For family dinners beyond the drive-thru, everyone can find a seat at the table at these local eateries that are, in one way or another, especially tailored to families. These reader-selected restaurants from DFWChild’s Best for Families survey kept little kids in mind when crafting their menus and designing their amenities and entertainment. See parents’ favorites around Collin County and beyond below.
Looking for more kid-friendly places to eat around Dallas-Fort Worth?
Reader-Favorite Family Dining Spots
Dining out with kids can be an adventure—especially when one only eats chicken tenders and another can’t sit still for more than five minutes. The right restaurant makes all the difference. Thanks to kid-friendly menus to built-in play spaces, these spots make it easier for everyone to relax and enjoy a meal out of the house.
TIE: Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant, Frisco, McKinney and more
Got a kiddo who lives on mac and cheese or hot dogs? They’ll be happy here—but so will the kiddos with a bit more worldly palate. They’ll love the kids enchilada, chalupa, fajita, etc., and parents love that side options include fresh carrots or apples, or of course, rice and beans.
TIE: Haywire, Plano
Order for your kids here and it still feels like they’re getting a “real” meal, not just the usual nuggets. You’ll find options that lean a little more Texas-inspired, plus classic sides like fries or cornbread. What families love is that it fits the vibe of the restaurant—everything is a little more elevated, but still totally kid-approachable.
Runner-up: Flower Child, Plano and more
Best Restaurant with a Play Area in Collin County
Hat Creek Burger Company, Allen, McKinney, Sachse and more
Hat Creek is the kind of place where family meals happen, with playgrounds for the kids, happy hours for the parents and quality ingredients families would be proud to serve on their own tables. From all-natural burgers to fresh salads and bowls and gluten-free sides, Hat Creek has something for everyone—and room to run for kiddos.
Runner-up: The Yard, McKinney
Best Themed Restaurant in DFW
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Dallas
Dinner in a castle? Yes, please! After a relatively short jaunt to Dallas, you can cheer on knights as they joust, watch real sword fights and see horses charge through the arena, all while eating a four-course meal with your hands (which kids think is the best part). Families love how over-the-top it is—the costumes, the crowd cheering for “your” knight, and the full-on show that runs the whole time.
Runner-up: Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, Frisco and more
RELATED: See all the Best for Families winners across DFW here