10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Omaha

There is so much fun to be had for kids in Omaha, like exploring the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, one of the world’s best zoos, and cheering for their favorite team at the NCAA Men’s College World Series. But with all of this fun, there needs to be a place where you can go out to eat as a family. These are our favorite family-friendship restaurants in Omaha.

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1. Spaghetti Works

Italian restaurant known for their huge bowls of pasta 

502 S 11th St | Old Market | spagworks.com 

Spaghetti is the go-to dish of many families, that’s why we think this is such a great spot in Omaha for the whole fam! You can get a huge bowl of pasta that you can refill as many times as you’d like, or enjoy some other Italian favorites like pizza and sandwiches. We also think kids will get a kick out of the vintage truck that has been converted into a salad bar and the antique signs covering the walls. And if the parents say yes, the kids can also enjoy the Coke Freestyle Machine, which has over 100 different choices of flavored soda.

You can purchase a GiftYa for Spaghetti Works here!

“Spaghetti Works has been an Omaha staple for as long as I can remember. On our most recent visit, everything was just as good as always. Yep, Spaghetti Works is always going to be one of our favorite places to eat.” - Yelp Review 

2. Shirley’s Diner 

Rock and roll themed diner 

13838 R Plaza | West Omaha | shirleysdiner.com

This rock and roll themed restaurant is a local favorite for families because of its nostalgic decor and delicious food. They have the classics like Buttermilk Pancakes with chocolate chips or blueberries and Texas French Toast with strawberries and whipped cream, but they also have fun choices like the Croissant Breakfast Sandwich and the Banana Nut Oatmeal. Families mostly come for breakfast or brunch, but Shirley’s is open for lunch and dinner as well. 

You can purchase a GiftYa for Shirley’s Diner here!

“Nothing but good things to say about this place! I love the homey, farmhouse interior and the food is always amazing. Whether you want breakfast classics, sandwiches, or something light they have it all on their menu and it's always delicious!” - Yelp Review 

3. Orsi's Italian Bakery & Pizzeria

Small pizza joint with Italian store inside

621 Pacific St | Little Italy | orsibakery.com 

Although there’s not much room to eat in the shop, this is a great option for take out to satisfy the whole fam. Who doesn’t love pizza and cannolis? Get a pie to split with the fam, or let your little ones get a mini pie so they can pick their own toppings! They also have gluten-free crust so that everyone can enjoy Orsi’s pizza! Be sure to check out the other Italian items inside the store like imported breads, cheeses, pasta, and more. You won’t be leaving empty handed, that’s for sure!

You can purchase a GiftYa for Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria here!

“Orsi's pizza is an Omaha staple. Founded in 1919, they've certainly been around for a while. Honestly it's one of my favorite pizza places in the city. They also sell Italian meats, cheeses and other Italian staples inside the store.” - Yelp Review 

4. Coneflower Creamery

Farm to table, or “farm to cone,” ice cream shop

​​3921 Farnam Street | Blackstone District | coneflowercreamery.com 

Okay, we know it’s not exactly a restaurant, but there’s nothing as family friendly as an ice cream shop. We think parents will love this one in particular because they use real, local ingredients to make their ice creams and waffle cones. The sprinkles are even made in their very own kitchen! Because they focus on ingredients that are fresh and local, their flavors change with the seasons. However, they always have some classics on scoop. You’ll just have to stop in and see what’s on scoop for the day! They even have vegan flavors!

“If you want to change the way you think about ice cream this is your spot! They have DELICIOUS vegan ice cream. It might taste better than non vegan ice cream. They go all out for the love of ice cream and you don't want to miss out.” - Yelp Review

5.  Amazing Pizza Machine

Restaurant and entertainment center

13955 S Plz | West Omaha | amazingpizzamachine.com 

This restaurant and entertainment center has been voted Omaha’s best family entertainment center and best place for birthday parties. In other words, it's a kid's dream night out with their family! There’s laser tag, go karts, arcade games, and more, in addition to the unlimited buffet. Hopefully your kids will leave with some prizes after cashing in their tickets from the arcade! It’s definitely more of a running around experience than a restaurant, but here you’re sure to find fun for the whole family!

“This is a fun spot for the kiddos. There's lots of games and some rides to keep them entertained. Kids enjoyed eating, playing, eating, dessert and grabbing drinks whilst there. Good spot for when it's cold, hot or rainy, since it's all indoors.” - Yelp Review 

6. Charleston’s Restaurant

Family restaurant with American pub fare

7540 Dodge St | West Omaha | charlestons.com

If you’re looking for a chill night with the fam, preferably with some sports on the tv and fries on the table, Charleston’s Restaurant is the place to go. They have a menu of traditional American classics prepared fresh daily available at an affordable price. You have to start with the Dynamite Shrimp, spicy shrimp in a sweet and spicy cream sauce topped with cilantro. They even have a variety of family meals serving about 4-6 people available at any time! The Chicken Tender Family Pack is a favorite!

You can purchase a GiftYa for Charleston’s Restaurant here!

“Came here with my family when we were on vacation, and it was absolutely delicious. The service was amazing!! They dealt with my very picky family, and gave outstanding food & service. I would recommend this place to anyone visiting in the area.” - Yelp Review

7. Fuddruckers

Family-friendly burger chain

7059 Dodge St | Omaha | fuddruckers.com

This family-friendly burger chain makes burgers better than your typical burger joint. They use only 100% USDA All-American premium-cut beef, and they grill each burger to order. If it smells like a bakery when you walk in, that’s because it is. They bake their sesame buns on site each day, all day. They also still make their milkshakes the old-fashioned way, and they’re sure you’ll find one of their cool and creamy shakes to be the perfect complement to your delicious burger and fries. Gourmet burgers, crispy fries, and creamy milkshakes, what more could you and your family want on a family night out?

“Only one Fuddruckers in Omaha & you should try it! This location has been open for decades. The quality of beef is 100% fresh & delicious. Steak fries are seasoned nicely!  The decor is cool with a lot of old school memorabilia. We enjoy it here!” - Yelp Review 

8. Lighthouse Pizza

Pizza joint known for their oversized slices

1004 S 74th Plz | West Omaha | lhpizza.com 

Kids often think bigger is better, and when it comes to Lighthouse Pizza, they are absolutely right. This pizza joint is known for their oversized slices (9-inches!), which are loved by visitors and locals alike. You can create your own 9-inch slice or pie or choose from one of the specialty pies. The Buffalo Chicken is a favorite, topped with roast chicken, onions, buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, while the Thai Chicken is definitely something you won’t see anywhere else! This one is made with roast chicken, carrots, onions, sweet chili sauce, and Thai peanut sauce. If you don’t want pizza, they have a variety of specialty fries piled high with toppings as well as a side salad. For younger kids, they have cheese, pepperoni, or hamburger pizza served with applesauce or traditional fries and juice or a kid’s fountain drink.

You can purchase a GiftYa for Lighthouse Pizza here!

“Known for their famous slices, this place did not disappoint one bit. They have build your own slices or a full menu with a variety of different options. Soda machine is always well carbonated and pizza tastes so fresh and it is usually made to order!!!” - Yelp Review 

9. Louie M's Burger Lust

Cozy breakfast and burger spot

1718 Vinton St | South Omaha | louiemsburgerlust.com 

This restaurant began as a simple donut and juice breakfast spot and has since grown to a full-service, 7-day-a-week restaurant. From breakfast sandwiches and French toast to Chicken Parmesan and Louie’s Famous Award Winning Hand Pattied 1/2 Lb Burgers, there’s no right or wrong time of day to come in for a delicious meal in a cozy space. We will say, though, that on Saturday and Sunday you can enjoy specials like the Krab and Cream Cheese Omelet, the Spinach and Feta Cheese Omelet, and the Eggs Benedict, all served with hash browns and coffee. We can’t say enough good things about the Fluffy French Toast and Fish and Chips, you’ll just have to go and try them for yourself!

You can purchase a GiftYa for Louie M's Burger Lust here!

“Food incredible. Really loved the breakfast offerings here. Had the egg sandwich and hash browns. One of those places you could return multiple times in order to try everything on the menu. Lots of group tables and individual tables as well.” - Yelp Review 

10. Azteca Family Mexican Restaurant

Casual Mexican restaurant 

9429 S 142nd St | Omaha | aztecaomaha.com 

This Mexican restaurant offers a huge menu filled with Mexican favorites for your whole family to enjoy. They have burritos, enchiladas, tostadas, fajitas, and more. Their kids menu features a beef burrito, a taco, an enchilada, and a tostada all served with rice and beans, as well as American favorites such as chicken strips with french fries and a quesadilla served with rice and beans. Don’t skip out on dessert! The Flan, vanilla custard with burnt sugar topping, and Sopapillas, a quartered and deep fried tortilla topped with honey, cinnamon, and sugar, are great sweet treats to end a delicious meal.

You can purchase a GiftYa for Azteca Family Mexican Restaurant here!

“Visited Azteca. Everything was very good. My wife and I had a good time and a good meal.  I had enchiladas and a chili relleno with rice & beans. My wife had chicken taquitos with rice and beans. I recommend it and will be going back.” - Yelp Review 

From cozy Italian restaurants and small pizza shops to farm to cone ice creameries (with vegan options!) and giant indoor theme parks, there are so many family-friendly spots for you and your family to enjoy in Omaha. Whether you’re just visiting family or coming on a vacation, these family-friendly restaurants are sure to spice up any kind of trip! And even if you live in Omaha already, some of these family-friendly options might surprise you! You never know what hidden gems you can find in your own city!

Let us know in the comments which of these family-friendly Omaha restaurants you try first, and if we missed any of your favorite family-friendly restaurants in Omaha, let us know that as well! We love to hear from you!