Where to eat with kids these school holidays

19 March 2024
Written by Allie Voyage

The school holidays can be a draining time for parents. And on top of everything else there’s the nightly ritual of dinner that can test our patience.

After a full day of entertaining the kids during the school holidays, the last thing any parent wants to do is cook a meal. But the thought of wrangling the troops to find kid-friendly or family restaurants nearby can be just as daunting. To help take the edge off, we've teamed up with a huge array of cafes and restaurants where My NRMA members can get discounts for the whole family.

Try Teppanyaki

Teppanyaki is a meal and show all in one sitting! Not only will the kids love being so close to the action, but there is also a real-life chef to keep them entertained with their cooking (and food throwing) skills.

Kids of all ages will love the interactive style of dinner that teppanyaki provides and everyone has a chance to show off their food catching skills – be it in a bowl, mouth, or pocket!

An additional bonus is that here is a place where mess is kind of expected. So, you don’t need to feel guilty and warily look around for a broom if your kid misses a bowl of fried rice tossed to them by the chef – it's all part of the fun. My NRMA members can get 20% off the total bill at a range of teppanyaki restaurants across country.

KICKIN’ INN 

Another place where mess is absolutely encouraged is Kickin’ Inn. We’re talking gloves and a bib will be needed for everyone around the table as you chow down into delicious seafood that is delivered to you without plates and without cutlery.

The kids - and let’s face it, the adults too – will love getting their hands messy while exploring a menu of delicious prawns, mussels, crabs, crawfish, lobster and more. Not only is this a novelty way to experience your dinner but it could also be a fun way to get picky eaters to try something a little more adventurous.

Don’t stress if all that mess sounds daunting though. It's a simple cleanup by the friendly staff where everything gets folded up into the disposable tablecloth, and straight into the bin!

Kids eat free Monday-Wednesday and My NRMA members get 15% off the total bill.

Pancakes on the Rocks

One fantastic part about school holidays is that brunch doesn’t have to wait until the weekend. Grab the family and head out for stacks on stacks on stacks – of pancakes!

Sure to satisfy anyone’s preferences, Pancakes on the Rocks is an Australian institution that will keep the young ones happy and give parents a decent dose of nostalgia. Snuggling into a booth with a tower of pancakes is a core memory the kids are not likely to forget.

Whether you’re a sweet or savoury fan, the menu has you covered. And beyond that, Pancakes on the Rocks now offers gourmet pizza options making it a very viable solution to dinner time as well. Get 20% off the total bill as a My NRMA member and save.

TGI Fridays

Luckily, TGI Fridays is open every day of the week for whenever that craving hits for a hearty meal of delectable ribs and chicken wings.

Satisfy that craving by hitting up this American BBQ joint which not only boasts all the classic but also an extensive kid’s menu.

With new specials almost every night, including kids eating free Monday to Thursday, it’s the perfect place to go to get out of the house, burn off some energy, and have dinner taken care of during the school holidays.

My NRMA members save 25% off the total bill which is just another reason to visit.

For a quick treat

Keep the kids happy (or just keep them going), with a quick pick-me up-or sweet treat that’s sure to give you some peace and quiet - if only for a few minutes.

Why not grab a dozen original glazed doughnuts for free when you purchase the same. Or better yet, grab a free coffee with the purchase of another at any Krispy Kreme.

For those hot days, My NRMA members have a choice of ice cream benefits at Gelatissimo, Baskin-Robbins, and Cold Rock Ice Creamery where you can get double your money’s value with an additional ice cream when one is purchased.