Mobile kids' cafe at parks and events
Serve babyccinos, healthy kids' snacks and coffee for parents from a van or trailer at playgrounds and family events.
- A$15k-70k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small food van, trailer or cart serving family-friendly food and drinks at parks, playgrounds, markets, school fetes and kids' events.
Your first three steps
- Check with your local councils about mobile food vehicle permits and where you can trade
- Price up a second-hand trailer or van, fit-out and equipment, and design a short, simple kids' menu
- Contact markets, school fetes, playgroups and event organisers to book your first trading days
Who pays
Parents and carers at playgrounds and events, plus event organisers, schools and councils who book you for a day.
How it makes money
Direct sales of snacks, drinks and kids' meals, plus a flat fee or a share of sales for booked events.
Skills that help
- Quick, safe food preparation
- Customer service
- Event and route planning
- Driving and towing
Watch out for
- Mobile food vehicle registration and permits, which vary by council and state, so check each area you plan to trade in
- Food safety supervisor and handling requirements, check your state rules
- Public liability and vehicle insurance
- Gas and electrical safety for your equipment, and allergen handling
- Weather and seasonal trade, plan for quiet periods
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: mobile kids' cafe at parks and events
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile kids' cafe?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on whether you choose a van, trailer or cart and how it's fitted out. Also allow for permits and public liability and vehicle insurance.
How much can a mobile kids' cafe earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on where and how often you trade. Weather and seasonal trade can affect income, so plan for quiet periods.
What permits and rules should I check for a mobile food van?
Check mobile food vehicle registration and permits, which vary by council and state, for each area you plan to trade in. Also check food safety supervisor and handling requirements, gas and electrical safety for equipment, allergen handling and insurance.
Other ways to run this business
Similar food ideas
Small warehouse drinks and water supplier
Run a small storage unit and delivery service supplying mineral water to hotels, offices and hospitality across your region.
- A$20k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Mobile pizza van or trailer
Sell fresh pizza from a van or trailer at markets, events and set street spots.
- A$15k-70k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Market stall butcher
Sell fresh cuts and sausages from a refrigerated stall or van at weekend markets, with less outlay than a shop.
- A$15k-70k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Wood-fired pizza trailer
Serve fresh pizza from a trailer at markets, events and private parties.
- A$15k-70k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Local food supply round for cafés and restaurants
Buy produce and everyday ingredients in bulk and run regular deliveries to local venues.
- A$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Hot dog cart or trailer on a regular pitch
Run a hot dog cart or small trailer from a busy spot, trading most days to passing foot traffic.
- A$15k-70k
- Part-time
- Out and about