Family Activities in Hawthorn
Parks, playgrounds and things to do with kids in Hawthorn, Victoria
📍 Hawthorn · east
piccolo panini bar
Piccolo Panini Bar in Hawthorn is a popular spot serving generous, flavorful panini and sweet treats. While there’s no dedicated kids’ menu, dishes can be shared, and chips or desserts are available for younger diners.
📍 Hawthorn · east
porgies
Porgies in Hawthorn offers a cozy, spacious café with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for families. The menu features a mix of classic and creative dishes, plus kid-friendly options like pancakes, toasties, and milkshakes.
📍 Hawthorn · east
the cookie box
This cookie shop offers a wide range of flavours, available individually or in boxed sets. Gluten-free and vegan options are available, with locations in Hawthorn, Windsor, and the city, plus delivery options for gifting or sharing.
📍 Hawthorn · east
ray's sandwich deli
Ray’s Deli is a small café known for fresh deli sandwiches and a breakfast menu. Enjoy coffee, sweets, catering options, and takeaway, with limited indoor and outdoor seating nearby.
📍 Hawthorn · east
kōri ice cream
Kōri Ice Cream in Hawthorn offers Japanese-inspired ice cream and sorbet, with both dairy and plant-based options. The shop has a sleek, modern design, and flavours include Yuzu, Strawberry Sudachi, Lychee, and more. You can enjoy your ice cream inside or take it to nearby Grace Park.
📍 Hawthorn · east
whip lash
Whip Lash in Hawthorn is serving up gourmet bagels, sandwiches, and amazing coffee in a trendy converted milk bar. Try the Rueben bagel with pastrami and sauerkraut for a delicious bite, and enjoy the fast service in their stylish, communal space.
📍 Hawthorn · east
axil cafe and roastery hq
Hawthorn Coffee Spot is the go-to when the caffeine cravings strike. This bustling cafe serves up house coffee blends, delicious food, and fast service that fuels the whole crew. Mamma loves the rocky road waffles and zucchini fritters—perfectly presented and totally yum for brekkie (which they serve all day!) or lunch. There are highchairs, babycinos, and milkshakes for the little ones, plus you can grab a bag of beans to take home. Bring a colouring book or two—Mamma is definitely staying for round two of coffee!
📍 Hawthorn · east
national communication museum
National Communications Museum, Hawthorn is a fascinating, hands-on adventure for the whole family, housed in a former Telstra exchange building. Part museum, part interactive experience, it showcases the history of communication through time — from braille and pixel images to rotary phones, wired exchanges and Morse code. Kids will love the dedicated playroom, calling each other on connected phones, exploring old-school phone boxes and testing gadgets, while adults can enjoy exhibits like George the talking clock or nostalgic artefacts from decades past. With two levels, interactive displays and temporary exhibitions, the museum offers a fun, educational indoor outing that keeps everyone engaged and curious.
📍 Hawthorn · east
lido cinemas
Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn is a top pick in the east. With multiple screens showing everything from blockbuster hits to indie gems, the boutique theatres are ideal for kids who might be overwhelmed by larger cinemas. Mamma loves grabbing popcorn, settling in, and enjoying a little calm while the little ones snuggle up—though be prepared for a tiny buddy on your lap during the scary scenes! Don’t forget to check out their rooftop cinema for a grown-up summer treat.
📍 Hawthorn · east
billy lids playland
Billy Lids, Hawthorn is back and better than ever, transforming a historic old hall into a huge indoor play haven for mums and bubs when the weather turns. The light-filled space features a massive play structure, a ball pit with interactive screen game, a giant inflatable slide on the old stage, and a fenced toddler-only zone with plenty to climb plus a rotating dolphin ride. With a fresh new look, airy feel and a kitchen serving a range of food options, it’s an easy spot to settle in and play all morning.
📍 Hawthorn · east
melbourne tram museum
The Melbourne Tram Museum is a true eastie treasure, home to a dozen beautifully preserved historical trams, each packed with stories, passion and dedication. Housed inside a magnificent depot and open twice each month (plus selected Wednesdays), this museum invites families to step back in time and explore Melbourne’s iconic transport history. Run by enthusiastic volunteers who love sharing their knowledge, the collection includes original cable trams, classic tramcars, the colourful ‘Love is Life’ Pakistani-designed tram from the 2016 Commonwealth Games, and Mamma’s personal favourite – the elegant Luxury Cars.
📍 Hawthorn · east
boroondara farmers market
Boroondara Farmers Market – A delightful local market in Hawthorn, Boroondara Farmers Market offers fresh fruit, vegetables, crusty bread, farm-fresh eggs, and a tempting selection of local honeys, sauces, and preserves. Don’t miss the coffee cart serving hot drinks to pair with pastries and cakes from nearby stalls, while live local music adds to the charm. Four-legged friends on leashes are welcome, making it a perfect weekend stop for the whole family.