Where To Eat With Kids Near Zilker, Barton Springs, and Downtown Austin
Planning a Zilker Park day, Barton Springs swim, Zach Theater show, or downtown Austin outing with kids? This guide is for the closest kid-friendly restaurants near Zilker, Barton Springs, and downtown, including playground patios, quick family meals, and easy places to stop before or after your fun day out.
If you’re looking for a full citywide list, start with my main guide to restaurants with playgrounds in Austin. This post is more focused on places that make sense when you are already near Zilker, Barton Springs, South Lamar, or downtown.
El Mercado
Grab some Tex-Mex on the patio at El Mercado while the kids play on the playground.
Whole Foods North Lamar
We love this option for kids in this area! The rooftop patio is covered and also has a playground (which is not covered!) for the kids to play on. We also love the food options downstairs- everyone gets what they want! There are so many choice (salad bar, soup, hot food, cold food, sandwiches, pizza, sushi, etc). Take the elevator up to the roof where you can eat and play with a view.
Casa de Luz
Casa de Luz is the closest to the Zach Theatre (only a 5 minute walk!) but their food is vegan so your kids might not like it. They do have an amazing playground though!
Bouldin Acres
This is such a fun spot to hang out. They only have food trucks as a food option here. They do have an amazing playground though!
Littlefield’s
One of the happiest kid-friendly spots in all of Austin. I love coming here. They have Veracruz tacos, coffee, and snow cones. The kids can run around on the hilly turf and play.
Phil’s on South Lamar
Phil’s and Amy’s always hits the spot. Kid-friendly food like burgers, corn dogs, and ice cream PLUS a playground.
Easy Tiger South Lamar
Easy Tiger has a huge patio, a play area for kids, and amazing bread. Heaven!
Chuy’s Barton Springs
Chuy’s doesn’t have a playground, but it’s one of my kids’ favorite places to eat and it’s conveniently located right by Zilker.
Indoor and Outdoor Place to Play: Brentwood Social House
The closest place that has a little indoor space for kids to play is Brentwood Social House. They have a kids’ table, kids’ books, and a play kitchen inside incase the weather’s bad. They also have a nice patio playground.
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Need the Full Austin Playground Restaurant Guide?
This Zilker and downtown guide is just one part of the bigger Austin playground restaurant list. For more options across Central, South, North, West, and nearby Austin, use the full restaurants with playgrounds in Austin guide.
