Updated: August 23, 2026
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 get a cream puff 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 tenders and fresh cut fries, aka the two favorite 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. Kids are welcome right in the taproom, and food trucks pull up on a rotating schedule. Romeo’s Pizza sits next door for the inevitable pizza request. Meanwhile, there’s 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
The kids get donuts and the grown-ups get real food. Buckeye Donuts has been frying them on campus since 1969, and the OSU shop still runs 24 hours a day. The case goes from classic glazed to fun, colorful sprinkles. The menu runs well past donuts too, with breakfast sandwiches, French toast, hand-cut gyros with tzatziki, and Greek salads. There’s also a stall at North Market Downtown if the family’s already headed that way.
Address: 1998 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Buckeye Donuts
