To travel with your family is one of the best things one can do. The fact that you have smaller children, should not be an obstacle to enjoy some of the best city views in the world. Therefore , we have assembled this guide of the most CHILD-FRIENDLY rooftop bars in some of the most popular cities in the world.
- The best rooftops for families from all over the world
- What time during the day is best for a visit with your family
- Child-friendly food and drinks from the menu
- Opening hours
- Contact details to the rooftops/hotels
- Information and pictures of each place
- Benefits from booking a hotel with a rooftop
Don’t do like the ordinary family, that often misses these amazing places, because they think it’s not suited for families. Make your visit memorable!
INSIDER TIPS, before jumping right into the guide: When booking your hotel, look for hotels with a rooftop swimming pool. Children are always welcome there, and the pools are usually only available for the guests of the hotel. Which means the pool area won’t be crowded with tourists.
Kid-friendly rooftop bars from all over the world
New York
One of the best cities in the world when speaking of rooftop bars. And of course, there are some great “family approved” rooftop bars available here. Most of them are best to visit during daytime or early evening.
Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar
Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar
This amazing NYC rooftop bar is located at the fancy hotel Conrad New York. The roof bar is family friendly during all hours of the day. But like most other rooftops, it’s during daytime and early evening it’s most optimal to come here with children. All guests are welcome on a first serve basis, which means no reservations are accepted.
SERRA by Birreria
SERRA by Birreria
SERRA by Birreria is a lively rooftop bar located at Eataly. With that in mind it might be more suitable to bring the little older children here instead of the smaller ones. The atmosphere is casual, and you don’t have to dress to success to blend in here. As the name suggests this is heaven for the beer lover. And with the take-over by SERRA, also for the lover of Italian food.
Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar
Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar
This roof garden is perfect for families. First a visit at the Metropolitan Museum and then up to the roof of the building for some drinks and magical views over Central Park and the surrounding skyscrapers. An insider tips is that you can pre-book your drinks. This way you want have to stand in the long line to the bar.
Gansevoort Meatpacking
Gansevoort Meatpacking
One of the most luxurious rooftops in NYC suited for families. To get most out of this place, you should book your hotel nights here to be able to use the fancy rooftop swimming pool. Perfect for children. Who doesn’t want to swim with dazzling views over Manhattan and Hudson River.
During later evening this place turns into a vibrant cocktail lounge (called B. On Top) and during these hours, there are no children allowed here.
Bangkok
Like NYC, Bangkok is teeming with grand and luxurious rooftop bars. The people in Thailand loves children and it’s also very common that the staff look after your smaller children while visiting bars and restaurants. In other words, a perfect city for experiencing family-friendly rooftops.
Vertigo and Moon Bar at BanyanTree
Vertigo and Moon Bar at BanyanTree
Vertigo and Moon Bar at BanyanTree is both an upscale restaurant and a luxurious bar. Vertigo is the restaurant and Moon Bar the actual bar. Both can be visited by families with children.
You should how ever be aware of that the dress code here is very strict. No shorts, sleeveless shorts or flip flops. The view from here is magical. 360-degree view over Bangkok. Super cool when darkness falls.
Baiyoke
Baiyoke
This is one of the highest rooftop bars in Asia, and the highest in Bangkok. If your children aren’t afraid of heights, this is a perfect rooftop to visit with your family. Great view from 81rd floor and staff is very attentive and friendly.
One of the best things with Thailand is that they love children. So, don’t be surprised if they offer to take care of your kids while you enjoy a dinner or some evening cocktails. And a few floors down there is even a floating market.
Red Sky
Red Sky
The perfect place for a fancy rooftop dinner with your family. Make sure to come here just before sunset. This way you’ll get some magical pictures and views to look at. You must book your table in advance. This is a very popular spot and you can only get up here with a reservation.
Red Sky is nothing for the price sensitive ones, as the costs are quite high here. But everything from drinks, food, service and views are top notch.
London
When the weather allows (which is more often then it gets credit for), London have some superb rooftop bars. Some of them adapted to families. Here are our two favorites.
Roof East
Roof East
Roof East is probably the most kid-friendly rooftop bar in the whole world. They have rooftop cinema during certain evenings, a playground where you can play mini golf, baseball and many other funny games and on top of this some very nice food that are perfectly suited also for the younger crowd. Hot dogs, burgers and much more.
The only downside is that the rooftop is located a bit outside of the city center. But definitely worth a visit if you’re in London for your holidays.
Great Eastern Way, London
Best time to come here: Daytime/afternoon
From the menu for children: Burgers, hot dogs and soft drinks
Opening hours: May – September: Tue – Fri 17:00 – 23:00, Sat – Sun 12:00 – 23:00
Website: www.roofeast.com
Dress code: Casual
Book a table: bar@roofeast.com
Selfridge Roof Terrace
Selfridge Roof Terrace
The perfect rooftop to unwind at if your tired of running around in the city for shopping. This terrace is located on top of the famous Selfridge Store in the middle of London. The ideal rooftop to take your family when the childrens (or your own) feets need a rest from walking up and down Oxford Street.
Up here you can gaze out over the London skyline while ordering fantastic Italian food, authentic gelato desserts or something from the Thursday to Sunday breakfast. Maybe some pancakes for the children?
Barcelona
In Barcelona, roof terraces are only allowed at hotels. By booking your stay at any hotel with a rooftop bar or rooftop pool, you’ll put yourself in a position where you and your children always will be welcome up here.
Terraza Alaire at Hotel Condes de Barcelona
Terraza Alaire at Hotel Condes de Barcelona
One of the best family-friendly rooftop bars in Barcelona. Perfect to visit with children both during daytime and evening. The rooftop restaurant serves superb food like pizza, burgers and different tapas. In other words, your kids will probably go crazy over the food.
During later evening a live DJ plays some nice tunes while guests can gaze out over the city rooftops. This terrace is both cozy and vibrant. During peak season it is recommended to book a table in advance.
Ayre Hotel Rosellon Terraza
Ayre Hotel Rosellon Terraza
The terrace at Ayre Hotel is super popular. So, the first thing you should do is to book a table for your family in advance. You won’t be disappointed. The view from up here is amazing. Premium views over La Sagrada Familia and the city.
The furniture’s are very cozy and comfy. Perfect for children. Also, the small menu has some nice things that suits children really well. Try to book your table during sunset, it’s breathtaking from here.
Note that from 7pm, the terrace is only open to hotel guests.
Dolce Vitae at Majestic Hotel
Dolce Vitae at Majestic Hotel
This is one of the most famous rooftop bars in Barcelona. Nicely enough it’s also family-friendly! We recommend that you book your hotel nights here, so that you can use the fancy rooftop swimming pool on the terrace. Your kids will be thrilled.
If you just want to visit the rooftop during a couple of hours, that’s ok to. The rooftop is open all year around. During the summer months it’s advisable to book a table in advance.
Rome
Roof terraces in Rome often works as restaurants or aperitif bars. Sophisticated atmosphere along with great food is a classic thing. Ideal for families that prefer something a bit calmer than the usual vibrant rooftop bar. A Sunday lunch with your whole family is something special for all Italians.
La Terrasse Cuisine & Lounge at Sofitel Villa Borghese
La Terrasse Cuisine & Lounge at Sofitel Villa Borghese
The perfect rooftop venue for a nice family lunch. Sweeping views over the city, the park and all the historical buildings. The food and service up here is amazing, and the menu has some kid-friendly alternatives like pasta and pizza.
Newly decorated, the terrace is more beautiful than ever. Book your table in advance during peak season (May – September). You won’t regret it!
Minerva Roof Garden
Minerva Roof Garden
A cozy and luxurious roof terrace right in the heart of Rome, only a couple of hundred meters from The Pantheon and Fontana di Trevi. During daytime the atmosphere is very calm and there aren’t that many people up here. Perfect if you would like to bring your family for a lunch or just some afternoon drinks or coffee. They even have a special menu for kids.
In the evenings the feeling is a little bit livelier, but still suitable for children.
Hotel Forum Rome
Hotel Forum Rome
If your children love food, Hotel Forum Rome is the perfect rooftop to visit in this beautiful city. During lunch time (June – September) you can have buffet lunch with your family up here. Choose from starters, first courses, meat, fish, desserts, fruits, vegetables and lots more.
All this to the historical and spectacular views of the Imperial Forum and Colosseum. The perfect rooftop for your Sunday lunch.
Chicago
The smaller, more non-touristic rooftop bars in Chicago, are the ones that are best suited for families. These rooftops tend to be the ones that serves the best food, which is a very good thing if your children are a bit picky. Also, price-wise they are well suited for the bigger families.
Zed 451
Zed 451
Zed 451 is a great rooftop bar for the hungry family. The best time to come here is during brunch hour on the weekends. From 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM you can enjoy tasty food to the skyline view of Chicago.
Book your table in advance as this place is very popular, both among locals and tourists. Ask for a table with sofas, they are super comfortable.
London House Rooftop
London House Rooftop
The best rooftop bar in Chicago and one of our favorite rooftop bars in the world. This place is ideal to visit for a long lunch with your family. Make sure to reserve a table, this place is very popular. Especially during weekends in the summer.
The atmosphere is quite lively, even during daytime. But still suitable if you have kids. And, you can take the perfect family photo from here.
Dubai
One of the most luxurious and modern cities in the world also have some kid-friendly rooftop bars to offer. Most rooftops here are located at hotels because it’s only the hotels that can serve alcohol in Dubai.
The Address Dubai Marina
The Address Dubai Marina
This rooftop bar is great for families. And if you’re a guest of the hotel, you can use the big and luxurious rooftop swimming pool as much as you want. Your kids will love it!
If you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still bring your kids here and have something to eat or drink. The food is amazing. We recommend trying the BBQ. It’s fantastic and it will suit your children good as well.
Level 43 Sky Lounge
Level 43 Sky Lounge
One of the coolest city & skyscraper views in the world. And if you visit Level 43 Sky Lounge during the afternoon there’s less people and you can sometimes choose which seats you like. The sunset from here is amazing. Don’t miss out on that.
The bar menu has some classic bar bites which also suits children. In the evening this place becomes more of a party spot, so make sure to come here during afternoon or early evening.
Miami
Many refers to Miami as a party city not suitable for families. But we don’t agree. There are plenty of nice things to do in Miami with your children. And of course, this list contains some rooftop bars.
Juvia
Juvia
This amazing rooftop bar even have an own menu, just for kids. It’s called “The kids menu” and can be found here. We should however mention that it’s advisable to come here early with your family. Especially during the weekends. They serve a great brunch up here, which is perfect if you have kids.
The view of South Beach and the city skyline will blow both yours and your kids mind away.
Paris
The best rooftop bars in Paris for families are located at shopping stores and are open to the public. Perfect for a food & drink break with a view if the kids get tired of running around in stores.
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop / Photo: parisbinge.com
Perched on the 7th floor of a shopping store with sweeping city views over Paris and the Eiffel Tower. You can buy your drinks and snacks one floor down and then head up to the terrace to enjoy it in front of the city.
The terrace is very big and open, so your kids can run around here freely without bothering anyone. Up here you will also find a Timescope, a telescope letting you discover the Paris skyline from 1912.
Los Angeles
Unfortunately, LA does not have that many kid-friendly rooftop bars. The secret here is to book a hotel with a rooftop pool. This way you can enjoy the rooftop with your whole family. There are plenty of nice hotels with rooftop pools available in Los Angeles. Here’s one rooftop bar that is family friendly.
The Roof Garden at Peninsula Beverly Hills
The Roof Garden at Peninsula Beverly Hills
One rooftop in LA where you can definitely bring your children is The Roof Garden at Peninsula Beverly Hills! A cozy and luxurious rooftop restaurant with the perfect location.
Do expect a quite high price tag on everything here. But you’ll get what you pay for. Everything is made to perfection. You kids will love the food, and so will you.
Hong Kong
It’s a must to visit at least one rooftop bar when in Hong Kong. Lucky enough, there are some super nice rooftops suitable for families with kids here. The panoramic city views are spectacular. Some of the best in the whole world. And as a bonus most Asians love children.
Ozone at Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
Ozone at Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
We’re so glad that the world’s highest rooftop bar also caters to families with children. Maybe not during the weekend evening. But at noon and early evening it’s super nice to bring your family here.
If you want the best from this rooftop, you should book the Sunday Brunch. The food is perfect, both for children and adults. There’s so much to choose from that you’ll be amazed. And the dessert table is something extra. This will make your kids go wild (in a good way).
Sevva
Sevva
As with Ozone, this rooftop bar is best to visit during daytime if you are bringing your kids. During weekends you can order a lovely afternoon tea set. Burgers, sushi, desserts, tea and much more. The food is suitable both for the kids and the parents.
Sevva is a very posh place, so make sure to put on some fancier clothes and shoes just to make sure to get in. No shorts, flip flops or trainers are allowed.
Wooloomooloo
Wooloomooloo
One of the best steakhouses in Hong Kong is perched on the 32nd floor of this centrally located building. Book your table in advance, this rooftop is super popular. You can come here with your family both during lunch and evening. It’s advisable to have your dinner in the steakhouse and then head up to the roof terrace for some drinks afterwards.
The city views from here are breathtaking. During afternoon there aren’t that many people on the terrace. In other words, the perfect time to come here with your kids.
Kuala Lumpur
As many other big Asian cities, Kuala Lumpur is oozing with magnificent rooftop bars. The best bet when traveling with your kids is to book one of the hotels with both rooftop bar and rooftop pool. All day access, swim and eat and drink together with panoramic views. It doesn´t get much better than that. This is our two recommended spots.
SkyBar at Traders
SkyBar at Traders
If you’re a guest of the hotel, you can use the big and luxurious rooftop swimming pool up here. Very popular among families with children. Otherwise the bar is open for all ages until 7:00 PM. After that, you must be over 21 years of age. Make sure to book your table in advance to be guaranteed a seat.
This place is very touristic and expensive. But the view over the Petronas Twin Towers is amazing and make up for the price tag.
Mai Bar
Mai Bar
Mai Bar at the hotel Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, have one of the coolest rooftop infinity pools in the whole city. Do we need to say that your children will love it? However, there’s one catch. You must be a guest at the hotel to be able to use it. If you’re not, you can still come here to enjoy the magnificent views.
The terrace is family-friendly and open from noon, every day of the week. There’s plenty of seating to choose from and it's not a must to book a table in advance.
Singapore
Singapore has loads of fantastic rooftop bars, in all shapes and forms. The two most family friendly ones that made this list actually feels a bit like they where designed for kids. Maybe both kids and grown up kids? Or how about a rooftop bar on top of a tree and an infinity pool on what looks like a giant surfing board. Childish, and yet so amazing!
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands
Book your hotel nights here if you want a memory for life, for you and your family. Marina Bay Sands have the best rooftop pool in the whole world. And, there’s even a special section for families with children.
Apart from the mighty infinity pool, there’s also jacuzzis, great food and superb service up here. The roof terrace is super big, and your children can run around freely without bothering the other guests.
If you’re not staying at the hotel, you can visit the rooftop bar called CE LA VI for some drinks, snacks and amzing views.
1-Altitude
1-Altitude
1-Altitude is not only the highest rooftop bar in Singapore, it is also the highest al fresco bar in the world. Situated 63 floors up in the One Raffles Place, here you get truly amazing 360-degree views of the entire city and out over the ocean.
While nightly visits at the vibrant rooftop bar might not be suitable for children, during daytime (until 5pm) the 1-Altitude rooftop is a viewing gallery, perfect for a sky-high experience for the whole family. Pay a fee of $25 and you can casually walk around and enjoy the fantastic views of Singapore, and sip on a sof drink included in the price.
Sydney
Sydney don't have the highest or the most extravagant rooftop bars in the world. But there is a plethora of cosy and classic roof terraces, most of them with that relaxed and friendly Australian atmosphere. So, in other words perfect for a family lunch with with views of this fantastic city. This is our two child-friendly favourites.
Hotel Sweeney’s
Hotel Sweeney’s
This famous rooftop bar is open from early morning (9:00 AM) until late night (2:00 AM). If you have smaller children it’s best to come here during daytime. The atmosphere is much more relaxed and calm, and then, when darkness falls, the terrace turns into a nice party spot.
The location of the roof terrace is in the city center right among the skyscrapers. Your kids will love the view because it’s so close to the surrounding buildings.
The Glenmore Hotel
The Glenmore Hotel
From here you probably get the best view in Sydney. The Opera House and the skyline is beautiful from the roof terrace. The rooftop is open from 10:00 AM, which is perfect for families with smaller children.
You can come here during daytime when it’s a little bit less people and calmer atmosphere. Perfect for a long lunch or just some afternoon drinks. During the evening there’s a more vibrant party feeling that surrounds the whole terrace.
Conclusion
This guide will help you find some amazing rooftops suited for families with children.
When reserving a table for lunch, drinks or dinner – always let the bar/restaurant know that you’ll bring your children. In this way they can give you a more suitable table and also let you know which days and times it’s best to make the visit.
And remember, the best way is always to book a hotel with a rooftop bar or rooftop pool. This way you will always be welcome. Your kids will love to swim in a swimming pool located at a roof. And so will you!
If you’re looking for kid-friendly rooftop bars in other cities, let us know and we will find them for you. Just drop us an email at info@therooftopguide.com.
Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.
Follow The Rooftop Guide