Dining with the little ones in tow can be tough sometimes if the restaurant environment isn’t just right. Ultimately, we just want to leisurely enjoy a bite of food away from our kitchen and let the kiddos relax, too. Lucky for us, the Austin area has a lot to offer when it comes to dining out with children, including plenty of restaurants with play structures right there on their patios to provide a fun experience for the entire family.

Restaurants with Play Spaces Around Austin

Burnet Rd. Food Park

— 5000 Burnet Rd. Food Park
Choose from a variety of foods and desserts in this food trailer park that includes a small enclosed playground. This food trailer park is open seven days a week, but since the trailers are mostly family-operated the hours vary per truck. To get the list of each truck and their hours, visit the 5000 Burnet website and Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of Aviator Pizza

— Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse – North Location
The outdoor space at the Parmer Lane location boasts a 7,500 sq. ft. beer garden with an updated playscape, covered seating, and beer garden tables.  Aviator has been operating for more than 30 years and makes their pizza dough fresh daily.  They also have 50+ Texas-brewed beers and wine on tap!

via Bouldin Acres Facebook

— Bouldin Acres
There are now playgrounds at both Boundin Acres locations, with the addition of a new play set at their Braker Lane spot.  We love the family-friendly (and dog-friendly) atmosphere at Bouldin Acres, the awesome food and drinks, and now it’s even better knowing the kids have a dedicated spot to play. The South Lamar location resembles a hearty neighborhood block party, with an abundance of lawn games, pickleball courts, and a playground. Bouldin Acres also welcomes all friendly pups to play in their backyard.

Backyard at Brentwood Social House

— Brentwood Social House
This charming North/Central Austin neighborhood cafe makes you feel like you’re entering a friend’s home, where you can explore its many rooms, back patio, or front porch to find a cozy spot to settle into. There is also a room designed for families, equipped with a train table and a selection of books, toys, and board games. And bonus, there is a pirate ship playground in the backyard!

via https://campout.yardbar.com/

— Camp Out
Camp Out is an outdoor neighborhood eatery and patio bar located in the Allandale neighborhood of Austin at Yard Bar. Looks like they’ll also have events coming soon.  Check out Camp Out here.

Playground next to Central Market Cafe

— Central Market – North Lamar
This is a great choice for relaxing in a fun, outdoor setting. A diverse menu with items from Asian salmon salad to fish tacos, soups, pasta, and more offers something good and good for you, too. With a playscape, a big yard space, and a little pond, your kids should have a great time while you relax and enjoy lunch or dinner with the whole family. It’s a bonus that you can pop into the Market to pick up some groceries while you’re there, too.

Photo from the Doc’s Backyard Facebook page

— Doc’s Backyard Grill
Make plans for a trip to Doc’s Backyard Grill and enjoy one of their signature cocktails while the kids have fun in the play area. Doc’s does a great job of making you feel as if you’re in your own backyard — if your own backyard had delicious burgers and enormous chicken tenders.

via Easy Tiger

— Easy Tiger – South Lamar
The Kids’ Zone is a shaded play area for the kiddos at this South Austin location. Enjoy the full Beer Garden menu while the kids play in this patio setting.

via El Mercado Facebook

— El Mercado
This South Austin Tex-Mex restaurant has a very laid-back vibe with a garden-style patio with party lights and a small playscape for kids.

via FairLane Cocktails and Coffee

— FairLane Cocktails and Coffee
This new indoor and outdoor spot in Dripping Springs aims to provide family enjoyment and entertainment, with top-quality coffee, beer, wine, and food.  It’s a place to gather, relax, and enjoy life, with plenty of space for kids to play on their outdoor playground.  At FairLane, you’ll find a variety of food trucks, from cheese and gelato from Oro Bianco, pastries from Quack’s Bakery, burgers and a kids menu from A.T. Eatz, and tacos from Mr. Chignon.  Check them out here.

Flores’ Playground via Yelp

— Flores Mexican Restuarant
All four of Flores Mexican Restaurants have playgrounds and they’re all great spots for families. Their location at 4625 West Cannon Drive has a great weekend brunch, daily lunch specials, and dinner items like sizzling fajitas, shrimp tacos, and chimichangas. And as one reader wrote in, you can sip a margarita and watch the kids play on the playground! Get more info here.

Via Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster

— Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster
Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster in North Austin serves New England Cuisine with a twist.  From lobster rolls and a raw bar to hearty soups and salads, Garbo’s has a ton of options for your family, including a fantastic kids’ menu.  Their outdoor area features patio dining, a fun playscape, and a soft-serve ice cream truck —Connor’s Creamery.

 

Photo from Hat Creek Burger Co.

— Hat Creek Burger Company
Hat Creek is a family-friendly burger joint with unique play yards at all of their locations. With great menu options such as burgers, chicken, sweet potato fries, milkshakes, and even breakfast tacos and pancakes, something is appealing to taste buds of all ages. But the best part is letting the kids play in enclosed areas while you can sit back with a beer and relax with friends.

Outdoor play space at Home Slice North Loop. Photo by Kaylin Balderrama

—  Home Slice Pizza – North Loop
The outdoor patio with children’s play area is equipped with a unique space to run off some wiggles and play some games of corn hole with mom and dad. It’s super cute! Of course, like the South location, kids are offered a big ball of dough to play with before the meal to keep those little hands busy at the table. We also love that this Home Slice has a cool full bar and features menu items like square Sicilian-style pie and Buffalo chicken wings.

Photo from the Kerbey Lane Cafe Facebook page

— Kerbey Lane Cafe – Round Rock & Westlake
Even the pickiest little eaters can find something delicious to enjoy at Kerbey Lane Cafe. This kid-approved Austin classic has 8 area locations, you can stop into any Kerbey Lane Cafe for huge pancakes in a great variety of flavors, even with vegan options. Take note that there are little playscapes at both Kerbey Lane in Westlake and in Round Rock, and the Mueller location is just a short distance from the Mueller Lake Park. Also note that on Tuesdays, kids ages 12 and under eat free all day with the purchase of an adult entrée.

— Littlefield’s Tacos & Coffee
Grab tacos from Veracruz, coffee from Fleet Coffee Co., or shaved ice from SnoRide, and let the kids run around the large outdoor patio. There’s plenty of space to meet up with friends and for the kids to play in a casual, laid-back atmosphere.

Photo from Mandola’s Facebook page

— Mandola’s Italian – Cedar Park
A great Italian culture with a great casual environment. Serving great menu options such as chicken piccata, baked ziti, and eggplant parm. Enjoy a nice meal while the kids can play on the playground right next to our outdoor seating.

Mesa Rosa via Yelp

— Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant
Located in North Austin, this spot has a great playscape but also a sprawling lawn and outdoor patio. With over 3 acres of land, it’s easy to spread out and let the kids play while the grownups can enjoy margaritas and great Mexican food on the patio.

Phil’s/Amy’s Burnet Road location

— Phil’s Ice House
Phil’s is one of Austin’s dreamy spots for burgers, playtime, and fun. It also helps that Phil’s is paired next to Amy’s Ice Creams at all three of their locations (Burnet Rd., South Lamar, and North Austin on 183). The menu offers up kid-friendly basics like burgers & fries, corn dogs, chicken tenders, etc. And take note that they have Parents’ Recess, which is happy hour Monday – Friday from 3-5:30 pm with discounted beer and wine specials. But the playground areas at each location are the big draw for happy families. Kids can go nuts on their colorful playscapes while you enjoy some comfort food. Just don’t forget to save room for ice cream!

Rudy’s via Yelp

— Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ – 620
Rudy’s location is at 7709 Ranch Rd. 620 has an outdoor playground with a rock-climbing wall and slides connected to the restaurant’s patio. Rudy’s is a great place to grab some BBQ and play.

Salt Lick via Yelp

— Salt Lick – Round Rock
The Salt Lick’s north location is a great choice for a relaxing night with some good BBQ. Grab a plate for the whole family or buy brisket, chicken, pork, and sausage by the pound. fun for the whole family with live music and a playground with plenty of space for the kids to run around.

Photo from The Hive’s Facebook page

— The Hive *Temporarily Closed as of April 2024
This South Austin spot serves coffee and cocktails for adults, and there’s no shortage of kid-friendly menu choices at The Hive. This place is buzzing with events, good grub, and live music performances, not to mention their awesome play area and play structure for kids.

Playscape at The Triangle

— The Triangle
Triangle Park is surrounded by several restaurants serving up a variety of cuisines including Hopdoddy’s Burger Bar, and Mandola’s Italian Market. After enjoying your meal, head over to the park to let the little ones play.

South Park Meadows location, photo from the Waterloo Ice House Facebook page

— Waterloo Ice House
On the scene in Austin since 1976, Waterloo Ice House offers up a huge menu of salads, burgers, sandwiches, & Tex-Mex options. They have three locations where the kids can play outdoors (360/N. Capital of TX Hwy, Southpark Meadows, Slaughter Lane & Escarpment Blvd.). Kids can enjoy a playscape, sandpit, outdoor and indoor seating with plenty of shaded tables.

More restaurants with playscapes and playgrounds:

What’s your favorite dining destination with a play space?
Feel free to send us your recommendations to [email protected].

For even more suggestions, check out our big list of Family Friendly Breweries and distilleries with Giant Yards.