Editor-in-Chief at Raleigh Family Adventure

Amy Hartle is the enthusiastic force behind Raleigh Family Adventure as its Editor-in-Chief and founder. She resides in the North Carolina Triangle area with her husband and their adventurous toddler. Amy has worked as a content creator since 2012, specializing in travel and lifestyle. On this site, Amy marries her expertise with her passion to bring Raleigh parents the best in local family fun.

What We Look for in Kid-Friendly Dining

First, let’s define what makes a restaurant kid-friendly. Nearly all restaurants can technically be considered kid-friendly, aside from very fancy fine dining. But, as a mom, I think it takes more than just a kids menu for a restaurant to be kid-friendly.

The restaurants we’ve chosen to include on this list offer a little something more. Some have a super kid-friendly atmosphere, or something that appeals strongly to kids. Others have play areas or large outdoor spaces where kids can run around. Games, toys, and activities are a huge plus. Finally, some of these spots offer days where kids eat free, which is a massive draw for parents looking to save some money!

Triangle Area Restaurants with Play Spaces

Mellow Mushroom Brier Creek – Raleigh

📍9600 Brier Creek Pkwy, Raleigh, NC 27617
Website

With its chill, quirky vibe, Mellow Mushroom locations are always fun for kids. And pizza is definitely a winner! But the Brier Creek Mellow Mushroom is especially kid-friendly. Their outdoor patio seating is enclosed by a fence, and has some great space to play.

From an adult perspective, they have some great cocktails here, too.

Don’t miss the giant Poseidon statue sticking out of the grass! And they also have board game nights, which are great for older kids and parents.

First Watch Brier Creek – Raleigh

📍4233 Corners Pkwy Suite 230, Raleigh, NC 27617
Website

Just down the road from Mellow Mushroom is another great spot with a kid-friendly place space. First Watch in Brier Creek has an awesome fenced backyard that has several toy items available, including a sand box. You can grab brunch and let the kids play while you eat. What could be more perfect? This is one of our favorite breakfast spots for sure.

Eastcut Sandwich at Raleigh Iron Works

📍1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd Suite 126, Raleigh, NC 27604
Website

I constantly see rave reviews for Eastcut all over social media. We finally made it out to try their sandwiches and the raves were not wrong!

While they have a location in Durham, this one is located in Raleigh Iron Works. This awesome mixed use development has blossomed into a fantastic place to hang out. The highlight for kids is their huge red slide! Be warned: it’s pretty fast! Consider grabbing ice cream after lunch over at Andia’s!

Eastcut itself is quite kid-friendly, with tons of high chairs available, a changing table in the bathroom, and a special Tuesday night $5 Kiddos deal.

Gonza Tacos & Tequila at Waverly Place – Cary

📍525 New Waverly Pl #104, Cary, NC 27518
Website

This yummy Colombian-Mexican restaurant has a few locations, but the most kid-friendly is their spot in Waverly Place in Cary. Gonza is located directly across from the shopping center’s fenced playground. That makes this an ideal spot. You can take advantage of the playground before or after dining, or older kids can play while parents dine outdoors—and enjoy margaritas! Definitely a family-friendly spot to add to your list!

Tap Station – Apex

📍320 S Salem St. Apex, NC 27502
Website

Tap Station is a fun, colorful American restaurant offering brewery, burgers, and bourbon (among other things!) With an extensive outdoor seating area, it’s a prime spot for kids (and for dogs, too!) But the best part is their fenced play area. While it isn’t a huge play area, the fenced aspect is a must for me, and my toddler had a great time exploring during our meal.

Prime BBQ – Knightdale

📍403 Knightdale Station Run Knightdale, NC 27545
Website

Prime BBQ has been on our list for awhile. Knightdale is such a charming part of the Triangle, and Prime BBQ sounds like delicious food, plus they have that oh-so-important enclosed play area! We can’t wait to try it out and report back!

It’s also directly across from Knightdale Station Park so you can plan to enjoy the playground and/or splashpad after your meal.

Pop’s Backdoor – Durham

📍3710 Shannon Rd Durham, NC 27707
Website

Pop’s Backdoor South offers fresh pizza and Italian dishes in a laid-back setting. Adults can savor selections from their beer and wine list, while kids can have fun in the charming play area. They also offer a very reasonable kids meal.

Stewart’s Bistro – Wake Forest

📍3652 Rogers Rd, Wake Forest, NC
Website

This Wake Forest coffee and breakfast spot is absolutely on our list to try. We haven’t been here yet ourselves, but I’ve seen it recommended as a yummy spot. This family-owned restaurant also has a small kids play kitchen. Could be ideal for visiting with toddlers/preschools.

Chuy’s North Hills – Raleigh

📍4020 Market at North Hills St, Raleigh, NC
Website

Technically, Chuy’s is not a restaurant with a play area. However, their location in North Hills’ Midtown Park is directly overlooking a wide open green. Depending on the age of your kiddos, this could be a perfect place for them to burn off some energy while/after you dine. Plus, Chuy’s is casual Tex-Mex, and has a solid kids menu.

Superica at Fenton – Cary

📍25 Fenton Main Street, Suite 110, Cary NC 27511
Website

Here’s another restaurant that is adjacent to some open space (and also Tex-Mex, actually!) Superica is a really tasty spot located in Fenton in Cary, and their outdoor patio is directly overlooking the large green area of the shopping center. I’ve seen some games out here before, such as cornhole, but even without those, this is a nice big area to play. Pro tip: they have REALLY good yellow queso here.

You could also opt to dine at Italian restaurant Colletta on the other side of the green.

Bull City Solera and Taproom – Durham

📍4120 University Drive, Durham 27707
Website

Offering grass-fed burgers and “chef-driven burritos”, this is a fun spot with good food! They have kid-friendly activities like a foosball table, pinball machines, and a kids play area. Also, kids eat free on Sundays!

Bull City Burger & Brewery – Durham

📍107 E. Parrish St. #105, Durham, NC 27701
Website

Under the same ownership as Bull City Solera, this is another spot offering the same fresh local food and beer plus a kids play area.

More Kid Friendly Restaurants in the Triangle

Big Ed’s City Market – Raleigh

📍220 Wolfe Street Raleigh, NC 27601
Website

Sometimes a restaurant just has a good, laid-back vibe that feels welcoming to kids. Big Ed’s is one such place.

Their Downtown Raleigh location has been there since 1989 serving up “a wonderful experience, full of southern hospitality, joy, and laughter.”

The food is affordable and there are several options kids will enjoy. Plus, their pancakes are huge!

Cowfish – Raleigh

📍4208 Six Forks Road, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27609
Website

Cowfish is frequently recommended as one of the top kid friendly restaurants in Raleigh. This burger joint/sushi bar is a unique concept and it is a lot of fun for kids to visit. The kids menu consists of clever Kids Bento Boxes, which are always a treat; especially the peanut butter and jelly “sushi” rolls!

Transfer Co. Food Hall – Raleigh

📍500 East Davie Street Raleigh, NC
Website

Having tons of choices for what/where to eat makes a food hall an ideal spot for dining out as a family! Transfer Co. Food Call has a casual vibe, lots of space, and many food options. Kids love it!

Dos Taquitos – Raleigh

📍6101 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612
Website

I don’t know about you, but Mexican food is one of our all-time favorite options, and many Mexican restaurants in this area are super family-friendly. One standout is Dos Taquitos. Here, you can sit at a table and have your queso and guacamole delivered by train! What kid wouldn’t love that?

Farmhouse Cafe – Wendell

📍320 Vintage Point Ln, Wendell, NC 27591
Website

The Farmhouse Cafe in Wendell is such a lovely spot. Located in the Wendell Falls neighborhood, this cafe is incredibly inviting and offers locally-sourced items

As far as being kid-friendly, they are right next to a large field, which can be a good spot to get some energy out. Note: This is not an enclosed area, so keep an eye on toddlers.

They’ve also got a solid kids menu with items like grilled cheese, chicken quesadilla, and pizza.

Ruckus Pizza – Morrisville

📍1101 Market Center Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560
Website

Ruckus Pizza is one of our go to restaurants with kids in the Triangle. We like the Morrisville location with their large patio, including a giant Connect 4 game. The Apex location is also nice. The food here is consistently yummy and kids feel very welcome.

Kids Eat Free in Raleigh + the Triangle

Finding spots where kids eat free or at a discount can be a challenge. I’ve done a deep dive to try to find ALL the places offering this around the Triangle. Be aware, however, that these deals are subject to change at any time. I always recommend contacting a restaurant to confirm before visiting. It’s also worth noting that most Kids Eat Free deals require the purchase of one adult entree.

Kids Eat Free Mondays

La Carreta – Raleigh
1028 Oberlin Rd. Unit 220 Raleigh, NC 27605

Flying Biscuit – Raleigh
Evenings

Amadeo’s Italian Restaurant
222 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Kids 10 and under eat FREE with purchase of adult entree. Dine-in only.

The Big Easy
3905 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606
One free kids meal with purchase of adult entree. Ages 12 and under.

Empanada Factory
2010 South Main St., 406 Wake Forest, NC 27587

Real McCoy’s
3325 Rogers Road Ste 112, Wake Forest NC, NC 27587

Kids Eat Free!!! With Purchase of Adult Entree

Kids Eat Free Tuesdays

Sassool Cafe – Raleigh and Cary (after 3pm)

Tobacco Road
280 S Mangum St #100, Durham, NC 27701
505 W. Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27603

BBS Crispy Chicken

Carolina Ale House
3911 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707
7981 Skyland Ridge Parkway, Raleigh, NC 27617
4512 Falls of Neuse Rd Raleigh, NC 27609
500 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603
2240 Walnut St., Cary, NC 27518
11685 Northpark Drive Wake Forest, NC 27587

Join Us Every Tuesday Evening for Kids Night, where Kids Eat for $0.99, beginning at 5pm, with the purchase of any entrée.* Dine-in only. 10 and under.

The Mac House
14460 New Falls of Neuse Rd Suite 167, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614

Dine-in only.

Kids Eat Free Wednesdays

Sabor Latin Grill
105 West NC Hwy 54, #201 Durham, NC 27713

Kids meals are .99 on Wednesdays with purchase of an adult meal. 12 + under only

Sean’s Shack
2840 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604

Kids Eat Free Wednesday nights at Sean’s Shack! (with purchase of adult meal $11 or more) 5:00pm-10:00pm Dine-in only. Kids 10 and under.

Kids Eat Free Thursdays

Averde Cocina & Tequila Library
2300 Walnut St, Cary, NC 27518

Kids meals .99 from 5pm-10pm. They also have free face painting!

Backfins Crabhouse
1009 Stadium Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Thursdays kids eat free! Kids under 12 get a free kids meal with each adult meal purchase. Only valid with dine in. 12pm-8pm

Kids Eat Free Saturdays

Pat Murnane’s Irish Pub
2108 S Main St, Wake Forest, NC 27587

12:00pm-5:00pm

13 Tacos & Taps
10511 Shadowlawn Dr. Raleigh, NC 27614

It’s Classic Saturday – we celebrate the classics and offer our kids menu entrees for FREE for kids 12 and under (one kid entree per each adult entree) (dine in only)

Kids Eat Free Sundays

Bull City Solera & Taproom
4120 University Drive Durham, NC 27707

Nantucket Grill and Cafe
5826 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC 27713
1145 Falls River Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27614
5925 Farrington Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Kids 10 and under eat free with purchase of an adult entree.

Players Retreat
105 Oberlin Rd Raleigh, NC 27605
Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree. Ages 12 + under, dine-in only