San Diego is a great place for families with kids – whether you live here or are just visiting. Situated in sunny California, it makes for an excellent year-round destination. The city abounds in tourist attractions that range from scenic beaches to amusement parks to historic landmarks. Prominent among these are San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, SeaWorld, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, and Point Loma. Walking for long distances especially in summer can get tiring quickly and more so for young children. Stopping at restaurants that are likely to appeal to children with their décor and facilities such as play areas or kids’ menus can cheer up even the most forlorn child. It can prove to be a refreshing break for everyone in the family and you can head on to your next destination with renewed vigor. So, head for these best kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego, California next time!
1. Waypoint Public
Parent approved play area for Easter brunch. . . ?. @dreamcaker
Posted by Waypoint Public on Sunday, 1 April 2018
A local restaurant with a cheery, casual vibe, this place gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘kid-friendly’. They have a substantial kid’s menu that offers all-time favorites like spaghetti and grilled chicken breast alongside staples such as fries and choice of eggs. The menu card itself has interesting activities to keep children occupied until their order arrives. And don’t miss their play area which is sure to be a hit with the little ones.
Waypoint Public
Address: 3794 30th St San Diego, CA 92104
Website: Waypoint Public
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 1am; Sat: 9am - 1am; Sun: 9am - 10pm
2. Tribute Pizza
This cozy family pizza place serves brunch, lunch, and dinner with a variety of choices for everyone in the family. Their kids’ menu is intended for those under the age of 10 and offers cheese pizza with an option to add pepperoni, mac and cheese, and vanilla soft serve for dessert. The efficient and friendly service adds to the experience.
Tribute Pizza
Address: 3077 North Park Way, San Diego, 92104
Website: Tribute Pizza
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 4pm - 9pm; Thu - Fri 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
3. Station Tavern
Celebrate #NationalHotDogDay at Station Tavern in #SouthParkSD Station hot dogs are 100% Kosher beef served on a...
Posted by Station Tavern and Burgers on Thursday, 23 July 2015
Known for its all-American burgers and tater tots, this casual dining place has a tavern-like vibe true to its name, perfect for a leisurely lunch with family or friends. Kids are sure to enjoy dining at the communal picnic tables. The kid’s menu has hot dogs with a tofu option and grilled cheese besides the different types of fries. There is also a play area for the little ones with a half-scale trolley and chalkboards. The open dining area is also pet-friendly so your child don’t have to leave their four-legged friend out in the car.
Station Tavern
Address: 2204 Fern St San Diego, CA 92104
Website: Station Tavern
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
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4. The Crack Shack - Little Italy
Known for its interesting twist on Southern California fried chicken and eggs, this restaurant uses meat that is antibiotic-free. The open-air dining combined with lawn games makes for a fun ambiance. The kids’ section, their menu aptly titled, “Little Cluckers” offers a choice of grilled chicken or grilled cheese, nuggets, a side of carrots or petite fries, juice, and a cookie. They also have Happy Hour specials for the adults.
The Crack Shack - Little Italy
Address: 2266 Kettner Blvd San Diego, California
Website: The Crack Shack - Little Italy
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 11pm
5. Corvette Diner
This 50s style diner is complete with waitresses in bouffant hairstyles and poodle skirts. If the cotton candy platter, root beer floats, handmade shakes, and malts are not enough of a draw for the children, the Corvette car in the middle of the diner should be! Balloon animals and a section for gaming sweetens the deal. Their kids’ menu is quite extensive with options like spaghetti and meatballs, grilled chicken strips, and crunchy peanut butter and jelly apart from the staples.
Corvette Diner
Address: 2965 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, CA
Website: Corvette Diner
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 9pm; Mon - Thu: 11.30am - 9pm; Fri: 11.30am - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 11pm
6. Puesto At The Headquarters
Famous for their tacos and other Mexican delicacies, this restaurant promises authentic cuisine, founded and managed by first-generation Mexican Americans. Even kids who are not taco fans are bound to find the ice cream taco that features on their kids’ menu, irresistible. They offer mix and match options for children who can choose from tacos and quesadillas. This menu also provides allergy and diet details.
Puesto At The Headquarters
Address: 789 W Harbor Dr Suite 155, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Puesto At The Headquarters
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
7. The Old Spaghetti Factory
This unique Italian restaurant features antique lighting, exquisitely stained glass displays, big, colorful booths and a trolley car to dine in. Their three-course meals are not just for adults, kids 12 and under get to enjoy it too. The young ones can choose an entrée of applesauce or salad, juice, milk, or a soft drink, and vanilla ice cream or spumoni for dessert.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Address: 275 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
Website: The Old Spaghetti Factory
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11.30am - 10pm; Fri: 11.30am - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
8. San Diego Pier Café
Sitting right on the water, this is a great place to enjoy the sunset along with your meal. This quaint, New England-style full-service restaurant offers a choice of seafood specialties. Their kids’ menu caters to those under the age of 12 and features pizza, grilled chicken or fish with rice, burger, and fries, and popcorn shrimp among others.
San Diego Pier Café
Address: 885 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: San Diego Pier Café
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
9. Filippi's Pizza Grotto Little Italy
The DePhilippis family would like to welcome you and your family to visit our restaurants to Celebrate National Pizza...
Posted by Filippi's Pizza Grotto Little Italy on Saturday, 9 February 2019
From a family line of restaurants that dates back to the 1950s, this place serves authentic Italian cuisine for all. Kids get to choose from spaghetti, ravioli, or lasagna with choice of meatball or sausage. The delicious food is prepared using family recipes that date back more than half a century.
Filippi's Pizza Grotto Little Italy
Address: 1747, India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Little Italy
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 10pm
10. Panama 66
Situated at the San Diego Museum of Art at Balboa Park, this counter service restaurant uses only quality-sourced ingredients and offers live music. Sandwiches and soups are the choices on their kids’ menu. The bread used is country white loaf with ample amounts of fruits or vegetables.
Panama 66
Address: The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Panama 66
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 11am - 3pm; Wed - Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
Keep children happy at meal times
Ensuring kids are happy is important especially when traveling or sightseeing. A hungry child can be cranky and throw a damper on what was to be some quality family time. Keep this list of kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego handy so you never have to face this issue while in the area!
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