Family-Friendly Restaurants
10 kid-friendly restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops rated and reviewed by families.
🌳 ParkSilverwood Park is a hidden gem where nature meets art along the stunning Silver Lake shoreline. With miles of family-friendly trails, unique outdoor art installations that spark curiosity, creative play spaces, and summer beach access, this nature preserve offers something for every member of the family. The onsite café makes it easy to spend the entire day exploring without leaving the park.
⭐ ActivityCooks of Crocus Hill transforms mealtime into memories with hands-on parent-child cooking classes that teach real culinary skills in a fun, supportive environment. Kids don aprons and work alongside parents to create delicious dishes from scratch, learning everything from basic knife skills to complete meal preparation while building confidence in the kitchen.
Clancey's Meats & Fish is a beloved Minneapolis neighborhood spot that cleverly combines a butcher shop and deli with a surprisingly family-friendly cafe atmosphere. Parents can enjoy quality coffee and browse locally-sourced products while kids stay entertained in the play area, making it an ideal spot for a casual lunch or quick bite when running errands on Grand Avenue.
Red Cow 50th & France is a neighborhood gem that elevates the casual burger joint with creative gourmet burgers, hand-crafted sodas, and a dedicated kids menu in a laid-back atmosphere. The welcoming vibe and attentive service make it easy for parents to relax while kids enjoy quality comfort food that's a step above typical fast-casual fare.
Wooden Hill Brewing is a refreshingly family-friendly neighborhood brewery where parents can enjoy craft beers while kids are genuinely welcomed and entertained. With a dedicated kids menu, board games to keep little ones busy, and a spacious patio for warmer days, this Edina spot strikes the perfect balance between adult relaxation and family dining.
Frio Frio brings ice cream entertainment to St. Louis Park with their mesmerizing cold stone mixing technique that kids absolutely love to watch. Families can create endless custom combinations as staff expertly blend mix-ins on frozen granite slabs right before your eyes, making dessert time an interactive performance that's as fun to watch as it is to eat.
Sebastian Joe's is a Minneapolis institution that's been delighting families with homemade ice cream since 1984. Kids will love choosing from creative, small-batch flavors served in fresh-made waffle cones, while parents appreciate the quality ingredients and nostalgic neighborhood atmosphere that makes this a true local gem worth seeking out.
Giannis Steakhouse & Seafood offers families a relaxed lakeside dining experience with stunning Lake Minnetonka views that keep kids entertained while you enjoy quality steak and seafood. The dedicated kids menu and outdoor seating options make this a comfortable choice for families who want a nice meal out without the stress of overly formal dining.
CōV Wayzata offers a rare combination of upscale-casual dining and outdoor fun right on Lake Minnetonka. While parents enjoy fresh seafood and craft cocktails on the waterfront patio, kids can play beach volleyball, watch boats cruise through the marina, and order from a dedicated kids menu that keeps even picky eaters happy.
This neighborhood Dairy Queen in St. Anthony offers a quick and easy treat stop for families craving ice cream or a casual meal. While it provides the classic DQ menu of Blizzards, soft-serve cones, and kid-friendly burgers and chicken strips, the lower rating suggests service or quality may be inconsistent, so manage expectations accordingly.