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Family-Friendly Restaurants

🍽️ Family-Friendly Restaurants for Kids in Columbia, MD

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

Activities & Venues in Columbia

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Toby's Dinner Theatre tourist attraction in Columbia, MD🎭 Theater
Photo: Toby's Dinner Theatre
4.7(2,563)$$

Toby's Dinner Theatre offers a magical combination of Broadway-quality musicals and a full buffet meal, creating an unforgettable introduction to live theater for children. The intimate theater-in-the-round setup means kids are close to the action, keeping them engaged throughout the show while enjoying a delicious dinner,no need to juggle separate reservations!

🕑 4-5 hours total (including pre-show buffet dining and the full musical performance)
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament tourist attraction in Baltimore, MD🎮 Entertainment
Photo: Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
4.6(5,287)$$$8 mi away

Medieval Times Baltimore transports families back to the 11th century for an unforgettable evening of jousting knights, thundering horses, and sword-fighting action,all while enjoying a hearty four-course feast eaten medieval-style (no utensils!). Kids will be mesmerized by the live tournament as knights compete for honor while they cheer for their assigned color-coded champion from arena-style seating.

🕑 2.5-3 hours total (45-60 minutes pre-show, 2-hour tournament and dinner)
Clark's Elioak Farm farm in Baltimore, MD🌾 Farm
Photo: Clark's Elioak Farm
4.5(2,591)$2 mi away

Clark's Elioak Farm is a beloved Baltimore-area working farm that combines classic farm activities with whimsical storybook magic. Kids can pet friendly farm animals, take pony and hayride tours, explore the enchanted forest filled with rescued storybook characters from the old Enchanted Forest theme park, and enjoy seasonal festivities like pumpkin picking in fall.

🕑 2-4 hours
🍦 Ice Cream

A beloved local institution since 1972, Little Red Barn Ice Cream Cafe is a charming family destination where kids can enjoy hand-dipped ice cream in creative flavors while parents relax at the outdoor seating areas. The laid-back, friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a sweet treat after school, sports practice, or as a weekend destination where little ones can enjoy their cones outside without worrying about making a mess.

🕑 30-45 minutes
One Rock Farmacy food store in Ellicott City, MD🌾 Farm
Photo: David Pearman
5.0(8)$5 mi · Ellicott City

One Rock Farmacy offers a delightful agritourism experience where kids can pick their own fresh berries straight from the vine in a beautiful pastoral setting. This working farm combines hands-on fruit picking with educational agricultural experiences, giving children a meaningful connection to where their food comes from while enjoying the outdoors.

🕑 1.5-2 hours
Cinemark Egyptian 24 and XD movie theater in White Marsh, MD🎮 Entertainment
Photo: Denise & Dave Barlock
4.4(7,068)$$8 mi · White Marsh

Cinemark Egyptian 24 and XD in Hanover offers families a premier movie-going experience with 24 screens showcasing the latest animated features and family blockbusters. The stadium seating ensures every child gets a great view, while the XD auditorium delivers an immersive big-screen experience that makes special releases truly memorable.

🕑 2.5-3.5 hours (including previews, the film, and pre/post-movie snack time)
Clark's Farm (produce at Clark’s Elioak Farm) food store in Ellicott City, MD🌾 Farm
Photo: Clark's Farm (produce at Clark’s Elioak Farm)
4.5(31)$$2 mi · Ellicott City

Clark's Elioak Farm is a beloved working farm that combines agricultural charm with whimsical storybook magic. Kids can interact with farm animals in the petting zoo, enjoy pony rides and hayrides, and explore a unique playground featuring original sculptures from Maryland's historic Enchanted Forest theme park, including beloved characters and structures that spark imagination.

🕑 2-4 hours
Main Event Columbia restaurant in Columbia, MD🎮 Entertainment
Photo: Main Event Columbia
4.0(3,914)$$

Main Event Columbia is the ultimate indoor entertainment destination where families can experience bowling, laser tag, an extensive arcade, a thrilling gravity ropes course, and billiards all under one roof. With its diverse mix of activities and on-site dining, it's perfect for birthday parties, rainy day adventures, or weekend family fun that keeps kids entertained for hours.

🕑 3-4 hours
Dave & Buster's Hanover - Arundel restaurant in Owings Mills, MD🕹️ Arcade
Photo: Dave & Buster's Hanover - Arundel
4.0(7,121)$$8 mi · Owings Mills

Dave & Buster's Hanover offers the ultimate combination of arcade gaming and family dining under one roof. With hundreds of arcade games, cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, sports simulators, and a full-service restaurant, it's an all-in-one destination where kids can play for hours while parents enjoy quality food and drinks in a lively atmosphere.

🕑 3-4 hours
🍦 Ice Cream
3.9(15)$10 mi · Bel Air

Cottage Cafe is a delightful local ice cream shop that's become a family favorite in the Halethorpe area. With homemade ice cream flavors, creative sundaes, and even shaved snow treats, this charming spot offers the perfect sweet ending to a family outing or a special midday treat that will have your kids begging to come back.

🕑 30-45 minutes
🍽️ Restaurant
3.5(98)$7 mi · Dundalk

Tastee Diner is a classic Maryland diner that welcomes families with open arms and serves up generous portions of breakfast favorites and comfort food all day. With its nostalgic atmosphere, wallet-friendly prices, and dedicated kids' menu, this local favorite makes dining out with children stress-free and enjoyable.

🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour
🍦 Ice Cream
2.0(16)$$$9 mi · Pikesville

Cold Stone Creamery in Pikesville offers the signature mix-in experience that kids absolutely love, watching their ice cream creation come together on the famous frozen stone. While this location has received mixed reviews, the customizable dessert concept remains a hit with children who enjoy choosing their own flavors, mix-ins, and toppings to create a personalized treat.

🕑 30-45 minutes

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