Restaurants with Playgrounds in Austin TX: Best by Region
I’m always looking for restaurants with playgrounds in Austin, TX, endlessly searching for the perfect spots near me where comfort food meets kid-friendly fun for the whole family. That’s why I’m happy to provide you with my personal favorites, the best restaurants with playgrounds in Austin!
I’ve taken my family to each of these locations, eaten the food, snapped the pics, and played there with my own kids, so you can trust that each of these spots will leave you with a good taste in your mouth (literally and figuratively). This is the ultimate guide for fun places to take kids to eat!
Austin is packed with family-friendly dining options, but which ones truly stand out?
Updated for 2025!
Map of the Best Restaurants with Playgrounds
Here’s an interactive Google Map I made of all the best restaurants with playgrounds nearby. Try pressing the little panel button on the upper left of the map to filter your choices by Central Austin, South Austin, West Austin, North Austin, East Austin, and Beyond (which includes the suburbs, exurbs, and other places for fun day trips), so you can zoom in on the exact area you’re visiting. Enhance! Enhance!
Look, people have strong feelings about what is considered Central Austin, South Austin, North Austin, etc. (understatement of the year), so I decided to go by what most readers responded with in the survey by the Austin American-Statesman. Just trying to be helpful over here!
Central Austin: My 5 Must-Try Spots
I love how Central Austin has that city energy but still feels super welcoming for families. These are all of our favorites to take out of town guests because we like to stay close to the heart of Austin. If you’re looking for somewhere fun and convenient, Central Austin really has the best of both worlds—tons of excitement with a laid-back, kid-friendly vibe!
Littlefield’s Tacos + Coffee
2401 Winsted Ln
Austin, TX 78703
Littlefield’s is one of my favorite places to bring visitors when they come to Austin with their kids. There’s something for everyone here and a cute kids play area. You can get snow cones from SnoRide, sandwiches and coffee from Goldy’s, gourmet cookies from Cookie Rich, and famous tacos from Veracruz. There are always lots of kids having fun in the play area, and community toys that everyone can share, like hula hoops and pool noodles. It’s just such a charming little slice of Austin life that’s a true neighborhood treasure. Parking can be tight, so pro tip: be on the lookout for street parking as you get close.
Camp Out
6700 Burnet Rd.
Austin, TX 78757
Camp Out in Austin offers a delightful escape for families seeking a laid-back dining experience with a fun twist. The playground is designed for children of all ages with a climbing structure, slide, and a soccer field. They also have a little putt-putt course surrounding the patio (ask to borrow clubs and balls). Whether it’s a casual family lunch or a special occasion, Camp Out provides the perfect setting for a memorable family outing in Austin. My son claims they sell his favorite burger in all of Austin, and even requested that we come here for his birthday! The playground isn’t fully fenced and it’s right off the parking lot, with the patio tables set up in between the two, which kind of acts like a barrier. You can easily sit facing the playground while you eat and relax, making it easy to keep an eye on your kids.
Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78703
The first ever Whole Foods has a rooftop playground with a killer view of Austin from above. What a fun place to eat delicious, healthy food and let the kids loose in the play area. They have street level parking but there’s also an underground lot with an elevator and escalator to take you up to the store (yes, the kids will play on the escalator, and yes, it counts as a secondary nearby play area). Everyone can choose what they want from the huge food courts and bring it up to eat on the roof next to the playground. One of the best hidden gems in all of Austin! There’s even a bathroom up on the roof for emergency potty runs.
Central Market
4001 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78756
This market/cafe offers something for everyone: a playground for kids, delicious gelato, and live music on weekend nights. Central Market North Lamar is ideal for families looking to enjoy a meal and entertainment in one convenient location, with the playground ensuring fun for the little ones while adults relax and enjoy the tunes. Just be careful since the playground is not fenced and is pretty big, making it easy to lose your kids over there. They do have a few tables set up by the play area to make it a little easier to keep track of your kids.
Home Slice Pizza – North Loop
One of the best pizza places in all of Austin, Home Slice Pizza on North Loop features a charming outdoor play area with wavy turf and tunnel setup. The staff are super friendly and the menu is top notch. Pro tip: Get there before 5 PM and get a Sicilian pizza. The whole family can indulge in the most authentic New York-style pizza, and the kids can draw on the chalk wall and roll around in a safe, fun play space. Have I rolled around on the turf here myself? Maybe! (Yes.)
Want the full scoop on every restaurant playground in Central Austin? Check out Restaurants with Playgrounds in Central Austin: Full Guide to see the complete list of kid-friendly restaurants with playgrounds in the area.
South Austin: My 5 Must-Try Spots
I love how South Austin just feels so relaxed and fun at the same time. You’ll find food trucks parked right next to quirky little boutiques, plus tons of street art and live music in the air. My kids can run around without anyone batting an eye—it’s super welcoming and laid-back. Whether we’re checking out shops on South Congress or just walking around South Lamar, there’s always this playful energy. And if you’re craving a chill spot to grab a bite, South Austin’s friendly, come-as-you-are vibe is tough to beat!
Meanwhile Brewing
3901 Promontory Point Dr
Austin, TX 78744
Hands-down our favorite brewery in Austin. Whenever we have guests, we take them here. They have great beer, a gorgeous patio with a playground and soccer field, plus some of the best food trucks around like Pueblo Viejo (Mexican — try the gorditas), Side Eye Pie (pizza), Distant Relatives (African), Songbird (burgers/sandwiches), and Bésame (ice cream). There’s also an outdoor stage and the bands have always been great!
Fast Friends Beer Company
7313 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd NB
Austin, TX 78744
Yummy pizza, good beer, and a really cool playground and patio in South Austin. Can’t beat it, especially on a pleasant day. They also have a large indoor space upstairs if it’s too hot or cold to sit outside with plenty of tables. We met some friends here and played Left Center Right while the kids were off climbing all over the playground. But then the kids ended up coming back in and decided they wanted to play, too, and wouldn’t you know they won it all. Fast Friends also has unique events, including getting a custom hat made, check out the Happenings page to time your visit.
Bouldin Acres
2027 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
Bouldin Acres is a lovely beer garden in South Austin. The outdoor playground is also visible from the seating area, making it easy to keep track of kids. The playground is fenced on one side and the other side is open to the patio seating. There are food trucks and drinks here, as well as pickleball, lawn games, and TVs for watching sports (every Texas football game has the sound on). You can catch live music here on Fridays from 6 -9 PM, and they also have a weekend brunch!
Doc’s Backyard Grill
5207 Brodie Ln #100
Sunset Valley, TX 78745
This place is popular for a reason! You can snag a spot on the shady patio and watch your kids play at the playground. The patio also has misters in the summer to help you beat the heat. Every family in South Austin and Sunset Valley will likely be here, so come at an off-time to have better luck at getting a patio table. And before you leave, don’t forget that Doc’s has frozen margs to-go — take the fun with you back home for later!
Easy Tiger South Lamar
3508 S Lamar Blvd #300
Austin, TX 78704
Easy Tiger on South Lamar offers a small fenced-in kids play area with a turfed tunnel playscape and games. The upstairs deck has a beautiful view, too! They host lots of live music and trivia nights, so check their website’s events calendar to see what’s going on. The yummy food and drinks and beer garden atmosphere makes it one of the best meet up spots in all of Austin. Pro tip: Easy Tiger takes reservations on their website with OpenTable, so you can sure to get a good seat if you book ahead.
Looking for an even wider selection of kid-friendly spots? Head over to Restaurants with Playgrounds in South Austin: Full Guide to see all the local favorites, complete with playgrounds that keep the little ones running around.
West Austin: My 5 Must-Try Spots
There’s a fun mix of kid-friendly restaurants in West/Northwest Austin! We love stopping by these fun places to take kids to eat whenever we are out that way.
Ski Shores Cafe
2905 Pearce Rd
Austin, TX 78730
This is lake-side dining in Austin! Ski Shores Cafe offers a serene lakeside dining experience (try the onion rings) with a bonus: a turf play area for kids. You can even arrive here by boat and park it at their boat dock! Pro tip: For a little extra added fun on the water, Austin Boat Rentals offers boat shuttles to and from Ski Shores. We love sitting next to the water of Lake Austin. Note that the play area isn’t fenced and it’s close to the parking lot which means you will have to keep a close eye on the kids, especially if you are seated closer to the water!
Austin’s Pizza Westlake
3638 Bee Caves Rd
Austin, TX 78746
This cute pizza place combines family-friendly dining with a unique twist, offering a playground and a resident cat to greet guests. Families can enjoy delicious pizzas while kids play safely outdoors, and the friendly cat adds a charming touch to the welcoming atmosphere. Our family loves a good boat playground.
Vaqueros Cafe & Cantina
1801 S Capital of Texas Hwy
Austin, TX 78746
If you’re seeking Mexican food with a playground, Vaqueros Cafe and Cantina in Austin will hit the bullseye. Authentic flavors (homemade tortillas!), festive dishes (fajitas!), and even a free ice cream for dessert! I repeat: Free ice cream. Also, kids under 12 eat free every Monday from 4 PM – 9 PM.
Oz. Tap House
10601 Ranch Rd 2222 Suite H
Austin, TX 78730
Beer and wine on tap, people. Beer and wine on tap! You can get a card and serve yourself. Oz. Tap House in Austin also makes the family dining experience better with its outdoor playground, which is conveniently next to the dining area. Parents can enjoy a selection of craft beers and casual eats while keeping an eye on their kids as they bop around on the play structures. AFFK tip: We love the pretzel here! The playground is fenced on 3 sides and the open side is the patio, so there’s not much to worry about when your kids are off playing.
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
2451 S Capital of Texas Hwy
Austin, TX 78746
This Rudy’s BBQ location has a fantastic playground! We love the local hot spots for BBQ, but to be honest, this is my husband’s and kids’ favorite spot for BBQ. The amount of delicious meats you can get, not to mention their banana pudding, for the cost is just a value that can’t be beat. Add in the playground and Rudy’s BBQ is truly top tier for stuffing your family. Our family tradition is to take some leftover brisket and add it into scrambled eggs the next morning. Yum! Try it!
Looking for even more kid-friendly favorites? Swing by Restaurants with Playgrounds in West Austin: Full Guide to check out every spot in the area. From scenic patios to spacious play zones, you’ll find something for every taste.
North Austin: My 5 Must-Try Spots
North Austin is growing faster than my kid’s shoe size—seriously, every time I blink, there’s a new neighborhood, store, or restaurant popping up. The good news? Getting around here is a breeze, so you’re not stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic all day. You’ll find plenty of parks for the kiddos to run around, plus cozy restaurants and coffee shops that are perfect for both a quick bite (hello, mid-errand snack) or a lazy weekend brunch. Even better, so many places have patios and playgrounds—I’m basically doing a little victory dance every time I can sip my latte while my kids wear themselves out. If you’re juggling a dozen sports practices or just want a chill Sunday, North Austin has your back!
Bouldin Acres
1806 W Braker Ln
Austin, TX 78758
The north location of Bouldin Acres has pickleball courts and an outdoor playground plus craft beer and food. Pickleball is free Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 AM to 3 PM! And for sports fans, every UT and Texans football game has sound on. The playground is small but fenced all the way (with a gate door opening onto the pickleball courts). Be warned that when we went, my son found a toy that was on the other side of the fence and was able to actually crawl under the fence to get it (and ended up in a big open field). I was there and saw it happening, but keep this in mind if you leave your kids unattended.
Garbo’s
12709 N Mopac Expy
Austin, TX 78727
This is one of our favorite spots! Garbo’s combines fresh seafood with family fun, featuring a delightful playground adjacent to the dining area. This setup allows parents to enjoy Garbo’s famous lobster rolls and New England-inspired dishes while the kids play within sight. Don’t forget to grab a soft-serve ice cream from Connor’s Creamery for dessert! The playground is fenced along the parking lot side and opens to the patio, making it an ideal set up for watching your kids play while you sit at a table! Just ask to be seated closer to the playground.
Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse
4005 W Parmer Ln Suite E
Austin, TX 78727
This pizza place on Parmer Lane in North Austin offers a family-friendly environment with a decent playground adjacent to the patio. This setup allows parents to enjoy Aviator’s delicious pizzas and craft beers while keeping an eye on their kids as they play. The combination of good food (they make the dough fresh every day!) and fun (triple slides play space!) makes it a popular choice for family outings in the area. The playground is right off the patio and the parking lot but is partially fenced.
Oasthouse Kitchen & Bar
8300 N FM 620 E
Austin, TX 78726
Two restaurants: Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar and Flores Mexican Restaurant, located off 620 in Austin, share a well-designed playground that serves as a central feature for family dining. This shared playground allows children to play safely within sight while parents from either restaurant can relax and enjoy a diverse menu of gastropub fare (schnitzel!) or Mexican cuisine (queso!). This arrangement makes it a sought-after destination for people looking to combine tasty food with kid-friendly fun. Neither restaurant has patio dining right off the playground however, so this is more for playing while you wait for a table or wait for your food type of situation.
Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant
15515 Ranch Rd 620 N
Austin, TX 78717
The hugest play area for kids with a gigantic field, a big colorful playground, and tons of patio seating. Excellent for big groups. You can’t see the kids playing from the patio unless you’re seating right along the edge, so keep an eye on your kids. Especially since it’s not completely fenced. They open an outdoor beer garden for happy hour from 3 – 7 PM every weekday, but don’t sleep on the margaritas and Mexican martinis.
Craving a bigger selection? Discover them all at Restaurants with Playgrounds in North Austin: Full Guide. Whether you’re in a rush or planning a leisurely meal, these North Austin eateries keep both kids and parents happy.
East Austin: My 3 Must-Try Spots
If you’re looking for fun places to take kids to eat in East Austin, here are my top three!
Stargazer
979 Springdale Rd Suite 130
Austin, TX 78702
Stargazer is a new coffee shop with a cool retro rocket ship playground. They serve coffee, snacks, ice cream, cocktails, mocktails, and there are food trucks, too! The playground is just off the patio, so it’s easy to keep an eye on your kids, but it’s not fenced off. It’s just down the street from Austin Bouldering Project, so you could make a day out of climbing and playing and recharge with some caffeine.
Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches
Technically East Austin (but also North), Batch sells fresh kolaches, cinnamon rolls, coffee, and craft beer. They have a small kiddie play area out on their back patio. Pro tip: You can hear lots of super cool live music at Batch, including great bluegrass and jazz (!!!), so be sure to check out the events page to time your trip!
Redbud Ice House
2027 Anchor Ln
Austin, TX 78723
Attention buds! The new Redbud Ice House in Austin features a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere complete with a play area for kids. Located conveniently for parents to oversee their children, the playground allows families to enjoy a leisurely meal or a drink while the kids stay entertained. This combination makes Redbud Ice House an ideal spot for family outings in the heart of Austin.
Beyond Austin: My 6 Must-Try Spots
Winston’s : coffee + provisions + pizza
4900 Bee Creek Rd Suite 205
Spicewood, TX 78669
This delicious pizza restaurant borders Lakeway and Spicewood. Winston’s is an adorable cafe that’s a coffee shop in the morning (serves breakfast items like tacos, toasts, and pastries) and turns into a pizza place (salads and pies) for lunch & dinner. They also offer a coffee subscription for parents that need a more frequent fix of their tasty blends. Their fully fenced play area is right off the patio and it’s super cute.
Fieldhouse at the Crossover
1717 Scottsdale Dr Suite 160
Leander, TX 78641
This place has it all! Food trucks, big soccer fields, two pickleball courts (you can rent equipment if you don’t have any yet), a sand volleyball court, cornhole, a great stage for live music (which often doubles as a theater for outdoor movie nights), and, of course, a fenced-in playground. There’s always lots going on at Fieldhouse, so check their events page to plan for something special. Plus more to do inside like an ice skating rink and gaming cave! You can also book your games or a spot at the coveted fire pit seating areas online ahead of time.
Angel’s Icehouse
21815 State Hwy 71
Spicewood, TX 78669
We ate here on our way home from spending the day at Krause Springs. The perfect combo! Angel’s has lots of events, like Taco Tuesdays and usually some sort of special menu on Mondays and Thursdays, so check their events calendar if you want to know what’s going on. Both the patio and the playground are shaded. They also have a gaga ball pit and a menu so big that everyone will be able to find something they like!
The Good Lot
2500 W New Hope Dr
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Food truck park in Cedar Park with a play structure and shady beer garden. They have trivia nights, open mic nights, and free live music. Check their Weekly Happenings in order to plan ahead. Dogs are allowed and required to stay on-leash, so you can be comfy letting your kids loose. The play area is small, but the whole beer garden is in a beautiful open area that’s ideal for kids.
The Salt Lick BBQ – Round Rock
3350 E Palm Valley Blvd
Round Rock, TX 78665
Salt Lick BBQ in Round Rock has a playground and BBQ like no other! We’re talking family recipes and slow cook style from the family tree reaching all the way back to the 1800s. We especially love coming here when they have live music and fairy lights on the patio — it’s magical! It’s also right next to Dell Diamond (let’s go Round Rock Express!), Old Settlers Park, Rock ‘N River Water Park, and across the street from Kalahari, so you can pair this up with some other fun activities!
Dahlia Cafe
2450 Ranch to Market Rd 1869
Liberty Hill, TX 78642
A fun playground with giant tires, monkey bars, and slide. My kids love to come here to pay tag. They also serve up some crazy delicious Southern comfort food and pie, fresh made every day! The outdoor seating makes for a beautiful, relaxing time underneath the shady oak trees. Pro tip: Dahlia’s Cafe lets you join the waitlist online so you can secure a spot if you plan ahead.
Ready to explore even farther? Head over to Restaurants with Playgrounds Near Austin: Full Guide for a complete roster of day-trip-worthy destinations. It’s perfect for families looking to combine a short drive with great food and a fun playground.
Now Go Have Some Fun!
From the bustling vibes of Central Austin to the laid-back spirit of South Austin, the scenic charm of West Austin, and the family-focused feel of North Austin, there’s no shortage of amazing restaurants where kids can play and parents can relax. And if you’re craving an even bigger adventure, remember that Austin’s surrounding areas also boast plenty of playground-ready spots worth exploring. I really hope this “best by region” post for all the top restaurants with playgrounds in Austin, TX, helps you plan your next family meal—happy dining!
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