16 Restaurant Chains That Make Dining Out With Kids Easier

Taking kids out to eat can be a gamble. Parents want a meal that feels like a break, not another round of planning, packing, waiting, and worrying about whether the kids will be comfortable. A good family-friendly restaurant does more than offer chicken tenders. The best ones make room for kids with flexible menus, quick service, patient staff, activity options, and meals that work for both children and adults.

This list highlights 16 restaurant chains that make family dining feel a little easier. Some stand out for their kids’ menus, while others offer games, casual atmospheres, affordable meals, or enough variety to keep everyone at the table happy. For parents looking for a low-stress place to eat with the whole family, these chains are worth keeping in mind.

McDonald's will likely always be among the king of restaurants that go out of their way to make kids feel welcome. While they are not as common these days, many McDonald's restaurants have indoor play places that are loaded with slides, ball pits, and more. Check here to find a location with a play place. McDonald's also has food that kids crave, and it has a great atmosphere.

If you have a Hat Creek Burger Company near you, then bring the kids immediately! The restaurant has a very simple but tasty menu that includes burgers, hot dogs, fries, and more. Best of all, each Hat Creek restaurant has a large playground outside so your kids can work off their meals while you relax.

You probably knew this one would be on here. While it's not quite the same as it was in the 90s, Chuck E. Cheese is still a great restaurant. It has a fun menu with great pizza, plenty of games, and entertainment. This is also still a perfect place to host your child's birthday party.

Chick-fil-A is another restaurant that makes it a point to make kids feel welcome. First, they have a variety of tasty meals, including kids' options, from chicken fingers to sandwiches. Many Chick-fil-A restaurants also have a play place where kids can blow off some steam after their meal. Call ahead to find a location with a play place.

For many years, Dave & Buster's has been synonymous with video games and fun, and that's still the case. You can go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and enjoy a meal and hours of entertainment. There's a loaded kids' menu that has everything from pizza to flavorful drinks. Just be cautious about going here too late, when it can fill up with people and get a bit rowdy.

Many great restaurants are like amusement parks for kids, and Main Event is one of them. This is the kind of place where you can enjoy a meal and then play arcade games, go bowling, and more. Main Event wants kids to come around, and they want them to have a good time. Check to see if you have one in your area.

Peter Piper Pizza is a great restaurant that truly goes out of its way to make kids feel welcome. They have many tasty pizzas and a bundle of great sides at the large buffet. Plus, once you're done with your meal, you and the kids can go and play a variety of arcade games. The decor is very child-friendly, and the prices are good, too.

For those not familiar with it, Mr. Gatti's Pizza is a creative pizza chain that is found in Texas and other states. Mr. Gatti's has one of the most extensive pizza buffets in the business, so there's plenty for adults and kids to enjoy. Each location also has a huge area filled with arcade games that are fun for all ages. This restaurant also hosts many special events for kids where they can meet their favorite cartoon characters. 

Chili's isn't marketed to kids, but the restaurant does have a lot to offer to young ones. For starters, they have a vast kids' menu that's loaded with goodies. The best part of that is that if you sign up for their rewards program, you'll be notified of offers for a free meal when you order an entree. The staff is also really good at giving crayons and activity mats to the kids who come in.

If you're hungry for breakfast, look no further than Denny's. There are many tasty options on the menu, from Mickey Mouse pancakes to sugar-filled treats. A great perk is that your kids can eat free after you purchase an entree for $6 or more. Call your nearby location to verify that they offer the promotion.

Red Robin is a great burger place with a variety of meals for adults and kids alike. The menu includes huge milkshakes, which your children are sure to love. The chain is also famous for its endless fries, so you can eat to your heart's content and save money. Plus, sign up for their rewards program, and you and your kids will get a free burger on your birthday.

Speaking of milkshakes, another restaurant that goes out of its way to make kids feel welcome is Steak 'n Shake. As the name suggests, they have a huge selection of milkshakes, and they all involve some kind of candy. You may be tempted to try them all, but don't worry about going broke in the process. Head there between 2-4 pm on weekdays and get a shake for half price.

Most kids like donuts, so you'll probably find yourself at Krispy Kreme at one point or another. The eatery loves to see kids succeed, and that's why they give a free donut for every A that your child gets on their report card. It's a maximum of six free donuts, which can be a great motivation.

If you're lucky enough to live near a Culver's restaurant, then stop in. Not only will you be in store for some of the best frozen custard you've ever tasted, but you'll also get a great deal if you bring your kids. Get the Culver's app, and every time your child's birthday comes around, you get a free birthday custard treat.

Families that love sub sandwiches should sign up for the Firehouse Subs app. When you do, you can bring your kids there on their birthday, and they'll get a free sub! Parents can get a free sub too, but they need to make a $1 purchase. That's why this is one of the most family-friendly of all the sub shops.

GameWorks was once a popular destination for food and arcade games, but most locations have permanently closed as of 2024. Check locally to see if any locations have reopened or been replaced by similar entertainment venues. If there's still one near you, there's a lot here for adults and kids alike. The locations have meals for the kids and a huge selection of arcade games and virtual reality experiences. It's a lot of fun for an afternoon out.