Kid friendly restaurants. Oh the saga. It’s SO hard going out to eat with kids and now that Finley is 3.5 years old, I’ve had plenty of experience in this category and actually feel really lucky to live in Houston because we have a lot that is kid friendly. The weather isn’t always kid friendly, but the restaurants are becoming more and more catering to families and this is so amazing! Having a baby you have to have clean bathrooms, enough space to drive strollers and park them, clean high chairs and more. With a toddler you really need an area for kids to be able to get up and play. We do not give Finley an iPad or phone at dinner so this is really important for us. I love to eat out and do so often so I have quite a bit of experience with the restaurants in the surrounding areas. Some of these I haven’t been too yet, but I plan too! I have listed over 25 restaurants in Houston and the surrounding areas for you!
Memorial Area
The Del-pretty casual during the day, I’ve actually never been at night. Outside seating with a patio and a huge chalkboard for the kids. The food was delicious and healthy! The service was great and they were super friendly to the kids!
Goode Co. Cantina-AH I feel like I’m giving away a big secret because this is our favorite place EVER! The food is just.so.good. They have small (very) small green space outside that is enclosed. They have Jenga blocks and corn hole, but by 5pm on a Friday you can’t fit another kid. We try to go earlier or even during the week. The service is great, the drinks are great. It’s our jam.
Buffalo Grille-good outside space, not entirely fenced. Serves breakfast all day, and can be super healthy! Try the whole wheat blueberry pancake.
Ciros-Very large green space, but not enclosed and close to the parking lot. I hear it’s OK Italian food.
Maggianos Memorial City-if you sit outside the patio backs up to the green space of Memorial City mall. Ok food, green space can be packed on the weekends, but it’s very large!
BB Italia-we went when it first opened and they weren’t quite all together, but the food is good. They have a patio with a green space in the front that is fenced! Wine was really good, and very generous pours!
City Centre-we go here a lot. The parking stinks and is mainly paid parking, and yes I just pay it, but the green space at an off time is so amazing. If you went at 11am on a weekday you may be the only person there. by 5pm it’s getting crowded and the weekends are packed but we pack a blanket and toys and have the best time. If you set up camp close to Bella Green you can get wine and bring it outside, and we grab Hopdoddy to go a lot and eat on our blanket.
West U
Little Matt’s-This is one I’ve never been too, but I think they have arcade games inside for the older kids!
Tiny’s No 5-outside area that SOMETIMES has a sign up to stay off the grass, but we have never been told too. Seating is outside as well, the kids love it! Known for their brunch, get there before 10am.
Buffalo Grille-has a small outside area that is dog friendly as well. Best place for breakfast, and serves it all day!
Punks-the back seating area opens to the green space in the center of a few restaurants and the apartments so it’s pretty much enclosed. You could eat and still watch your kids and they can bring a ball or toys!
Kirby
Christina’s Tailgate-has a small enclosed playground that is close to the restaurant. If your kids were older they could play by themselves while you sat inside.
Mia’s Table-it’s been awhile since I’ve been here, but it’s super chill with a great kids menu. Nothing for the kids to do, but a lot of kids are there.
Armadillo Palace-go during the day, great outdoor space and seating. Waitstaff wasn’t super friendly to the kids, but it works!
Galleria
North Italia-nothing for the kids to actually do, but it’s super loud and we sit next to the kitchen back in the corner and the kids watch all the kitchen action!
Dish Society-large outside area (not fenced) and whole water fountain, plus outside seating. Super yummy food.
Local Foods- next door to Dish Society above. Has the best pretzel grilled cheese for the kids.
Hopdoddy-great children’s menu (and food sizes, I actually get the kid’s burger). In River Oaks District we sit outside and there are never many cars driving through.
Tiny Boxwood-huge outside area. Sometimes has a sign to keep off the grass, but my kids just walk around and pick up rocks. It backs up to Thompson and Hansen so the scenery is gorgeous and parents can take turns walking through it with the kids. Get there before 10am on a weekend!
Heights
Coltivare-you MUST go during an off time, there are NO reservations, but the outside is good for older kids. A whole garden they can walk around in.
Local Foods-loud, filled with kids, patio in the front that is mostly enclosed.
Crisp-A pizza place with a large outside-bring toys! You may get some sand in your pizza, but the kids have lots to do!
Good Dog-small outside with a few toys and crayons to keep the kids active. A very casual spot.
Other Areas
Live Oak Grill (Hempstead Rd and Sugarland locations)-a little rundown, and I tried three glasses of wine and didn’t like any of them, but the beer is good! Has a playground that is enclosed. Get’s very busy on the weekends.
Beaver’s (Westheimer)-this is high on my list to go. Really great outside area for the kids.
Jimmy Changas-some of the locations have playgrounds!
Betsy’s (Bellaire)-outside area but close to Bellaire blvd. Backs up to outdoor park that is huge. You probably wouldn’t let the kids play alone unless they were older, because it’s so big and more grassy area than actual playground.
FM Kitchen (Shepherd and Washington)-good burgers, ok drinks, has ping pong, jenga and some turfed areas. Dog friendly and lots of kids!