I might be posting this a bit late as we come to the end of the summer season in Dubai, but cafes and restaurants with indoor play areas suitable for children have saved us this summer- there are only so many soft play days you can handle before you go insane! So instead we set ourself the task of finding the best toddler-friendly cafes in Dubai.
For more inspo have a look at the comments on my Dubai Cafes With Kids Play Areas reel.
1. Sandersons in Sustainable City or Academy Park in Dubai or Al Seef Abu Dhabi
With baby and toddler friendly play corners, conscious Sandersons is a great choice for breakfast through to dinner. My daughter very much approves of the spaghetti bolognaise on the kids menu!
2. Lime Tree Cafe in Sheikh Zayed Road or Jumeirah
Our other go-to through breakfast to dinner with a small toddler friendly play corner and great kids menu is Lime Tree Cafe. We prefer the SZR branch, it's spacious and calm. The downside I found of the Jumeirah branch is that the play corner is by some stairs, so of course my explorer daughter would much rather climb the stairs!
3. Mondoux in Creek Harbour or The Beach JBR
Firstly, if you are a chocoholic feeling indulgent this is the place for you, their chocolate fondues and cups of melted chocolate are what my choccy-lover dreams are made of. They do of course, have healthy options, but I just can't resist the more indulgent items on the menu whilst my toddler explores their simple, indoor play area.
4. Organic Foods Cafe in Cityland
I'm a big fan of grocery shopping at Organic Foods, then finishing the shop with a slice of their delicious pizza whilst my daughter enjoys the slide in the play area of Organic Foods and Cafe in Cityland Mall.
5. Mint in City Walk
A very family friendly cafe and restaurant with an indoor play area and pizza making for kids whilst still being a lovely aesthetic environment for the grown ups.
6. Cafe Confetti in JLT
Cafe Confetti is a resonably priced, toddler-focused option for the kiddies. You'll need to park in JLT cluster U and take the stairs down, or their is a longer walk if you have your stroller. It's a cosy morning or afternoon spot to tire out the little one whilst you sip a drink.
7. Benny Macks in Town Square
A firm favourite with the families of Town Square in Benny Macks, with an indoor play area downstairs, and a licensed bar upstairs. Benny Macks is the venue for many family focused events and baby classes, but also does a good roast dinner on Sundays to keep Brits happy!
8. Osterio Mario and Shvili in Dubai Hills Mall
You might want to book this one because it gets pretty busy! With a play area shared by both Osterio Mario and Shvili, this means that you can order from both menus and the food is fabulous. This is a great family restaurant option.
9. Kasibeyaz in Dubai Hills Mall
We just so happened to stumble upon this fabulous Turkish restaurant when our feet were sore from shopping in Dubai Hills Mall, so were thrilled to find a windowed children's play room which you can see in from your table, so you can enjoy the cuisine whilst keeping an eye on your little one.