Canberra’s Best Cafés Close To Playgrounds (Part 2)
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Let’s be honest, playgrounds aren’t the most fun places for parents. From dodging overly excited kids on the swings to managing tantrums when it’s home time, it can be hard work. But if we can do it with the promise of caffeine, it’s just that little bit easier.
Luckily, we’ve discovered a hefty list of cafes close to playgrounds perfect for your next play date.
We’ve already done a part one (check it out here) but it was so popular we thought we’d do a part two with even more hidden gems to add to the list!
Once again, to make the cut the playgrounds had to be a decent size and no more than a 10-minute walk away (close enough to smell those coffee beans!)
Inner South
Fox and Bow, Red Hill
We featured its Farrer sister in our last article, so we thought we’d share the love and mention this (newish) Red Hill café of the same name, which just happens to be conveniently located a two-minute stroll away from The Lady Nelson playground. This newly built playground, located behind the Red Hill shops, includes a tunnel slide, large rope play tower, swing and bridge, as well as plenty of shaded areas to sit and enjoy one of the best cups of coffee in CBR.
Duyfken Place, Red Hill | foxandbow.com.au
Doubleshot, Deakin
Grab a coffee or smoothie from this bustling inner south institution before taking a leisurely seven-minute walk to the Deakin recreational playground on Newdegate Street, which includes an all-ages playground, basketball court and playing field, plus plenty of shady areas to sit for a cuppa.
Shop/7 Hopetoun Circuit, Deakin | doubleshotdeakin.com.au
Woden/Weston Creek
Niugini Arabica, Duffy
This award-winning coffee roasting business specialises in beans from Papua New Guinea, so they know their coffee! They’re also handily located just a stone’s throw away from a newly upgraded playground bound to impress the littles. Freshly opened last year, the Duffy village shops playground is already a hit with its rope bridge, metal slide, spider nest swing, springers and a scooter/bike track. There are also covered tables to enjoy one of the many delicious pastries from the café (be sure to try their spanakopita!)
5 Duffy Place, Duffy | niuginiarabica.com
Stand by Me, Lyons
French toast, great coffee and a park close by? Yes please! This café is located a two-minute walk from the Lyons oval play space, which is about to receive some exciting upgrades, including a timber balance log, monkey bars, twirl bars and balance ropes. Watch this space!
7/9 Lyons Place, Lyons | facebook.com/standbymecafe/
Tuggeranong
Little Luxton, Gordon
With a sprawling deck that spills out to an astro turf complete with sandpit, cubby house and activity wall, you can easily watch the kids while sipping on a delicious coffee, toastie or pastry at this Gordon cafe. There’s also a sweet side to each purchase, with $1 from each coffee sold going towards The Gordon Community Centre’s Food Pantry, which is run by Anglicare and provides non-perishable food, household and personal essentials, and fresh food for those in need.
110 Lewis Luxton Avenue, Gordon | littleluxton.com
Mimi’s Pit Stop, Greenway
Open on weekends, this gorgeous mini coffee shop operates right next to the Mortimer Lewis Playground, offering homemade cakes, coffee and toasties. The playground features swings, slide, spinning structures, a climbing net and a basketball court, so it’s perfect for all ages!
Mortimer Lewis Dr, Greenway | instagram.com/mimispit
Gungahlin
Blossom Café, Ngunnawal
This northside café is known for its delicious “croffles” (a sweet mix of croissant and waffles.) If that hasn’t already sold you, it’s also conveniently across from Platypus Park; a fenced play area perfect for little ones to burn energy while you sip on a good brew.
9/4 Riley Cl, Ngunnawal | blossom_cafe_ngunnawal
Wildbark, Throsby
Located at the edge of Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, this café is the perfect spot to soak up the Canberra sunshine while taking in the views (check out their lamington iced chocolates!) It’s also close to the Joey Park Playground, a fun all-ages and mixed-abilities playground featuring a bicycle play track perfect for riding around the play area.
Rosenberg St, Throsby | wildbark.org
Belconnen
The Coffee Scroll, Dunlop
This Belco café is a favourite among locals for its delicious coffee (and yes, tasty scrolls!) The best part? It’s located a few minutes from the Dunlop shops playground, which has a range of fun climbing structures to keep little ones busy.
68 Lance Hill Ave, Dunlop | instagram.com/the_coffee_scroll
The Irvine, Florey Shops
Freshly opened last month, this café is a sibling to The Knox in Watson and a perfect addition for kids and parents alike. Enjoy a mix of delicious meals and coffee in the airy, boho industrial space, located close to the Florey shops playground.
26 Kesteven St, Florey | theirvine.com.au/
Inner North
The Griff Coffee Bar, Parkes
Love Boundless Playground but wish it had a café within walking distance? Luckily there is! Operating out of a bright blue coffee cart opposite the National Carillon, The Griff serves delicious coffees in jumbo size, with the extra energy no doubt coming in handy before heading to one of Canberra’s best adventure playgrounds.
Wendouree Drive, Parkes | instagram.com/thegriffcoffeebar
Know any more? Let us know in the comments (but make sure to check out part one of this article before hitting us up in case it’s already been featured)!
Feature image of Doubleshot Deakin by Pew Pew Studio
