The Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Dining in Missouri: Where to Eat with Children

Missouri is a great destination for families with children, and there are plenty of dining options available that cater to kids. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there are many family-friendly restaurants throughout the state. With a little research, parents can find the perfect place for kid-friendly dining in Missouri.

Kid-friendly dining is a growing trend in Missouri, and many restaurants are now offering special menus and activities for children. From pizza and burgers to tacos and barbecue, there is something for everyone. Families can enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere while enjoying delicious food. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to eat. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to kid-friendly dining in Missouri.

Decoding Kid-Friendly Dining

When it comes to dining out with children, finding a kid-friendly restaurant is essential. However, what makes a restaurant “kid-friendly” can vary from family to family. In this section, we will decode what makes a restaurant suitable for children and why a diverse menu is crucial.

What Makes a Restaurant Kid-Friendly?

A kid-friendly restaurant should have a welcoming and fun atmosphere that appeals to both children and adults. The restaurant should have a layout that allows for easy movement for families with strollers and high chairs. Additionally, having activities or games for children to play while waiting for their food can help keep them entertained and happy.

Another essential aspect of a kid-friendly restaurant is having a diverse menu that caters to children’s taste buds. The menu should include healthy options such as fruits and vegetables, as well as classic kid favorites like pizza and chicken nuggets. Having a kids’ menu with smaller portions and lower prices can also be beneficial for families on a budget.

The Importance of a Diverse Menu for Children

A diverse menu is crucial for children because it exposes them to different flavors and encourages them to try new foods. This can help develop their taste buds and lead to healthier eating habits in the future. In addition, having a diverse menu can accommodate children with dietary restrictions or allergies.

Overall, a kid-friendly restaurant should have a fun atmosphere, activities for children, and a diverse menu that caters to their taste buds and dietary needs. By keeping these factors in mind, families can enjoy a stress-free dining experience with their children.

Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Missouri

Missouri is home to an array of restaurants that cater to families with children. From American classics to Italian delights, pizza places to sizzling steakhouses, and delicious desserts, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top kid-friendly restaurants in Missouri:

American Classics for the Whole Family

The Boathouse at Forest Park: Located in Forest Park, The Boathouse is an iconic gathering place for lunch and brunch. The sprawling patio is pet-friendly and kids can feed the fish and ducks. The menu features favorites from Cyrano’s, Hi-Pointe Drive-In, and Sugarfire Smoke House.
Frisco’s Grill and Pub: Frisco’s is a family-friendly restaurant that serves classic American fare. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. Kids will love the mini corn dogs and chicken tenders.
Rise Coffee House: Rise Coffee House offers a relaxed atmosphere for families with kids. The back patio offers a wooden playhouse and area for little ones to have fun as adults enjoy coffee and breakfast.

Italian Delights for Little Ones

Zia’s on the Hill: Zia’s on the Hill is a family-owned Italian restaurant that has been serving St. Louis for over 30 years. The menu includes classic Italian dishes, such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and fettuccine alfredo. Kids will love the pizza and chicken fingers.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Carrabba’s is a popular Italian restaurant chain that offers a kids’ menu with dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, cheese pizza, and grilled chicken. The restaurant also offers a gluten-free menu for those with dietary restrictions.
The Pasta House Co.: The Pasta House Co. is a family-owned Italian restaurant that has been serving St. Louis for over 40 years. The menu includes classic Italian dishes, such as toasted ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmigiana. Kids will love the pizza and spaghetti.

The Best Pizza Places for Kids

Imo’s Pizza: Imo’s Pizza is a St. Louis institution that serves thin-crust pizza with a unique blend of Provel cheese. The restaurant offers a kids’ meal that includes a mini cheese pizza, a drink, and a cookie.
Dewey’s Pizza: Dewey’s Pizza is a popular pizza chain that offers a variety of pizzas, salads, and calzones. The restaurant offers a kids’ meal that includes a mini cheese pizza, a drink, and a cookie.
Pi Pizzeria: Pi Pizzeria is a St. Louis-based pizza chain that serves deep-dish and thin-crust pizza. The restaurant offers a kids’ meal that includes a mini cheese pizza, a drink, and a cookie.

Sizzling Steakhouses with Kid-Friendly Options

Texas Roadhouse: Texas Roadhouse is a popular steakhouse chain that offers a kids’ menu with dishes like mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and steak bites. The restaurant also offers a gluten-free menu for those with dietary restrictions.
Outback Steakhouse: Outback Steakhouse is a popular steakhouse chain that offers a kids’ menu with dishes like chicken fingers, grilled cheese, and steak. The restaurant also offers a gluten-free menu for those with dietary restrictions.
LongHorn Steakhouse: LongHorn Steakhouse is a popular steakhouse chain that offers a kids’ menu with dishes like mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and steak. The restaurant also offers a gluten-free menu for those with dietary restrictions.

Delicious Desserts to End Your Meal

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: Ted Drewes is a St. Louis institution that has been serving frozen custard since 1929. The restaurant offers a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
Fitz’s Root Beer: Fitz’s Root Beer is a St. Louis institution that has been serving root beer since 1947. The restaurant offers a variety of flavors, including cream soda, orange, and grape.
The Cheesecake Factory: The Cheesecake Factory is a popular chain that offers a variety of desserts, including cheesecake, chocolate cake, and ice cream. The restaurant also offers a kids’ menu with dishes like mac and cheese, chicken fingers, and pizza.

These restaurants offer a range of options for families with children, making them ideal for kid-friendly dining. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a special dinner, these restaurants have something for everyone.

Budget-Friendly Dining with Kids

When traveling with kids, finding budget-friendly dining options is always a top priority. Fortunately, Missouri has plenty of restaurants that offer tasty meals at affordable prices. Here are some great options for families looking to dine out without breaking the bank.

Finding the Perfect Meal for $

When it comes to finding budget-friendly dining options in Missouri, quick bites are a great option. Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King offer affordable meals that kids love. In addition, many local restaurants offer specials for families with children. For example, The Pasta House Co. offers a Kids Eat Free night every Monday, where kids can enjoy a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree.

Another great option for budget-friendly dining with kids is buffets. Buffets offer a wide variety of options, so even picky eaters are sure to find something they like. Golden Corral is a popular buffet chain that offers a Kids Night every Tuesday, where kids can eat for just $1.99 with the purchase of an adult meal.

Tasty Eats from $$ – $$$

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale than fast food, there are plenty of mid-range restaurants in Missouri that offer delicious meals at reasonable prices. Fazoli’s is a great option for families looking for Italian food. Their menu includes a variety of pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads, all at affordable prices.

For families looking for American cuisine, Red Robin is a great choice. They offer a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads, all made with high-quality ingredients. Prices are reasonable, with most entrees falling in the $10-$15 range.

In conclusion, Missouri has plenty of options for families looking for budget-friendly dining options. From fast food to mid-range restaurants, there’s something for everyone. By taking advantage of specials and deals, families can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.

Missouri’s Unique Dining Experiences

Missouri is a great place to take the family out to eat. From barbecue to Mongolian grills, there is something for everyone. Here are some unique dining experiences to try in Missouri.

Barbecue and More in Kansas City

Kansas City is known for its barbecue, and there’s no place better to try it than Jack Stack Barbecue. With locations all over the city, Jack Stack offers a variety of meats, sides, and desserts that are sure to satisfy. Don’t miss the burnt ends, a Kansas City specialty. And if you’re not in the mood for barbecue, Jack Stack also offers salads, sandwiches, and seafood.

St. Louis Eateries for Every Family

St. Louis has a wide variety of family-friendly restaurants to choose from. For a casual atmosphere and delicious food, try Fitz’s Root Beer. This classic diner serves up burgers, sandwiches, and of course, their famous root beer. For something a little more upscale, head to The Fountain on Locust. This ice cream parlor and soda fountain has a 1940s vibe and serves up classic American fare like hot dogs and grilled cheese.

Interactive Mongolian Grills for Groups

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that’s perfect for groups, try a Mongolian grill. Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill in Kansas City offers all-you-can-eat stir fry that you cook yourself on a giant grill. Choose your meat, vegetables, and sauces, and watch as the chefs cook it up right in front of you. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with family and friends.

No matter what your taste, Missouri has something to offer. From barbecue to Mongolian grills, there’s a dining experience for every family.

International Cuisine for Adventurous Kids

Missouri offers a wide range of international cuisine options for families with adventurous taste buds. Here are some of the best kid-friendly restaurants to explore different cultures and flavors:

Mexican Restaurants with a Kid-Friendly Twist

Mexican cuisine is a popular choice for families with kids who love tacos and burritos. However, some Mexican restaurants in Missouri offer unique twists on traditional dishes to make them more appealing to children.

One such restaurant is Mission Taco Joint, which has multiple locations in the state. They offer a kids’ menu with smaller portions of their popular tacos, as well as quesadillas and nachos. The restaurant also has a casual and fun atmosphere that kids will enjoy.

Another option is Señor Tequila, which has locations in St. Louis and Springfield. They have a kids’ menu with options like chicken fingers and cheese quesadillas, as well as traditional Mexican dishes like tacos and enchiladas. The restaurant also has a colorful decor that will keep kids entertained.

Seafood Spots for Families to Explore

Missouri may not be known for its seafood, but there are still some great options for families who want to try something new.

One such spot is Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, located in Kansas City. They have a kids’ menu with options like fish and chips and grilled cheese, as well as a raw bar with oysters and shrimp for more adventurous eaters. The restaurant also has a nautical-themed decor that kids will love.

Another option is The Fish House & Grill, located in Rolla. They have a kids’ menu with options like popcorn shrimp and mac and cheese, as well as a variety of seafood dishes for adults. The restaurant also has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that families will enjoy.

Overall, these international cuisine options provide a great opportunity for families to explore new flavors and cultures together.

Entertainment and Dining Combined

When dining with children, it’s always a plus to have some entertainment options available. Missouri has a plethora of restaurants that offer both delicious food and fun activities for kids.

Restaurants with Play Areas and Activities

Some restaurants in Missouri have play areas to keep children entertained while parents enjoy their meals. Chuck E. Cheese’s, located in multiple cities across Missouri, offers arcade games, rides, and a play area with a ball pit. Dave & Buster’s, also with multiple locations, offers a similar experience with arcade games, virtual reality, and a bowling alley.

For a more unique experience, families can visit Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant in Kansas City. This restaurant features a train that delivers food directly to the table and a play area with a train set for children to play with.

Dining and Games at Chicken N Pickle

Chicken N Pickle, located in Kansas City and Springfield, offers a fun atmosphere with a variety of activities for both children and adults. The restaurant features pickleball courts, lawn games, and a rooftop bar. Children can enjoy the outdoor play area while parents relax with a drink.

In addition to the fun activities, Chicken N Pickle also offers delicious food options. The menu includes items such as chicken sandwiches, salads, and pizza. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu with options such as grilled cheese and chicken tenders.

Overall, Missouri has a variety of restaurants that offer both entertainment and dining options for families with children. From play areas to fun activities, these restaurants provide a great atmosphere for a family night out.

Healthy Dining Options for Kids

When it comes to dining out with kids, finding healthy meal options can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many restaurants in Missouri that offer nutritious meals for growing children.

Nutritious Meals for Growing Children

One great option for healthy dining with kids is EatingWell, which offers a month of healthy dinner ideas for kids. These meals are not only kid-friendly but also packed with nutrients, including vegetables and lean proteins. Some of the recipes include Healthy Oven-Fried Pork Chops and Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili.

Another option is Ambitious Kitchen, which provides over 50 healthy kid-friendly dinner ideas. Some of the recipes include Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Mini Turkey Meatballs and Vegan Coconut Tomato Lentil Soup. These meals are not only nutritious but also delicious and easy to prepare.

Lil’ Luna is also a great choice for healthy dining with kids. The restaurant offers over 50 dinner ideas that are easy and kid-approved. Some of the meals include chicken strips, which are easy for kids to eat, and mac and cheese, which is a classic kid-friendly meal.

If you’re looking for gluten-free and dairy-free options, Living Well Mom has you covered. The restaurant offers 22 easy kid-friendly dinner ideas, including Tasty Chicken and Rice Casserole and Mac and Cheese.

Finally, Kristine’s Kitchen is another great option for healthy dining with kids. The restaurant provides 40 kid-friendly dinner recipes, including One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta and Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders.

Overall, there are many restaurants in Missouri that offer healthy and kid-friendly meal options. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free options, there are plenty of choices available.

Planning Your Family Dining Experience

When it comes to dining out with children, planning ahead can make a big difference in ensuring a stress-free meal. Here are some tips to help make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Tips for a Stress-Free Meal with Kids

Choose a kid-friendly restaurant: Look for restaurants that offer a kid-friendly menu, high chairs, booster seats, and other amenities that cater to families with little ones.
Time your meal wisely: Avoid peak dining hours to reduce wait times and minimize the chances of your child getting restless.
Bring entertainment: Bring along some toys, books, or coloring books to keep your little ones occupied while waiting for their food.
Be prepared: Pack some snacks, wipes, and a change of clothes in case of spills or accidents.
Order smart: Consider ordering appetizers or sharing entrees to reduce waste and give your child a chance to try new foods without committing to a full meal.

Making the Most of Kid-Friendly Amenities

Kid-friendly amenities can make all the difference when dining out with children. Here are some amenities to look for:

High chairs and booster seats: These can make it easier for your child to sit comfortably at the table.
Kids’ menus: Look for restaurants that offer a kids’ menu with smaller portions and familiar foods that your child will enjoy.
Play areas: Some restaurants have play areas or designated spaces for children to play while waiting for their food.
Coloring books and crayons: These can keep your child entertained and engaged while waiting for their food.

By following these tips and making the most of kid-friendly amenities, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable dining experience for the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top kid-friendly restaurants in Chesterfield, MO?

Chesterfield, MO has a variety of family-friendly dining options. Some of the top kid-friendly restaurants in Chesterfield, MO include The Shack, Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe, and The Wolf Public House.

Where can families dine with children in Kirkwood, MO?

Kirkwood, MO has several family-friendly dining options. Some of the best places to dine with children in Kirkwood include The Magic House, Kirkwood Ice & Fuel, and Dewey’s Pizza.

What are the best fun places to eat with kids in Kansas City?

Kansas City is a great place to take your family out to eat. Some of the best fun places to eat with kids in Kansas City include Crown Center, The Peanut, and Johnny’s Tavern.

Can you recommend family-friendly dining options in downtown Kansas City?

Downtown Kansas City has several family-friendly dining options. Some of the best family-friendly dining options in downtown Kansas City include The City Market, The Farmhouse, and Yard House.

What are the most popular kid-friendly eateries near St. Louis, MO?

St. Louis has many kid-friendly eateries. Some of the most popular kid-friendly eateries near St. Louis, MO include Fitz’s Root Beer, The Fountain on Locust, and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

Which restaurants are considered the best for families on the Hill in St. Louis?

The Hill in St. Louis has a variety of family-friendly dining options. Some of the best restaurants for families on the Hill in St. Louis include Charlie Gitto’s, Zia’s On The Hill, and Gioia’s Deli.