Best of 20 kid-friendly restaurants in Downtown Houston
Discover an array of kid-friendly restaurants in Downtown Houston that cater to both your exquisite palate and your little ones' taste buds. These establishments offer menus tailored for children, play areas, and family-friendly environments, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all ages. Experience top-notch service and create cherished memories at these inviting spots in the heart of Houston.
- 1. Aquarium Restaurant
- 2. Barnaby's Cafe
- 3. Grotto Downtown
- 4. Zydeco Louisiana Diner in Downtown Houston
- 5. Frank's Pizza
- 6. Lake House
- 7. Little New Orleans in Downtown Houston
- 8. The Rustic
- 9. Kulture
- 10. MKT Bar
- 11. Xochi
- 12. Osso & Kristalla
- 13. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
- 14. Shake Shack Downtown Houston
- 15. Treebeards
- 16. Walker Street Kitchen
- 17. Ballpark Cafe
- 18. District 7 Grill
- 19. Island Grill
- 20. Cooking With Love in Downtown Houston
1. Aquarium Restaurant
Dine beside a 500,000-gallon aquarium filled with marine life.

The dining experience in downtown Houston caters to children, with only four types of food offered due to the kid-friendly nature of the selections. The food is served at a temperature ranging from cold to lukewarm, and the taste is kept to a minimum. Adults looking for a more satisfying meal can head to the omelet station and savor the freshly made waffles, which are a popular choice.
Overall, downtown Houston has a great dining option suitable for families with children. The food selection, while limited in taste and temperature, meets the needs of young children. Adults can still find enjoyable options such as omelets and waffles. The fresh and hot waffles are a must-try, and are sure to delight both children and adults alike.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Waterfront
- Vegetarian Options
2. Barnaby's Cafe
Live music on weekends, locally sourced ingredients

Barnaby's Cafe is a kid-friendly establishment with high chairs and a menu designed for children. The staff is known for being welcoming and considerate, making it a comfortable place for families with young ones. Parents can enjoy their meals while their children savor the flavors of the special kid-friendly options.
Barnaby's Cafe is a great place for families with children of all ages. The accommodating staff and diverse menu make it an ideal spot for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. The establishment's kid-friendly amenities, such as high chairs, ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for both parents and children.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
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3. Grotto Downtown
Features a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with televisions for sports viewing

The restaurant was an ideal location for a family outing. Children were pleased with their meals, and the service was commendable. It was a place where families could enjoy a meal together in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
The kids' menu offered a variety of options, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters would find something they liked. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere made it easy for families to relax and enjoy their meal together. Overall, the family dinner was a resounding success, with great food and impeccable service making for an enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Italian Cuisine
- Dinner
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4. Zydeco Louisiana Diner in Downtown Houston
Casual atmosphere with live music on weekends

The restaurant is a great destination for families with kids. The menu offers a variety of options to cater to picky eaters, making it easy to find something that every child will enjoy. The staff is super friendly and accommodating, adding to the overall family-friendly atmosphere.
The welcoming and relaxed ambiance of the restaurant makes it an ideal place for families to dine. The kids had a great time and loved the food, adding to the overall positive experience. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that our family felt comfortable and entertained, making it a memorable meal for everyone involved.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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5. Frank's Pizza
Live music on weekends, welcoming staff, arcade games

Frank's Pizza is a great dining option for families with children. The restaurant offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere, making it easy for parents to enjoy their meal while keeping an eye on their kids. The pizza served at Frank's Pizza is a hit with kids and adults alike.
My family and I frequently visit Frank's Pizza when we want a night out. The staff is friendly and provides excellent service, ensuring that our dining experience is enjoyable. The consistent quality of the pizza has made Frank's Pizza one of our go-to restaurants. I highly recommend it for families looking for a kid-friendly dining option.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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6. Lake House
Features a modern American menu with fresh seafood and waterfront views

The Lake House at Discovery Green in Houston is a great option for families looking for a kid-friendly restaurant with a scenic view. The restaurant is situated on the south shore of Kinder Lake, offering stunning views of the lake and the park. The Lake House is a fast-casual concept, known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The menu features many options that kids will enjoy, such as fish and chips and juicy burgers.
The Lake House is located in Discovery Green, an 11.8-acre urban park in Houston. This park is a perfect spot for families to enjoy some outdoor time before or after their meal at the Lake House. With its kid-friendly menu and location in the heart of the park, the Lake House is an ideal destination for families looking to spend quality time together while enjoying delicious food and a beautiful view.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Lunch
7. Little New Orleans in Downtown Houston
Live music on weekends and authentic New Orleans decor

Little New Orleans is a restaurant that provides a range of kid-friendly dishes, including the popular Shrimp Basket and French Toast Breakfast. This eatery aims to create a positive dining experience for families with young children, ensuring the menu offers options that appeal to young palates.
The establishment is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, which contributes to its popularity among families. The friendly ambiance makes it an ideal location for parents to enjoy a meal while keeping their kids happy and satisfied.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
8. The Rustic
Features a vintage Airstream trailer for private events

This establishment is an excellent choice for families with children. The outdoor seating area is spacious and perfect for kids to play in while the parents enjoy their meal. The staff is also very accommodating to families and go out of their way to make sure everyone is comfortable.
If you're looking for a family-friendly outing spot, this place is highly recommended. The kids will enjoy the live music and the freedom to move around in the outdoor seating area. The staff's attentiveness to families with children adds to the overall positive experience. It's the perfect place to spend quality time with loved ones while enjoying good food and entertainment.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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9. Kulture
Offers a fun and engaging atmosphere for families

Kulture is a restaurant that my wife and I chose for our 11th anniversary, having enjoyed it before the pandemic. The restaurant is known for its live jazz music, minimal use of amplifiers, and high-quality food, creating a unique listening room atmosphere. However, during our recent visit in 2024, we noticed some changes. The band did not adjust their sound to the acoustics of the room, and the food was surprisingly salty.
Despite these issues, Kulture is still a restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience. The live music creates an excellent atmosphere, and while service may take some time initially, the staff is friendly and attentive once engaged. The Manager interacts with customers, contributing to the welcoming ambiance of the restaurant.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
10. MKT Bar
Family-friendly atmosphere with a relaxed vibe

The event space, known as "The Rustic," offers a wide range of entertainment options for all ages and interests. Popular Houston-area acts and national stars are showcased in live music performances. In addition to music, the venue also hosts local art exhibits for those interested in culture and creativity. Families can also enjoy various family-friendly events at The Rustic.
The restaurant at The Rustic is both casual and family-friendly, providing a welcoming atmosphere for all. Despite the presence of a bar, families are welcome with high chairs available for young children. Children can also stay entertained with coloring sheets while their parents enjoy their meal and the surrounding entertainment.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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11. Xochi
Family-owned restaurant offering authentic Mexican cuisine and a lively atmosphere

The restaurant we visited was a great choice for a family dinner. Our children enjoyed the meal and the welcoming atmosphere made us feel comfortable. The staff went out of their way to make our kids feel welcome, which added to the overall positive experience.
The food served at the restaurant was delicious and our kids thoroughly enjoyed it. We were pleased with the high-quality service and friendliness of the staff. They made sure that we had a great time and that our children were well taken care of. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere and tasty food made for an enjoyable family dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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12. Osso & Kristalla
Features a beautiful interior design with a large outdoor patio and is located in the heart of downtown Houston.

A delightful location for a family outing offers an outdoor patio where children can enjoy themselves. The service is known to be friendly, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
Our family recently had a wonderful dinner at this establishment. The relaxed and kid-friendly ambiance makes it an ideal place for families. The menu features a variety of options to cater to the tastes of little ones.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Celebrations
13. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Extensive seafood menu, lively atmosphere, full bar

This restaurant is an excellent choice for families with children. The kids were delighted with their meals and the service they received was exceptional. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that everyone in the family had a great dining experience. The kid-friendly atmosphere and menu make it a highly recommended spot for families.
Families will appreciate the accommodating staff and delicious food at this restaurant. Children, in particular, will enjoy the fried shrimp and other kid-friendly options on the menu. The restaurant offers an enjoyable dining experience for families, making it a place where they will want to return for future meals.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- High-End
14. Shake Shack Downtown Houston
Features a unique concrete floor design and custom-made furniture
In the Houston area, there are over 13,000 restaurant options, making it challenging for parents to find a kid-friendly dining spot. Two such places that are sure to please kids and their parents are The Boot and Carl's BBQ.
The Boot is known for its extravagant milkshakes that are piled high with an array of toppings, making it a favorite among children. Meanwhile, Carl's BBQ offers delicious pulled pork with a selection of tasty sides like mac and cheese that kids can't resist.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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15. Treebeards
Spacious seating in a unique cloister setting

Treebeard's is an excellent restaurant for families with children. The staff are known for being welcoming and accommodating towards kids. Children particularly enjoy the mac and cheese and chicken tenders from the menu.
The menu at Treebeard's offers many options that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. My own children appreciated the kid-friendly meals. We look forward to visiting Treebeard's again.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
16. Walker Street Kitchen
Local ingredients, Southern-inspired dishes, relaxed atmosphere

Walker Street Kitchen is a fantastic location for brunch, offering a wide range of delicious food options and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The wait staff and hostess were particularly friendly and attentive, making our experience there even more enjoyable. This restaurant is an excellent choice for families, as the staff go out of their way to accommodate their youngest diners and provide highchairs for their use.
The breakfast buffet at Walker Street Kitchen is a hit with kids and adults alike. It features a variety of options that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, like a birthday, or just looking for a great spot to enjoy a meal with your family, Walker Street Kitchen is a top-notch choice. With its excellent food and impeccable service, it's no wonder that this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
17. Ballpark Cafe
Offers a unique ballpark experience in a casual setting

Multiple individuals provided feedback regarding their experiences, with a total of 27 pieces of feedback collected. A common theme throughout the feedback was the excellent service provided by the staff. They were attentive and showed genuine concern for customers' experiences, with a strong focus on delivering exceptional service.
The Ballpark Cafe, situated above the ballfields, is a charming location suitable for breakfast or lunch outdoors. The menu provides vegetarian options and caters to various dietary requirements, ensuring a wide range of choices for diners. Customers praised the delicious food and swiftly served coffee, contributing to a positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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18. District 7 Grill
Happy hour specials and live music on weekends

District 7 Grill is a kid-friendly American restaurant located in Houston, Texas, that offers a delectable kid's menu and amenities such as kid high chairs. Parents can enjoy a stress-free dining experience while savoring the restaurant's delicious breakfast and brunch options.
The restaurant serves a variety of dishes in a modern setting, from refined to simple, at reasonable prices. It's located in a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood and is known for its great food and accommodating service. Customers particularly appreciate the hot coffee with heated cream.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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19. Island Grill

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
20. Cooking With Love in Downtown Houston

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
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