dumplings boston takeout
Courtesy
Courtesy

The best kid-friendly restaurants in Boston that the whole family will love

Boston offers several suitable options for a kid-friendly dining experience

Cheryl Fenton
Advertising

The task of getting out of the house with the kiddos in tow might seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be a stressful or sub-par experience. Boston has several family-friendly restaurants that cater to the little ones with dedicated menus, kids-eat-free deals, and even fun activities to keep them occupied so you too can enjoy the experience. Before heading out with the kids, pick an activity from our list of the best things to do with kids or the best things to do in Boston, and, if their getting a high energy sugar rush doesn’t scare you, check out the best desserts in Boston for an after dinner treat.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Best family-friendly restaurants in Boston

  • Things to do
  • City Life

What is it? This movie theater in the Seaport can easily double as a great spot for your next meal together. While you and the family are enjoying your movie, simply write down your food order from the menu (peep the spicy buffalo chicken pizza, mini corn dogs and milkshakes) on the provided paper, press the button and the sheet is whisked away quietly.
Why we love it: They bring the food right to your chair – each seat has its own table - so your kid’s attention span isn’t interrupted.
Time Out tip: They occasionally have time capsule movie selections, so you can introduce the family to some of your all-time favorites from back in the day (hello, Weird Science).
Address: 60 Seaport Blvd #315, Boston, MA 02210
Opening hours: Daily 11am-11pm

2. Little Cocoa Bean Co.

What is it? This raison d'être of this small spot is to cater to your little ones. Everything at Little Cocoa Bean Co. is served in a chic, baby-friendly café setting that’s every parent’s dream eatery.
Why we love it: While you sip your coffee, tea or smoothie, your baby or toddler dines on ready-made, fresh and healthy foods created just for them - quesadillas, waffles, quiche, “unicorn” yogurt, squash mac n’ cheese, cauliflower crust pizza and more. They also won a recent Best of Boston in the kids category.
Time Out tip: The location is in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood near Boston Children’s Museum, so you could make a long day of it. Don't worry - you don't have to go through the museum to get in. They also host kid's cooking classes. 
Address:
 308 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210
Opening hours: Daily (closed Tuesdays) 10am-4pm

Advertising
  • Mediterranean
  • South End
  • price 1 of 4

What is it? A colorful mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes are served throughout the day, catering to South End residents in search of a quick, healthy meal.
Why we love it: Warm, thin flatbreads are used to scoop up flavorful dips and spreads made from local, organic ingredients. A customizable menu ensures customers can combine whichever flavors they like.
Time Out tip: Salads and grain bowls delight the medical professionals who pop in for a healthy meal. You can also enjoy anoush'ella's fresh, healthful eats at its outlet in the slick Time Out Market Boston
Address: 35 W. Newton St., Boston, MA 02118
Opening hours: Mon.-Fri. 11am-9pm; Sat. and Sun. 10am-9pm

  • Pizza
  • Somerville
  • price 2 of 4

What is it? Nothing reads family time loud and clear more than a night of pizza and bowling. Work off all that energy with a round of candlepin in the 1935 vintage bowling alley.
Why we love it: American Flatbread pizzas are wood-fired and topped with local and organic ingredients, and you can follow the slices up with desserts like their famous Peace of Mind chocolate whoopie pie sundae or Maine Root Beer Float.
Time Out tip: You can order flatbreads without sauce, or get creative and make your own combos.
Address:
 45 Day St, Somerville, MA 02144
Opening hours: Mon. and Tues. 12pm-10pm; Wed. and Thurs.12pm-11pm; Fri. 12pm-12am; Sat. 10am-12am; Sun. 10am-11pm

Advertising
  • Seafood
  • Alewife
  • price 3 of 4

What is it? With its colorful decor and friendly vibe, this Cambridge joint always feels like a New England clam shack in the peak of summer no matter the season.

Why we love it: Fresh seafood dishes like wood-grilled lobster or fresh oysters will please parents, while kids can dig into fish and chips, grilled cheese, or clam chowder. There are also Cornmeal Fried Fish Fingers and Grilled Florida Gulf Shrimp to introduce the little ones to the glorious world of New England seagood.
Time Out tip: Grab a bucket of crayons and paper to keep them entertained. Take the kids into the center for an upclose view of the live lobster tank.
Address: 149 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02140
Opening hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11:30am-9pm; Fri.-Sat. 11:30am-10pm; Sun. 11:30am-9pm

  • Beacon Hill
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended

What is it? This long-standing neighborhood favorite in Beacon Hill offers a kid-friendly, cafeteria-style breakfast spread that’s great for families.
Why we love it: The special kids dinner menu includes standards like mac and cheese, pasta with butter, and chicken tenders, along with one side and a drink just for $11.
Time Out tip: Plan ahead for Sunday brunch, when there’s always a crowd. There’s also a Southie location if that fits better into your day.
Address: 44 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114
Opening hours: brunch and lunch, daily 8am-4pm; dinner 4:30-9pm, daily

Advertising
  • Seafood
  • Seaport District
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended

What is it? Legal Sea Foods’ flagship location has three floors, each with a different dining experience.
Why we love it: The casual first floor dining area is the best bet for kids, with plenty of seating. They can wander outside to check out boats in the harbor or watch the shucking action at the oyster bar.
Time Out tip: The kids menu has staples like pizza and chicken fingers, but also more Legal fare like kid-friendly wood grilled seafood options.
Address: 270 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210
Opening hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11am-10pm; Fri. and Sat. 11am-11pm

  • American
  • Back Bay
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended

What is it? With six locations in the state and five in nearby New Hampshire, The Friendly Toast has an eccentric, colorful dining space that will fascinate the kids.
Why we love it: The whole family can find something satisfying on the large menu, and kids will love the breakfast options served any time of day. Tiny Toast menu gives smaller appetites a chance to fill up.
Time Out tip: The pancakes cannot be beat. If you're a frequent bruncher, join The Friendly Toast's Brunch Club and earn 1 point for every $1 spent in-restaurant. 
Address:
 Various locations
Opening hours: Varies by location

Advertising
  • Vegetarian
  • Central Sq
  • price 1 of 4

What is it? For a healthy, great-tasting meal, this eclectic cafe with 14 locations throughout the Boston area fits the bill.
Why we love it: Even kids will enjoy smoothies, grain bowls, and fresh hummus. The Central Square location in Cambridge has a colorful kids area, with small tables, chairs, and toys in its lower level. It’s a great place to stop and refuel with a healthy treat while the kids stay entertained.
Time Out tip: The Rainbow Harvest bowl is super colorful and they won't even know they're eating their veggies, while the PB&J Açaí bowl is a refreshing treat. 
Address:
 765 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8am-10pm; Sun 8am-9pm

Recommended
    More on Love Local
      Latest news
        Advertising