Going out to eat with kids doesn’t have to be stressful because they don’t like the food options, or they get bored quickly after spending 5 minutes in a chair, or they want to leave right away. To avoid these uncomfortable situations, it’s best to choose restaurants designed for families with children.
Just like arcades, rock climbing spots, and trampoline parks, Boston offers a diverse selection of restaurants that cater to families. These fantastic venues serve delicious food that kids adore, and many provide kid-friendly environments or dedicated areas where the little ones can play and be themselves—not just wait until it’s time to leave.
Take a look at our top kid-friendly restaurants in Boston!
Best Family Restaurants in Boston
1
Legal Sea Foods- Harborside
Located on the Boston Waterfront, Legal Sea Foods is a 20,000 square foot restaurant that features three floors and three different concepts under one roof. Their kids' menu offers burgers, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and spaghetti, making it a top destination for casual family dining in Boston.2
Shake Shack Boston
When looking for the best family brunch spots in Boston, be sure to check out Shake Shack. You may think you will encounter the typical fast-food combos, but the burgers, fries, and shakes at Shake Shack are one of a kind. Both kids and adults will enjoy a meal here.3
Life Alive
Life Alive is the perfect destination for allergy-conscious dining for children. Besides the healthy options available, you will find a special kids' area in the basement for them to play and parents to enjoy their food! There are small tables and chairs, toys, and more!4
Fire and Ice
Fire and Ice is a great place to take the kids for a nice meal. It’s an excellent option for brunch and one of the best restaurants for entertaining kids. Fire + Ice also hosts birthday parties, and if your kid is a fan of Italian or Mexican food, they’ll love it here.5
Flatbread Pizza
Flatbread Pizza is the perfect kid-friendly restaurant in Boston! Families can enjoy all-natural wood-fired pizza and then have fun in the bowling lanes, making it a top destination for play-area dining. Enjoy delicious desserts, salads, and even gluten-free options!6
Lookout Farm
Lookout Farm offers seasonal apple and fruit picking, dining, a market shop, farm-crafted beer and hard cider, event space and family fun. Enjoy delicious meals and drinks like the Crispy Fried Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich or the kids’ favorite, a cheeseburger. With all these offerings, it's one of the best casual dining spots for families in Boston.7
Bit Bar
If you're looking for a play-area restaurant in Boston, you must visit Bit Bar. It’s a classic game restaurant where the whole family can enjoy games, dining, takeout, and delivery! Kids can have a blast with games like Guitar Hero, Donkey Kong, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Ms. Pac-Man/Galaga Class of 1981, and more!8
The Paramount
The Paramount is undoubtedly one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Boston. This Beacon Hill location serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also offers delivery, takeout, gift certificates, and private event options. Whether you're craving a delicious burger or want to host your child's birthday party, the Paramount is a great choice!9
Summer Shack
At Summer Shack, you can discover themed dining experiences for children, like the Kids' Sunday Funday at Summer Shack Cambridge! They also have a variety of oysters on the half-shell, local and seasonal grilled fish, crispy fried seafood, steamed and specialty lobsters, and many more delicious options!10
Woodman’s of Essex
Woodman's has been serving traditional New England fare for over 100 years. What we appreciate most about this place is its allergy-conscious dining for children. The menu features a variety of options, including gluten-free, clean, and locally sourced fresh choices.11
Dave & Buster's
If you're looking for a restaurant with kids' entertainment, Dave & Buster's is definitely the top spot. You can enjoy delicious burgers, fries, and wings while your children have fun in the arcade. They also offer gluten-free and vegetarian options.12
Kings Dining & Entertainment
Another fantastic choice for play-area restaurants in Boston is Kings Dining & Entertainment. Their extensive menu features pizzas, wings, salads, tacos, fries, sandwiches, burgers, shareables, and desserts. Kids can enjoy classic arcade games and bowling while they’re there.There’s no better plan than a family outing—especially when Boston is packed with kid-friendly restaurants featuring playgrounds, arcades, and more. It’s simple: everyone loves to eat, and you won’t have to overthink what the kids want.
Sure, you could go bowling or hit the mini-golf course, but combining dining with entertainment? That’s a whole different level of fun.
Now you’ll know exactly where to take the family for a dining experience like no other—where great food meets unforgettable kid-powered joy.
