Finding the perfect spot to dine out with your family can be a delightful adventure. Dallas offers a fantastic array of restaurants that cater to families, ensuring both parents and children have a wonderful experience. If you’re on the hunt for family friendly restaurants in Dallas, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of top-notch eateries where delicious food meets kid-friendly fun, focusing on places with patios and outdoor spaces where the little ones can stretch their legs and play.
Top Picks for Family-Friendly Dining in Dallas
Hat Creek Burger Company
Hat Creek Burger Company is a Dallas institution when it comes to family friendly restaurants. Imagine enjoying a mouthwatering burger, crispy fries, and a refreshing slushie on a spacious covered patio, all while keeping a watchful eye on your kids as they explore the dedicated playground and turf area. This setup is ideal for parents who want to relax and savor their meal without sacrificing supervision. Hat Creek offers a menu that pleases everyone, from gourmet burgers for adults to delightful kids’ meals, ensuring happy faces all around. Don’t forget to check out the drinks menu for beer and wine options for the grown-ups!
Some popular orders include:
- Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad: A fresh and flavorful option for a lighter meal.
- TRUFF Burger: A decadent burger experience (note: availability may be limited, as mentioned in the original article).
- Tiny Hat for kids: Perfectly portioned and kid-approved meals.
- Dirt Worm Shake: A sweet treat that kids will adore.
Multiple locations | See locations
Kids playing at the playground of Hat Creek Burger Company, a family friendly restaurant in Dallas
More Excellent Family-Friendly Restaurants in Dallas
Birdie’s Eastside
For families seeking outdoor dining in Dallas that’s truly spacious, Birdie’s Eastside is a fantastic choice. Their expansive 7,000-square-foot patio is not only family-friendly but also welcomes dogs, so the whole family can enjoy the outing. With ample room for kids to run around and explore, plus plenty of umbrellas and misters to combat the Dallas heat, Birdie’s is perfect for sunny days. The staff is known for being incredibly accommodating to guests of all ages and dietary needs, making it a stress-free experience for parents. The kids’ menu is packed with favorites like chicken tenders, cheeseburger sliders, and quesadillas. To top it off, children can enjoy coloring activities featuring mazes and Willie Nelson drawings!
Lakewood | Directions
Bread Winner’s
Bread Winner’s is a Dallas institution, particularly loved for brunch, and it’s also a great option for family restaurants in Dallas. Many of their locations boast large patios that are welcoming to families, children, and even canine companions. The extensive menu ensures there’s something to satisfy every palate in the family. However, the real stars for kids are the bakery items. From cake balls and cookies to pies and sweet breads, the bakery treats at Bread Winner’s are guaranteed to be a hit with the younger crowd.
Multiple locations | See locations
B Side Coffee
Looking for a family-friendly cafe in Dallas? B Side Coffee is a unique and wonderful choice. This cafe offers a visually stimulating environment with record players, art, and interesting décor that will captivate children’s attention. While parents can enjoy their coffee fix, B Side also offers a wide array of kid-friendly drinks like flavored lemonades and chocolate milk. Adding to its family appeal, B Side Coffee frequently hosts story times and playgroups, typically on Saturdays. Check their Instagram for the latest schedules and details.
Elmwood | Directions
Cane Rosso
Cane Rosso is synonymous with authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in Dallas, making it a fantastic option for a family pizza restaurant in Dallas. Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser, and Cane Rosso caters to both kids and adults with its delicious offerings. The Frisco location boasts a patio facing The Star field, which is particularly engaging for older children and sports enthusiasts. For families with younger kids who need more space to move around, the White Rock location’s airy patio is more suitable. Both locations offer a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience for families.
Frisco & White Rock | See locations
Family enjoying pizza at Cane Rosso, a popular family restaurant in Dallas
Chip’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers
Located at Granite Park Boardwalk, Chip’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers is a prime spot for family-friendly dining in Plano near Dallas. The boardwalk setting provides scenic water views, and Chip’s features a large patio and a turf area adjacent to the restaurant, perfect for kids to play. The menu allows kids to customize their own burgers, adding an element of fun to mealtime. The kids’ menu also includes classic diner fare like mini corn dogs, mac and cheese, and pizza. Don’t miss their amazing milkshakes and malts to complete the classic American diner experience.
Plano | Directions
CiboDivino Marketplace
CiboDivino Marketplace offers a unique blend of shopping, dining, and play, making it an excellent family-friendly marketplace and eatery in Dallas. Inside, you can browse local artisan goods, seasonal dishes, and drinks. Outside, a large grassy area provides ample space for children to play while families enjoy their meals. It’s common to see kids bringing soccer balls to kick around, adding to the lively and relaxed atmosphere.
Oak Cliff | Directions
Dallas Farmers Market
The Dallas Farmers Market is a vibrant destination for family outings and dining in Dallas. With both indoor and outdoor markets, it’s a sensory experience for the whole family, filled with sights, sounds, and delicious aromas. Stroll through vendor stalls offering local foods, unique gifts, and more. The diverse food options ensure there’s something for everyone, even the pickiest eaters in the family. This is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
Downtown | Directions
East Dallas Middle Ground
East Dallas Middle Ground is a family-owned coffee shop that truly understands the needs of families, making it a standout family-friendly coffee shop in Dallas. It offers a balanced space with workrooms for parents and a dedicated play alcove for children. Beyond the great coffee for adults, they have a selection of kid-friendly drinks and light bites like bagels, sandwiches, and baked goods. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed family outing where everyone feels comfortable.
Lake Highlands | Directions
Interior of East Dallas Middle Ground, showcasing its family-friendly atmosphere and play area for kids
Bellagreen
For health-conscious families, Bellagreen offers healthy and sustainably sourced meals for all ages, marking it as a great healthy family restaurant option in Dallas. The kids’ menu features nutritious choices like quinoa salad, all-natural chicken tenders, and pasta. The Plano location is particularly family-friendly with a small, enclosed turf patio area where children can play safely while parents dine.
Plano | Directions
Frisco Rail Yard
Frisco Rail Yard is a one-stop destination for family fun and food in Frisco near Dallas. With a variety of food trucks, outdoor games, and live music, there’s always something happening. The diverse culinary options range from Mexican to Vietnamese, and even a dedicated cookie dough truck. It’s an ideal spot for families who love variety and a lively, outdoor atmosphere.
Frisco | Directions
Heritage Pizza
Pizza and a playground – what more could kids ask for? Heritage Pizza is a perfect pizza place for families in The Colony near Dallas. It’s designed for groups to share pizzas, and kids can also enjoy personal-sized cheese or pepperoni pizzas. For adults, there’s a wide selection of beers, and for dessert, don’t miss their root beer float deep dish cookie. The combination of great food and a playground makes it a winning choice for families.
The Colony | Directions
Katy Trail Ice House Outpost
Fans of the original Katy Trail Ice House in Uptown Dallas will appreciate the Katy Trail Ice House Outpost in Plano, a more family-oriented version of the Dallas favorite. This location features a large, vibrant patio shaded by trees and cooled by misters. It’s also dog-friendly, making it a great option for families with pets. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and classic ice house fare in a setting that welcomes everyone.
Plano | Directions
Outdoor patio at Katy Trail Ice House Outpost, a family and dog friendly restaurant in Plano near Dallas
Lazy Dog Restaurants
Lazy Dog Restaurants lives up to its name by being incredibly dog and family friendly in Dallas. With an extensive kids’ menu and welcoming patios, it’s a reliable choice for brunch, lunch, or dinner with the family. The kids’ menu includes options like PB&J, cheeseburgers, pizza, and mini corn dogs, ensuring even picky eaters find something they like.
Multiple locations | See locations
Legacy Food Hall
Legacy Food Hall is a dynamic and diverse family-friendly food hall in Plano near Dallas. Featuring over 20 unique restaurants, you can explore a wide range of cuisines and dine outdoors while kids roam in a lively environment. Legacy Hall is known for its entertainment, including live music and games, making it more than just a meal – it’s a full family outing. The biggest challenge might be deciding what to eat with so many tempting options!
Plano | Directions
Outdoor seating area at Legacy Food Hall, a vibrant and family friendly dining destination in Plano
Magic Time Machine
For a truly unique and whimsical dining experience, Magic Time Machine is a themed family restaurant in North Dallas. Serving up food and fun since the 1970s, this restaurant immerses you in a world of fantasy and nostalgia. Costumed servers transport you to different eras, and the funky interior is a feast for the eyes. The kids’ menu is unusually diverse, featuring dishes like smoked brisket, popcorn shrimp, and herb chicken, offering more adventurous options than typical kids’ menus.
North Dallas | Directions
Nico’s Cocina
Nico’s Cocina is a fantastic choice for families craving Tex-Mex, offering family-friendly Mexican dining in Carrollton near Dallas. Serving up all the Tex-Mex classics like chips and queso and tamales, Nico’s has something for everyone. The covered patio and adjacent colorful playground make it easy for families to relax and enjoy their meal while kids have a place to play.
Carrollton | Directions
Pie Tap Pizza
Pie Tap Pizza Workshop takes the concept of interactive family dining in Dallas to a new level. Kids are given dough to play with while waiting for their food, fostering creativity and keeping them entertained. Of course, the pizza is delicious too, making it a win-win for both parents and children.
Multiple locations | See locations
Shady’s Burger & Brewhaha
Shady’s Burger & Brewhaha lives up to its name with lively patios that are perfect for families, establishing it as a vibrant family-friendly burger joint in Dallas. The menu features ten unique burgers, fries, milkshakes, and more, with budget-friendly kids’ meals. Adding to the fun atmosphere, they often have live music on Thursdays.
Multiple locations | See locations
Snooze AM Eatery
For a delightful weekend morning outing, Snooze AM Eatery is an excellent family-friendly brunch spot in Dallas. Their brunch menu is a hit with both kids and adults, featuring creative takes on omelets, burritos, French toast, and a weekly rotating pancake special. The location at The Hill offers a patio overlooking a large grassy area, giving kids space to roam while parents enjoy their brunch.
The Hill | Directions
The Stix Icehouse
The Stix Icehouse is designed for an afternoon of family fun, food, and games in McKinney near Dallas. With a large patio and yard, they offer entertaining games like corn hole, ping pong, and disc golf. Live music adds to the lively atmosphere, perfect for kids who love to dance and play.
McKinney | Directions
The Yard
Located in historic McKinney, The Yard is cherished for its spacious patio under large oak trees, making it a quintessential family-friendly outdoor restaurant in McKinney near Dallas. Picnic tables, outdoor games, and plenty of open space for kids to play define its charm. The menu features Texan-inspired dishes and kid-friendly favorites like mac and cheese, burgers, and quesadillas.
McKinney | Directions
Truck Yard The Colony
Truck Yard The Colony is known as a patio playground for families and adults in The Colony near Dallas. Its expansive space includes live music, food trucks, tree houses, and quirky attractions like a tiki room and a toilet seat museum. There’s always something new to explore, making it a highly entertaining destination for families.
The Colony | Directions
Outdoor area with food trucks and seating at Truck Yard The Colony, a popular family destination near Dallas
Union Bear Brewing
While a brewery might not immediately come to mind for family outings, Union Bear Brewing in Plano does it exceptionally well, positioning itself as a surprisingly family-friendly brewery near Dallas. Located next to Granite Park Boardwalk, it features a green turf space and games like corn hole and table tennis. The boardwalk setting itself adds to the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, feeling like a mini-vacation spot.
Plano | Directions
Whistle Britches
Whistle Britches is a beloved spot for family brunch in Plano near Dallas, offering classic comfort food with a focus on delicious biscuits just like grandma used to make. Located in front of a grassy turf area, parents can watch their children play while enjoying a relaxing brunch. It’s the perfect blend of great food and a kid-friendly environment.
Plano | Directions
Wriggly Tin
Wriggly Tin stands out with its unique history and architecture, making it a unique and family-friendly restaurant in East Dallas. Transformed from a mechanic’s garage and Cajun fried turkey shop, the arched building is visually stunning. It also features a large outdoor space for kids to roam. The menu is kid-friendly, offering shareable items, crowd-pleasing pizzas, and non-alcoholic drinks, ensuring a pleasant experience for the whole family.
East Dallas | Directions
Conclusion: Dallas is a Family Dining Paradise
Dallas truly shines as a city that welcomes families with open arms, especially when it comes to dining out. From burger joints with playgrounds to spacious patios and interactive food halls, these family friendly restaurants in Dallas offer something for every family’s taste and style. Next time you’re planning a family meal, remember this guide and discover your new favorite spot where both you and your kids can relax, enjoy delicious food, and create lasting memories.
