Before having kids, going out to restaurants was a favorite pastime for my husband and me. Five years and two kiddos later, the experience often ranges from Not Terrible to Torture. Luckily, the Southeast area of Houston has some incredible options for everything from grabbing a coffee with friends to fine dining with ocean views that will also occupy your little ones so you may even enjoy yourself.
Kemah
The Kemah Boardwalk is a great place to spend the afternoon with your family. When you tire of endless train rides and merry go rounds, grab something to eat at one of these kid-friendly dining establishments.
Aquarium Restaurant
Similar to the Downtown Aquarium, the Kemah location offers Stingray Reef, where you can touch and feed live stingrays, as well as an amazing Rainforest themed exhibit that will keep the kids entertained while you wait for your food.
#11 Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, TX 77565
The Flying Dutchman
At this local seafood and restaurant bar, there is a playground and splash pad within view of their outdoor seating. Enjoy good food, cold beer and nice views while the kiddos get out their energy and cool off in the water.
9 Kemah Waterfront, Kemah, TX 77565
The Lighthouse Fair
New to the area and just off the Boardwalk you will find a casual dining establishment with a super fun vibe. Self-identified as family and pup friendly, The Lighthouse Fair has a large outdoor seating area with lawn games, board games, and a large screen where they regularly show sporting events and movies. I hear the margaritas aren’t bad, either!
409 Bradford Ave., Kemah, TX, United States, 77565
League City
Red River BBQ
A legitimately good restaurant serving solid Texas BBQ, Red River BBQ has been serving the Houston area for over 20 years. Enjoy a large, grassy, outdoor area with seating available for eating while your kids run wild. The inside is also decked out with all kinds of classic BBQ joint memorabilia that my kids found very entertaining.
1911 E. Main St., League City, TX 77573
Jimmy Changas
Sometimes it feels like you have to skimp on quality in order to find a restaurant where your kids can enjoy themselves as well, but with Jimmy Changas that is definitely not the case. Great Tex-Mex options as well as a super fun playground on the large outdoor patio for your kids to enjoy. They don’t take reservations, but you can join the waitlist in advance during busier times. If you’re a fan, you can check out their other locations in Pasadena, Pearland and Katy.
2504 Gulf Fwy, League City, TX 77573
Holly Berry Tea Room
Located inside a historic home in Founder’s Square, you can enjoy a classic tea party experience complete with sandwiches, snacks, and tea served in authentic china teacups. They even have dress-up clothes and hats if you really want to lean in to the classic tea party experience.
501 E Main St #4, League City, TX
Webster
Mia’s Table
A personal family favorite, Mia’s Table is often our go-to for special family occasions or nights when mom doesn’t want to cook and we need to get out of the house. Another local chain with several locations around Houston, the Webster location has a large outdoor patio, and lots of fun diner decor. They often play sporting events on one of many large screens, and feature a sign for Free Ice Cream for kids of all ages. My boys love the self-serve soft serve machine, and, fun fact, both of them enjoyed their very first ever ice cream cone at this very Mia’s Table location. I’m telling you, we love this place.
19325 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX 77598
El Tiempo
El Tiempo Cantina is famous all over Houston for their self proclaimed claim to fame: popularizing fajitas in the United States. While they have several locations around the city, the Webster location offers a nice-sized, closed-in patio so you know your kids aren’t going to be able to make a run for the parking lot. Service is fast and the food is tasty; two things you know everyone in your family can appreciate.
20237 Gulf Fwy., Webster, TX 77598
Ugly Mugz
If you mention Ugly Mugz to anyone who is in the know, two things come to mind: coffee and waffles! With over a dozen different kinds of sweet and savory waffles, as well as a full service espresso bar, drip coffee and tea, the only thing that could make this place better is somewhere for the kids to play, and oh wait! They have that too. The kids have their very own area of the shop with plenty of fun toys to keep them entertained while you enjoy your coffee and waffles in peace.
2920 W Bay Area Blvd., Webster, TX 77598
Pearland
First Cup Coffee Co.
There’s a lot to love about First Cup Coffee Co. First of all, the coffee is great. They also have some yummy treats for munching like Bacon & Egg Empanadas and Cinnamon Rolls. You can even rent out private offices to get some work done, or hold a meeting. However, my favorite part is the little play area they have just for the kiddos. An enclosed area with a little mini cafe, where kids can pretend they are the baristas, and you can enjoy your coffee while it’s still hot. They also have special drinks just for kids like the Shark Bait Float, Unicorn Drink and Grinch Punch.
2645 E Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581
Good Vibes
Bringing the beach party vibes to Pearland, Good Vibes has a fun party vibe that’s still kid friendly. A tasty menu with plenty of options for kids, they also have a nice big outdoor patio with lawn games to entertain the little ones while you sip on a refreshing, tropical cocktail.
1329 E Broadway St., Pearland, TX 77581
Vallensons’ Brewing Company
Bring a lawn chair and set up shop at this small, family owned nano-brewery in Pearland. Let the kids enjoy the large outdoor area while you enjoy a few drinks, and some delicious eats from a local food truck.
4081 Rice Drier Road, Pearland, Texas 77581
Santa Fe
Three Acres Food Truck Park
A rotating food truck lineup, a bar offering a great selection of local and craft beer, wine and ciders, and a video game trailer that you can enjoy while visiting the park or book for a private party, are just some of the many things to love about Three Acres. They also have a large playground area, plenty of picnic table seating, and tons of fun events like live music and a petting zoo. Check out their events calendar for all of the fun they have lined up, or book the venue for your own party!
10648 FM 1764, Santa Fe, TX 77510
Friendswood
sweetFrog
Come for the best Frozen Yogurt in town, stay for the sweet little kid’s play area. Started in Richmond, VA in 2009, sweetFrog has grown to more than 300 locations across the U.S. and internationally, never dipping in their original premium quality. Pick your fro-yo flavor and freshly stocked toppings, and let the kiddos enjoy some coloring in the play area while you enjoy a decadent dessert.
Baybrook Lawn
Per the website: “Take a break from a day of shopping and relax on the LAWN – a lush, grassy gathering spot for family and friends.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Bring a ball to kick around or a frisbee to throw while you wait for a table at one of the many surrounding restaurants. Notable favorites for families with kids include Dave & Buster’s {of course}, Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe {waffles and milkshakes!}, Maggiano’s Little Italy {can’t go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs} or Yard House {so loud no one will even hear your toddler screaming}. They often hold special events as well like flea markets and movie nights.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace or a nice dinner out with the family, the possibilities are plenty in Southeast Houston. Where is your favorite place to eat, drink and be merry with your kiddos?
