Looking for kid-friendly restaurants that the whole family will love? Have no fear.
Finding the balance between taking your kids someplace they’ll enjoy while also enjoying it yourself isn’t always as easy as it should be. Luckily, Columbus is, on the whole, a family-friendly city.
There are so many unique places you can swing in with the kids for a bite to eat, whether you’re looking for somewhere with built-in activities or a super kid-friendly menu, this city has your back.
Schmidt’s
There are a lot of reasons why taking your kids to Schmidt’s is a great idea. The most obvious is that no matter how old you are, you can a creampuff for dessert. Afterward, you can all snap some adorable pics outside the restaurant. That’s a win, friends.
Address: 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Schmidt’s
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace
I feel like I could just say, “hot dogs” and most parents would be like, “Yep, for sure.” But allow me to elaborate. Dirty Franks has a fun atmosphere with lots of kid-friendly food options, including mac and cheese topped with a hot dog octopus. Trust me, they’ll love it.
Address: 248 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace
Budd Dairy Food Hall
If you’ve got a family that all likes their own things, a visit to Budd Dairy Food Hall is in order. There are a variety of vendors at the food hall offering everything from fried chicken to cheesesteaks. Budd Dairy Food Hall is open for lunch Thursday-Sunday starting at 11 a.m.
Address: 1086 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Budd Dairy Food Hall
Just Chicken
Nothing appeases an upset child quite like chicken tenders. At Just Chicken, you and your kiddo can snack on some chicken, fries, or mac & cheese, aka the favorite three food groups of picky toddlers everywhere. The food is delicious, shareable, plus the close proximity to Franklin Park Conservatory means that you can enjoy lunch and let the kids run off a bunch of energy before heading home!
Address: 212 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205
Website: Just Chicken
Starliner Diner
The artwork alone at Starliner Diner will keep the kids entertained. The diner itself is super fun and the menu is Latin-inspired, so it’s a great way to get kids to try new things and expand their palates from the aforementioned chicken tenders and hot dogs.
Address: 4121 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026
Website: Starliner Diner
Swensons Drive-In
Swensons Drive-In is a great option for when you’re sort of tired and don’t want to load all of the kids into the car only to bust them out again 15 minutes later. You order from the comfort of your vehicle and the food will be brought out to you! They have a great menu, and it includes milkshakes, so you really can’t go wrong.
Address: Various locations
Website: Swensons Drive-In
Combustion Brewery
It may not seem like the most obvious choice, but Combustion Brewery is so family-friendly that it hurts. They’ve got a kids’ area where your children can stretch out and have some fun, and they’ve got a nice, cold beer waiting for you. Everybody will leave happy!
Address: 80 W Church St Suite 101, Pickerington, OH 43147
Website: Combustion Brewery
Buckeye Donuts
If you’re looking for a spot that’s as enjoyable for the kids as it is for the grown-ups, look no further than Buckeye Donuts. This 24-hour gem has been serving up delicious donuts and hearty meals to Columbus residents for decades. Nothing says “family-friendly” quite like a place where everyone can find their favorite sweet treat. Your little ones will be delighted by the endless variety of donuts, from classic glazed to fun, colorful sprinkles. Beyond donuts, Buckeye Donuts offers a full menu of breakfast and lunch items, including pancakes, omelets, and sandwiches. It’s a great spot for a quick breakfast before heading out on a family adventure or for a laid-back lunch where everyone leaves satisfied.
Address: 1998 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Buckeye Donuts
