Cafés · Stafford
A nature reserve wrapped around a café makes for an easy morning with small children — flat, surfaced paths that take a pushchair without a fight, lakes and ponds to loop around, and geese and ducks that are so used to people they'll come to you (bird food is about £2.50 a box). The café itself does a good spread of lunches and all-day breakfasts at fair prices, with a terrace and picnic tables on the grass if you'd rather bring your own. Staff get a warm mention, there are high chairs and a kids' menu, and parking is free or donation-only. Entry to the reserve costs nothing. One snag: opening hours listed online haven't always matched reality, so it's worth checking before you set off. Toddlers finding their feet do especially well here.
A little something creative for your next meal out. Filled with colouring, simple drawing prompts for cute animals, origami and conversation starters designed to bring more play, laughter and connection to the table. 3 free printable packs for toddlers, preschoolers and primary-aged children.
A Stafford restaurant with a kids' menu, high chairs, and outdoor seating, rated 4.1 from 102 Google reviews.
Calm courtyard tearoom with free gardens to explore, quick generous plates, high chairs, a kids' menu and free parking.
Pub in Stafford with outdoor seating — 4.4★ (2,715 Google reviews).