Denver’s dining scene isn’t just for foodies and craft beer lovers – it’s also a paradise for families. In the Mile High City, you’ll find countless kid-friendly restaurants where parents can relax and kids can stay entertained. From playful eateries with games to classic diners slinging pancakes shaped like animals, Denver’s family restaurants combine fun and flavor in equal measure. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll quickly discover why Denver is one of the best cities to dine out with children. (And when you need more family fun beyond the table, check out these kid-friendly things to do in Denver for the whole crew!)

Denver’s family dining scene offers something for everyone. Craving a lively spot where the kiddos can play while waiting for dinner? You got it. Prefer a laid-back neighborhood joint with comfort food to satisfy picky eaters? Denver has that too. The family-friendly restaurants in Denver span food halls with endless choices, eateries featuring in-house entertainment, and long-standing local institutions that have welcomed generations of Denverites. Below, we highlight some of the best restaurants for kids in Denver, each with its own unique appeal for families looking for a great meal and a good time.

The Best Restaurants for Kids in Denver

Acova

Address: 3651 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Neighborhood: LoHi (Lower Highland)

Why We Love It: 

Located in the heart of LoHi, Acova is a neighborhood gem designed with families in mind. Its eclectic menu ranges from creative appetizers like diablo deviled eggs to hearty options like beef short ribs and spicy sausage linguini (blog.aptamigo.com), ensuring everyone in your group will find a meal they love (blog.aptamigo.com). Kids get a special menu of classics – think grilled cheese, PB&J, and chicken fingers – served in a fun way. Acova even turns dining into a lesson in kindness: for every kids’ meal ordered, they donate $2 to a local children’s charity. This community spirit, along with a spacious patio and casual atmosphere, makes Acova an easy win for family dinner night.

What to Order: 

Parents rave about the flavorful short rib entrée and the creative cocktail list for adults, while kids can’t resist the gooey grilled cheese or a warm PB&J (pressed panini-style for extra fun). Don’t forget to ask about the monthly charity that your kids’ meals support – it’s a great conversation starter at the table.

Ace Eat Serve

Address: 501 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Neighborhood: Uptown (North Capitol Hill)

Why We Love It: 

For a dining experience like no other, try Ace Eat Serve in Uptown. This Pan-Asian restaurant doubles as a playground for all ages – literally. In the back, you’ll find a huge ping pong hall where kids (and parents!) can play table tennis while your food is prepared (blog.aptamigo.com). Choose from indoor or outdoor seating, or grab a ping-pong table and enjoy full service as you play. The menu is just as exciting: Ace serves up Asian-fusion dishes like crispy Peking duck, pork potstickers, and noodle bowls that satisfy adult palates (denver.org), plus a dedicated “Mini Ace” kids’ menu with approachable options. As a bonus, every kids’ plate comes with a side of fresh fruit and a complimentary order of doughnut holes dusted in five-spice sugar (denver.org) – a sweet treat that wins over even the pickiest eater.

What to Order: 

Share some bao bun pork belly sliders or dumplings to start, then let the kids enjoy teriyaki chicken or noodle bowls from the Mini Ace menu (served on nostalgic lunch trays with a scoop of ice cream included! (denver.diningout.com). Grown-ups should try the famed Korean-influenced chicken wings or the crispy beef and broccoli – and perhaps a craft cocktail from the bar while the kids are busy playing ping pong.

Denver Central Market

Address: 2669 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Neighborhood: RiNo (River North Arts District)

Why We Love It: 

Denver Central Market is essentially a one-stop culinary playground for families. This expansive food hall in RiNo houses 11 different vendors under one roof, giving everyone a chance to choose their own adventure (blog.aptamigo.com). There’s something for every taste: wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta, gourmet sandwiches, a salad bar with creative toppings, an ice cream shop, a bakery with pastries, and even a fresh fish counter (denver.org). The casual, open layout means kids can roam a bit and marvel at all the options, and parents can relax in the communal dining area. It’s loud and lively enough that no one minds a little kid excitement. With a big-screen TV often playing the local game and plenty of space to spread out, Denver Central Market makes family dining easy and fun.

What to Order: 

The beauty here is everyone can order from a different stall. Pizza is always a hit – grab a classic Margherita from Vero Italian for the kids. Parents might sample a charcuterie board from Culture Meat & Cheese or fresh sushi from Tammen’s Fish Market. Finish off the meal with a scoop of homemade ice cream from High Point Creamery (the salted caramel gets rave reviews from all ages).

Sam’s No. 3

Address: 1500 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202 (Downtown)
Neighborhood: Downtown / Central Business District

Why We Love It: 

A classic diner that’s been feeding Denver families since the 1920s, Sam’s No. 3 is as kid-friendly as it gets. The moment you walk in, the retro décor – vintage signs, vinyl booths, and a long counter – gives kids plenty to look at (and parents a dose of nostalgia) (denver.diningout.com). The menu is enormous, and importantly, breakfast is served all day. That means if your little one only eats pancakes, you’re in luck – and they even make a fun Mickey Mouse-shaped pancake for the kids (denver.org). Families flock here for the fast, friendly service and comfort-food classics. Crayons are on hand to keep kids busy (and yes, the kids’ menu doubles as a coloring sheet). It’s noisy and bustling, so no one will notice if your toddler gets a bit loud. Sam’s No. 3 has three locations around town, but the downtown spot is the original and perfect for an easy family meal before or after exploring the city.

What to Order: 

Kids will love the Mickey Mouse pancake or a cheesy French toast with a side of bacon. For parents, the signature Kitchen Sink Burrito (smothered in green chili) is a must-try if you’re craving Southwestern flavor, or go for a classic patty melt. And don’t forget a side of pie or a malt shake for dessert – after all, a diner experience isn’t complete without something sweet.

Casa Bonita

Address: 6715 West Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214
Neighborhood: Lakewood (West Denver Suburb)

Why We Love It: 

When it comes to unique dining destinations, Casa Bonita is in a league of its own. This legendary restaurant – housed in a sprawling pink Spanish-style building – is a family entertainment extravaganza. After a major renovation, Casa Bonita reopened in 2023 under the ownership of South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone (denver.org), who preserved all the beloved quirks. Inside, you’ll find an indoor waterfall with cliff-diving shows, roaming mariachi bands, a spooky cave (Black Bart’s Cave) to explore, and even costumed characters like gorilla divers (denver.orgdenver.org). It’s part restaurant, part theme park – your kids won’t know what to enjoy first! While historically the food at Casa Bonita was more about quantity than quality, the new management brought in a James Beard-nominated chef to revamp the menu (denver.org). The result? Surprisingly tasty Mexican favorites and the same old unlimited sopaipillas (fried pastries with honey) that everyone loves. Expect to spend a few hours here; there’s so much entertainment, your kids won’t want to leave (denver.org).

What to Order: 

The menu is a fixed-price all-you-can-eat style now, focused on Mexican comfort foods. The enchiladas and tacos are solid choices under the new chef’s guidance, but the real star is dessert – make sure to raise the little flag on your table to signal you’re ready for sopaipillas. They arrive hot and puffy, ready to be drizzled with honey, and are guaranteed to put big smiles on your kids’ faces.

Carmine’s on McGregor Square

Address: 1951 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202
Neighborhood: LoDo / Ballpark District

Why We Love It: 

Big family? Big appetites? Carmine’s on McGregor Square is the place to go. An offshoot of the long-standing Carmine’s on Penn, this downtown spot next to Coors Field specializes in family-style Italian-American dishes served in generous portions. The restaurant is modern and chic, but very welcoming to kids – in fact, each table is covered with brown butcher paper and comes with a cup of crayons, turning the table into a canvas for little artists (denver.org). (Don’t be surprised if your server writes your order on the table paper with crayon, too!) The atmosphere is lively and loud, so families fit right in. We especially love how everyone shares here. You can order a couple of big pastas or entrées for the whole family to split, which makes dining with kids easier and more interactive. The staff is adept at catering to families, and the location at McGregor Square means you can pair dinner with a visit to the Colorado Rockies Hall of Fame next door or an afternoon game at Coors Field.

What to Order: 

The spaghetti and meatballs or chicken parmigiana are crowd-pleasers that come in heaping portions (one dish can serve several people). For something unique, try the rich lobster risotto if it’s on special. And no kid (or adult) can resist Carmine’s legendary Tiramisu – just be warned, the dessert portions are as giant as the mains, so one order might satisfy the whole table (denver.org)!

The Cherry Cricket

Address: 2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Neighborhood: Cherry Creek

Why We Love It: 

A Denver institution since 1945, The Cherry Cricket proves that a divey burger joint can absolutely be family-friendly. Tucked in upscale Cherry Creek, the Cricket has a delightfully casual, come-as-you-are vibe – peanut shells on the floor, sports on the TVs, and the aroma of burgers on the grill. Kids are welcome and often seen still in their Little League uniforms, celebrating a win with burgers and fries. The Cricket is famous for its build-your-own burgers: you can choose from a long list of toppings, which becomes a fun activity as the kids get to customize their meal. The laid-back atmosphere means no one cares if your toddler is a bit messy or if your baby is babbling. This is the kind of place where families have been coming for generations to share a basket of sweet potato fries and milkshakes. It’s loud, lively, and truly a place where everyone is a friend of the Cricket.

What to Order: 

Definitely burgers – they’re often cited as some of Denver’s best. The classic Cricket Burger with cheese never disappoints, or get adventurous with toppings like peanut butter, fried egg, or green chile (for the adults!). Kids can keep it simple with a plain cheeseburger or chicken tenders, plus a side of waffle fries. Pair it with a thick Oreo milkshake for the full diner-esque experience. Parents might enjoy one of the many local beers on tap while the kids savor a basket of the Cricket’s famous onion rings.

Ready to Live Near These Family Restaurants in Denver?

Denver’s vibrant family dining scene is just one of the many perks of living here. Imagine having these amazing family restaurants just around the corner from your home – spontaneous burger nights or fun ping-pong dinners could be part of your weekly routine! If you’re ready to live near these kid-friendly hotspots, let AptAmigo help you get there. Our local apartment finders specialize in matching families with the perfect home in Denver’s best neighborhoods. We’ll listen to your needs, from proximity to schools and parks to being walking distance from your favorite cafe, and do all the legwork for you. Check out AptAmigo Denver to discover the easiest way to find a family-friendly apartment in Denver. With AptAmigo’s free service and expert knowledge, you’ll be moving into your dream home (near your go-to restaurant) in no time. Bon appétit – and happy house-hunting!

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