Image adapted from: @huiling31, @green_tomato_cafe
Miranda Hobbs from Sex and the City once said, “Mommy needs two hands to eat.” And honestly no words could be more true. If you’re a parent, you can empathise when we tell you that eating with kids, especially those under the age of 6, can be quite a feat.
Once you’ve overcome the obstacle of getting the kids to eat, entertaining them while you attempt to finish your own meal is another challenge to get through but luckily, there are no shortage of restaurants with play areas in Kuala Lumpur, where parents can take their time to enjoy their food in peace while the little ones play!
Image credit: @falinazaini
Blokke comes with an area specially for Lego, as well as an impressive indoor playground with a ball pit, mini rock wall, trampoline, and toy cars.
Image credit: BLOKKE.
Trampoline with safety nets
Image credit: @karenlicioussss
Eating with kids here will be easy because the children’s menu offers favourites like Spaghetti Bolognese (RM15.90, S$5) and Tender Lovin’ Chicken (RM11.90, S$4), which are crispy battered chicken served with a side of potato wedges. Each kids meal (from RM11.90, S$4) comes with a freshly-pressed juice and homemade jelly!
Chicken tenders and potato wedges
Image credit: Blokke
Parents are also spoilt for choice with delicious selections available from All-Day Breakfast, Asian and Western options like The Blokke Burger (RM18.90, S$6) or anyone of their freshly-baked pizzas (from RM16.90, S$5.50). For those needing their caffeine fix, be sure to get a hot cuppa (from RM6.90, S$2) or order one of their sinful milkshakes (RM14.90, S$5).
Image credit: Blokke
Address: F41-45, First Floor Citta Mall, Jalan PJU 1A/48A Ara Damansara, 47301, Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 11AM-9PM, Sat-Sun: 10AM-9PM
Telephone: +60 3-7831 0877
Image credit: @huiling31
Located in the expatriate neighbourhood of Mont Kiara, Playground The Cafe is fast becoming a favourite spot for parents. More than just your average play area, the indoor playground for kids 5 years and below resembles a mini jungle gym, and there’s even a sensory station equipped with sand and beads available for the kids to get busy with.
Image credit: @milkymilky19
Parents with infants will be glad to know there are walkers and baby mobile available for your tiny tots. Keeping safety in mind, the management has created a separate playing area for crawling babies. Nursing mums can feed their babies privately in the nursing room thoughtfully provided by the restaurant.
Image credit: @playgroundthecafe
Their meals, like the Morroccan Tomato Fish, which will leave you satisfyingly full, and the Matcha Latte (RM15.90) with sugar syrup on the side is a must-try!
Image credit: @playgroundthecafe
For the parent that’s health-conscious, the Chocolate Goji (RM14.50, S$4.80) is the perfect choice. The naturally sweet dish is only 200 calories and packed with hazelnuts, goji berries, oats, dates, strawberries, raw cacao and bananas.
Image credit: @wunderwalldesign
Address: Lot G-6 Arcoris Mont Kiara, No 10, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 10AM-7PM
Telephone: +60 3-6411 2098
Image credit: @green_tomato_cafe
Nestled away along Jalan Ritchie, Ampang, the rustic Green Tomato Cafe is located within a house. You can either eat indoors in a homely setting, or the al-fresco dining area.
Image credit: @green_tomato_cafe
The cafe has an ample garden for kids to run around in – barefoot if they wish. There are also little bicycles available and a bouncy castle, which they’re sure to love.
Image credit: @june.art.and.craft
With health in mind, Green Tomato Cafe offers MSG-free food which includes fluffy pancakes and generous portion of fruit and vegetables in their Western mains. Sip on that Cappucino (RM10, S$3), and indulge in their delicious Fish & Chips (RM19, S$), which is large enough for a parent and kid to share.
Image credit: @green_tomato_cafe
Address: 34, Jalan Mengkuang, Desa Pahlawan, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 8AM-5PM
Telephone: +60 12-257 9775
Image credit: @mi.ss.g
Out of Africa is a gem that has been around for decades. Located in Petaling Jaya Sports Centre, this place is one you probably wouldn’t come across unless a local tells you about it. With impressive archways, animal decor and vibrant murals its the wall, this restaurant stays true to the theme and takes patrons on a journey through their interior.
Image credit: @wanning88
The outdoor play area here is small and simple, but guaranteed to keep the children happy with its swings, slide and more than enough running around space.
Image credit: Amy Chatterton
Parents can indulge in the exotic South African cuisine while kids choose something from the children’s menu. Their best-selling item on the menu, Zebu Steak Pie (RM46, S$15), has chunks of tender beef doused in black pepper sauce. While you’re there, get a taste of their Natal Lamb Curry (RM44, S$14), served with yellow rice, sambal salad, pappadum and chutney.
Address: PJ Palms Sport Centre, No 1, Lorong Sultan, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 12PM-2PM & 6PM-10.30PM, Sat-Sun: 12PM-12AM
Telephone: +60 3-7955 3432
Image credit: @adelynnhsuen
Another one on the list that is located in the expatriate suburb of Mont Kiara, Noriter is known for its impeccable service and healthy menu. The cafe is well-lit, colourful and provides plenty of fun choices for the kids such as playing in the ball pit, playhouse, kitchen sets and building blocks, to name a few.
Image credit: @diane_1281
Kids will definitely love the warm Plain Udon (RM18) from the kids’ menu served with a rice ball and a side of kimchi, while parents can feast on the Grilled Chicken Sandwich (RM23). Parents can also rest easy knowing all their fruit juices (RM13) have no added sugar and are served without ice.
Image credit: @diane_1281
While the play area may have ample space, due to the type of toys made available we recommend this spot for kids age 5 years and below. The owner has thoughtfully provided baby wipes and hand sanitisers for customers to use, and there’s even a parking area for strollers, making it convenient for parents with infants.
Address: 2-21C, 2nd Floor, 1 Mont Kiara Mall, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 9.30AM-9PM
Telephone: +60 10-295 3099
Image credit: @yellowbrickroadcafe
Pancake joint Wicked Pancake Parlour, located in the chic Plaza Batai, is loved by many. While they don’t have a big playground, we can’t help but fall in love with the humble little nook for kids equipped with books, building blocks, and a wooden rocking horse.
Both parents and children will be spoilt for choice with pancakes in both sweet and savoury styles. We especially can’t get enough of Peter Pandan (RM27, S$8.80), which are infused with pandan and topped with ice-cream.
Image credit: @yellowbrickroadcafe
Those looking for a fuller meal can give Hooked (RM28, S$9) a try. The battered fish is served with mushy peas, which is always a crowd favourite, minty yoghurt, herb roasted chad potatoes and tartar sauce.
Address: No. 8-7, Jalan Batai, 50490, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 9AM-10PM
Telephone: +60 3-2035 5922
Image credit: @bzkrezmama
Weaning Tots sure doesn’t skimp out their kids’ activities, with a big slide to whizz down and a ball pit. There are also plenty of shelves stacked with picture books for kids to choose from.
Image credit: @renaejon
Image credit: @meamizuno
Weaning Tots believes in feeding kids wholesome food so all their ingredients are organic. Kids will love the Spaghetti Pomodoro with Meatball (RM13, S$4) that is plated to look like a face. For parents that are starting their infants on solid food, there are Baby Led Weaning Combos (RM15-RM25, S$5-S$8) available, which are mixtures of protein, carbs, and vitamins.
Even the most fussy eater will find dishes like the one above appetising
Image credit: Weaning Tots
Address: 6, Jalan Cochrane, L2-02, MyTOWN, 55100, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 10AM-10PM
Telephone: +60 3-2715 3406
8. Namoo On The Park – Korean bistro with giant bingsu
Image credit: @peterongphotography
Tucked away in a corner of Publika Mall, Namoo On The Park is a Korean dessert cafe and bistro you might not notice at first glance.
Image credit: @bbeeloh1111
Decked out in wooden furniture, Namoo On The Park has a laid-back vibe that’s sure calm frazzled parents down after a busy day shopping. Kids can choose from an indoor play area or the outdoor playground that’s within easy eyeshot of the cafe.
Image adapted from: @roxannejy, @j_ping12
A trip here wouldn’t be complete without trying their much raved about Sweet Potato Cake (RM15, S$5) and their best-selling King’s Bingsoo (RM21, S$6.80), which is shaved ice topped with fresh fruits, popcorn, and ice cream.
Image credit: @gurdevsinghjs
Address: 4A Level G3, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 10.30AM-10.30PM
Telephone: +60 3-6411 6698
Image credit: @antipodeanatriakl
The Antipodean outlet in Atria Mall offers a bigger play area than its sister outlet in Telawi, Bangsar. Kids will have fun with the array of toys like teddy bears, legos, and train sets. There’s even a television that plays children’s movies, so parents can sit back and relax while enjoying Antipodean’s brunch selection and coffee.
Image credit: @e.s.t.repeat
The Big Breakfast (RM26, S$8.50) is one of the menu’s must-haves – fluffy scrambled eggs are accompanied by sauteed mushrooms, sausage, hash browns, and a slice of toast with a side of salad.
Image credit: @antipodeanatriakl
Antipodean is also well-known for their coffee, be sure to order yourself a cup (from RM8, S$2.60). If the play area is not enough for your little one, you can always head a few floors up to the Jungle Gym, a separate establishment.
Image credit: Fav
Address: G37 & GK1, Ground Floor, Atria Shopping Mall, Jalan SS 22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 8.30AM-10PM
Telephone: +60 3-7732 8594
Image: @sidestreaker78
Any Ben’s in Klang Valley has delicious food, but this one at Gardens Mall stands out with its indoor playground. With its tropical wallpaper decor and vintage car on display, the restaurant provides charming photo spots for Instagram.
Image credit: Jhulen Salwani
The indoor play area is very minimalist but enough to keep the kids entertained with its bright yellow slides, a small pit filled full with colourful balls, small tunnel and an enclosure filled with balloons.
Image credit: @gaialian
The Ben’s restaurant chain doesn’t skimp out on quality, especially evident in their creamy Golden Soft Shell Crab Spaghettini (RM35, S$11) that is bursting with flavour. Their Nasi Kerabu with Ayam Percik (RM30, S$10) is also a must-try. Pair your meal with one of their thirst quenchers like the refreshing ice blended Lychee Lime Frosty (RM13, S$4).
Address: S-212, 2nd Floor, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 11AM-10PM
Telephone: +60 3-2280 0417
For your next family day out in Kuala Lumpur, one of these child-friendly eateries will do the trick for everyone to have a good time. If the kids get restless, just send them off to the play areas and you’ll be able to get a much-needed breather and finish up your meal in peace.
Here are all the best things to do this weekend in Singapore.
Just an hour away from KL!
Taichung is only an hour by High Speed Rail from Taipei or Taoyuan station.
No more stressing over what to get your loved ones for Christmas.
Gone are the days when family photoshoots used to be boring and extra formal.
Meet new-to-Singapore species as well.