Family-Friendly Restaurants
20 kid-friendly restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops rated and reviewed by families.
⭐ ActivityPhipps Conservatory offers a magical indoor-outdoor experience where kids can explore 14 distinct garden rooms filled with exotic plants, colorful butterflies, and seasonal flower shows. The stunning Victorian glasshouse creates a tropical escape even in winter, while outdoor gardens provide space for kids to wander and discover nature's wonders year-round.
🌳 ParkSchenley Plaza is a beautifully maintained urban park in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood that offers families a perfect blend of recreation and relaxation. With spacious playgrounds, interactive features, open lawns for running and playing, and proximity to world-class museums, this plaza serves as an ideal home base for a full day of family adventure in the city's cultural district.
Page's is a beloved Pittsburgh institution that's been scooping smiles since the 1950s! This classic walk-up ice cream stand on the South Side serves creamy soft serve, towering sundaes, and all the frozen treats that make summer magical for kids. With its old-school charm and generous portions, it's the perfect reward after a day of exploring or a special evening destination the whole family will love.
La Prima Espresso Co in Squirrel Hill offers parents a relaxed neighborhood coffee shop where you can recharge with quality coffee while kids enjoy pastries and hot chocolate. The welcoming atmosphere and ample seating make it an ideal spot for families to take a break between activities in this walkable Pittsburgh neighborhood.
The Pretzel Shop is a Pittsburgh treasure that's been delighting families since 1929 with fresh-baked soft pretzels and classic sandwiches in a casual, no-frills atmosphere. Kids absolutely love watching the pretzels being made and choosing from the simple, familiar menu items that won't break the bank, making it an easy, stress-free dining option on the South Side.
Dave & Andy's is a beloved Shadyside ice cream shop that's been delighting Pittsburgh families with their homemade flavors and warm, neighborhood vibe. The perfect pit stop after exploring nearby parks or shopping along Walnut Street, this local gem offers generous portions of creative ice cream in a casual, kid-friendly setting where little ones are always welcome.
🕹️ ArcadeDave & Buster's Pittsburgh-Homestead offers the ultimate indoor entertainment experience for families, combining hundreds of arcade games, cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, and sports simulators with a full-service restaurant. This one-stop destination keeps kids entertained for hours with everything from classic arcade favorites to the latest gaming technology, plus a robust prize redemption system that adds extra excitement to every visit.
Betsy's Ice Cream is a self-serve frozen yogurt paradise where kids become dessert architects, choosing from an array of flavors and toppings to design their ultimate sweet creation. This Mount Lebanon favorite takes the stress out of ordering for picky eaters since everyone gets exactly what they want, and parents appreciate the pay-by-weight pricing that keeps costs reasonable.
Chocolate Boutique is a delightful neighborhood ice cream shop in Upper St. Clair that's perfect for treating the kids after school, sports practice, or weekend outings. With hand-dipped ice cream flavors, customizable sundaes, and quality chocolates, it offers a sweet escape that's conveniently located in South Hills Village Mall with easy access and parking for busy families.
Giant Eagle Pharmacy in Peters Township offers more than just prescriptions,it's a family-friendly Market District location where grocery shopping becomes a pleasant outing. The in-store cafe area provides a convenient spot for snacks or lunch breaks, while the bakery section delights kids with fresh treats and decorated cookies that can turn an errand into a mini adventure.
Bethel Bakery is a cherished neighborhood gem where the sweet smell of fresh-baked goods greets families as soon as they walk in. Kids will love picking out colorful cookies and watching bakers work through the display windows, while parents appreciate the quality breakfast pastries and custom cake options for birthday parties and special celebrations.
Aiello's Pizza has been a Squirrel Hill family favorite since 1978, serving up generous portions of classic pizza and Italian comfort food in a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere where kids are genuinely welcome. The neighborhood pizzeria vibe means parents can relax while children enjoy kid-approved favorites, making it an easy choice for casual family dinners without the stress of formal dining.