15 Super Fun Family Restaurants in Orlando and Central Florida

Selecting a spot to eat when you have children can be tricky. If you have multiple munchkins like me, there’s bound to be some squabbling and LOTS of chatting. The last thing you want when you are trying to feed your family is glaring eyes directed your way because your family is too loud or disruptive. And honestly, us parents don’t want to ruin anyone’s meal with our familial brood. So, what are we to do?!

There’s a plethora of eating establishments in Central Florida that have an atmosphere suitable for families of all ages that make the dining out pressures much more bearable – dare I say, fun!

In Case You’re Interested:

>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks

You can also jump over to our sibling site, OrlandoDateNightGuide.com for the original list of Kid-Friendly Orlando Restaurants with Playgrounds + Play Spaces.

Keep reading for 15 delightfully fun restaurants that are perfect for families in Orlando.

Updated January 2024 by Meghan Roth and Dani Meyering

Family Friendly Restaurants in Orlando

2. Nauti Lobstah

311 S Forest Avenue
Apopka, FL 32703

Nauti Lobstah is a friend and family-owned business offering delectable seafood creations and high-quality alternatives such as steaks, chicken, and pork for their non-seafood guests… all in a warm and friendly setting!

Don’t let their menu fool you, this is a family-friendly restaurant all the way with paper-covered tables and lobstah bibs for all. While they are known for their HUGE lobstah roll, Nauti Lobstah offers a kid’s menu with multiple seafood and non-seafood options, all for $10 each.

This next kid friendly restaurant in Orlando is a hidden gem. The Orlando Science Center is one of the best things to do in Orlando with kids, and having lunch at 4Roots Cafe is a great way to keep the fun going.

However, you do NOT need a ticket to the Orlando Science Center in order to eat at 4Roots Cafe. There is an entrance to the cafe from Loch Haven Park, no ticket required.

4Roots Cafe, run by the 4Rivers Smokehouse team. You won’t find barbecue here. Instead, the build-your-own rice and salad bowls are awesome, healthful, and fresh.

You can also grab and go some wraps, salads, and fresh snacks. We love the hands-on play areas here that make lunchtime entertaining.

Important Note: The 4Roots Cafe is closed on Wednesdays when school is in session, it is open 7 days a week during the summer. Lunch is served 11:00am – 3:00pm, and grab and go is available until 4:30pm.

Nick’s Family Diner is a hidden gem that feels like you’re sitting in a comfy home. Don’t expect anything fancy or over-the-top but do expect tasty food served efficiently and friendly. Not only is the atmosphere low-key, it’s also affordable for families too. The menu boasts the typical diner fare you’d expect like burgers, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast dishes which are served all day.

The Diner is open Tuesday – Sundays from 8 am – 2:30 pm. Do take note that there is a surcharge added to your check when paying by card. To forego that, take cash.

The Acre is one of the new restaurants in Orlando, but it’s a venue that many locals already know. Serving as a spot for weddings and private events, The Acre is under new ownership.

This beautiful place has multiple outdoor seating areas, as well as a few indoor options. There is plenty of room to play, but it can be easy to lose track of your kiddos – so keep a watchful eye or discuss a plan.

The non-alcoholic beverages and kids’ options are a little limited. This is definitely more of a date night spot. Still, it is a great place to bring the kids early in the evening before the adults take over.

Sports families gear up for the next game day! Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is founded by college basketball player Brandon Landry and is now co-owned by professional football quarterback Drew Brees. This sports-themed restaurant brings Louisiana culture and cooking to Florida in spirit and cuisine. With televisions posted in almost every space (including the bathroom!), you and your team never have to worry about missing one second of the game.

At every shift change, diners can join staff by participating in “The Rumble” where employees get pumped for their shift to win the walk-on. You have permission to drumroll on your table and join in their chants. Something that makes Walk On’s different than other sports pubs is their sharing menu, great for family gatherings.

Featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives” show, Mrs. Potato serves up dishes that all involve… potatoes! Coming to America from Brazil as a child, Rafaela missed the potato houses from back home so she started her own unique restaurant here in The City Beautiful.

One of the favorites on the menu is the Rosti Potato. Rosti is a hashbrown outside stuffed with yummy goodness on the inside and topped with Brazilian cream cheese. These are so big they could easily be shared. What kid doesn’t enjoy fried potatoes?!

Burgers, loaded baked potatoes, empanadas and kids’ dishes are also featured on the menu. The moleque (young person in Portuguese) are sure to leave with full bellies. Mrs. Potato is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week.

As the name suggests, Boxi Park is made from repurposed shipping containers turned into a corporate space for families or friends. Parents can release a sigh of relief as they sit in the open air while the little ones wiggle and move. No need to be button-up and strait-laced here!

There are food options to fit every mood and palate. Seafood, chicken, burgers, taqueria, and dessert eateries are scattered about. If the grown-ups need an adult beverage, there’s BarNona, Hops & Vine, and La Cajita for liquid libations.

Enjoy outdoor lawn games, a playground and volleyball court to let out some energy before or after tasty bites. As a bonus, all well-behaved four-legged pups are welcome to roam free in the fenced dog park.

Featured image of this blog post from @boxiparklakenona

The Yardery invites the whole family to not only eat but play too. Both children and pups on a leash are welcome to romp around the Yard while the adults sit back with their dishes and drinks. Have family game time out with cornhole, pool, ping pong or ladder toss.

Large trees provide shade along with some covered seating for those sunny Florida days or unexpected thunderstorms. The entire Yard is fenced in and feels like your hanging at a neighbor’s gathering. Indulge in lunch and dinner Tuesday – Thursday or breakfast, lunch and dinner Friday – Sunday.

10. Plant Street Market

426 W Plant Street, Winter Garden
407-456-7144

Calling the Crooked Can Brewery home, Plant Street Market is a place to dine and shop. If your family is anything like ours, we can have a hard time deciding what to eat. Everyone wants something different. Plant Street Market is the solution!

There are over 10 eating vendors inside to suit any food hankering. Seating is available inside and outside with a patio happy to host pets. When you’ve finished your bites, stroll through the artisan goods for something special to take home.

After all stomachs are full, head through the double doors to play with and cuddle adoptable felines. Don’t blame us if you leave with an extra family member! The café is free to enter but visitors must pay $12 per person ages 2 and up for an hour of play with the kitties.

During the week, customers can purchase 30-minute time slots for $8. On Tuesdays, it’s $10 for an hour if booked in advance. Reservations are highly recommended especially on the weekends.

Locally sourced seafood is brought in daily for the freshest ingredients. Even though seafood is the main event, you’ll find plenty of beef and chicken dishes for the land lovers. Feeling adventurous or want to make a memorable night out? Try the Froiled Lionfish! Despite popular belief, lionfish meat is not poisonous. It’s their spines that are venomous. Each lionfish is properly prepared for flaky fish that frolic those tastebuds.

Best of all? There is a small playground next to the sprawling outdoor patio.

13. Yellow Dog Eats

Located in Winter Garden and New Smyrna Beach

Yellow Dog Eats is a tasty place for some cruisin’ fun. The casual atmosphere is great for families looking for a relaxed place to eat together.

Some of the names of the sandwiches and salads are sure to earn a giggle from the parents, and older kids. Both locations have also dog-friendly outdoor seating, so the family dog can come along too.

14. Crabby Bill’s

1104 Lakeshore Blvd, St Cloud, FL 34769
(407) 979-4001

The best thing about Crabby Bill’s is its lakeside location, coupled with it being right next to a great park. Head to Crabby Bill’s in St. Cloud after spending the morning at Lakefront Park in St. Cloud. This park has one of our favorite Orlando area splash pads. Refuel at this casual family restaurant about 45 minutes from Orlando.

Crabby Bill’s is casual and serves up equal amount of fresh seafood as well as chicken, beef, salads, and more. There is plenty of seating inside and outside on the lake.

And kids eat free on Wednesdays!

15. The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House

601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs
386.871.7573

If you have early risers in your household, plan to hit the road for a little drive north to DeLeon Springs State Park and start the day with endless pancakes at The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House. Little (and big) chefs will get a kick out of being in control and making their very own hotcakes with the toppings of their choice. It also makes waiting on your food a little more tolerable as everyone can watch it cook.

The pancakes come with maple syrup, molasses and honey for glazing. Add-ons like fresh fruit, ham, bacon or eggs for your flapjacks are an extra charge. The restaurant is open daily from 8 am – 4 pm with a menu offering other breakfast bites, lunch dishes and snacks.

Even More Orlando Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Check out the most Kid-Friendly Restaurants at Walt Disney World. Or keep reading for two more family restaurants in Orlando.

Townhouse Restaurant

139 N Central Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765

A landmark in Oviedo, Townhouse Restaurant has been serving the locals since the 1950’s. A hidden patio in the back is great for some fresh air and home-cooked food. There is a covered portion of the patio as well as open air with umbrellas.

Breakfast is a must here. There is a small kid-friendly area just outside the restaurant – which just so happens to be where you’ll find Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream’s Oviedo location.

Kids love to play with their food. If we admit it, adults do too. Kids also love to cook. I have yet to meet a child who didn’t want to help in the kitchen. Carefully dive into fondue festivity at The Melting Pot where everyone can take part in creating the family dinner.

Customize up to 4 courses for your tribe to partake starting with cheeses, salad, entrée and delectable dessert with both fixed and seasonal ingredients. There’s even a fondue timer on the website for diners to use for thoroughly cooked nibbles to nosh.

While this may not be an experience for an everyday meal, it’s sure to create memories for a special occasion. Be sure to check for seasonal and holiday specials throughout the year.

Ford’s Garage

Multiple locations

Do you have car-obsessed kiddos in your family? Then this vintage car-themed restaurant will be right up your alley. Founded in 2012, the original Ford’s Garage opened in Fort Myers, Florida, less than a mile from Henry Ford’s winter home!

Ford’s Garage is a great place to visit with kids (and adults) who like cars since the entire restaurant is decked out in a car theme. Their one-of-a-kind 1920’s service station-inspired dining room featuring classic Ford vehicles and memorabilia. They even have a giant car hanging over the bar and vintage cars parked out front.

Known for their 1/2 pound Angus beef burgers, no one in your party will go home hungry. They have a kids’ menu that features the regular standbys, along with a junior cheeseburger and Ford’s Famous Fish Planks. Cruise in today for great food and an unforgettable atmosphere!

MILK The House of Cereal

5250 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819

*Important Note – MILK House of Cereal is closed, but intends to reopen in a new location in Summer 2024

MILK offers guests the opportunity to dish up a custom bowl of cereal for only $5. Begin by choosing a cereal base—over 100 cereal choices. Then add a variety of toppings, including marshmallows, M&Ms, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and more.

And what’s cereal without milk? Choose from several different flavored syrups and shake up their own milk before adding it to their creation. There are also options for guests with certain dietary restrictions, like gluten-free cereals and nondairy milk options, so everyone in the family can enjoy for a low price.

This $5 price is an all-you-can-eat-experience!

Looking to save some time and money? Here are 15 Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in Orlando.

Erica Thomas

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