By Marieke van Buytene (CityWeekend)
Updated: 2006-04-25 14:25

Spring is the season for sitting outside and enjoying the warm weather. But what to do about the kids? You know they won't stay seated for more than 10 minutes. Luckily, this city has some great bars and restaurants with outdoor playgrounds to keep them busy while you sit back and relax.

For a great beer, burger or brunch, head toO'Malley's(Irish) or to thePudong Blue Frog(continental/fusion). Both have a playground that, though not huge, will keep the little ones climbing and sliding until they are exhausted. The grounds are both safely enclosed so that your treasures will not be able to run into the streets. Blue Frog also has an excellent kiddies' menu with all the favorites-hot dogs, french fries and fish nuggets-and some tasty, healthy additions to help you sneak in those vitamins.

In the park around Rui Jin Guesthouse, you'll find theView Cafe Bar's peaceful outdoor tables. The View Cafe Bar (cafe) only serves drinks but has a huge lawn for the kids to run around on-barefoot if they want to-and the occasional wedding reception provides an entertainment treat. Also in the park:Colours 7(continental/fusion), an upscale eatery with a lovely multi-level deck and a closed-off playground. The only question that remains is why the entrance to the play-area is right beside the barbecue.

When it gets too hot or wet, you can always head back indoors. Parents all know-or should know-about the super Sunday brunch for all ages at The Westin (brunches), but few are familiar with places likeThe Melting Pot's Pudong restaurant(continental/fusion) and its professional playroom, or the newCoffee Tree(cafe) and its ball pit and sand-box. However, theBuddy Bear Restaurant(American) has the best playground of all, with an actual pirate ship! This whole restaurant is fun and safe for even the smallest buddies, and everything is entertaining, including the meals shaped like volcanoes with umbrellas on top.

Note that most of these places are quiet during the week but fairly busy at the weekend, so you might want to make a reservation to ensure fun for the entire family.

1. O'Malley's
Location: No. 42, Taojianglu, Xuhui
Tel: 021-54744533

2. Pudong Blue Frog
Location: No. 633, Biyunlu, Pudong (inside the sports center)
Tel: 021-50306426

3. View Cafe Bar
Location: Rui Jin Guesthouse, No. 118, Ruijin Erlu, Luwan
Tel: 021-64725222 ext. 1179

4. Colours 7
Location: Rui Jin Guesthouse, No. 118, Ruijin Erlu, Luwan
Tel: 021-54665577

5. The Melting Pot's Pudong restaurant
Location: Rm.15, No. 635, Bibolu, Pudong
Tel: 021-50273527

6. Coffee Tree
Location: Building 201, the St Laurent Hotel, Lane 3215 Hongmeilu (around Puxi)
Tel: 021-64660226

7. Buddy Bear Restaurant
Location: 6/F, Times Square Pudong, No. 500, Zhangyanglu, Pudong
Tel: 021-58368661