best breakfast and brunch cafés in East Singapore, you’ll never be short of new experiences to immerse in.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a kid-friendly restaurant?
Look for kid-friendly restaurants that tick all the boxes: dedicated play areas, kids' menus, high chairs, baby changing facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere for families. A kids' café with a play area is always a good option.
Are the play areas supervised?
Supervision policies vary from place to place. Some kids’ play areas may have dedicated staff, while others require parental supervision. It's always best to check with the restaurant or café beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Do these restaurants offer allergy-friendly options?
Some kid-friendly restaurants may offer allergy-friendly options or are willing to accommodate dietary restrictions. Let the staff know about any allergies when making a reservation or placing your order, and they'll be happy to help.
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