Its not always easy to find kid friendly cafes & restaurants in Groningen. It’s usually just by chance or because another parent mentioned it in passing. As a parent who sometimes wants to chill and enjoy a meal or a coffee, I found myself searching for these spots time and time gain. Which is why I have a list. When I say kid friendly, I mean with a little kids corner where children can play and you can sit. That way you don’t have to be hands on all the time.
Its great for a night out or when you want to catch up with some friends. I’m going to include most of the places that I know in the main city as well as some which are a bit of a drive away. This is because sometimes its just easier to drive and not cycle.
If you know any other great spots that you would like added to this list, please drop a comment below. I’m always looking for great kid friendly cafes & restaurants in Groningen.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.
Table of Contents
Kid Friendly Cafes in Groningen
1. DE Cafe
Location: Rode Weeshuisstraat 4, 9712 ES Groningen
DE Cafe is one of the bigger cafes in the city of Groningen. It has two levels and is very popular so its often very busy. Generally speaking there are places where people sit with their laptops but there are also laptop free zones which makes it easier to secure a spot.
The play area is on the ground level and is huge. It has two small play kitchens, a number of different toys, a selection of books and some kid sized stools. It is also a little away from all the people who are walking up and down but not tucked away such that it is dark. This is definitely one of my favorite kids friendly cafes & restaurants in Groningen.
The best part is that it is opened through the day and doesn’t close early. Perfect if you’ve been out and want a short break. The only downside that I find is that the food menu is a little limited and the service is slow. Something that I don’t mind putting up with but may upset others.
2. Doppio
Location: Brugstraat 6, 9711 HX Groningen
Doppio was one of the first kid friendly cafes & restaurants in Groningen that we visited. We were introduced to it by a friend who lived here. It was a rainy day and we wanted to do catch a meal and hang out. Now from outside, it may not look like much but the inside of is pretty big. If you sit in the front, you probably would not know that there is a nice play area in the back. So walk straight in and go right to the end.
The nice part about Doppio is the food selection. There is generally something for everyone. The downside is that the kids are placed right at the end which is nice because they aren’t where everyone is walking but it is rather dark. On summer days or when the weather is good, I don’t really want to hang out there.
3. STACH Food Groningen
Location: Forum Groningen
Located in the Forum this little cafe is quite practical especially if you have an activity planned in the forum and need a quick stop. Its not expensive and has a small selection of kids toys. These are geared for younger children though so maybe around the ages of 2-3. I generally pair a stop here when its raining and we’ve spent a lot of time in the library.
4. De Mikkelhorst
Location: Klaverlaan 37, 9753 BZ Haren
The Mikkelhorst is located closer to Haren than the main Groningen city. You can cycle here or just take the car. There’s a nice big parking that you can use. The Mikkelhorst is one of everyone’s all time favorite cafes & restaurants in Groningen when the sun shines. This is because it has both a huge playground and a kinderboederij (petting zoo) for the children.
There are loads of activities that are carried out here even when the weather isn’t that great. My kids love it. There are tractors, ropes, swings and so much more. The kids can come back home messy and wet sometimes so make sure you get a change of clothes.
The food is simple and homely. Coffee, tea, cakes and a new other small eats. Definitely something that you should consider doing once in a while.
Kid Friendly Restaurants In Groningen
5. De Pizzabakkers Poelestraat
Location: Poelestraat 48, 9712 KC Groningen
De Pizzabakkers Polestraat is one of the best places if you want an Italian meal and want to take your children along.
It has a lovely kids play area which is located in the back but it isn’t dark like how Doppio is. There are table close by so you can watch your children from where you are.
That’s not all. After you’ve placed your order, they come with a little plate and some dough so the children can chape it themselves. They then bake it for them and the children can eat bread that they have made. Its a fun activity and relatively non messy if that’s a concern.
The staff are also attentive. While it does get full on the weekends, we’ve never had a problem catching a spot but it is always best to reserve a table before hand especially if you are headed there with a large group. It is definitely one of the best kid friendly cafes & restaurants in Groningen if you ask me. Especially since you never feel rushed.
6. Brownies & Downies
Location: Oosterstraat 57, 9711 NS Groningen
Brownies & Downies is a restaurant with a difference. It is run by differentially abled people. It is famous for its brownies but they also have a lot of other items of food on their menu. It is housed in one of the old buildings in the city and they’ve retained the architectural style which makes it an insanely pretty place to stay.
The backroom has a small kids play area with a slide and a carpet for young children to play. It is designed for children till the age of 4 years though. They have a collection of coloring books and colors for the older children.
Despite being the room in the back, the room is well lit due to the large windows that allow a lot of light in. It is also a little quieter here which is perfect. I love how inclusive the environment is and this is why I had to add it to the list of good kid friendly cafes & restaurants in Groningen.
7. De Onlanderij
Location: Madijk 1, 9766 TZ Eelderwolde
De Onlanderij is by far one of the best kid friendly cafes & restaurants in Groningen if you want to explore the great outdoors or just like to be out in nature when the sun is shinning. Located in De Onlanden, it is easy to access and is extremely popular because it is close to many of the cycling and walking routes. If you’ve been to the Onlanden you will know that this is a great place to spot birds and wildlife. Its very peaceful and an easy escape from the bustle of the city.
Anyway back to De Onlanderij. The restaurant is cozy with a number of tables outside. They’ve got a play area where children can play with water and mud so expect them to come back muddy and happy. It is the perfect place to slow down and the kids can make as much noise as they want. Oh and if you have a dog, you can take him/her too!
8. Paviljoen Appelbergen
Location: Hoge Hereweg 33, 9756 TG Glimmen
This list of great kid friendly cafes & restaurants in Groningen is not complete without talking about good places to eat pannenkoeken or the famous Dutch pancakes. A lot of people will talk about Paviljoen Appelbergen and I agree that it is great when you want to head out on trails but it does not have an indoor play area so if that’s what you are looking for head to the next place on the list. If not keep reading.
Paviljoen Appelbergen is a quaint pancake restaurant that is a short drive away from the main city. It has a huge playground and your children will love just as ours did. There’s lots to do with children of all ages which makes it pretty awesome. They also run events a couple of times a year so that’s something to keep in mind.
9. Pannenkoekenboerderij Brinkzicht
Location: Brink 1, 9466 PE Gasteren
This one really doesn’t belong on the list of kid friendly cafes & restaurants in Groningen because it is actually in Drenthe. It is just across the border and we love it so much that it is often a quick trip when we have friends over. Pannenkoekenboerderij Brinkzicht is definitely my favorite place for pancakes because of the sheer variety of pancakes that they have and how delicious they taste.
The place has both and indoor and outdoor playground which is awesome because you can choose depending on the weather. With its quaint thatched roof, it gives you a chance to sit in the Drenthe’s landscape for sometime enjoying the solitude and views.
The indoor play area is perfect for the colder or wetter days. It is located at a slightly lower level than the rest of the seating but is enclosed so you can keep an eye on the kids while they play. They can also run around and make as much noise as they want. It’s awesome. I’ve been here so many times that I have lost count. It is literally my go to when I want a break.
Kid Friendly Cafes & Restaurants In Groningen: Other Great Suggestions
Almost immediately after sharing this post, I received a lot of recommendations on good kid friendly cafes & restaurants in Groningen. Since I haven’t personally tried them yet, I’m going to list them here and as I visit them, I will add them to the list above. If you have any more suggestions that you would like added, just drop me a comment below.
- Zondag in Nooderplantsoen
- Circus Hoezee (Cafe with kids corner, barber for kids and a great 2nd hand shop for kids)
- Croissanterie Pigalle
- Paviljoen Sterrebos
- Toet
- Wadapartja
- Gebrand en Bakker
- De Soepbar
- Happy Italy (very big play area!)
- Verbeek lunchroom in Haren
- Ni Hao
- Het Oude Politiebureau (enclosed terrace and playhouse for kids)
- Sprookjeshof Pannenkoekenhuis
So there you have it. This is my entire list of all the best kid friendly cafes & restaurants in Groningen and a little beyond. I love how these make it easier for me to get out especially when the kids were younger. It was nice to be able to be an adult without leaving the kids behind. I wouldn’t say that all the chaos is gone but its better. The best part is that the kids have a lot of fun too!
Other Posts That You Will Find Interesting
- Great restaurants to try in Groningen
- How to get from Amsterdam to Groningen (and vice versa)
- Fort Bourtange and why you should visit
- Where are the best hotels in Amsterdam?
- How to visit the Keukenhof from Amsterdam
Don’t Forget To Pin This Article
