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Family-Friendly Restaurants

🍽️ Family-Friendly Restaurants for Kids in Grimes, IA

15 kid-friendly restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in Grimes

15 of 15
Walker Johnston Park park in Urbandale, IA🌳 Park
Photo: Walker Johnston Park
4.7(655)Free5 mi · Urbandale

Walker Johnston Park is Urbandale's premier family destination, offering something for every age across its expansive grounds. From the popular splash pad that provides relief on hot Iowa summer days to the skateboard park, fishing pond, and multiple playgrounds, families can easily spend an entire day exploring this well-maintained recreational hub.

🕑 3-5 hours
Waveland Cafe cafe in Des Moines, IA🎳 Bowling
Photo: Roberto Cruz
4.6(2,381)$8 mi away

Waveland Cafe is a beloved Des Moines breakfast and lunch spot serving up classic American comfort food in a welcoming, no-fuss atmosphere. With its affordable prices, generous portions, and kid-friendly menu, this local favorite has been feeding families for years. The casual cafe vibe makes it perfect for bringing the whole crew, including picky eaters who'll find plenty of familiar options.

🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour
Spare Time Des Moines pizza restaurant in Altoona, IA🎳 Bowling
Photo: Spare Time Des Moines
4.2(848)$$8 mi · Altoona

Spare Time Des Moines is a one-stop entertainment destination that goes way beyond traditional bowling. With bumper bowling for little ones, an exciting arcade, laser tag arena, and family-friendly cosmic bowling sessions complete with music and lights, this modern facility keeps kids of all ages entertained for hours while parents can relax knowing food is readily available on-site.

🕑 3-4 hours
🍦 Ice Cream
4.2(12)$7 mi · Windsor Heights

This classic Dairy Queen location on University Avenue in Windsor Heights is a go-to spot for Des Moines families seeking sweet treats after school, sports games, or as a special dessert destination. With its full menu of famous Blizzards, soft-serve cones, sundaes, and quick-bite burgers, it's the perfect stop for a casual family outing that won't break the bank.

🕑 20-30 minutes
🍽️ Restaurant
4.0(265)$$

Gateway Market is a community-focused grocery store and café that doubles as a family-friendly dining destination in Des Moines. With a dedicated kids' menu, fresh grab-and-go options, and a welcoming café atmosphere, it's perfect for casual family meals or a quick lunch stop while running errands with little ones in tow.

🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour for a meal; 30 minutes for a quick coffee and snack stop
🍽️ Restaurant
4.0(207)$$5 mi · Urbandale

The Urban Grill serves up classic American comfort food in a welcoming, no-fuss atmosphere that puts families at ease. With a diverse menu featuring everything from burgers and pasta to healthier options, even picky eaters will find something they love, while parents appreciate the attentive service and reasonable prices that make dining out with kids stress-free.

🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour
🍽️ Restaurant
4.0(89)$$6 mi · Ankeny

Palmer's Deli & Market is a relaxed neighborhood spot that takes the stress out of family dining with its casual counter-service setup and diverse menu options. Kids can choose from classic deli sandwiches while parents appreciate the gluten-free selections and fresh soups, plus you can grab groceries for later,making it a convenient one-stop for busy families exploring West Des Moines.

🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour
Cafe
4.0(10)$$6 mi · Windsor Heights

Scooter's Coffee in Windsor Heights is a family-friendly pit stop that caters to both caffeinated parents and thirsty kids. With its convenient drive-thru service, you can grab your morning latte while treating the little ones to fresh smoothies or kid-friendly drinks without the hassle of unbuckling car seats,perfect for busy mornings or refueling during weekend errands.

🕑 5-15 minutes (quick drive-thru stop or brief inside visit)
Cafe
3.9(15)$7 mi · Bondurant

Valley West Corner Store is a local convenience stop in West Des Moines where families can grab quick, casual meals and made-to-order pizza when you're on the go. While primarily a convenience store with auto services, it's a handy spot for parents running errands who need to pick up snacks, drinks, or a simple hot meal that kids will actually eat.

🕑 15-30 minutes
🍽️ Restaurant
3.8(20)$4 mi · Indianola

This classic seasonal drive-in restaurant brings families back to simpler times with car-side service, juicy burgers, famous breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, and soft-serve ice cream treats. Kids love the nostalgic experience of eating in the car while parents appreciate the quick, affordable meal option that feels like a special outing rather than just another fast-food stop.

🕑 30-45 minutes
🍽️ Restaurant
3.7(476)$$5 mi · Windsor Heights

The Machine Shed brings farm-to-table comfort to life with its rustic barn atmosphere and generous portions of Midwest classics that satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Kids love the agricultural theme complete with farm décor, while parents appreciate the extensive kids menu and the famous warm cinnamon rolls that arrive at every table,perfect for keeping little ones happy while waiting for meals.

🕑 1-1.5 hours
🍦 Ice Cream
2.8(29)$6 mi · Waukee

This Dairy Queen Grill & Chill offers the perfect combination of quick meal options and sweet treats that keep kids happy. It's an ideal pit stop for families exploring Waukee, where you can grab burgers for lunch and follow up with their famous Blizzards or soft-serve cones that kids always request.

🕑 30-45 minutes

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