Weekends can be tricky. One child wants pancakes, another wants to run wild, and all you want is a hot coffee and maybe twenty minutes without negotiating over screen time.
That’s where the magic of a well-planned family brunch and play outing comes in. This isn’t about squeezing everyone into another noisy soft play area or bribing the kids through a sit-down meal. It’s about discovering family-friendly experiences that combine great food, active fun, and a little breathing space for everyone parents included.
Why Combine Brunch and Play?
Most families face a similar weekend dilemma: limited time, different needs, and the desire to spend time together without it feeling like a chore. Brunch and play combos are rising in popularity because they tick so many boxes at once:
- Food that pleases all ages
- Active fun that doesn’t feel like “exercise”
- Shared space (no one stuck on the sidelines)
- No need to split up or multitask parenting
Recently, our family tried a brunch-and-golf morning at a new venue in Las Vegas and it worked so well, I thought it was worth sharing.
A Real Morning Out: Brunch + Golf with Kids
My two children ages 6 and 10 are in wildly different phases. One still needs a bit of help tying shoes and prefers cartoons to sports. The other is growing independent, obsessed with “winning,” and never short of opinions. We needed something fun, but not chaotic. Relaxing, but not boring. And ideally, no cleanup.
So what did we do?
We booked a bay at a modern, tech-driven golf venue. Think: family-friendly driving range meets brunch café, all wrapped into one. The kids had never swung a club before, and frankly, I hadn’t either.
And you know what? We had a blast.
What Worked So Well?
- No golf skills required. The targets were big, the digital scoring system was easy to follow, and the kids could hit balls with little coaching.
- Brunch at the bay. No waiting in lines or juggling high chairs in a busy café. The food came to us while we played.
- Space to relax. While the kids took turns playing, I actually drank a hot coffee. (Imagine!)
It wasn’t a sponsored experience or anything fancy we just wanted a simple day out that worked for everyone.
What’s on the Menu?
This venue’s brunch surprised me. I expected burgers and fries, but the menu was thoughtful, flavorful, and definitely not “kid food only.”
Here’s what we shared:
For the kids:
- Mini pancake stacks topped with berries
- Cheesy egg bites (basically tiny crustless quiches)
- Fresh fruit skewers with yogurt dip
For the grown-ups:
- Sourdough toast with smashed avocado and microgreens
- Eggs benedict with a slightly spicy hollandaise
- Steak and egg bowl with hash and chimichurri
We also shared a platter of warm churros for dessert and ordered mocktails peach fizz for the kids and a brunch punch for us.
The best part? We didn’t have to ask anyone to finish their food. Everyone genuinely enjoyed what they chose.
How to Make a Brunch + Play Day Work for You
Whether it’s golf, bowling, trampolining, or just a café with a park nearby, the principle is the same. Here are a few tips we learned to make it smooth:
Prep Tips for Busy Parents:
- Book ahead. Venues like this fill up fast, especially on weekends.
- Check the menu online. This avoids last-minute “I don’t like anything here” moments.
- Pack light. Wipes, sunscreen (if outdoors), and maybe a change of clothes if things get messy.
- Dress everyone comfortably. Stretchy jeans, trainers, and layers are your best friends.
- Set a time limit. Kids thrive on predictability. Ours knew we’d play for 90 minutes and then head home.
Timing Matters
- Morning slots (10–12) are ideal for young families—less crowded, fewer meltdowns.
- Midday (12–2) works well for older kids who can play a bit longer without snacks on hand.
Try This at Home: Mini Pancake Stack Recipe
Inspired by the kids’ favourite brunch dish, we’ve recreated it at home more than once. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for small hands to help with.
Mini Pancake Stacks
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Berries, banana slices
- Maple syrup
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another.
- Combine gently—don’t over-stir.
- Heat a nonstick pan, add a dab of butter.
- Drop 1 tbsp of batter for each pancake.
- Flip when bubbles appear (about 2 mins).
- Stack, top with fruit, drizzle syrup. Eat immediately!
Kid Tip: Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes—stars and hearts go down a treat.
Alternatives If Golf’s Not Your Thing
This worked for us, but there are plenty of other options. If you’re looking to plan your own “brunch + play” family day, consider:
- Cafés near large parks: Let them run after pancakes.
- Bowling with in-lane food service
- Trampoline parks with brunch cafes nearby
- Community centres with food trucks + kid zones
- Museums with cafés and interactive exhibits
The key is choosing a spot where everyone gets something out of it—food, fun, rest, or all of the above.
Why It Works: The Real Benefits
Let’s be honest: outings with kids can be a lot. But the right environment changes everything.
Here’s why this kind of setup worked so well for us:
- Built-in movement: No one got the post-brunch grumps because they were too full or too bored.
- Social learning: Taking turns, cheering each other on, helping with the tech—it was all part of the experience.
- No screens: The kids were so into the game, they didn’t ask for tablets once.
- Easy cleanup: There’s no kitchen mess to handle later.
And best of all? We felt like a team again. Not just co-managers of household logistics, but a family having fun together.
Make It a Monthly Tradition
After that morning, my youngest asked, “Can we do this again next weekend?” And while we don’t always have the budget or schedule for it, we now aim for a family day like this once a month.
It gives us all something to look forward to, and it makes those chaotic weeks feel a bit more balanced.
Whether it’s golf and brunch, hiking and a picnic, or crafts and cocoa the format doesn’t matter as much as the time spent together.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Golf (or Pancakes)
The real win here wasn’t in the perfect poached eggs or the fact that someone got a hole-in-one. It was that we laughed, played, and ate as a unit without the usual grumbles.
Sometimes the best family days aren’t found in elaborate trips or big-ticket events. They’re found in small moments of connection over pancakes, under the sun, swinging wildly at a golf ball and cheering like you’ve just won the World Cup.
If you’re feeling stuck in the “What do we do this weekend?” loop, try thinking outside the box. Or outside the brunch plate.
