A Family Saturday in Sydney's Inner West
11 November 2026 · 4 min read · How-To Guides
Quick answer
For a family Saturday in Sydney's Inner West, two businesses with checked Cottlink profiles make an easy plan. Start at Monkey Puzzle Toys, a family-owned toy shop at 111 Smith Street, Summer Hill, open Saturday 9 am to 4 pm. Finish with an early dinner at Gigi Pizzeria, a wood-fired Neapolitan pizzeria at 379 King Street, Newtown, which opens at 5:30 pm daily and does not take bookings.
Summer Hill and Newtown are both in Sydney's Inner West, a short drive or train trip apart. This guide is for parents who want a relaxed day out with children: a morning browsing a toy shop with a gift-wrapped present to take to the next birthday party, some free time in between, and a pizza dinner before bedtime. Each section uses the business's Cottlink profile, which was checked against its own website, with its hours, what it offers and the number to call.
Where is Monkey Puzzle Toys in the Inner West?
Monkey Puzzle Toys is at 111 Smith Street in the centre of Summer Hill, in Sydney's Inner West, according to its Cottlink profile. The family-owned shop has sold toys to Sydney children for more than 20 years. Hours are Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm.
Owner Pamela Blyton sums up the shop's approach on its profile: children learn through hands-on play, and toys should last longer than a season. To check stock before you go, call +61 2 9799 7101.
What can children find at the Summer Hill toy shop?
Monkey Puzzle Toys in Summer Hill, Inner West Sydney, lets families browse by age, from babies and toddlers to primary school children, or by type of play, according to its Cottlink profile. Role play covers dolls, doll houses, dress-up and vehicles; educational play covers books, games and puzzles; physical play covers outdoor toys, construction and craft.
Brands named on the profile include Djeco, Grimm's, Grapat, Jellycat, Maileg, Le Toy Van, Plan Toys, Tender Leaf, Moulin Roty, Janod, Ostheimer and Tiger Tribe. Gift wrapping is complimentary, which helps if you are buying for a party the next day. The online shop ships orders, with free shipping over 250 dollars.
- Set a budget with older children before you go in.
- Let younger children choose between two or three options rather than the whole shop.
- Ask staff for ideas by age if you are buying for someone else's child.
When does Gigi Pizzeria open in Newtown?
Gigi Pizzeria at 379 King Street, Newtown, in Sydney's Inner West, opens Monday to Sunday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, according to its Cottlink profile. It does not take bookings, so with children it makes sense to arrive close to opening time for a table and an early night.
Gigi is a member of the AVPN, the True Neapolitan Pizza Association, and follows its rules: hand-stretched dough, traditional toppings and pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. Founders Marco and Daniela Matino also offer a plant-based menu using local produce and ingredients imported from Italy. For questions, call +61 2 9557 2224.
What should families know before eating at Gigi in the Inner West?
Gigi Pizzeria in Newtown, Inner West, has a few house rules on its Cottlink profile worth knowing with children. It is cashless, it does not split bills by item, it is fully licensed and does not accept BYO, and a 10 percent surcharge applies on public holidays. Orders can also be placed online.
- No bookings: arrive near 5:30 pm with young children.
- Cashless: bring a card or phone payment.
- One bill: agree in advance who is paying if you are with another family.
- Plant-based options: useful if anyone in the group eats vegan.
- Takeaway: if the children are tired, order online and eat at home.
How do you plan the day between Summer Hill and Newtown?
Use the hours on each Cottlink profile to shape the day. Monkey Puzzle Toys in Summer Hill opens at 9 am on Saturday and closes at 4 pm, and Gigi Pizzeria in Newtown opens at 5:30 pm. That leaves the middle of the day free for a park, a nap or lunch at home in the Inner West.
With young children, a short gap between the two stops works well: let them play with a new toy at home or in a park, then head out again once they have rested. If the weather turns, Gigi's online ordering means you can still have the same pizza at home. Keep the toy shop's number handy in case you want to check that an item is in stock before you set off.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 9 am to 11 am | Browse Monkey Puzzle Toys, 111 Smith Street, Summer Hill |
| 11 am to 4 pm | Lunch and free time |
| 5:30 pm | Arrive at Gigi Pizzeria, 379 King Street, Newtown, for an early dinner |
On Sunday the toy shop closes earlier, at 3 pm, so plan the morning visit accordingly. For more ideas a little further east, see our Surry Hills coffee and dinner guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monkey Puzzle Toys open on Sunday?
Yes. Sunday 10 am to 3 pm, according to its profile.
Does Monkey Puzzle Toys gift wrap?
Yes. Gift wrapping is complimentary.
Can I book a table at Gigi Pizzeria?
No. Its profile says it does not take bookings.
Does Gigi accept cash?
No. Gigi is cashless.
Does Gigi have vegan pizza?
Yes. It has a plant-based menu.
Run a family-friendly business in Sydney? Claim your free Cottlink listing so local parents can find your hours and number. Questions or corrections: listings@cottlink.com or call +254 704 625 414.
