As Rotorua is a favourite destination for families to visit during school holidays, most eateries are family-friendly.
Here's a selection of establishments that go out of their way to make children feel welcome and special – music to parents' ears! Whether they have awesome children's menus, spaces for them to safely play and have fun until their meals arrive, or more than 40 flavours of ice cream to choose from (if they've behaved themselves, of course!), these spots should be your go-to for great dining experiences.
Fat Dog Café
Family Friendly
Since 1995, Fat Dog has been the funky, quirky café in then CBD of Rotorua.
Arts Village Café
Family Friendly
AVC - the cosy café at Rotorua Arts Village. Food, coffee, art and chill.
Lady Janes Ice Cream Parlour
Family Friendly
Lady Janes Ice Cream Parlour is a Rotorua icon! More than 40 different flavours of ice cream to choose from and great coffee too!
Trail Kitchen
Family Friendly, South
One of Rotorua’s newest cafés located at the stunning Waipa Mountain Bike Park specialising in casual dining and great coffee.
Charlie's Café at Chipmunks Playland
Family Friendly, East
Grab a bite to eat at Charlie's while the kids play at the number one choice for kids' entertainment in Rotorua!
Scope Rotorua
Family Friendly
Wild about flavour, Scope Café’s all-day breakfast and lunch menu is a fusion of delectable wild flavours, combined with a twist, to create mouth-watering dishes.
Sequoia Eatery Rotorua
Family Friendly, East
Sequoia Eatery brings you the freshest food with the friendliest service right on the doorstep of the lakes and Whakarewarewa Forest.
Waimangu Local Store & Café
Family Friendly, South
Waimangu Local Store and Café is a cosy, unique, family friendly spot boasting beautiful views over Waimangu Volcanic Valley. It's the perfect spot to refuel after a walk in the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, or a midway stop on the way to Taupō. Or maybe just somewhere to while away a sunny afternoon.
Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar at Skyline Rotorua
Family Friendly, North
Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar offers one of the best buffets in town with incredible views overlooking Lake Rotorua and the city.
Lone Star Rotorua
Family Friendly
We strive to run the best restaurant operation in New Zealand. From the moment you enter Lone Star and are welcomed by our friendly staff, we want you to enjoy a fantastic fun filled night with us. We will always do our very best to ensure you receive fast, efficient and friendly service, outstanding food sourced from the best and freshest ingredients, offering value for your hard earned money.
Eastwood
Family Friendly, East
Wood-fired pizzas, nibbles, platters for sharing, and beverages – Eastwood caters to an eclectic bunch of customers, from scientists, mountain bikers and locals out for their daily trek.