If you're dealing with a picky eater in the family and seeking a place that caters to both your palate and your kids', then explore these family-friendly dining spots in Ipswich. Featuring a play area for the kids or a special menu just for them, here are our current top picks for dining out with your little ones in Ipswich.Queens Park CafeThe quintessential place to eat in Ipswich is Queens Park Café. This place is made for kids – it’s a destination that will keep the kids entertained all day! Located within Queens Park, there are loads of free activities surrounding the café which includes a playground, an Environmental Education Centre, Nature Centre (gold-coin donations are appreciated), Nerima Gardens and plenty of room to kick a ball or run around.The Café itself has breakfast and lunch options for the kids, with loads of options for the grown-ups. Among the favourites for adults are dishes like eggs benedict and chicken parmigiana, complemented by a wide array of other tempting options. Kids will be kept happy with the ever-popular chicken nuggets or choose from avocado on toast, hot cakes or the kids’ breakfast. And when it comes to the thickest thickshakes around, Queens Park Café has you covered with eight different flavours to choose from. The Café caters for a wide variety of food allergies as well.

Ipswich is home to a lot of great experiences and attractions.  We've got a motorsport precinct which hosts the largest drag racing event outside of North America and the biggest international country music event in the country, as well as a top hot air ballooning business, award-winning cafes and restaurants and world-class parks and conservation estates, great to walk off those tasty goodies.But did you know that there are quite a few products made right here in Ipswich? Chilli Willies Pepper SaucesA family-owned business established in 1999, Chilli Willies designs delightful sauces from their mildest “friendly” style sauce right through to a “set your tail on fire” specialty. Spice up your kitchen with their variety of flavours such as Habanero Spontaneous Combustion, Mango ‘n’ Ginger Hot Bot, Blurter Hurter and Caribbean Pine ‘N’ Coconut.

Ipswich is proud to be home to two beer breweries (Stony Creek Brewing and Ballistic Beer Co), but did you know you can also find a wide variety of delicious cocktails in many restaurants and bars around Ipswich? Enjoy a meal with your cocktail or grab your mates and stop by for a cheeky drink (or two) at any (or all!) of these places. Bakehouse SteakhouseFamous for its steak and endless fries, Bakehouse Steakhouse is in an iconic building which started as Haleys Bakery in 1874. Walk in through the pink entrance door, and inside the historic brick building you will find a contemporary and fresh space which suits their extensive cocktail menu to a tee.You can find classics such as margaritas, mojitos and martinis, as well as bespoke cocktails. Bakehouse Spritz? Turkish Delight? Salted Caramel Espresso Martini? Whatever your flavour, you’re sure to find it at the Bakehouse Steakhouse. Cocktail jugs are perfect for summer, and popular mocktails are also available. 

Are you looking for a place to take the kids where they can burn off some energy and then indulge in morning tea?  Or an ideal spot to meet up with friends for a play date followed by lunch? Then check out these top spots in the Ipswich region.Ripley Splash and PlayGrab the kids’ swimmers and a towel for this one – Splash 'n' Play at Ripley has shallow streams and small fountains for the little kids to play in and water shooters and aqua arches for the older children.There’s also a playground with seesaws and swings, a giant twisty slide, climbing ropes and a flying fox.

Here's seven fantastic spots around town where the locals feast.For more places see our eat and drink page.The Cottage RestaurantStep into the charm of a beautiful legacy Queenslander and indulge in a fine dining experience with a modern Australian twist. The Cottage Restaurant is a unique little hideaway, tucked in amongst some of Ipswich's oldest residential buildings and ready to dish up the goods.

High tea is a romantic ritual that dates back at least to the 17th Century. It typically features dainty ribbon sandwiches, fluffy scones with jam and cream, petit fours, savoury bites, and a pot of the finest loose leaf brew.Plus, if you really want to up the ante, many high tea venues will throw in a cheeky flute of champers. With its gracious Queenslander homes, elaborate churches and elegant commercial facades, Ipswich is the perfect setting in which to hark back to slower, gentler times by indulging in high tea. Here are several spots that do a sparkling job of it.The Cottage RestaurantThe Cottage Restaurant really hits high tea out of the park.  Seared scallops on creamed cabbage and a cup of earthy mushroom soup on the afternoon we visit are just a couple of standouts.