Fun Themed Restaurants for Kids in Chicago

These themed restaurants around Chicago offer much more than just kid-friendly food...it's all about the experience! Parents are sharing their favorite fun restaurants for kids and families to fill their bellies while enjoying cool themes and entertainment.

Like and review your favorite family fun restaurants in Chicago and the suburbs, or add another spot that's missing from the list!


 

    The Bennett-Curtis House

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     (719.6 mi)

    Stephanie W.:  The Bennett-Curtis House is a unique restaurant that was built over 100 years ago and offers themed special events with delicious food! There are plenty of options for a great date night for you and your partner, but the ones your kids won't want to miss out on are the Harry Potter Witches & Wizards Themed Dinners. Themes change throughout the year, but you can expect over-the-top decor, trivia, and fun themed food and drink. Adults and children are encouraged to attend and dress up.

    Ed Debevic's

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     (728.7 mi)

    Shila:  Quirky servers in flashy costumes serve up great burgers, jumbo wieners, cheese fries, huge salads, milkshakes, and ice cream sundaes with a side order of sass!

    American Girl Place

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     (728.9 mi)

    Alexandra F.:  If you have a doll-loving kid it really is worth making a visit to the American Girl Store. It's so fun to just browse (though be prepared to maybe also buy!) the elaborate dolls, clothing, and accessories throughout the huge store. Plus, the various experiences like tea or lunch can really make the visit even more special! It's nice, too, that this store is in the heart of Mag Mile, so you can enjoy walking this iconic strip of Chicago's Michigan Avenue with a kid-friendly destination (or starting point!) in mind.

    Benihana

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     (728.9 mi)

    Kristy Pepping:  Guests are seated at large communal tables at these fun restaurants for kids and families, surrounding a large flat top grill where a chef performs Teppanyaki. They slice, dice and prepare your meal right in front of you. Plus, walk around the restaurant and learn about Japanese culture.

    Sugar Factory

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     (728.9 mi)

    Gina I.:  The theme? Sugar! Where else can you get away with ice cream for dinner? The Sugar Factory features a delicious assortment of sweet & savory cuisine, including their enormous signature drinks (also available without alcohol), chocolate martinis, and more. The menu offers everything from pancakes and waffles to salads and burgers. But the real star is the actual dessert menu with colorful, sprinkled, gourmet treats...every kid's dream come true!

    JoJo's Shake Bar

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     (729.1 mi)

    Shila:  JoJo's Shake Bar has an inspiring menu for kids from their milk and cookie flight to their Girl Scout flavored milkshakes. The desserts are so elaborately crafted. Serving great coffee, brunch, lunch and dinner for the whole family to enjoy.

    Todoroki

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     (735.4 mi)

    Lisa R:  Kids love this traditional hibachi-style restaurant where chefs cook your meal directly at the table. Each dinner includes a healthy dose of fire and tricks that will amaze parents and kids alike. Hibachi entrees include chicken and vegetables, so even picky eaters should find something they like.

    The Junction Diner

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     (740.9 mi)

    Joseph Kelley:  This themed restaurant has a large interactive model train table, and a train that goes around the diner's counter style seating delivering food. Check out their party packages when planning your next birthday party!

    Superdawg

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     (741.6 mi)

    Kelly R:  Nostalgia is the name of the game at Superdawg, serving up the full drive-in experience for Chicago families since the 1940s. Just look for the enormous hot dog figures on the roof! Pull up in the parking lot and order from a menu including pure beef hot dogs, burgers, malts and more. A carhop will bring your order to you, and you can dine right in your car!

    The Choo Choo

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     (749.1 mi)

    Time

    Joseph Kelley:  Since 1951, this train-themed restaurant's success can be attributed to its friendly environment, homemade food, and a model train run that delivers food to your counter seat. Popular meals on wheels include old-fashioned burgers, Chicago-style hot dogs, and sloppy Joes. Milkshakes and malts are also recommended. If it's your birthday, they'll play a special song for you--train whistle toots and all! And you can even arrive via the Metra! The UP-NW Des Plaines train stop is 1 block away.

    2Toots Train Whistle Grill

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     (758.0 mi)

    Joseph Kelley:  All seating at this train-themed restaurant is available on the tracks, where food can be delivered right to your seat via authentic 50’s “O” scale Lionel trains. The Bartlett and Glen Ellyn locations are both within walking distance of UP-W and MD-W Metra stops, which can double your family's train-themed adventure.

    The Chocolate Sanctuary

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     (758.2 mi)

    Kelly R:  Chocolate isn't just for dessert at The Chocolate Sanctuary! You'll also find their signature ingredient sprinkled throughout the menu's savory made-from-scratch appetizers and main courses. If you're not ready to fully embrace the theme, certain items are made (or can be made) without cocoa. The upscale but comfortable atmosphere makes it a great place to celebrate a special occasion with kids. Be sure to save room for their outstanding desserts!

    Enterrium

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     (759.2 mi)

    Kelly R:  Enterrium is a fun dining experience at the Woodfield Mall with food, drinks, and plenty of excitement. Enterrium offers both bowling and arcade options that kids love.

    Rainforest Cafe

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     (760.5 mi)

    Kristy Pepping:  Step into the Rainforest Cafe kids restaurants and you are transformed into a playful setting among animatronic gorillas, tigers, snakes, dolphins and more. Every while or so, the "rain" comes and the animals light up and make jungle noises. Kids menu options include Jurassic Chicken Tidbits, Poppin' Shrimp and Python Pasta.

    Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

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     (762.3 mi)

    Price

    $39/child, $66/adult

    Shila:  Feast while you watch horses, knights in combat, swordplay, jousting and more.

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Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.

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