Eat well—and then bowl (as well as you can!) Photo courtesy of Flatbread Pizza, Somerville

1. Flatbread Pizza/Sacco’s Bowl Haven and American Flatbread/Brighton Bowl — Somerville, Brighton

Flatbread is not your average pizza joint. The handcrafted pies and salads are made with lots of local, organic ingredients in a wood-fired oven that kids love watching from the safety of a nearby bench. There’s even gluten-free crust available. Snag a bowling lane before, during, or after your meal and challenge the whole family to a round of candlepin. They also have a location in Georgetown and Worcester is opening soon!

Kids can try fishing at the indoor trout pond at Legal Harborside. Photo courtesy of Legal Harborside Facebook page

2. Legal Harborside — Seaport

Legal Sea Foods is known for going above and beyond to accommodate guests (such as having lots of gluten-free options), but the harborside location takes the cake for kid-friendly restaurants. Kids will love watching boats come in and out of the harbor, and they can fish in a stocked trout pond inside the restaurant! 

3. Shake Shack — Chestnut Hill

BShake Shack serves up delicious burgers, fries, and shakes—the kind of delightfully decadent but quick meal parents and kids both love. Shake Shack Chestnut Hill is super kid-friendly, with a huge lawn for little ones to run around on, complete with kid-sized benches. It’s right next to the outdoor seating (with umbrellas for shade), so parents can keep an eye on the play without missing their meal.

4. Life Alive — Central Square 

When you feel like having a healthy meal that still tastes great, head to Life Alive. There’s a lot packed into this two-story location, including a special kids’ area in the basement. Small tables and chairs, plus toys, means that little ones will be entertained while you enjoy a rice and vegetable bowl and green juice. Additional location include; Back Bay, Boston University (Brookline), Davis Square (Somerville), Harvard Square (Cambridge), Jamaica Plain (Boston), Kendall Square (Cambridge), Legacy Place (Dedham), Lowell, Salem, South End (Boston), and Union Square (Somerville),

A cheery atmosphere gets even more fun on Sundays with DIY sundaes and balloon animals. Photo courtesy of Summer Shack

5. Tangerini's Farm — Millis

6. The Friendly Toast — Back Bay

With seven kid-friendly restaurant locations in the Boston area, The Friendly Toast is poised for a family breakfast takeover. The food is creative yet accessible, making it perfect for parents and kids. Sitting outside at the Back Bay location makes for great people watching, while indoors you’ll be able to ogle the impressive collection of vintage, kitschy wares the restaurant has collected. While they don't take reservations, you can use Yelp to check the active wait times. Additional locations include; Cambridge, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Danvers, Dedham, and North Andover.

7. Trident Booksellers and Cafe — Back Bay

This Boston institution has been feeding both the bellies and minds of locals and visitors since it opened more than 40 years ago. The food isn’t fancy but it's delicious, and kids will love people watching from the patio. Or, let them pick out a new favorite book while you wait for your food.

Video game fun. Photo by Chris Anderson courtesy Bit Bar Salem 

8. Bit Bar — Salem

For kids who love video games, Bit Bar is a perfect dining spot. This arcade-style restaurant is packed with games to play while enjoying a meal. In addition to a kid-friendly menu, every kids’ meal comes with $3 in game tokens. Keep in mind that after 8 p.m., the restaurant is 21+ only.

9. Woodman’s of Essex — Essex

In business for more than 110 years, Woodman’s of Essex is a must-visit restaurant for any kid who lives near Boston. Home of the original fried clam, Woodman’s is the perfect summer dining spot for the whole family. Not only is the food appealing to both parents and children, but there’s also a beautiful outdoor eating area with water views that’s perfect for running around. Plus, there’s an ice cream shop on the premises.

10. The Lookout — Natick

Known for its pick-your-own apples and plums, this farm offers two dining options: The Taproom, open year-round, and The Lookout, available during the warmer months. Guests can enjoy delicious lobster rolls and more while taking in the scenic, rolling landscape before strolling through the orchards.

11.  MarketStreet — Lynnfield

MarketStreet features several kid-friendly play areas, including a grassy outdoor space where children can run around and explore. There’s also a play structure near the center, designed for younger kids to climb and engage with. The open-air setting allows for a relaxed dining experience while parents keep an eye on their little ones enjoying the space.

12. Fire+Ice — Back Bay

What better way to keep tiny hands busy at a restaurant than getting them involved in actually making their meals? That's exactly what Fire+Ice is all about. Parents of picky eaters, this is a dream. Head up to the huge round grill, pick out the ingredients you want, then watch the chefs prepare it. You can order anything from Mexican to Italian dishes. Really turn up the wow factor and visit for brunch when you can load up your pancakes with fruit and other toppings. 

13. Joe's Waterfront — North End

This well-known Boston restaurant is located directly across the street from a playground. So if things head south while dining, pack up your meals to-go and let your kids burn off some energy while you snack on leftovers. Joe's offers a full kids' menu with classic staples like mac and cheese and burgers, as well as options like popcorn shrimp for more adventurous eaters. 

14. True North Ale — Ipswich

This brewery is a great spot for families looking to enjoy craft beer and delicious food in a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere. The brewery offers a spacious outdoor seating area where kids can stretch their legs while parents savor their brews. Plus, little ones will love trying their hand at one (or all) of the pinball machines onsite.

15. The Beehive — South End

This New Orleans-inspired restaurant will have your kids on their feet in a good way. That's because they often offer live music during meals, including a great jazz brunch. There is no kids' menu, but this kid-friendly restaurant serves up plenty of breakfast favorites, like French toast and eggs.

Originally published 5/3/19
Updated 3/10/25