Child-friendly Brisbane

Allergies Alert - Anaphylaxis

We probably all have a friend, or there are kids at childcare/school who have a severe allergic reaction to things like peanuts.  Exposure to certain foods, medications, insect venom, or latex in these individuals can produce a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.

This allergic reaction can produce such severe swelling of the air passages that suffocation and death may occur within minutes.   An anaphylactic emergency requires rapid treatment with medication, usually adrenaline. 

So, it's worth taking the time to learn a little more about this condition, you may witness or be minding a child who goes into anaphylactic shock. Or even to just be more mindful when preparing your child's lunch for kindy.

Avoidance of a specific allergen is the cornerstone of management in preventing anaphylaxis.  According to Anaphylaxis Australia Inc. research has shown that fatalities more often occur away from home.   For more information see the EpiClub.com.au.  If your friend's child has this condition, ask to be shown how to use it, it's a simple set of instructions - that could save a life!

 

Easy-going Places for You & Your Toddlers

Are you looking for places to take a break, without the worry of your toddler creating havoc or having to be restrained while you throw down a coffee?  Here are some places around Brisbane which you and the kids can enjoy.

Southside Brisbane

Avid Reader - WEST END

A great Bookshop where you can meet a friend for lunch or coffee.  If you sit outside in the back courtyard (through the security door, past the cafe counter) the kids will be happy playing with the boxes of toys, and you can relax knowing they can't take off out of sight.  Ask about their kids' story time too.  www.avidreader.com.au   193 Boundary Street, West End. Ph 3846 3422

Green Flea Markets - WEST END

Saturdays only, 6am until 2pm. Kids can run in the open space and you can enjoy a fine coffee and cooked breakfast under the fig trees, perched on an upturned milk crate. It’s not flash but it’s real, with lots of families. Along the river behind Jane & Montegue Streets, West End.

Northside Brisbane

Locomotion - ASHGROVE

Enjoy great food and coffee in a contemporary café.  And the kids will have fun too, playing and learning with their Instructors in the activity studio.  All this while you sit back, relax and watch the kids go loco. www.locomotion.com.au - 20 Stewart Road, Ashgrove. Ph 3366 6652

Coffee Club @ The Gap

Fenced off area at the back for the children to play in.

Lemon Squeezy - KENMORE

Child-friendly craft studio and café with free daily storytelling (at 10.30am) and themed craft activities all day. School holiday workshops available. www.lemonsqueezy.com.au  Shop 1, 4 Wongabel St, Kenmore. Ph: 3878 3300

Breathing Space Cafe - INDOOROOPILLY

Fully supervised child minding, where there is no schedule to stick to.  A place where the kids can have a ball while you are enjoying some 'breathing space'.  www.breathingspacecafe.com.au  10 Lambert Road, Indooroopilly.  Ph 3371 0222

Open 7 Days

Grange Community Hub Cafe - The GRANGE

This small cafe runs as a community initiative, located behind the Grange library and next to the outdoor play area. The cafe only has a limited selection of drinks and snacks but it is a good spot to let the kids run while you relax. Opening hours are limited. 79 Evelyn St, Grange. Ph 3403 8888

Cafe Mama - WINDSOR

Offers yummy kids food, and small play area (great for under 2's). 142 Newmarket Road, Windsor. Ph: 3357 4222

Northey St Organic Market Cafe - WINDSOR

Open each Saturday until 10.30am - it’s a lovely open space with a sandpit and rope swing for the kids.  Plus you can buy healthy organic food and drinks. www.northeystreetcityfarm.org.au Cnr Northey & Victoria Streets, Windsor.

Ph 3857 8755

Caddyshack Cafe - HERSTON

This is at the Victoria Park Golf Course. The open spaces and provision of playthings is excellent.  Menu is a little restrictive. www.victoriaparkgolf.com.au  Herston Road, Herston 3252 9891

Tell us about other places.

If you've found a great kid-friendly cafe or venue in Brisbane - please let us know via email: