Grab some grub as you stroll along Spruce Street Harbor Park.

Family-Friendly Outdoor Dining Options in Philly 

1. Spruce Street Harbor Park

Relax on an outdoor hammock, grab a bite, play ping pong or shuffleboard, or stroll the boardwalk. Spruce Street Harbor Park makes for a great day trip with plenty of food options, including tacos, French toast bites, frozen sweets, Chickie & Pete’s, and alcoholic drinks for the adults. At nighttime, the space transforms into an LED light oasis. This urban beach is open through September 25, 2022.

2. Frankford Hall                    

Prost! Picnic tables fill this space amidst a rustic brick backdrop. The large enclosed area is a great way to enjoy your Bavarian pretzel, wurst, and many other German-inspired snacks and plates on the menu. As an added bonus, PlayArts is hosting kids programming every other Sunday from 12−4pm through August. 

Play lawn games like corn hole while dining riverside at the Landing Kitchen. Photo by Liz Baill @creativishmom

3. The Landing Kitchen

While most of our waterfront spots are on the Delaware River, The Landing Kitchen sits on the Schuylkill near hiking and biking trails, making it a great stopping point after some activity. While the menu is on the lighter side with veggies, bowls, and toasts, this café also makes sandwiches alongside its coffee, tea, and juice offerings. This sweet spot is located at the Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing and has outdoor games like corn hole and bocce ball. Furry family members are also welcomed.

4. Front Street Cafe

This all-day dining destination has a large outdoor eating area on the garden patio with a covered bar and plenty of space to enjoy the weather. Multiple menus span the course of the day, including brunch, lunch, dinner, and even a turnover menu for the time between lunch and dinner. Front Street's fresh-pressed juices are sure to make the kids happy.   

5. Fette Sau

Boasting one of the best happy hours in town, this Brooklyn original has a delicious selection of dry-rub meats and kid-friendly sides, including mac & cheese and corn bread. Eat at outdoor picnic benches year-round at this laid back, serve-yourself destination.

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Brunch at Honey's Sit 'N Eat is a NoLibs family favorite.

6. Honey's Sit 'N Eat

Head to Northern Liberties and enjoy some good old-fashioned home cooking, courtesy of Honey's Sit 'N Eat. Serving breakfast and lunch from morning through the afternoon closing time, there are kids' breakfast plates, breakfast burritos, short stacks, sandwiches, and lots of coffee for mom and dad. The restaurant also offers "brunch boxes," meant to serve multiple people. 

7. Maggie's Waterfront Cafe

More than a decade ago, northeast Philadelphia got a great waterfront cafe right on the Delaware River. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and the menu includes lots of basic favorites, including chicken tenders and fried pickles as well as a slate of burgers, wraps, and sandwiches that are sure to please anyone in the family. 

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Eat al fresco at Martha. 

8. Martha

A colorful outdoor space with light fare that is kid-friendly. Martha also offers a kid's plate with a great assortment of kid-friendly snacks that hit all the right nutritional notes.

Who doesn't love pizza, especially outdoors at Pizzeria Stella? 

9. Pizzeria Stella

Enjoy pizza classics, like pepperoni or margherita, as well as elevated combinations, such as pistachio, red onion, rosemary, and fontina, at Pizzeria Stella, a neighborhood restaurant with a Neapolitan flair in Society Hill's Headhouse Square. With its casual atmosphere and delicious eats (who doesn't like pizza?), the whole family will love Pizzeria Stella. And don't forget to end the meal on a sweet note with a scoop of gelato or sorbet.

RELATED: Igloos, Greenhouses and Yurts for Outdoor Dining in Philly

The Bourse is right next to Independence Hall. 

10. The Bourse

Ok, so this is a bit of a cheat, but go to The Bourse to pick the dining option your heart desires in this diverse food hall, and then take it out and picnic on Independence Mall. There are so many choices from burgers and pizza to pastas and cheesesteaks. It is easy to please everyone in the family here.

11. SquareBurger

Here's another one too perfect to leave off the list. Visit SquareBurger in Franklin Square for burgers (vegetarian, too), dogs, and a few other items, including delicious milkshakes. Yum! Kids can play in the square, watch the fountain, take a ride on the carousel, and play a round of mini golf.

12. Urban Village

This brewery on the corner of Schmidt's Commons has pizza, crayons, and colored paper for kids, plus all the outdoor amenities that Schmidt's Commons has to offer. 

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13. Mural City Cellars

Mural City Garden, an expansion of the cellar, is newly opened and operating. Enjoy some wine, of course, or a locally sourced craft beer, non-alcoholic drink, and food from local vendors in this kid-friendly outdoor space. 

14. Liberty Point

Philly’s largest outdoor restaurant, Liberty Point offers its customers great waterfront views as they dine and unwind. Menu options include shareables, salads, seafood, and sandwiches as well as kids’ staples (hamburger, hot dog, mac & cheese, and chicken fingers). As an added bonus, weekly entertainment graces the stage at Liberty Point.

Bridget Foy's is a great outdoor dining option in the heart of Queen Village.

15. Bridget Foy’s

Nestled in Queen Village, the corner restaurant brings all the charm with a neighborhood feel. The lunch and dinner menus offer the usuals, burgers and crispy chicken, in addition to some originals, such as melon & prosciutto and mushroom campanelle. With around 10 tables outside, be sure to make a reservation for your corner view.  

Take in the views and the delicious food at Morgan's Pier.

16. Morgan's Pier

Come on out for a breeze by the water, great views of both the Ben Franklin Bridge and boats passing by, and a reasonably priced kids’ menu. Check out the events calendar for fun on many days of the week, and grab a flatbread, sandwich, or seafood off the menu.

17. Bok Bar

This eclectic spot features monthly food vendor shakeups, so guests can always look forward to something new and tasty. More than just food, Bok Bar holds wellness- and artistry-inspired events on this rooftop terrace with amazing skyline views atop the iconic Bok Building.

18. The Garden at Cherry Street Pier

Between Liberty Point and Morgan’s Point you’ll find Cherry Street Pier, and the restaurant here, The Garden, is another spot for views of The Benny and kids’ menu options your wallet can’t beat. With seating under steel trusses, this outdoor, on-the-water setup brings a whole lot of history. Workshops, artisan vendors, and more are set up at Cherry Street Pier as well.  

19. Sunset Social

This rooftop burger joint is a 1.2 acre park … yes, on a roof. On top of a parking garage in University City, Sunset Social offers Wednesday movie nights, sundown socials, and sundae socials, among other events. Bring a blanket or chair, grab a burger and fries, and kick back on the lawn, on a roof, at Sunset Social.

20. Standard Tap

This gastropub features some seriously delicious eats, including breakfast food, such as shrimp and grits and breakfast sandwiches, as well as lunch and dinner items, including small and large plates and sandwiches, not to mention a solid rotating draft list and a wait staff who are friendly and helpful when you have little kids along.

Originally published in 2017. Corrie Stango contributed additional reporting.

Photos courtesy of the restaurants unless otherwise noted.