Take a short country drive north-west of Brisbane to Samford, and then head along Mount Glorious Road to discover a vibrant cluster of shops known as the Lifestyle Centre. With a family-friendly mix of a nursery and pretty gardens, a cafe with playground and farm animals, there’s plenty to keep your Brisbane Kids entertained.
Cafe Lagarto – a child-friendly café in Samford
Lagarto is Spanish for lizard, and in the warmer months, you’ll see plenty of bearded dragons scuttling around Cafe Lagarto, in search of a crumb or two. There’s plenty of other creatures for your kids to spot too, including cockatiels in a large birdcage, and goldfish swimming in a water feature. Families will love the all-day breakfast and lunch menu, and there are special offerings for kids, including kid-sized milkshakes, babycinos, French toast, bacon and eggs, and chicken nuggets. The cafe is licensed, and on Sundays, there is live music by local artists. Set within the leafy confines on the nursery, it’s a pleasant spot to enjoy a meal.
A fenced playground for kids at Cafe Lagarto
While you sip your coffee, your Brisbane Kids can play on the fenced playground, which is suitable for toddlers and pre-schoolers. It features a tunnel, slide and fort and it is possible to request a seat in the bungalow that overlooks the playground. There’s also an open grassy area where you can request to be seated, which allows room for kids to play. Pet dogs are also welcome at Cafe Lagarto, provided they are friendly and kept on a leash. There are also toilets within the nursery grounds, if needed.
Nursery and gift shop at the Lifestyle Centre
After a bite to eat, you will want to explore the nursery – the kids will love the quirky garden displays and the interesting trinkets in the gift shop. But possibly the coolest thing about this country café is the horse tea room at the front of the property, near the car park. This is where the locals arrive on horseback for a meal, or perhaps a cup of tea and homemade cake in the outdoor pergola (serviced by café staff), giving their nearby tethered horses a well-earned rest.
Farm Walk at the Lifestyle Centre in Samford
As you wander through the nursery, look out for signs pointing you in the direction of the farm walk. This lovely walk takes you past pens of donkeys, geese, ducks, chickens and some very entertaining miniature goats. Kids will love to watch their cheeky antics! There’s also a pet Maremma dog to pat (just like the dog in the movie Oddball!) who busily keeps an eye on all the animals. There are even chickens for sale at the onsite City Chicks, and you can also purchase stingless native bees and hives (or just watch them going about their honey-making business!). Entry to the farm walk is by gold coin donation.
Cafe Lagarto and the other attractions mentioned are all located at the Lifestyle Centre, 225 Mount Glorious Road, Samford. Plenty of off-street car parking is available. For more information, or to make a booking, please visit Cafe Lagarto.
Samford Valley QLD 4520, Australia
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