San Diego's Kid-Friendly Restaurants That Are *Actually* Relaxing

Finding a kid-friendly restaurant can be like searching for a quiet spot on La Jolla Cove Beach during spring break.

Because we know the struggle is real when it comes to finding somewhere to eat with littles, we’ve rounded up some of the best (and chillest) kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego.  

Del’s Hideout

You had us at Texas BBQ and kept us with an outdoor play area for kiddos 10 and under. Tucked off the highway in Del Cerro, Del’s Hideout offers a kid’s menu, 36 beers on tap for adult patrons, and a dirt sundae that visitors of all ages will want to dive into.  

Officine Buonna Forcetta

A combination of family-friendly dining with upscale entrees, any visit to Officine Buonna Forcetta will quickly help diners to understand why their Neapolitan-style pies are award-winning. Parents can dine on traditional Italian pasta or pizza while their children play on the outdoor playground. The Liberty Station location is busy, but worth the wait, and with Pigment across the street, and a park just down the street, there will be plenty of ways to keep busy until your table is ready.  

The Prado at Balboa Park

Not only is Balboa Park home to 17 museums and cultural institutions, it is also home to The Prado, a must-see for families with hungry children after a day of exploring. Come on a Tuesday for free entry to a Balboa Park museum (see when each museum is free here), and stay for the chicken strips with marinara.

Crack Shack

Bring the whole family (furry friends included!) to the Crack Shack! They have an Encinitas location where children can play in a sandpit after enjoying their Lil Cluckers meal or you can check out the “OG coop” in Little Italy to see where it all began.

Ketch Grill and Taps Portside Pier

Dining by the water? Steps away from the Star of India? Walking distance to Waterfront Park? Ketch Grill and Taps Portside Pier checks them all! Fresh seafood and local craft beers help seal the deal for this family-friendly grill. 

Little Italy Food Hall

Fittingly located in Little Italy, the Little Italy Food Hall has a 10,000 square foot open air piazza alongside the seven locally-driven food stations. Whether you’re grabbing a Korean short rib taco from Not Tacos, or a Slider Board from Graze by Sam, everyone will want to finish their meal with a scoop from Bobboi Natural Gelato.  

My Yard Live

A kid’s patio, an adult’s patio, and pinball? We’re in! The San Marcos location of My Yard Live is everything that a family needs in a restaurant. The elevated playhouse, complete with spiral slide and rock-climbing wall, was designed by the same company that developed Disney World’s Tom Sawyer’s Island. The kid’s menu offers all the favorites that will help satiate kids once they’ve worn themselves out on the playground. 

Bernardo Winery

Plan for making at least two trips to Bernardo Winery: one with your kids for a picnic in the sunshine, dining on their Italian-inspired menu, and one with your girlfriends for a paint and sip or tasting room experience. Located in Rancho Bernardo, the winery also hosts local artisans in their Village Shops.

Corvette Diner

Corvette Diner is a Liberty Station staple and has everything that an old school diner should have: brightly lit neon signs, sassy waitresses with bouffant hairdos who dance and sing, and classic diner food. Visit on a Wednesday or Thursday for the Corvette Dine & Play Packages for kids that includes Gamers Garage credits for their arcade.