Wild and wind-swept are two adjectives often used to describe our beloved Wellington, a city close to our hearts. Wellington is officially the windiest city in the world and it’s our honour to (finally) include it in our popular kid-friendly café series. Because, along with the weather and Lord of the Rings, Wellington is renowned for having some of the best coffee around.

So please don’t let the wind deter you, intrepid travellers. If anything, let yourself get carried from one café to the next on the back of the breeze, let the warmth of top-notch coffee counteract the biting, blustery weather, and let the kids occupy themselves in these 5 kid-friendly cafes.

Chocolate Fish Café

Nestled into the remote surroundings of Shelly Bay, across the bay from the main drag, Chocolate Fish Café offers a broad menu with a massive outdoor seating area.

On warm summer days, Chocolate Fish fires up the barbie and serves barbecued seafood sammies to die for. Eat them looking out over Wellington Harbour and feel at peace.

The kids will love the laid back, easy going vibes and the ample space on the lawn for them to play and mingle with other kids. Chocolate Fish Café also has a good kids menu with healthy options available and even trikes and toy cars to play with.

The front lawn area is great for kids and adults alike, complete with gorgeous views (Picture courtesy of Chocolate Fish Café)

Days Bay Pavilion

Another café situated outside the hustle and bustle of the city, the Days Bay Pavilion has outside spaces simply made for kids. It’s hard to beat on fine, balmy days.

Opposite (arguably) Wellington’s finest beach -Days Bay- kids can bike, swim and run around with abandon. Idyllic parks directly surround Days Bay Pavilion and offer a great spot for a picnic or post-lunch ice-cream.

The café itself has decent food options, such as wood-fired pizzas, alongside standards like burgers and fish ‘n’ chips. It has pram access and toys inside for rainy days.

Days Bay Pavilion is surrounded by beaches, parks and spectacular scenery. Take the ferry from the city for the whole experience (Picture courtesy of Days Bay Pavilion).

Mojo at the Zoo

What better view to keep kids occupied than exotic zoo animals within plain sight?

At Mojo at the Zoo, there’s a play area with a few toys but this pales in comparison to the large windows overlooking the pygmy enclosure, sure to leave the kids captivated. The café has high chairs too.

Being a chain – you’ll see Mojo coffee outlets all through the city – you know what to expect … tasty sandwiches and pastries in display cabinets, decent coffee and high standards of cleanliness. It may lack a small degree of charm offered up by some independent cafes, but the location makes it a winner.

Mojo at the Zoo has a wonderful view of the Zoo’s pygmy enclosure (Picture courtesy of Mojo Coffee).

Caffe L’affare

Of all the cafes featured here, Caffe L’affare is the most centrally located- just off Vivian Street.

This institution of a café produces some of Wellington’s best coffee; if you’re visiting, you’ll see their espresso beans for sale all around town.

The flagship café showcases their signature espresso, equipment showroom and bean store. And they have a small play area too, once the kids get tired of examining the coffee roasting setup and packaging plant.

The Caffe L’affare team gets excited about … coffee we guess (Picture courtesy of Stuff.co.nz).

Maranui Café

Iconic Maranui Café is located in Lyall Bay, close to the airport, which makes it a great first or last impression of Wellington if you have a couple hours to spare. It has great views of the ocean and of the planes taking off, both of which are fascinating to kids.

The fact it was converted from an old surf club (nostalgic pictures from those days remain) along with its colourful décor gives this great café an alternative, trendy atmosphere. Last time we visited this place, we saw All Black legend Ma’a Nonu!

With such an array of cakes, shakes and casual fare on offer, Maranui is the perfect spot if you’re looking to treat your little ‘uns.

Maranui Café is a casual, hip café with nice views and tasty food (Picture courtesy of stuff.co.nz).

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With your eating options sewn up, take the time to check out our award-winning, innovative range of shoes for your kids. They might be just what you’re looking for, a pair of shoes that will nurture your child’s growth and look great too!

If you missed our other kid friendly café posts, you can find them here. And if you’re keen for your city to be next, leave us a comment below!

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