14 Kid-Friendly Restaurants Around Philadelphia

Nifty Fifty’s is a retro‑style American diner chain that brings back the look and feel of a 1950s soda fountain. The menu emphasizes freshly pressed 100% beef burgers, hand‑cut French fries, and award‑winning milkshakes with a wide variety of flavors. With locations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, Nifty Fifty’s combines nostalgic décor (checkered tiles, vinyl booths, neon signage) with a family‑friendly atmosphere that appeals to kids and adults alike. 

Shady Maple Smorgasbord is a massive all‑you‑can‑eat buffet known as the largest in the United States, with over 200 feet of buffet stations serving Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food. The menu rotates daily and includes traditional items like pierogies, smoked chicken, apple dumplings, whoopie pies, and a sundae bar, making it a fun and broad choice for families with varied tastes.

 Perfect for families! Known for their electric train display and delicious food! Famous for frankfurters since 1940!

Goldie is a vegan, kosher, Israeli-style falafel shop serving Falafel, Hummus, French Fries and Tehina Shakes. The staple sandwich features freshly fried falafel in warm pita with crisp veggies and customizable condiments like amba, harissa, or schug, making it both quick and flavorful.

P'unk Burger in Philadelphia is a vibrant burger spot on East Passyunk Avenue that focuses on organic and all‑natural ingredients—including grass‑fed beef, wild‑caught seafood, and fair‑trade sodas. It offers a wide variety of options, from classic beef burgers and loaded specialty creations to vegan and gluten‑free choices, plus playful milkshakes and sides.

The Landing Kitchen is an all‑day café and kitchen located inside the redeveloped Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing along the riverfront. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, bright, nourishing fare—like breakfast sandwiches, grain bowls, salads, pastries, and coffee—from morning through evening. It features a spacious indoor café with large garage‑style doors opening to a riverside outdoor patio with fire pits, games, and a garden bar—making it a casual, inviting spot for both quick bites and relaxed gatherings.

HipCityVeg is a 100% plant‑based fast‑casual eatery founded in Philadelphia in 2012 that transforms vegan and vegetarian ingredients into familiar favorites like burgers, “chick’n” sandwiches, fries, and shakes. It offers a casual, relaxed vibe where families are comfortable.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Do your kids love mac and cheese? You will want to check out Mac Mart, with a menu full of mac and cheese options with toppings such as chicken, crab meat and roasted red pesto. They offer vegetarian options as well as those for the meat lover. Mac Mart also serves up grilled cheese and more basic kids choices of mac and cheese with hot dogs, bacon or straight up with no toppings.

They have online tray ordering and delivery as well.

Square 1682 features modern‑American cuisine under chef Patrick Czerniak, and emphasizes locally‑sourced ingredients as well as vegetarian and gluten‑free options. With a vibrant atmosphere, full bar and lounge area, and service for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, Square 1682 appeals to a broad crowd—from hotel guests at the adjacent Kimpton Hotel Palomar to locals looking for a stylish yet approachable meal. 

Shila said:  Square 1682 serves modern American cuisine in a contemporary and upscale (yet welcoming) atmosphere. If you find yourself dining with children, get ready for a treat- literally! While you await your meal, kids decorate house-made cookie dough with chef-supplied toppings, compliments of the house. The cookies are baked fresh and are served up for dessert!

Zuzu's Kitchen was founded by a group of Ethiopian immigrants in 2015 to bring the authentic taste of Ethiopian cuisine to Philadelphia. This family-owned restaurant is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to their craft. All of their food is made with fresh and high-quality ingredients, and they use authentic Ethiopian spices to give their dishes their unique flavor and aroma. 

Juan L. said:  Maybe it's the adorable decor. Maybe it's the cozy neighborhood vibe. Maybe it's the absolutely delicious pizza, burgers, and desserts. There's something about Zuzu's Kitchen that's just remarkably warm and inviting. And perfect for a family meal. Prices are very reasonable, which is another plus.

Craft Hall is a Northern Liberties restaurant destination complete with indoor pirate ship playground, shuffle board, foosball, board games and so much more. They feature fun kids meals along with BBQ, pizza, sandwiches, snacks and dessert.

The Stardust Cafe is a lively brunch and dining spot known for its colorful decor, creative menus, and brunch‑themed events.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Looking for a great family fun pizza place in North Philly? Check out Joseph's! The pizza place is a staple for families. There is great pizza, cheesesteaks, salads and other Italian favorites. The menu includes half portions of all of their cheesesteaks, which is nice for smaller kids. They also have Cherry flavored soda that you can get by the pitcher! The best part of the restaurant to sit in is the back, which looks like an old library!

Lunch and Dinner Served