Where to eat with kids: Houston’s top family-friendly restaurants

Houston is home to a variety of kid-friendly restaurants that offer enjoyable experiences for both children and adults. Whether you’re looking for an interactive dining adventure or a relaxed, casual meal, these kid-friendly spots are sure to please.

This list was created by utilizing online reviews from Google, Yelp and Instagram as well as the restaurants’ websites. 

The Aquarium Restaurant

One popular spot is The Aquarium Restaurant, located downtown. This unique eatery features a large aquarium filled with colorful marine life, offering an immersive underwater dining experience that captivates both kids and adults. The menu includes a wide range of options, from seafood to burgers, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Location: 410 Bagby St. Houston

Phone: 713-223-3474

Restaurant hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Barnaby’s Cafe

For a more relaxed setting, try Barnaby’s Cafe, which has nine locations around Houston. Every Barnaby’s shows its love for kids right on the menu, offering delights like kids’ fried chicken sliders, bite-sized burgers, corn dogs, macaroni and cheese, and more. Each kid’s meal comes with a free dessert and the little ones can choose between a Rice Krispie treat, ice cream, strawberries or a cookie. Parents, be sure to try one of their many salad options like the Lebanese Chicken Salad which reviewers continue to rave over. The Museum District location, situated across from the Children’s Museum, is especially ideal for family outings as kids can color, tinker with toy robots, or play games on the outdoor patio while waiting for their food, making it a perfect spot for a fun and relaxing meal. 

Location: 602 Fairview St, Houston

Phone: 713-874-1454

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Hat Creek Burger Company

Hat Creek Burger Company, with multiple locations in Houston, is a kid-friendly spot that offers a fun and casual dining experience for families. Each location features a spacious outdoor play area, so kids can enjoy themselves while parents relax. Known for its delicious burgers, chicken, and fries made from fresh ingredients, Hat Creek provides a welcoming atmosphere for diners of all ages. The relaxed vibe, healthy options, and dedicated play spaces make it a top choice for families looking to enjoy a meal together without any hassle.

Locations:

5820 FM 1463 Road, Fulshear

8215 Louetta Road, Spring

2150 Mason Rd, Katy

7617 N. Loop 1604 E., Live Oak

d’Alba Garden Oaks

Taking kids to d’Alba in Houston is a fun experience for the whole family. The restaurant features a spacious patio for al fresco dining and a kids playground, making it an ideal spot for children to play and explore. The menu offers a variety of shareable dishes like wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas. For kids who prefer their own meals, the children’s menu includes chicken fingers, pasta, cheese pizza, and a classic peanut butter and jelly with fries. Be sure to save room for dessert and treat the whole crew to either seasonal sorbet, tres leches, or a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie with ice cream.

Location: 3715 Alba Rd, Houston

Phone: 346-319-5790

Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Crisp

The neighborhood favorite Crisp features a relaxed atmosphere with a spacious patio where kids can play and parents can unwind. The menu is diverse, offering kid-friendly options like pizza, pasta, and chicken tenders, while also catering to adult tastes with gourmet pizzas, fresh salads, and craft beers. The casual setting allows children to feel at ease, making dining out enjoyable for everyone. Be sure to visit on Mondays for their buy one, get one half off pizza special.

Location: 2220 Bevis St, Houston

Phone: 713-360-0222

Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Feges BBQ

Located in Greenway Plaza and Spring Branch, Feges BBQ is known for its flavorful smoked meats and kid friendly atmosphere. The kids will love the tender brisket, juicy sausages, and delicious sides like mac and cheese and sweet cornbread while the spacious dining area and casual vibe make it easy for families to enjoy a meal together without the stress. Be sure to visit on Wednesdays for dinner as kids under 12 eat free after 5 p.m.

Location: 8217 Long Point Rd, Houston

Phone: 346-319-5339

Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Good Dog Houston

You can’t go wrong with a good hot dog and Good Dog Houston knows how to make them. From a classic chili cheese dog to the more adventurous Texican Dog with refried beans, oaxaca cheese and pickled jalapenos, Good Dog provides options for everyone from picky eaters to self-proclaimed foodies. Be sure to get the kids a Berry Mascarpone milkshake and enjoy a Cajeta & Cold Brew one for yourself! 

Location: 903 Studewood St, Houston

Phone: 832-800-3647

Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Little Matt’s

This family-friendly restaurant offers a unique twist: an in-house candy shop and arcade while also giving back as the founders donate proceeds from the restaurant to Texas Children’s Hospital in honor of their son and his battle with a rare disease. The menu caters to all ages, featuring kid favorites like hot dogs and mac and cheese, alongside more sophisticated options for adults including salads, burgers, enchiladas and more. While waiting for their meals, children can enjoy playing games and exploring the candy selection, ensuring they are entertained throughout the visit and parents can enjoy an adult beverage which comes free with each adult meal. The combination of delicious food and a playful environment makes Little Matt’s a perfect dining destination for families.

Location: 6203 Edloe St, Houston

Phone: 713-592-6200

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Mia’s Table

You can’t go wrong with a place that offers free soft serve ice cream for kids and Mia’s Table does just that. Before dessert, parents can enjoy the chicken-fried chicken or pulled pork sandwich while the little ones dine on kid-friendly favorites like corn dogs, grilled cheese or chicken nuggets, each served with a choice of fries, chips or fruit.

Location: 3131 Argonne St, Houston, TX 77098

Phone: 713-522-6427

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

The Lake House

Located in Discovery Green Park on the south shore of Kinder Lake, The Lake House provides not just kid-friendly food but a scenic view for everyone to enjoy. The menu features a variety of kid-friendly options like hot dogs, burgers, and chicken tenders, along with fresh salads and sandwiches for adults. Children can run and play in the park before or after the meal, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and fun.

Location:1600 McKinney St. Houston

Phone: 713-337-7320

Hours: Monday – Tuesday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Thursday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Skeeter’s

Skeeters offers a menu packed with kid-friendly options like chicken tenders, burgers, and quesadillas, ensuring even the pickiest eaters are satisfied. The restaurant’s relaxed vibe allows children to feel at ease, while parents can enjoy hearty salads, grilled dishes, and a selection of craft beers. With its combination of tasty food and a comfortable setting, Skeeters makes dining out with kids both enjoyable and stress-free. 

Location: 5529 Weslayan, Houston 

Phone: 713-660-7090

Hours: Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Red River BBQ & Grill

Red River BBQ & Grill, with Houston-area locations in League City and Katy, is a great kid-friendly spot known for its delicious Texas-style BBQ. Both locations offer a relaxed atmosphere with spacious outdoor seating, making it perfect for families. Kids can enjoy classic comfort food like mac and cheese or chicken tenders while parents savor smoked meats and Southern sides.

Locations:

League City: 1911 E Main St, League City

Katy: 1711 Spring Green Blvd, Katy