Finding kid-friendly restaurants may seem easy, but what if you’re hoping for a place that the whole family will enjoy? You don’t want to be that family that misreads a restaurant’s attitude about children and families. Finding a restaurant that serves the pasta your kids love and also has selections to satisfy your more varied palette — while also having a relaxed but not zoo-like atmosphere — may take a bit of research.
What Do Families Want?
“Places that have some noise and yet are relatively quick getting you seated and served are good restaurants for families with young children,” says Dr. Gina Jarman Hill, an associate professor in the department of Nutritional Sciences at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. To find that winning combination, Kathy Wright, a registered dietitian and the nutrition program director at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, recommends checking out menus online. “There are also several apps that allow families to see restaurant ratings and menus,” she notes.
If you’re looking for a great place to dine out with your kids, here are some features to look for, as listed by Sharon Sprague, the co-founder of Kid Nosh, a kid-friendly restaurant review resource:
- A Comfy Atmosphere
The place needs a combination of great food, great service and the right atmosphere to suit your family’s needs.
- Friendly Staff
The staff should make you feel welcome right when you walk through the door.
- Large Menu
It needs a menu (and a kitchen) that accommodates a family’s varying palates, especially if you have picky eaters.
- A Feeling That Everyone is Welcome
Thoughtful family touches, such as changing tables in the restrooms, stroller parking, plentiful highchairs, and quiet distractions for kids make families feel at home. If you want a more exclusive adults-only experience, save it for a night you’ve reserved a sitter.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Are you planning your next family meal out? See if any of these 16 establishments are nearby:
- Chipotle
This Mexican grill is a fast food-style restaurant with fresh food choices. Kids can make their own meals at the taco bar (try the two-taco kit) while parents can go with their staple order — a choice of a burrito, a burrito bowl or tacos. A bright and airy eatery, Chipotle is a happy place for families.
- Red Robin
Red Robin recently launched its new Kids Platform with new features for kids, as well as new menu items like Chicken Stickens. Grown-up favorites, such as the Colossus Burger, will take you back in time. The diner-like atmosphere makes it easy to be comfy.
- Panera Bread
A newer favorite scores high for food quality. Kids will love the Kids Garden Vegetable Soup with Pesto, and parents can enjoy the great salads.
- Noodles & Company
The Pick Your Size bowl is great for kids, who love the Buttered Noodles. The entire family will enjoy the healthy Med Salad with Chicken in this bright, open restaurant.
- The Old Spaghetti Factory
A yummy birthday spot for 45 years from the Midwest to the West, kids adore their Meaty Mac & Cheesy and the cable car! The low-lit old Italian charm will have parents in the mood for their best-selling Spaghetti with Brown Butter & Mizithra Cheese.
- Chili’s
The kids’ menu is good-sized with grilled chicken as a favorite, along with fun sides like mandarin oranges. Mix and Match Tacos can be made as healthy (or not) as you like! Lots of families are there, so no need for requiring kids to be quiet.
- Perkins
There are 10 options for kids at this popular restaurant and bakery. Go for the Rainbow Pancakes! If you want something that’s more healthy, the Tuscan Grilled Chicken doesn’t taste like it’s low-fat. Perkins also has a great atmosphere for families.
- The Original Pancake House
Sprague advises skipping their kids’ menu. The adult-sized portions are so large you can split an entree between kids, which saves money and ensures better nutrition. The fresh seasonal pancakes are awesome for both kids and adults.
- P.F. Chang’s
Honey Chicken is sure to please even picky kids. Plus, the fun at P.F. Chang’s is trying a little of everything! This one is moderately priced and requires a bit more waiting time than fast-food spots. Adults can enjoy the “For Two” specials for less than $40.
- Claim Jumper
This restaurant and saloon offers free plates of food for toddlers and a big kids’ menu that includes a fave — barbecued chicken breast. For adults, there are many steaks and a few healthy options like the Veggie Burger. (No locations in the Northeast, though.)
- Mimi’s Cafe
You know a restaurant knows kids when they have Cheerios on an appetizer plate! Peanut Butter and Jelly Crepes may not sound great, but the kids love ’em! Parents can opt for a healthy (and yummy) Chicken Chop Salad. (Mimi’s is also not in the Northeast.)
- IHOP
You can’t go wrong with the Funny Face Pancake for toddlers! Older kids can use the adult menu. Mom and dad must try the new Cinnamon Sugar Double-Dipped French Toast.
- Bertucci’s
An East Coast brick-oven pizzeria, Bertucci’s vibe is comfortable. The pizzas and pasta dishes are made with fresh ingredients. Bonus? Kids are given lumps of dough to play with while they wait for their meals.
- Carrabba’s
Split the Fettuccine Carrabba with your kids at this popular Italian grill. After an appetizer, like arrancini, you’ll be plenty full! Salads are big and fresh, too.
- The Cheesecake Factory
This one offers the most extensive kids’ menu on the list. The Mac and Cheese will easily feed two little ones. Parents can go for the Santa Fe Salad.
- Olive Garden
While there is a kids’ menu, with their Endless Pasta deals, it’s easier (and cheaper) to share. The Italian restaurant favorite has great gluten-free options, too.
Margie Mars is the mother of eight and “Oma” of three. She writes for several top parenting sites and specializes in Attachment Parenting and Autism. She and her family live in Oregon.
