Hello, fellow parent travelers!

We’ve all been there: standing in awe of the magnificent Borobudur Temple, feeling accomplished, when suddenly you hear that magical sound from the little ones, “Mom, I’m huuuungry!” This is often followed by the classic crankiness from being tired and hot. A beautiful moment can quickly turn stressful if you don’t have a plan for where to eat next.

As a parent who loves traveling across Indonesia with my kids, I know this scenario by heart. Finding a place to eat isn’t just about the food; it’s about the atmosphere. A place that keeps the kids happy allows parents to eat in peace. That’s why finding the right kid-friendly cafe in Borobudur is the key to a successful family holiday.

After several trips to the Magelang area and trying various spots, I’ve compiled my trusted list. This isn’t just a list; it’s an honest review based on my family’s experiences. Let’s dive in!

Why Choosing a Kid-Friendly Cafe Matters on Vacation

Let’s be honest, the goal of a vacation is to create beautiful memories, not memories of arguing with a bored child at the dinner table. A kid-friendly cafe offers more than just good food. It provides a “breathing room” for us as parents.

When a cafe has a play area, we can sip our coffee while watching our little ones run around happily. When they provide a high chair, we don’t have to juggle a child on our lap while trying to eat. These facilities transform the “lunch agenda” from a chore into a delightful part of the vacation itself.

Here are my top 5 curated family-friendly dining spots near Borobudur.

1. Stupa Restaurant by Plataran

This is the “safe” and premium choice, strategically located within the Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa complex, just a stone’s throw from the Borobudur Temple exit. It’s perfect for lunch right after a tiring temple tour.

Ambiance & View

The atmosphere is semi-outdoor with a grand and elegant Javanese limasan architecture. Despite its luxurious feel, the vibe is relaxed. The view opens up to lush green gardens and the silhouette of the Menoreh Hills. Kids will love it because the area is spacious enough for them to run around a bit.

Kid-Friendly Facilities

• Spacious Open Area: There’s a garden and a grassy lawn around the restaurant that is safe for kids to move freely (with supervision, of course).
• High Chairs: Readily available. Just ask the very attentive staff.
• Clean Toilets: It’s resort-standard, so you can be sure they are clean and comfortable.

Signature Dishes & Price

The menu is a fusion of modern Indonesian and Western cuisine. Try their “Tuna Sambal Matah” or the legendary “Sop Buntut” (Oxtail Soup). For the kids, you can order french fries or non-spicy chicken dishes.

• Price Range: It’s on the pricier side, around IDR 100,000 – 250,000 per person.

2. Kedai Bukit Rhema (Chicken Church)

This isn’t just a cafe; it’s an adventure destination! Kedai Bukit Rhema is located inside the iconic Chicken Church tourist complex. This means you get to explore a unique attraction and have a bite to eat all in one place. It’s a completely different and exciting experience for the kids!

Ambiance & View

The main experience is enjoying a snack from the “crown” of the Chicken Church building. The view is absolutely spectacular! You get a 360-degree panorama of the Menoreh Hills, and on a clear day, Borobudur Temple looks magnificent in the distance. My kids were amazed; it felt like being on top of a fairytale castle.

Kid-Friendly Facilities

• A Unique Exploration Area: While there isn’t a conventional playground, the entire building is a giant “play area” for kids. They can explore the hallways, look at the murals, and climb to the top. It’s an adventure in itself.
• Interesting Photo Spots: There are countless unique spots to capture family moments.
• Kid-Favorite Snack Menu: The menu is simple and features snacks that children love.

Menu of Kedai Bukit Rhema

Signature Dishes & Price

The star of the menu is local snacks, especially their legendary Fried Cassava with Cheese. It’s savory and soft, perfect with a cup of warm tea or coffee. The price is very affordable, and often the entrance ticket to Bukit Rhema includes a voucher you can redeem for this snack.

• Price Range: Around IDR 25,000 – 60,000 per person.

Read More : Ria SW Visits Kedai Bukit Rhema: A Culinary Delight in Magelang

3. Alea Coffee & Eatery

For families who prefer a more modern and stylish place that’s still comfortable for kids, Alea is a great choice.

Ambiance & View

The design is modern industrial with a tropical touch. There’s an air-conditioned indoor area and a semi-outdoor space. While not as vast as Bukit Rhema, the layout is smart, making it feel spacious. The view is more towards a calm, village atmosphere.

Kid-Friendly Facilities

• Decently Spacious: The semi-outdoor area is safe enough for kids to walk around near your table.
• High Chairs: Available, and the staff is friendly towards families.
• Comfortable Sofas: There are a few sofa spots that are perfect if you’re with a baby or toddler who might need a nap.

Signature Dishes & Price

The menu is contemporary, offering a variety of coffees, mocktails, pasta, and rice bowls. It suits the tastes of a younger crowd and today’s kids. Their Chicken Katsu Rice Bowl is usually a big hit with children.

• Price Range: Around IDR 40,000 – 100,000 per person.

4. Senthong Asri

Want to introduce your children to an authentic Javanese village atmosphere? Senthong Asri is the place. This isn’t a modern cafe, but rather a culinary destination in Borobudur with a traditional eatery concept.

Ambiance & View

It’s shaped like a Joglo house with a very spacious yard (plataran). Surrounded by gardens and shady trees, the atmosphere is cool, calm, and very traditional. Here, kids can see chickens roaming freely, adding to their fun experience.

Kid-Friendly Facilities

• Very Large Yard: This is the best natural playground! Kids can run around, play hide-and-seek, or simply observe nature.
• Gazebos: You can choose to sit in private gazebos, which is great for more privacy if you’re with a large family.
• Ample Parking: Very easy to park your car.

Signature Dishes & Price

The menu consists of authentic Javanese home cooking. You’ll find dishes like mangut lele (catfish in a spicy coconut stew), sayur lodeh (vegetable coconut soup), and fried village chicken. It truly tastes like grandma’s cooking, and the prices are very budget-friendly.

• Price Range: Around IDR 30,000 – 80,000 per person.

More Than Just a Cafe: Exciting Experiences at Bukit Rhema!

We at Bukit Rhema believe that a journey is a collection of memories. Beyond the views and the food at our cafe, we have prepared several new activities to make your family’s experience even more unforgettable.

1. Learn Directly at Our Batik Making Class Want to bring home a souvenir that’s more than just an item? Create your own masterpiece in our batik class! Guided by local artisans, you and your family can learn the process from start to finish. It’s a fun way to engage with the culture and create a special keepsake to take home.

2. Cafe Playground: Let the Little Ones Play to Their Heart’s Content! Great news for parents! Our cafe is now equipped with a Cafe Playground. While you relax with your coffee and enjoy the view, let the little ones run free in our safe and fun play area. It makes the holiday that much more peaceful, right?

3. A Fun Adventure: Bike Tour Around the Tourist Village Feeling adventurous? Don’t just see the village beauty from above—explore it up close! We provide bicycles for rent for you to tour the Kembanglimus Tourist Village. Enjoy the fresh air, greet the friendly locals, and discover the charming corners of the countryside.

Book Your Adventure Now!

Sounds amazing, right? All these activities are designed so every family member can find their own joy at Bukit Rhema.

Don’t miss out, especially on weekends! Book these exciting activities now through our admin at 085 725 77 9520.

Or, for a faster response, just click the WhatsApp button on the bottom right corner of your screen!

We are waiting to share an adventure with you!

My Final Thoughts & Personal Recommendation

Each of these kid-friendly cafes in Borobudur offers its own unique charm.

• If you’re looking for luxury and convenience right after the temple, Stupa Restaurant is the champion.
• If a unique adventure and a stunning view from above is your priority, Kedai Bukit Rhema is an unforgettable experience.
• If you want an authentic village atmosphere and home-cooked meals, head to Senthong Asri.

Ultimately, the best choice is the one that best fits your family’s style and needs. What’s most important is that tummies are full, the kids are happy, and the parents can finally enjoy a relaxing moment on their vacation.

Do you have other recommendations for kid-friendly cafes around Borobudur? Or have you been to any of the places on this list? Share in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you.

Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Among these cafes, which one has the best play facilities? A: If you’re looking for a unique exploration area, Kedai Bukit Rhema offers an adventure within its building and now has a dedicated playground. Senthong Asri offers a vast, natural yard that serves as a wonderful natural playground.

Q: Do I need to make a reservation? A: For weekends or during the high season, making a reservation at Stupa Restaurant by Plataran is highly recommended. For Kedai Bukit Rhema and Senthong Asri, you can usually just walk in because they are large tourist areas, but arriving earlier is always a good idea.