11 Family Friendly Restaurants in Kansas City

Are you worried about taking your kids out to eat? Most parents with young children are. They don’t want to deal with temper tantrums in public, and they definitely don’t want to pay a hefty price just for their kid to order chicken nuggets and only eat half of the plate. As valid as these concerns are, you still deserve a nice meal out with your family every once in a while. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favorite family friendly restaurants in Kansas City, so you can spend less time cooking for your family and more time enjoying each other’s company.

Do you want to treat a loved one to a meal at their favorite restaurant? Or give your favorite family the chance to get out of the house and enjoy dinner together? Why not try GiftYa! With GiftYa, you can choose from almost any merchant in the country to send a loved one a gift card to their favorite store, business, or restaurant. You can send a gift up to $100 straight to their phone - just enough to cover a nice meal for a small family! Sending a gift through GiftYa is a great way to show someone you care about them. Thoughtfully give with GiftYa today!

1. Chuy’s

Tex-mex with a kid friendly atmosphere.

209 W 46th Terrace | Midtown | chuys.com

With bright colored walls and hand-carved wooden fish "swimming" from the ceiling, your kids will be mesmerized by the atmosphere at Chuy’s. Not only that, but Chuy’s also supplies kids menus and cups, a surefire way to win any family with children’s hearts.

As loud music plays, the atmosphere is still great despite some loud noise coming from the tables of families with children.

But there’s something in it for the parents too! Not only is their Tex-Mex amazing, but for a limited time only they have Frozen White Peach Sangria, made with fresh fruit juice, peach purée, white wine, and Camarena Silver tequila.

You can purchase a GiftYa for Chuy’s here!

“The atmosphere was great as always.  We had many laughs.  Our food was scrumptious. I had beef fajitas and my husband got steak burrito. Delicious. We will definitely be back to get some more yummy food.  Highly recommend this location.” - Yelp Review

2. Minsky’s Pizza

Family friendly pizza joint with a full bar.

5105 Main St | Downtown | minskys.com

Recently recognized by Trip Avisor as being in the top 10% of all businesses worldwide based on traveler feedback, this gourmet pizza joint promises good food and a good time with your family.

Each table is covered with white paper, so you know this means lots of doodling for the kids while you wait for your meal. If you come on Mini Mondays, kids 12 and under get a free mini cheese pizza with the purchase of an adult meal. (Some restrictions apply: this offer is for dine-in only and two kids eat free per adult.)

We love that they have gluten-free crusts made out of either cauliflower or sweet potato, as well as Daiya Deliciously Dairy Free cheese, so that everyone can enjoy Minsky’s regardless of dietary restrictions!

You can purchase a GiftYa for Minsky’s here!

“Great pizza and a welcoming atmosphere. We ordered the wheat crust with sausage and it is always wonderful. We dine here twice a month. The service is always amazing!” - Yelp Review

3. Chicken N Pickle

Unique restaurant with pickleball courts.

1761 N Burlington St | North Kansas City | chickennpickle.com

If your kids can’t stay seated, that’s pretty much a requirement at Chicken N Pickle. This unique, indoor/outdoor entertainment complex includes a casual restaurant and sports bar as well as pickleball courts, yard games, and fire pits. 

So kick back and relax as you keep an eye on your little ones on the court, or challenge them to a game of pickleball!

If you’re a little more food-focused, you should know their chef-driven menu includes clean, locally-sourced rotisserie chicken, pork and beef, as well as hand-cut fries and tots. They also have craft beer from local breweries on-tap.

Purchase a GiftYa for Chicken N Pickle here!

“Overall, this is an excellent location to eat at and have a great time. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is wanting to enjoy food and being able to experience fun at the same time.” - Yelp Review

4. The Shack

Sweet bites your kids will love.

7218 College Blvd | Overland Park | eatatshack.com

Whether you or your kid is the one with the sweet tooth, we promise you will love the sweet breakfast choices at The Shack. 

Try Shack’s Big Crunch, crunchy cinnamon-y French Toast, or go for The King Lives waffle topped with cereal bits, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.

If you tend to lean more towards the savory side or are looking for something a little healthier, there are plenty of options for you as well such as the Avocado Toast or the Brussels N’ Egg skillet.

“The Shack is just that, a lot of fun. It's got a hip layout. You'll find fake chandeliers, random breakfast related light ornaments, pop culture prints and more. They even let you draw on the walls. The menu picks up where decor leaves off.” - Yelp Review

5.  Nick and Jake’s on Main

Real food and honest drink.

6830 W 135th | Overland Park | nickandjakes.com

Created by two friends who couldn’t be more different, the real food and honest drink is the one thing they agree on at this family friendly establishment. With a menu stacked with burgers and desserts the kids will love, this is the perfect place to take your family for a casual night out.

They also have a great happy hour Monday-Friday 3 pm-6 pm and Monday-Saturday 9 pm-close with discounted appetizers, $1 off draft sluggers, wine by the glass, and well drinks, and $5 cocktails.

“Little Man and I had a wonderful lunch outside on the patio before hitting up the dinosaur museum. The service was wonderful and the option to sit on a patio with just small tables was really nice with a kid.” - Yelp Review

6. Jack Stack Barbecue

One of the best steakhouses in Kansas City.

101 W 22nd St #300 | Crossroads Arts District | jackstackbbq.com

Located near The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Sprint Center, and an array of local art galleries and boutiques, Jack Stack Barbeque is the perfect place to stop in for Kansas City barbeque after a long day of family fun.

Not only is it one of the best steakhouses in Kansas City, it also has 25-foot high ceilings due to being converted from a Freight House that are sure to wow you. Indoor and outdoor seating is also a plus.

Be sure to start off with the Burnt Ends where you choose two of either beef, pork, or sausage. Then move onto Family Style ‘Cue and choose from either Taste of Kansas City with pork spare ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and fire-kissed wings, The Pitmaster with pork spare ribs, beef and pork burnt ends and sausage, and fire-kissed wings, or Jack’s Best with one crown prime beef rib, baby back ribs and beef burnt ends.

Purchase a GiftYa for Jack Stack Barbecue here!

“Service was fast and friendly. Food was fantastic - fall off the bone ribs (DO NOT miss these!), perfectly charred burnt ends and great baked beans and cheesy corn. Drinks were strong and tasty! 10/10 would come back again if in KC.” - Yelp Review

7. Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant

A Kansas City Tradition. 

250 N 18th St | Downtown | fritzskc.com

Kansas City families have been making memories at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant for

decades, so it’s time you and your family join in on the fun if you haven’t already!

Your kid will love ordering their food by telephone and will never forget the excitement of it being brought to your table by an overhead train delivery car. And there’s great food in it for the parents!

There’s hamburgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, desserts, shakes, and even breakfast! And the hamburgers are always cooked to order just like they were in 1954.

You can purchase a GiftYa for Fritz’ Railroad Restaurant here!

“Super cute restaurant in downtown KC. I took my son here because he's obsessed with trains and this place did not disappoint! Great service, fun experience and the best cherry limeade I've ever had. We will definitely be back!” - Yelp Review

8. Bo Lings

Family-owned Chinese restaurant.

8973 Metcalf Ave | Overland Park | bolings.com

With an adorable kids menu and delicious options for adults, Bo Lings had it right when they came up with their motto “Chinese, Please.”

Kids can choose from beef with broccoli, chicken with broccoli, crispy chicken, or lo mein noodles served with white or brown rice, while parents can enjoy dim sum, dumplings, noodles, and more. We also love their cocktails, Chinese tea, and Boba tea! We recommend the Bubble Jasmine Green Tea!

You can purchase a GiftYa for Bo Lings here!

“The best Chinese food in Kansas City that reward goes to Bo Lings. I hate fried rice but this rice was so tasty. Very well worth it for the price. Hats off to Bo Lings for being the best.” - Yelp Review

9. Kate’s Kitchen

Leave with a full heart and a smile on your face.

8002 N Oak Trfy | Jefferson Highlands | kateskitchenkc.com

At Kate’s, their hope is that you leave with a full heart and a smile on your face. Thanks to their delicious menu, amazing service, and warm atmosphere, that won’t be hard to do!

Serving breakfast and lunch, this is the place you want to be with your family on a Sunday morning. Choose from the breakfast burrito loaded with Scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, onion, black beans, combo cheese, tomatoes, and jalapeños served with salsa and sour cream on the side or Ronnie’s Favorite french toast, thick egg bread dipped in Mom's secret batter topped with butter and powdered sugar. Don’t forget to order a cinnamon roll to share! This dessert is made fresh each morning and served hot, topped with warm thick icing.

“A mom and pops place. Of course it is way better than i-hop or any franchise breakfast place. And lemme say, their cinnamon roll is SO FREAKING DELICIOUS!! Melts right in your mouth and is definitely a treat to indulge.” - Yelp Review

10. Tay’s Burger Shack

No-frills burgers and fries joint.

1019 Armour Rd | North Kansas City | facebook.com/taysburgershack

A no-frills burgers and fries joint that might just be the best treat your family has all week. The menu is small, consisting only of burgers, hot dogs, and chili dogs served with fries on the side. But of course there is a kid’s burger and kid’s dog for those with smaller appetites!

Don’t forget to dip (or drench) your fries in the Sriracha Ketchup and Sriracha Mayo!

You can purchase a GiftYa for Tay’s Burger Shack here!

“OK. Just had a Tay's Dble with cheese, grilled onions, etc...the burger was PERFECTION! The patties were moist, greasy, and tasty delicious. You gotta try the Sriracha ketchup with your fries and the Sriracha Mayo on your burger.” - Yelp Review

11. Donutology

Kansas City’s own customizable donut shop. 

1009 Westport Rd | Midtown | donutology.com 

Though it’s not really a restaurant, we had to throw it on our list because of how popular it is among families in Kansas City.

Welcome to Donutology, where you can treat your favorite kid to a donut of their unique creation or one of the featured favorites on their menu like the Fruity Puff with strawberry icing, Fruity Pebbles, and marshmallow drizzle.

This place screams family fun, and you might even want to pick up something for yourself. If you’re craving something more substantial or savory, order the Sausage Roll.

You can purchase a GiftYa for Donutology here!

“This place is an essential stop in KC if you're in town. The donuts are wonderful (french toast is our favorite) and the flavored milk is to die for. You can get 6 mini donuts in any flavor for $8.” - Yelp Review

Be sure to let us know which of these family friendly restaurants in Kansas City is your favorite in the comments!