Family-Friendly Restaurants
15 kid-friendly restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops rated and reviewed by families.
🌳 ParkBlueberry Hill Breakfast Cafe is a beloved La Grange breakfast and brunch spot that welcomes families with open arms. With nearly 2,000 glowing reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this budget-friendly restaurant serves up hearty morning meals in a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere that makes weekend family breakfasts easy and enjoyable.
Tates Original Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop is a charming throwback ice cream parlor that delights kids with hand-dipped scoops, towering sundaes, and a nostalgic candy counter straight out of the 1950s. The friendly staff and classic parlor atmosphere make it the perfect reward stop after school activities or a sweet ending to a family day exploring downtown La Grange.
The Original Rainbow Cone is a legendary Chicago-area ice cream destination that's been delighting families for generations with its signature five-flavor rainbow slice stacked in a cone. Kids' eyes light up when they see the towering combination of orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), strawberry, and chocolate ice cream that's become an iconic summer tradition for local families.
Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store is a beloved local treasure where families gather for premium hand-dipped ice cream in a classic parlor setting. Kids love watching their scoops being prepared and choosing from an array of sundaes, shakes, and treats made with fresh dairy products that have made Oberweis a Chicagoland favorite for generations.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is a Chicago institution serving the city's famous deep-dish pizza with their signature buttery crust that melts in your mouth. Kids love watching the thick, cheesy pizzas arrive at the table in deep pans, and the casual, welcoming atmosphere makes families feel right at home in this legendary Chicago eatery.
🎨 MuseumThis Instagram-famous experiential museum on the Magnificent Mile is pure sensory overload in the best way - kids slide into pools of sprinkles, ride a mechanical swing, and explore whimsical themed rooms while sampling unlimited ice cream treats. It's more of an interactive art installation than a traditional museum, with every corner designed for photos and play. The experience is timed entry and moves through rooms, so it feels like an adventure rather than just exhibits.
Step back in time at this beloved Chicago institution where kids can experience the novelty of classic drive-in dining complete with carhop service and larger-than-life hot dog mascots perched on the roof. The retro atmosphere, generous portions, and fun presentation make eating hot dogs feel like a special adventure that creates lasting family memories.
Smallcakes- A Cupcakery Elmhurst is a delightful cupcake shop that turns any ordinary day into a special treat for kids. With gourmet cupcakes in creative, rotating flavors, this local bakery is perfect for celebrating birthdays, rewarding good behavior, or simply enjoying a sweet family outing. The colorful displays and generous portions make it an instant hit with children who love choosing their own special cupcake.
This Chicago legend serves up authentic Italian beef sandwiches, iconic Chicago-style hot dogs, and famous chocolate cake shakes that kids absolutely devour. The casual, counter-service atmosphere means families can relax while kids enjoy classic American comfort food that's become part of Chicago's culinary identity. The menu has plenty of options for picky eaters, from simple burgers to crispy fries.
Giordano's is a Chicago deep-dish pizza chain famous for their stuffed pizza style, where a second layer of crust creates a pie-like pizza loaded with cheese and toppings. This family-friendly spot welcomes kids with open arms and gives them the quintessential Chicago pizza experience in a casual, no-frills environment.
Peterson Food Mart is a charming, family-owned ice cream parlor that's been delighting generations since 1919. This Oak Park institution offers classic homemade ice cream, towering sundaes, and old-fashioned malts in a nostalgic setting that takes parents back to their own childhood while creating new memories with their kids.
Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store is a Park Ridge institution where families gather for premium hand-dipped ice cream made with quality ingredients from their local dairy. Kids love choosing from the colorful array of ice cream flavors, watching their sundaes being built, and enjoying classic treats like shakes and malts in a nostalgic setting that parents appreciate too.