Anyone living in DFW with kids can tell you that it’s harder to find fun, family-friendly restaurants than it is things to do. Places where you can bring the family, meet up with friends, and spend part of an afternoon just sitting back and drinking a glass of sweet tea, long after you’ve finished your lunch, while the kids are kept busy without the use of anything electronic! So, when I was asked to speak at an Early Childhood PTA about summer entertainment, I decided this was the perfect time to make a list of some of my favorite, kid-approved restaurants to share with them, along with things to do near each restaurant.
1. Little Elm (Lake Lewisville) – Hula Hut
Your crew will have a blast at this fun restaurant on Lake Lewisville! Spend the day playing at the FREE Little Elm Beach Park or on the inflatables at Hydrous Waterpark next door, then head over for dinner!
We just love this fun restaurant in Arlington with a big patio, great food and drinks! Located in Downtown Arlington, check out the fun murals to walk off that lunch!
3. Grand Prairie – Firehouse Gastro Park, 321 W. Main St., Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie really is a destination in the DFW area, with so many fun things, like Epic Waters, the new Play Grand Adventures Park, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Lone Star Park! Head out to Lynn Creek Park on weekdays (so crowded on weekends that it’s not even fun). Let the kids play on the playground and dig in the imported sand. Afterwards, head over for lunch at the new Firehouse Gastro Pub, located across the street from the Grand Prairie Farmers Market! The big patio has fun games, and live music!
4. Fort Worth – Gemelle Italian Restaurant
The newest Tim Love Restaurant, just opened in Summer 2019, bring amazing food and a garden with games to North Fort Worth! Kids will love the corn hole and bocce ball! No kids menu but they will love the Margarita pizza!
5. Frisco – The Rail Yard
I love this fun yard, with great sandwiches! It’s the perfect stop before or after a Rough Riders Game, or after a day out on the lake!
6. Irving – Big State Fountain Grill
Enjoy a burger and ice cream in an authentic, and recently updated, 1950’s pharmacy and soda shop! Walk off lunch at the FREE Fritz Park Petting Zoo, only open from June 1 – July 31st.
7. Dallas – Dallas Grilled Cheese Company at Bishop Arts District.
The best grilled cheese sandwich you’ll ever eat, besides your mother’s. Afterwards, check out the murals scattered around Bishop Arts for some fun selfies with your kids!
Honorable Mention to Hunky’s Old Time Burger and Malt Shop in Bishop Arts
This fun, retro burger and malt shops will keep little ones happy!
8. Grapevine – Big Daddy’s Ship Store on Grapevine Lake
DFW has such a shortage of good lakefront restaurants, compared to our other Texas cities, but Big Daddy’s Ship Store is a fun place to eat, watch the boats, let the kids feed the ducks and just relax!
9. Burleson – Moontower Pizza Bar (21 and over after 9pm)
Sit back on their HUGE patio in Old Town Burleson, and eat a great pizza! The kids will love cheering when people try to eat The Full Moon, a 30” pizza! Pirates Cove at Jellystone Park has expanded their park last year for even more rides and splashes!
10. The Colony – Lava Cantina
Overlooking Lake Lewisville, this is one of our new favorites! They offer tons of kid’s activities, a big patio and a great menu!
11. Plano – Hub Street
This fun restaurant is the perfect stop before you visit The Crayola Experience or after a morning hike at Arbor Hills!
12. Cedar Hill – Sam’s Pizza and Pasta
You won’t want to miss these incredible Garlic Knots at Sam’s Pizza. Enjoy a morning hike at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, with FREE admission, then after lunch, head over to Hillside Village to let the kids play in the Splash Pad!
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
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