Kid-friendly cafés & restaurants
Pub gardens with play areas: watching the Olympics as a family
Pub gardens with play areas are the easiest way to enjoy a meal out in the summer holidays: adults get a drink and a screen, children get swings and space to run. The Paris 2024 Olympics have just finished, but the excitement isn't over: the Paralympic Games run from 28 August to 8 September. Here is how to find a family-friendly pub garden, what to look for and how to keep the meal calm while everyone cheers on the athletes.
Why kid-friendly pubs matter in the summer holidays
A family pub with a garden and a play area turns a long summer afternoon into a relaxed outing for everyone. Children can play within sight of the table, parents can actually finish their food, and nobody has to whisper. During big sporting events, many pubs put up outdoor screens, which makes them a natural meeting place for families and friends.
After the success of Team GB in Paris, the Paralympics are a great next step for children who caught the sport bug. ParalympicsGB has athlete stories and the schedule.
What makes pub gardens with play areas family-friendly
The best family pub gardens have a fenced play area, shade, a kids' menu and clean toilets with baby change.
- Fenced play area: climbing frames or swings away from the car park and road.
- Clear view: tables that look onto the play area, so you can watch both kids and screen.
- Shade: umbrellas or trees for hot afternoons.
- Kids' menu: small portions, healthy sides and colouring sheets.
- Indoor option: soft play or a family area in case of rain.
- Sensible screens: sport on, but sound at a level where you can still talk.
Family pub chains and city picks
Family pub chains are the most reliable way to find a play area, while independent country pubs often have the most beautiful gardens. Check opening hours, play area times and prices on the official website before you go, as facilities vary by branch.
| Option | Where | Play area | Kids' menu | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hungry Horse | across the UK | many branches | yes | £ |
| Wacky Warehouse | at selected pubs | indoor soft play | yes | £ |
| Brewers Fayre | across the UK | many branches | yes | ££ |
| Chef & Brewer | country pubs | gardens | yes | ££ |
| Independent village pubs | countryside | varies | often | ££ |
Price per person for a meal: £ = under about £12, ££ = about £12–£20, £££ = over £20. Rough guide only, prices change.
Find kid-friendly pubs and restaurants in London on the Kid.ooo map
Hungry Horse pubs are designed for families, with big portions and many branches with play areas. Some pubs host Wacky Warehouse indoor soft play, ideal when the weather turns. Brewers Fayre family restaurants sit next to Premier Inn hotels and often have play zones. For a country pub feel with a large garden, Chef & Brewer pubs are worth a look.
City tips. In London, riverside and park-side pubs in places like Richmond, Greenwich and Hampstead often have big gardens. In Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol, the best family pub gardens are usually in the suburbs and edge-of-town villages. In Edinburgh and Glasgow, look for pubs near parks and the coast. The Kid.ooo map shows pubs that other parents have added in each city.
Find family pubs in Manchester on the Kid.ooo map
Seasonal treats this month
August is the month for barbecues, ice cream and the first blackberries in the hedges. Many pub kitchens add summer salads, burgers and fruit desserts. After lunch, a short blackberry hunt along a nearby footpath is a lovely way to end the outing.
Tips for a calm meal out with kids
Pick a table near the play area, order early and keep a few small activities in your bag.
- Arrive before the lunchtime rush, especially on match or event days.
- Order the children's food first.
- Agree simple rules: where they can play and when to come back to eat.
- Keep sun cream, hats and water bottles handy.
- Leave before the evening crowd arrives.
For more family food ideas, see our guides to motorway farm shop stops and apple picking and farm cafés. If you'd rather cool off, try our list of splash pads and lidos.
For outdoor family and wildlife inspiration, take a look at @follow.the.fowlers on Instagram.
Rate your favourite family pub in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents add and rate pubs, kid-friendly cafés and playgrounds. Use it to find a pub with a play area or kid-friendly cafés near me, and leave a rating after your visit to help other families.
Find and rate family pubs on the Kid.ooo map
Missing your favourite pub garden with a play area? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents find a great spot this summer.
Frequently asked questions
Can children go into pubs in the UK?
Yes, children are allowed in many pubs, especially in areas where food is served and in gardens, but each pub sets its own rules and times. Many family pubs ask that children leave by early evening, so check before you go.
How do I find a pub with a play area near me?
Use the Kid.ooo map to look for kid-friendly restaurants and pubs nearby, and check the pub's website for photos of the garden. Family pub chains often list play areas on each branch page.
When are the Paralympics 2024?
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games run from 28 August to 8 September, just over two weeks after the Olympics. Many pubs and family venues show the big events on outdoor or indoor screens.
Do kids eat free at pubs in the summer holidays?
Several family pub chains run kids eat free or kids for a pound style deals in the school holidays, usually with an adult main meal. Offers change often, so check the pub's website first.
Find family places near you
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