Parents know all too well that going out for a nice lunch or dinner can be tough with kids, especially those who are picky eaters. You start wondering if there will be suitable menu options and if the environment is welcoming to families… But don’t worry!
A special dining experience can be fun for the whole family if you choose the right place, and fortunately, Denver offers a variety of good options. In fact, they not only offer kids’ menus but also different vegan, vegetarian, and other options so everyone in the family can enjoy a great experience.
We’ve curated a list of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Denver, which create an atmosphere where families feel welcome and children are entertained. Say goodbye to mealtime stress, check out our list, and enjoy a great meal with absolute peace of mind!
Best Restaurants for Families in Denver
1
The 1UP LoDo
One of the first places that comes to mind when you think of kid-friendly restaurants is The 1UP LoDo, given that it has dining with play areas in Denver. This super fun and unique arcade bar & grill features a huge collection of old-school arcade games and pinball machines. The LoDo location also offers a great menu that features bar food and great options for kids. This is a better lunch location for kids, as they do not allow anyone under 21 past 7 pm.2
Boondocks Food and Fun
Undoubtedly, one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Denver and a great option for indoor family fun in Colorado. Boondocks offers exciting attractions for all ages!3
Punch Bowl Social
Beyond having a great menu, the Punch Bowl Social is one of the most fun places to eat with kids and has exciting activities like bowling, virtual reality, karaoke, table games, and even a vintage arcade! If the fun and friendly atmosphere at this restaurant doesn’t inspire you to return, the amazing food definitely will! The kids' menu features delicious food sourced from high-quality ingredients. Rarely do you find kids' menus this well-made!4
Wonderland Brewing Company
One of our favorite family-friendly breweries around Denver, Wonderland is always kiddo & dog-friendly, and features a spacious outdoor patio and blacktop where kids can run free and enjoy riding bikes, playing basketball, corn hole, and more. There are also some ping pong tables inside, as well as a great collection of pinball machines!5
Downtown Aquarium
This public aquarium boasts over a million gallons of underwater exhibits and is the host to over 500 species of animals! So, you can not only enjoy a great experience with your family but also have a unique dining experience at the Aquarium restaurant, one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Denver.6
Casa Bonita
There are no more kid-friendly restaurants in Denver than Casa Bonita! This restaurant in Lakewood hosts various attractions like arcade games, puppet shows, and even cliff diving from their indoor waterfall!7
IKEA Centennial
IKEA Centennial has many kids' items like furniture, bedding, and toys, along with a nice restaurant and a supervised play area that includes toys and a ball pit. Another great option if you’re looking for restaurants with children's menus.Dessert Spots
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City Pop Gourmet Popcorn
City Pop Gourmet Popcorn offers over 70 flavors of fresh popcorn and a great selection of packaged and bulk candy, snacks, and gifts. Your kids will love the popcorn varieties that can't be found anywhere else, and they'll never tire of trying the unique flavors! If you’re looking for themed dining for little ones, you can make the exception once and treat them to a sweets-themed dinner!2
Sweet Cow
Nobody looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Denver should miss out on Sweet Cow! This delightful shop offers delicious ice cream, handcrafted on-site and served fresh daily. Additionally, their kind scoopers are committed to the environment and only use compostable and recyclable products.3
Inside Scoop Creamery
Inside Scoop is a charming little shop that provides a selection of 20 homemade flavors crafted fresh daily in their kitchen, handcrafted waffle cones, and gluten-free or dairy-free treats. As you can see, you’ll find allergy-friendly kid meals/options for you or your little ones.4
Sweet Cooie’s Ice Cream and Confectionery
Sweet Cooie’s offers both delicious ice cream and chocolate. This classically inspired store, with interiors in robin’s egg blue, will enchant your children and make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.5
Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
Since 1986, Bonnie Brae Ice Cream has been crafting mouth-watering cones, sundaes, banana splits, and thick shakes right in the store. Its playful atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a beautiful moment with your little ones, and one of the most fun places to eat with kids!6
Enstrom Candies
The history of this confectionery dates back 100 years! And today, the quality of their products is world-famous and a must-try for anyone in and around the city - truly one of the most delicious and fun places to eat with kids!7
Liks Ice Cream
Liks Ice Cream is a family-run creamery that serves a great variety of handcrafted ice cream flavors, including allergy-friendly kid meals such as delicious vegan options. A great spot to visit with your kids and enjoy some delicious ice cream.8
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is known as one of the finest chocolate makers, with a huge variety of unique chocolates and candies. It may not be one of the family brunch locations in Colorado, but when it comes to chocolate, your children can’t miss out on its delicious options!These are our recommendations for restaurants and other eateries that are a fantastic option for going with kids, as they offer great food and a welcoming atmosphere for each member of the family.
While the city has many amazing adventures awaiting you and your family, it’s also full of options to eat, where you won’t have to worry about what your kids will have – these places’ kids’ menus are irresistible!
These kid-friendly restaurants in Denver understand the unique needs of family dining and work to make sure that your family can enjoy quality time together. Now, you can leave your worries at home and have a fantastic dining experience. While kids’ menus are usually tailored to children’s favorite dishes, going out to dine can be a great opportunity for them to try new flavors and foods they’ve never tasted before.
Want to keep the kids active? If you’d like your children to do some exercise while having fun, take a look at the Best Dance Classes for Kids in Denver or these fun Yoga Lessons!