Ever since my kids started to walk, we've been visiting cafes and restaurants with play areas. Not only was the coffee better than the thin beverages sold in most indoor playgrounds, it also made so much more sense to pay for something we were actually consuming and not just an entry fee!

Below we have listed all the kid-friendly cafes and restaurants we know of in alphabetical order. We hope this helps you survive the hot months with your little ones! If you know of any more places we should list, please let us know: hello@sum.ae. Thanks!

Art and Dine Springs Souk: where creativity meets cuisine! they offer a unique artistic experience that caters to people of all ages and skill levels. where you can dine and enjoy fun activities for all ages.

-Instagram:@artanddine.ae

Cafe Confetti: For many years a favourite, this cute coffee shop in the heart of JLT is great for little ones under 5. It has a fantastic play area and a yummy kids menu, our kids couldn't get enough of the strawberry waffles... or the homemade ice cream which is very affordable ,especially with our Dirham Stretcher discount! Mention us to get 15% off the entire menu!

- Instagram: @cafeconfetti

FoodHall and the ‘All You Can Eat & Drink’ BBQ offer every Saturday: A great value at 95 AED per person and 55 AED per child (7 years and below) they offer FREE video games to keep the kids entertained and on Saturdays only you get free access to a playground and football pitch (so bring a ball!)

-Location: FoodHall

Huqqabaz - Jumeirah: No specific charges were mentioned for the play area. For more details, visit their website.

- Instagram: @huqqabazdubai

Osteria Mario - Dubai Hills Mall: Enclosed playroom for toddlers with arts and crafts, and face painting.

- Instagram: @osteriamario_dxb

Sanderson's Café: Located in Sustainable City, this café offers healthy meals with a casual play corner for kids.

- Instagram: @wearesandersons

Sketch Art Café: Dine surrounded by inspiring artwork, offering a creative atmosphere along with tasty meals.

- Instagram: @sketchartcafe

Step Up Ceramic Cafe: Create and customize ceramics in a cozy café environment.

- Instagram: @stepupceramiccafe

Wavehouse - Atlantis, The Palm: This venue offers a multi-story soft play area, arcade machines, and bowling, along with great food.

- Instagram: @wavehouseatlantis

White and the Bear - Jumeirah: No specific charges mentioned; visit their website for the latest updates or offers.

- Instagram: @whiteandthebear

Ribambelle Dubai -Bluewaters Island: An extraordinary place where every member of the largest families can bask in comfort and joy. Extra charges apply to enter the play area.

-Instagram: @ribambelle.dubai

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Cat cafes in Dubai: special mention 

Although not technically cafes with play areas, these are well-loved by kids! Our favourite is forever Ailuromania because all cats are up for adoption. 

Ailuromania Cat Café: Dubai’s most sympathetic cat café. As for other cat cafes a minimum spend applies to enter but all cats are up for adoption!

- Instagram: @ailuromaniacafe

Vibrissae -several locations : ⁠Chain of cat cafes offering cozy spaces for cat lovers to relax and interact with cats. they Promotes cat adoption and welfare.

-Instagram : @catcafevibrissae

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The Cat Cafe, Arjan: a popular spot for cat lovers to unwind with friendly felines. Focuses on cat adoption and creating a therapeutic environment.

Instagram: @thecatcafearjan

Kitty's cafe : Charming cat cafe with a cozy atmosphere. Offers refreshments and promotes the adoption of rescue cats.

-Location: kittys cafe

Meet cat cafe :Friendly cafe for cat enthusiasts. Emphasizes cat welfare and adoption, providing a warm space to interact with cats.⁠

-Instagram : @meetcatcafe

Check out these awesome spots and make the most of your time together. Happy adventuring!