Kick off the Day with a Scrumptious Breakfast or Brunch
No question, a Queenstown breakfast will set you up for your day’s adventure. Right in town you can sit by the lake at Vudu Larder, or join the locals at Bespoke, Yonder or Odd Saint. These all offer a winning family combination of good value, seriously inspired food with LOTS of choices and great people-watching spots!
You won’t want to miss Frankton’s family-friendly shopping and kids’ activity hub. Frankton faves include The Boatshed Café, one of the best lakeview cafes, and the original Joe’s Garage Five Mile, home of their legendary breakfast rolls and pikelets.
The Boad Shed Café
Grab a Takeaway or Picnic for a Quick Bite on the go
Eriks Fish & Chips, Fergburger or Devil Burger are just some of the central Queenstown outlets offering hot takeaways with flair. Or grab an easy picnic from Queenstown Bakery or Fergbaker. Raeward Fresh, or Fresh Choice supermarket are also centrally located and fully stocked, just two minutes’ drive from the town centre.
There are plenty of great takeaway munching spots, all with public toilets nearby. Head to Earnslaw Park where you can sit on the steps leading into the lake and watch the world go by on the water. Or lounge on the main beach next to the best adventure playground (there’s a cafe right next door if you want to relax while the kids play!).
Queenstown Gardens is a must-visit and is right on the lake, so a great place to go once you’ve grabbed your food. Slightly further out of town, Frankton Beach is the best swimming/picnic spot as the water is shallow for a long way out, making it great with kids, and warmer than elsewhere.
Queenstown Waterfront
Evening Family Dining
A World of Flavours
Queenstown is known for its diverse population and cosmopolitan vibe and that’s reflected in the eclectic range of restaurants. Try tapas-style sharing plates at Public Kitchen, situated lakeside on Steamer Wharf. Mexican-inspired Margos has a great kids’ menu – think popcorn shrimp, and delightful nachos – along with colouring pencils to keep little people entertained.
Italian Family Style Fun
The Cow – Pizza and Spaghetti House has been a family favourite for more than 40 years, while Farelli’s by Giovi is authentic family style Italian dining. Sit down pizzas are an easy choice for hungry mouths. You can’t go past the welcoming Winnies right in The Mall, or the enormous made-to-share pizzas at Fat Badgers.
Pubs that Welcome Kids
Pubs make a great family choice, and Queenstown’s options generally have a kids’ menu, plenty of space, and extras like toys or colouring sheets. You’ll get great location combined with value for money and varied, crowd pleasing menus at Pub on Wharf or World Bar who also have a great plant-based selection.
Family-Friendly Favourites
Lone Star flies the flag for family nights out with their popular kids’ menu, colouring in, and welcoming service. Skyline’s Stratosfare restaurant has a buffet dining experience that really does have something for everyone, with a dessert bar to make your kids’ eyes pop.
Winnies Pizza
The Sweet Spot
You’ve come to the right place for decadent delights! From iconic Cookie Time cookies, to outrageous shakes and doughnuts at Balls and Bangles, and the best chocolate and desserts at Patagonia Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery you won’t be short of a treat! Towering and irresistible ice creams can be found at Mrs Ferg’s Gelateria or Patagonia whilst the bakeries and cafes have made it their mission to tempt you with sweet and artistic creations. The Remarkable Sweet Shop in Arrowtown and Queenstown harks back to the old days and with free fudge tasting, it’s a must-visit with kids.
Remarkable Sweet Shop, Arrowtown
Head Out of Queenstown
If you’re in Arrowtown on a sunny day, the locals’ family choice is the Fork and Tap garden bar, with a playground, sandpit, children’s menu and live music on most summer Sundays.
Located near Shotover Jet and Coronet Peak just five minutes’ drive from Queenstown, Gantley’s Tavern is family-friendly, as well as being Queenstown’s oldest pub. The spacious grassy beer garden is the perfect place for kids to run around and let off steam.
Also close to the Coronet Peak ski area, Strike Bowl Queenstown offers fun and food with the Strike Bowling Bar serving up kid-friendly loaded fries and pizzas.
Fork and Tap, Arrowtown