Top 10 Kid Friendly Restaurants in Texas

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Top 10 Kid Friendly Restaurants in Texas

It's always a special treat when I can take my daughters out to eat. Even though we have meals together at home, there's something different about going to a family friendly restaurant. It's a chance to spend some one-on-one time with each of them and make memories without distractions. Plus, it's just fun to mix things up and try new experiences! (Plus no dishes to clean!)

If you're looking for great kid themed restaurants DFW to take your kids to, you'll want to check out the top 10 Texas kid friendly restaurants on our list, which will hopefully solve the ‘where to eat near me that’s kid friendly. These restaurants near me have all been tested and approved by moms like me.

They offer plenty of food options (like delicious pizza, (What wine goes well with pizza?) french fries, grilled chicken breast, grilled cheese sandwiches, or brunch (What wine goes well with brunch?) restaurants for dishes like breakfast tacos, avocado toast and fresh squeezed orange juice.) that will keep your kiddos happy, as well as activities where kids play games to keep them entertained. So if you're looking for places to eat near me where everyone can have a good time, check out one of these fantastic restaurants!

Spare Time Texas

Spend a fun night with the whole family at Spare Time Texas. You can choose to bowl and dine-in, Texas-style, or unwind at their fun-filled entertainment center. 

The kids will love the arcade games and laser tag, while the adults can enjoy a game of pool or relax in the bar area. And when you're ready to eat, there's a full-service restaurant on site that serves up all your favorite American comfort food classics.

Whatever activity you choose, Spare Time Texas has all sorts of activities that are fun for all ages. But, of course, the excellent food and full bar is a bonus!

Spare Time Texas, Pflugerville, TX

Website: https://sparetimetexas.com
Pflugerville Address: 1724 Farm to Market Road 685, Pflugerville, TX 78660, 512-883-4791
Temple Address: 5434 205 Loop, Temple, TX 76502, 254-312-5305

Phil’s Icehouse

Head on to the happiest burger joint in Texas! Phil's Icehouse gives a pet-friendly and kid friendly experience in a refurbished gas station with one of the best burgers in town. 

The kids menu offers all-day breakfast, snacks, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and sides. In addition, the restaurant's outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying food while your kids play on the playgrounds.

After you're done with your kids meal, don't forget to get a scoop of Amy's ice cream (how long does cream last?)! They have various flavors to choose from, so everyone is sure to find their favorite.

Our kids loved the colorful play area outside, where they could wiggle out and run between bites. Oh, and they serve great mimosas for the grown-ups too!

Phil’s Icehouse, Austin, TX

Website: https://www.philsicehouse.com
South Lamar Address: 2901 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Burnet Address: 5620 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756, 512-524-1212

Little Matt’s

Another excellent family dining option, Little Matt's, this main street bistro has a kid friendly atmosphere with an adult-friendly menu! In addition, they have wall-mounted iPads for the kids to explore, a candy shop, and a selection of arcade consoles.

The kids menu offers burgers, pizzas, burritos, and salads. We highly recommend the chicken enchiladas, (What wine goes well with chicken enchiladas?) chicken tenders, fried chicken and the Little Matt's cheeseburger. 

Little Matt's, Houston, TX

Website: https://littlemattscafe.com
Address: 6203 Edloe Street, Houston, Texas 77005, 713-592-6200

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Take the family to an exciting dinner (What wine goes well with dinner?) theater featuring medieval-style games with some sword-fighting and jousting! Kids of all ages will surely enjoy the thrills of an authentic medieval tournament that comes to life in a castle. 

During the show, you can feast on a four-course banquet meal while discovering which of the Knights shall become champion! You can also purchase souvenirs and photos to remember your fun experience.

This is an excellent activity for rainy days or hot summer days when you need to take a break from being outdoors. It's also a unique and affordable option for family fun.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, Dallas, TX

Website: https://www.medievaltimes.com/dallas
Address: 2021 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207, 1-888-WE-JOUST (935-6878)

The Magic Time Machine 

The Magic Time Machine is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that's straight out of your child's dream! With numerous themed rooms, an incredible selection on the kids menu, and wait staff dressed as famous historical characters, you'll be able to indulge in this whimsical atmosphere forever.

This is an ideal spot for birthday parties or any other special occasion since the special kids dining room is very cozy. The kids will have a blast, and the adults can enjoy the experience too.

The Magic Time Machine, San Antonio, TX

Website: https://www.magictimemachine.com/
Address: 902 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78209 (972-980-1903)

Hat Creek Burger Company

With a family-friendly atmosphere and menu, Hat Creek Burger is the perfect place to go for food with convenience. Along with their delicious burgers, they offer fresh salads, homemade shakes, fried chicken, and a wide array of sides.

This restaurant is perfect for those on the go. They have a drive-thru and an outdoor seating area where the kids can run around and explore. 

With covered porches at every location and drive-through windows, this fast-casual restaurant will make your day more enjoyable! They also have some really cool playscapes for kids and families alike!

Hat Creek Burger Company, Georgetown, TX

Website: https://hatcreekburgers.com
Address: 201 San Gabriel Village Blvd, Georgetown, TX 78626, 512-943-8258

 Almost Grown Play Café & Ice Cream Shop

The Almost Grown Play Café is a full-service restaurant where you can play with your kids while they learn new things. It's the perfect spot for parents who want peace in their lives or just need an escape from being parents! 

And if you need some caffeine, they've also covered that with their unique create-your-own coffee bar. 

Almost Grown Play Café & Ice Cream Shop, Dripping Springs, TX

Website: https://almostgrownplaycafe.com
Address: 18901 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620, 512-761-4622

San Antonio's Incredible Pizza Company

Incredible Pizza Company has everything you and your family could want! The extensive buffet offers 150+ items to choose from. At the same time, the indoor fun center includes 80 arcade games that will keep everyone entertained. 

Whether it's a soccer game or laser tag, Incredible Pizza Company provides activities for people who love being active together with some great food.

This is the perfect spot for birthday parties or any other special occasion. The kids will have a blast, and the adults can enjoy the experience too. If you’re looking for a full bar in the area, check out The Cocky Rooster Bar north of San Antonio in Comfort.

San Antonio's Incredible Pizza Company, TX

Website: https://incrediblepizza.com/san-antonio/
Address: 2015 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78227, 210-610-6086

Punch Bowl Social Dallas

The whole family will enjoy themselves at Punch Bowl Social in Dallas. It's kid friendly and open until 10 pm daily, making for a great Sunday Funday with the little ones in tow!  

Punch Bowl Social has a gaming area with Ping Pong, pool tables, giant Jenga, an outdoor patio with yard games, and a fire pit. In addition, there are board games on an activity bar and old-school arcade machines that the little ones will love playing too.

Punch Bowl Social Dallas, TX

Website: https://punchbowlsocial.com/location/dallas
Address: 2600 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226, United States, 469-607-6880

iT'Z Family Food and Fun

iT'Z Family Food and Fun is the go-to destination for family fun in Euless, Pasadena, or Houston! With three locations throughout Texas - you're sure to find what your heart desires. If your kiddos enjoy Mexican, there’s plenty of choice of Mexican restaurant Pasadena TX for tacos near me and for birria tacos Pasadena TX.

Endless fun includes over 150 games to play, with four indoor attractions including Lazer Tag, Atomic Rush, Bumper Cars, and a Rock Wall.

iT'Z Family Food and Fun, TX

Website: https://www.itzusa.com
Willowbrook Address: 18355 Tomball Parkway, Houston TX 77070, 832-678-2151
Pasadena Address: 5950 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena TX 77505, 281-998-2424
Euless Address: 1201 W. Airport Fwy., Suite 400, Euless TX 76040, 817-283-3700

One more kid friendly restaurant is the Agave Restaurant in Pasadena TX.

You may also check out our TexasRealFood list of 5 places to buy grass-fed beef in Austiin with child-friendly entertainment here.

If you are craving for BBQ, try these 10 Best Texas BBQ Joints!

Click here to know more about the best BBQ in El Paso.

Features of Kid Friendly Restaurants

For a restaurant to be considered "kid friendly," it meant providing coloring books and crayons for the children. However, as a result of an increase in the number of families worried about their health, the concept of a kid friendly restaurants is evolving. Options for healthful meals, affordable prices, and takeout are some of the elements that are increasingly being included in the definition of kid friendly.

Certain restaurants go above and beyond by providing one-of-a-kind experiences geared toward families and children. In the United States, there are close to 28 million different kinds of small enterprises. Find out more about some of the most desired qualities that kid friendly restaurants should possess, from well-known national brands to hidden treasures in your community.  

1. The capacity to afford it

When it comes to kid friendly restaurants, the cost is a significant consideration. Considering that roughly 87 percent of households carry some debt, eating out may seem excessive.

By including appropriate selections for children on their menus, restaurants may help make eating out more inexpensive for families. The items on a kids kids menu should be wider than those considered to be more child-friendly. In addition to that, it must provide meals at kid friendly prices.

On a kids kids menu, there should be some items that are much less expensive than those on the standard menu. This may help make a restaurant that caters to families of all different financial levels more accessible to those families. It would be much better if kids eat free snacks.

2. Distinctive features that Kids appreciate and admire

Coloring sheets are a wonderful addition to a fkid friendly restaurants, but there is so much more that a restaurant can do to encourage children.

There is a trend among several eateries to install indoor play spaces specifically for children. This may give parents a much-needed break when seated for a meal. Children can run about freely in a contained, safe part of the restaurant if there is a designated play space and a selection of age-appropriate toys.

Even more innovative approaches may be used to make a restaurant more family-friendly. A pop-up facility for a Taco Bell restaurant was established in 2015 inside a shipping container that was 1,080 square feet in size. Items like vintage railroad carriages have creatively inspired the locations of several other eateries. These imaginative ways could appeal to youngsters and might help make families feel welcome.  

3. Alternatives to unhealthy foods

It is natural for parents to be very worried about the well-being of their offspring. Even the implementation of food labels caused families to pause and reflect, which led to a 13% reduction in the number of alternatives for unhealthy food.

More and more dining establishments around the United States are publishing detailed nutritional information on their menus. When eating out, it is becoming much simpler for families to make well-informed decisions thanks to menus that provide comprehensive health and nutrition information. So weather opting for a pizza, hot dogs, fried chicken, chicken tenders, chicken strips, or a grilled cheese sandwich make sure to find a healthy option.

When it comes to families, health is more than simply a phrase. Parents' health and well-being are their children's primary concerns. When a restaurant's kids menu includes nutritional information, this necessitates the provision of information that assists families in making educated selections.

4. Choices of food to take away

It is just not possible for some households to remain motionless inside a restaurant for the duration of their meal during dine in. Sitting quietly for a long period might be difficult when children are extremely young. Various other factors contribute to the likelihood that parents whose children now accompany them will choose not to eat at a restaurant.

Some kid friendly restaurants are becoming creative to broaden the range of alternatives they provide for families like these. If a restaurant can provide a takeout service, or outdoor dining families may enjoy a memorable dinner while still meeting their lifestyle and dietary requirements.

This has resulted in the development of new technologies, such as cloud-based restaurants that can provide services to their customers remotely. These restaurants also contribute to the overall reduction in expenses of the restaurant.

Restaurants moving all their operations to the cloud may eliminate the need for front-of-house labor and reduce the expenses associated with building space and real estate. Instead, most of their financial resources are spent on marketing and maintaining an internet presence.

These cloud-based restaurants are free to devote their whole attention to the operation of their kitchens. This has the added advantage of putting all of the emphasis on the cuisine that is served at the restaurant.

Other eateries are only partly transitioning to a take-out-based model. This makes it possible for families to place an order and pick it up later. This is an excellent option for households looking for a special supper but is keen to steer clear of the problems often linked with eating fast food. The fact that a meal ordered to go from a restaurant of higher quality is more likely to be nutritious is a major selling point for parents.

5. Making an appeal to families

The best kid friendly restaurants that want to attract families may need to change how they do business. Catering to families has a unique set of issues, including the layout of seats, the selections on the menu, and the availability of takeout service.

Where to Find Kid Friendly Restaurants for Families

Research is the first step in creating the list of best kid friendly restaurants, whether you're bringing up a budding gourmet who's always hunting for the next great taste or you want to enjoy a calming midweek dinner with your family.

A solid pick guarantees no additional stress for the parents, that younger diners have an entertaining experience, and that youngsters will appreciate something more than a straightforward slider or hot dogs.

We have compiled the insights of professionals from related fields to help you discover a restaurant suitable for family gatherings. After reading the hints, you may search through the list of more than 51,000 restaurants to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Find the one that works best for you

It would be best to research before making a reservation for you and your family since you want to select the most suitable location. When looking for best kid friendly restaurants, you can restrict your search results by choosing the kid friendly option in the top-rated column. This will bring up restaurants rated as family-friendly by actual customers.

Examine several menus

While at it, browse the online menu and pay attention to the items your youngster chooses. You can quickly examine the menus of most restaurants on the site, which makes it convenient to do so when looking for eateries.

Look for foods and activities you are certain your kid will love, particularly if they are unwilling to try new things in the kitchen. Locate a meal that will thrill and please your kid if you have a youngster interested in trying new foods. Try to find one that your child will try.

Use notes

When finding the best kid friendly restaurants, if you know the establishment has a certain sort of seating that suits your family's needs, be sure to ask for that option. Complete the section designated for remarks and request a spacious booth, so you have some space to move about or a table with a view if you have young travelers at your party. 

Notes are also an excellent place to specify whether or not you will bring a stroller or car seat with you and whether you will need a high chair or booster seat. If the restaurant staff has this information before you arrive, it increases the likelihood that they will be able to seat your whole group in a streamlined manner and get the food to the table quickly.

Find out more about the company

It is important to read verified reviews to determine what past customers thought of the restaurant's service concerning children since servers are one of the most important components of a good family-friendly eating experience. You may also look at our monthly rankings compiled by local diners broken down by city to find the best restaurants for families.

Check out the available comforts

Sometimes, the little details reveal whether or not a restaurant is considerate of families' specific requirements. Some kids restaurants have dog park. However, if you are unsure whether or not a restaurant provides sippy cups and you know that your kid will need one, you must carry a cup with you.  

If you forget to bring your children's toys or art materials with you, certain places will have a ready supply of coloring papers and crayons to keep your children entertained. Some restaurants go above and beyond the standard fare.  

If there are rooftop decks or other outside areas where children and their parents may explore together while. If you’re searching for something different, introduce the kiddos to Greek food (What wine goes well with Greek food?) near me in restaurants like Athena's Greek & European Kitchen Houston TX or Yamas Greek Restaurant Austin TX.

Looking for the best farm-to-table restaurant in Dallas? Click here.

Experience the essence of Austin's brunch scene, where you'll discover a delightful array of dishes like brioche French toast, fried-rice bowls, and delectable donut toppings, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Wondering where to dine for best BBQ experience in San Antonio? Check this out!

Love BBQ treats? The best are in Dallas-Fort Worth! Learn more here.

For a wonderful BBQ experience in Austin, check it out here.

Want to check out the best BBQ in Houston? Click here.

 
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