Looking for a fun patio or outdoor space to bring your kiddos to eat and play?! We rounded up some of our favorite spots where you can enjoy a meal while feeling comfortable bringing your kids along!
Updated July 2024
HAT CREEK BURGER COMPANY
Enjoy delicious burgers, fries, slushies, and shakes while your kids roam free on the playground and turf area! It’s connected to the large covered patio so you can watch your little ones play as you dine! Plus there’s beer and wine for parents and great kids meals, so everyone leaves happy! We ordered:
🥗 Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad
🍔 TRUFF Burger
🍟 Tiny Hat for kids
🍫 Dirt Worm Shake
P.S. The TRUFF Burger is only available through August 1 so run, don’t walk!
Multiple locations | See locations
MORE FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS
Birdie's Eastside
This 7,000-square-foot patio is family and dog-friendly with plenty of space to spread out and for kids to run around! It's the perfect place to hang on a sunny day, with tons of umbrellas and misters to keep you cool. The staff is accommodating to guests of any age and dietary restriction, so families can count on a good time here! The kids menu features options like chicken tenders, cheeseburger sliders, a quesadilla, and more. Plus, kiddos can color in a maze and a drawing of Willie Nelson!
Lakewood | Directions
Bread Winner’s
Brunch at this iconic New Orleans-inspired spot is always a good idea. Many of their locations have a large patio that's great for families, kiddos and even dogs! The menu is massive, so there's sure to be an option for every member of your family. Kids go crazy for their bakery items too, with options ranging from cake balls and cookies to pies and sweet breads!
Multiple locations | See locations
B Side Coffee
If you're looking to take the kids out to a cafe, this is an amazing option! Kids can check out the big space which is full of fun things to look at like record players, art, and more. While parents can get their caffeine fix, they have tons of kid-friendly drinks too, like flavored lemonades, chocolate milk, and more. They also have frequent story times and play groups for kids, typically on Saturdays! Check their Instagram for all the deets.
Elmwood | Directions
Cane Rosso
Is there anything better than a family pizza party?! Known for their authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, Cane Rosso is a fave among kids and parents alike. Their Frisco location has a patio that sits in front of The Star field, so we recommend it for older kids, while their White Rock location has an airy patio that gives kids more freedom than the average patio!
Frisco & White Rock | See locations
Chip's Old Fashioned Hamburgers
If you haven't checked out the boardwalk at Granite Park yet, add it to your list! This happening burger joint has a view of the water, plus a large patio and turf area next to the restaurant for kids to play. To eat, kids can build their own burger to their liking, or enjoy classic diner eats from the kids' menu like mini corn dogs, mac and cheese, pizza, and more. Wash it all down with a milkshake or malt -- they're amazing!
Plano | Directions
CiboDivino Marketplace
Shop, eat, and play at this adorable marketplace! Inside the shop, you'll find local artisan goods, seasonal dishes, and drinks. Outside, there's a large grassy area where kids can play and enjoy a meal with their family! Some kids even bring a soccer ball to kick around on the grass!
Oak Cliff | Directions
Dallas Farmers Market
This Dallas gem has indoor and outdoor markets with sights, sounds, and flavors galore! It's fun for the whole family -- stroll through the vendors to shop local foods, gifts, and more. There are tons of options for food here, so there's something for everyone -- even the pickiest eaters!
Downtown | Directions
East Dallas Middle Ground
This family-owned and family-friendly coffee shop has it all, from workrooms for parents to an alcove for kids to play in! They also have a selection of kid-friendly drinks, and light bites like bagels, sandwiches, baked goods, and more.
Lake Highlands | Directions
Bellagreen
Enjoy healthy and sustainably sourced meals for all ages! Bellagreen's kids' menu features dishes like quinoa salad, all-natural chicken tenders, pasta, and more. Plus, their Plano location has a small enclosed turf patio area, perfect for little ones to play in!
Plano | Directions
Frisco Rail Yard
This spot is your one-stop shop for food and fun! Enjoy food trucks galore, outdoor games, live music, and more. You can find an amazing variety of cuisines here, from Mexican to Vietnamese and even a permanent cookie dough truck!
Frisco | Directions
Heritage Pizza
With pizza and a playground, what more could kids want?! This pizza place is the perfect spot for groups to share a couple of pies, or kids can get their own personal-size cheese or pepperoni pizzas. They also have a large selection of beers for adults, and don't skip their root beer float deep dish cookie for dessert!
The Colony | Directions
Katy Trail Ice House Outpost
Fans of the beloved Katy Trail Ice House in Uptown Dallas can find a smaller, more family-friendly outpost in the 'burbs! The space features a massive colorful patio filled with trees and misters to keep cool. It's dog-friendly too, so bring your furry friends along!
Plano | Directions
Lazy Dog Restaurants
With a large kid's menu and a dog and kid-friendly patio, Lazy Dog is a go-to for brunch, lunch, or dinner with the fam! Children can enjoy eats like PB&J, cheeseburgers, pizza, mini corn dogs, chicken teriyaki, and more.
Multiple locations | See locations
Legacy Food Hall
Explore over 20 unique restaurants, and dine outside and let your kids roam! Legacy Hall is lively and full of endless food options, along with entertainment like live music and games, making it the perfect family outing. The only issue here is it can be tough to decide what to eat!
Plano | Directions
Magic Time Machine
Since the 1970s, this whimsical restaurant has been serving up jokes with a side of delicious food! The interior is funky and nostalgic, complete with costumed workers that transport you to the past or future. It's truly a kid's dream restaurant and the kids' menu features dishes you may not find on most kids' menus, like smoked brisket, chopped steak, popcorn shrimp, herb chicken, and more.
North Dallas | Directions
Nico’s Cocina
Texans of all ages love Mexican food, and Nico's is serving up tons of it! You'll find all the classic Tex-Mex eats here, from chips and queso to tamales. Enjoy it all under the covered patio, next to a colorful playground.
Carrollton | Directions
Pie Tap Pizza
They say not to play with your food, but this place might be the exception! Pie Tap gives kids dough to play with while they wait for food, which encourages creativity and keeps them entertained!
Multiple locations | See locations
Shady's Burger & Brewhaha
True to its name, Shady's patios are high-spirited so kids fit right in! Their menu features 10 unique burgers, fries, milkshakes, and more, with great prices on kid's meals too. They also have live music on Thursdays!
Multiple locations | See locations
Snooze AM Eatery
The perfect weekend morning for families can be found at Snooze! Their delicious brunch menu wows kids and adults alike, with unique takes on omelets, burritos, French toast, and even a rotating pancake of the week! Their location at The Hill has a patio overlooking a large grassy area for kids to roam.
The Hill | Directions
The Stix Icehouse
Spend an afternoon eating, drinking, and playing! This popular spot has a large patio and yard with entertaining games like corn hole, ping pong, disc golf, and more. They also have live music for kids who like to dance!
McKinney | Directions
The Yard
Located in the heart of McKinney on a historic property, The Yard is known and loved for its large patio under giant oak trees, with picnic tables, outdoor games, and plenty of room for kids to play! On the menu, you'll find Texan inspired dishes and plenty to eat for kids, like mac and cheese, burgers, quesadillas, and more.
McKinney | Directions
Truck Yard The Colony
Truck Yard is known to be a patio playground for both kids and adults! It features a huge space, live music, food trucks, tree houses, and so many fun things to explore. They even have a tiki room and a toilet seat museum, among other funky things!
The Colony | Directions
Union Bear Brewing
A brewery may not be your first thought when it comes to family-friendly spots, but Union Bear does it right! It's located next to the Boardwalk at Granite Park, with green turf space and games like corn hole, table tennis, and more. Plus the boardwalk feels like a little mini vacay!
Plano | Directions
Whistle Britches
Take the family out to a delicious brunch! This beloved spot is in front of a grassy turf area so you can watch your kids play while you eat. The menu features classic comfort foods with a focus on biscuits -- just like grandma makes!
Plano | Directions
Wriggly Tin
Wriggly Tin actually used to be a mechanic’s garage and a Cajun fried turkey shop, and has been since completely transformed into the most unique space! The arched building is stunning and so unique, and they have a large outdoor space for kids to roam. Their menu is very kid-friendly too, full of sharables, crowd-pleasing pizzas, and even a few nonalcoholic drinks!
East Dallas | Directions
