City Guide 2014 Jun. 2014 | Page 16

BEST KID-FRIENDLY EATS in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland .................................. When you have kids it may seem that it’s too much trouble to take them out for a meal if they are not going to sit still. And while not every restaurant welcomes kids, there are many that do in Vancouver and surrounding areas. With our mission to get you out of the house, we’ve come up with a great list of places to take your kids and for you to still feel like a grown up and not just a mom. We’ve also included great places to meet for a coffee so you can have a break while keeping your littles busy. Kokopelli, 4593 Dunbar, near 30th Ave This Dunbar cafe has a big play area for kids while offering freshly baked muffins, homemade granola, and their yummy mac and cheese. They also put together bags of Cheerios and raisins which is amazing if you forget to bring your snack bag along. And the coffee is strong and delicious. Play area | kids menu | high chairs and booster seats | change tables Plaisir Sucré, 2668 Arbutus St, near 13th Ave This Kitsilano cafe has a small play area for kids. Strong coffee, freshly baked croissants and French pastries - I’ll be back soon. Play area | kids menu | high chairs and booster seats | change tables 16 • WRITTEN BY | LEE-ANNE EKLAND Uprising Breads Kitsilano, 3066 W. Broadway, near Balaclava While this cafe has no play area, it’s quite large, and the staff seems to love kids as they are always great with my preschooler. There are high chairs available and fresh sandwiches, soups, scones, and muffins. No preservatives or anything artificial is used in their baking so you can expect freshness at every turn. Kids menu | high chairs and booster seats | change tables Whole Foods Market (Cambie, Kits, West Van & Robson locations) A great thing about Whole Foods Market is their Kid’s Club - you can swing by their Customer Service desk while shopping and pick up a free snack for your child to eat - typically an apple, orange, banana, box of raisins, or apple sauce. A great service as my son is all about eating while I shop. Whole Foods Market also has a small kids play area and lots of high chairs. Play area | kids menu | high chairs and booster seats | change tables Vinci’s Caffe &