Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego (2026) – Play Areas, Arcades & Family Fun

Updated for 2025, our list of top San Diego family restaurants expands to include breweries and bars the whole family will love.

Last updated: August 9, 2025 

By

Katie Dillon

Katie Dillon is the founder of La Jolla Mom and a trusted travel advisor based in San Diego for over three decades. A former Four Seasons resident, she shares unmatched hotel insight, certified San Diego expertise, verified theme park discounts, and VIP hotel privileges worldwide through her industry connections.

Kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego are everywhere, but the ones in this guide go well beyond crayons and standard kids’ menus. These are the places where kids can burn energy in play areas, challenge each other in arcades, and where the food is good enough that adults look forward to the meal, too.

Curated with local expertise, client feedback, and our own family dining experiences, this 2025 list covers everything from toddler-friendly cafes in North County to lively dinner spots downtown. Each one is a proven favorite for families who want both great food and a fun atmosphere. Amenities can change, so call ahead to confirm before you go.

🧭 Need something to do before or after your meal?
My things to do in San Diego with kids guide covers top attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites for all ages. If you’re visiting from out of town, be sure to check my San Diego family vacation guide for hotel tips, itinerary ideas, and planning advice.

Top Picks for San Diego Family Restaurants

  • Best for Toddlers (Enclosed & Safe): City Tacos (OB Playground)
    With its fully enclosed turf patio and giant games, is a top choice for keeping little ones contained and entertained.
  • Best for All-Ages Games: Draft Republic (San Marcos)
    It’s an entertainment powerhouse with bowling, an arcade, a golf simulator, and lawn games that appeal to elementary-aged kids, teens, and adults alike.
  • Best for Creative Fun: CUCINA urbana
    Go for “Modo Mio”, a make-your-own-pizza experience, while Kura Sushi turns dining into a game with its prize-dispensing conveyor belt.
  • Best for a Classic Party Vibe: Corvette Diner
    This spot remains the undefeated champion for a high-energy celebration, thanks to its massive arcade, retro theme, and lively entertainment.
  • Best Temporary PopUp: Barbie Cafe
    It’s located in Downtown and has a roller skating rink.

San Diego Restaurants with Outdoor Play Areas & Grassy Lawns

Let’s start with restaurants that have dedicated play areas, adjacent play areas, or enclosed spaces designed for fun.

City Tacos (OB Playground)

The all-ages outdoor play space at City Tacos in OB.
It’s fun for all ages.

More than just a taco shop, the Ocean Beach location of City Tacos is a purpose-built, 10,000-square-foot destination designed with families in mind. The centerpiece is its expansive, enclosed outdoor patio—a “taco garden” that provides a safe and fun environment for kids to play while adults enjoy some of the city’s most inventive tacos.

Quick Look


🌮 Cuisine: Tacos!
🤸 Best For:Toddlers & Enclosed Outdoor Play
Don’t Miss:The Mexicali Taco & Giant Jenga

Why It’s Fun for Kids
This spot is a toddler paradise. The main attraction is the huge, fully enclosed “taco garden” with soft turf, where little ones can safely run free. They’ll love playing with the giant-sized games like Jenga, Connect 4, and cornhole.

Why Parents Love It
Peace of mind is the biggest perk here, thanks to the secure patio. Adults can relax and enjoy some of the most creative and delicious tacos in San Diego (plus a great selection of local beers) while easily keeping an eye on the kids.

Plan Your Visit:

Farmer & The Seahorse

Offering a more chic and upscale experience, Farmer & The Seahorse is a hidden gem and one of the best family-friendly restaurants near Torrey Pines Golf Course. Helmed by celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, it’s a culinary destination that masterfully combines farm-to-table cuisine with a relaxed, elegant backyard party vibe, complete with a vast lawn for kids to play on.

Three sets of corn hole on the outdoor lawn at Farmer & The Seahorse.
Photo courtesy of Farmer & The Seahorse

Quick Look


🥗 Cuisine:Farm-to-Table
🤸 Best For:Weekend Brunch & Outdoor Play
Don’t Miss:The Lobster Benedict & Teepee Playhouse

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The spacious lawn gives kids plenty of room to play with hula hoops and games like cornhole, while the whimsical teepee is both a fun playhouse and a great photo spot. Also? House-made Pop-Tarts!

Why Parents Love It
I like it for brunch on a sunny day. The food is excellent, there’s sometimes live music, and it feels like a fun backyard garden party.

Plan Your Visit:

The Crack Shack

This chef-driven, upscale and counter-order fried chicken restaurant is renowned for its vibrant, social, and completely open-air setting. It’s a lively spot where kids have the freedom to play while adults enjoy top-notch food and a full bar.

The giant chicken stands tall amid the outdoor seating at Crack Shack, a family-friendly restaurant in Little Italy San Diego.
The bocce ball court is next to the giant chicken (Photo courtesy of Crack Shack)

Quick Look


🍗 Cuisine: Upscale Fried Chicken
🤸 Best For: Casual Outdoor Dining & Some Lawn Games
Don’t Miss: Coop Deville Sandwich & Mini Biscuits with Miso Maple Butter

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The Encinitas location has a sand pit and lawn games. The Little Italy location also offers lawn games, such as bocce ball, in its lively, open-air setting, where I’ve found it typically easy to have fidgety kids.

Why Parents Love It
This isn’t your average chicken place. The chef-driven menu elevates fried chicken, and the vibrant, social atmosphere is perfect for a fun meal out. A full bar with craft cocktails and local beers is a huge plus.

Plan Your Visit:

Panama 66

Located in the heart of Balboa Park, Panama 66 is one of the most unique family-friendly restaurants San Diego’s Balboa Park has to offer, where culture and casual eats collide. It’s my favorite place for a kid-friendly lunch, located adjacent to the San Diego Museum of Art’s beautiful May S. May Sculpture Garden. This setting gives kids a gorgeous lawn to explore while adults enjoy local craft beer and food.

My daughter walks through the sculpture garden at Panama 66, a kid-friendly San Diego restaurant in Balboa Park.
My daughter walks around the back sculpture garden at Panama 66.

Quick Look


🍔 Cuisine: Gastropub
🤸 Best For: Cultural Outing with Room to Roam
Don’t Miss: The Wagyu Burger & Truffle Fries

Why It’s Fun for Kids
A big draw is direct access to the grassy Sculpture Garden, which provides ample space for kids to stretch their legs in a beautiful setting. (This is an art gallery space, so children must be supervised and cannot climb on sculptures.)

Why Parents Love It
I said it already, but it’s a nice place to refuel when sightseeing or as a local taking advantage of Residents Free Tuesday or existing museum memberships with kids in tow.

Plan Your Visit:

PRK 101

This multi-level, open-air dining plaza is a community hub in the heart of Carlsbad Village. It’s designed to be a gathering spot with a lively atmosphere, making it a fantastic and fun choice for families.

Kids play corn hole while guests hang out at picnic tables at Park 101 in Carlsbad's Garden Pub area.
Kids play corn hole in the Garden Pub (Photo courtesy of Park 101)

Quick Look


🍖 Cuisine: BBQ
🤸 Best For: A Sunny Day Out With Kids (and Dogs)
Don’t Miss: Smoked Meats & Signature Mac and Cheese

Why It’s Fun for Kids
A grassy turf area with games like Connect Four and cornhole provides a great space to play.

Why Parents Love It
A great selection of local beers and a delicious BBQ-focused menu make it a place adults will enjoy just as much as the kids. The 8,000-square-foot multi-level complex surrounds an enormous LED Jumbotron, perfect for viewing sporting events. 

Plan Your Day:

Grand Social at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

For a more upscale and resort-like experience, Grand Social offers a beautiful outdoor lounge where the whole family can relax. We book a lot of guests into Fairmont Grand Del Mar, and they particularly love the holiday events and s’mores here in the summer.

Quick Look


🍴 Cuisine: Upscale American
🤸 Best For: A Special Occasion with Lawn Games
Don’t Miss: Wood-Fired Pizzas & the Boujee S’mores Kit

Why It’s Fun for Kids
An expansive lawn with games like bocce ball provides plenty of space for fun. During special events, they even feature spectacular, eco-friendly drone shows that are perfect for all ages.

Why Parents Love It
Feel like you’re on vacation (even if you’re not) in a resort atmosphere with private fire pits and cabanas. For more elaborate offerings, book during a holiday/

Plan Your Day:


Restaurants with Arcades, Bowling & Games

These family-friendly restaurants feature entertainment, ranging from arcades to bowling, as a central part of the experience.

Corvette Diner

A San Diego institution, Corvette Diner is the quintessential retro “eatertainment” experience. Its entire identity is built around a vibrant 1950s theme, making it a loud, energetic, and celebratory destination perfect for family fun. I’ve lost count of the number of birthday parties I’ve been to here.

A milkshake held up in front of a vintage car at Corvette Diner in San Diego.

Quick Look


🍔 Cuisine: American Diner
🤸 Best For: Birthday Parties & Milkshakes
Don’t Miss: The Gamer’s Garage Arcade

Why It’s Fun for Kids
There’s a lot going on inside. The main attraction is the big “Gamer’s Garage” arcade with over 60 games. Add in balloon artists, magicians, and sassy waitstaff who perform hourly song-and-dance routines, and kids are entertained from start to finish.

Why Parents Love It
The celebratory atmosphere means you never have to worry about your kids being too noisy. The classic American diner menu and full bar have something for everyone.

Plan Your Visit:

Draft Republic

A true standout in the “eatertainment” category, Draft Republic has created an entertainment powerhouse, especially at its San Marcos location. It offers a winning combination of activities for all ages, from bowling to arcade games, paired with a crowd-pleasing menu. This makes it one of the top kid-friendly restaurants in North County San Diego for families with kids of different ages.

Quick Look


🍺 Cuisine: American Brewhouse
🤸 Best For: Families with Mixed Ages (Teens & Kids)
Don’t Miss: Bowling & Crispy Brussels Sprouts / Soft Pretzel Sticks

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The San Marcos location is popular for its 8-lane boutique bowling alley, a modern arcade, and a state-of-the-art golf simulator. Both locations also feature expansive outdoor patios with games like shuffleboard and cornhole.

Why Parents Love It
Adults can enjoy an extensive list of over 40 craft beers on tap, along with a crowd-pleasing menu of American comfort food, while kids are entertained.

Plan Your Visit:

Punch Bowl Social

This trendy, modern venue in the East Village offers a sophisticated blend of activities all under one roof. It’s an ideal spot for families with older kids or teens looking for a fun night out with a variety of entertainment options.

Quick Look


🍔 Cuisine: Modern American
🤸 Best For: Tweens and Teens
Don’t Miss: Bowling, Karoake & Arcade Games

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The variety of activities is the main draw. Under one roof, you’ll find bowling, karaoke, shuffleboard, bocce ball, and a well-stocked arcade in a place where you can eat big food like nachos and chicken and waffles. (It becomes 21+ after 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.)

Why Parents Love It
It’s fun. I’ve visited many of these across the US with other parents while traveling for volleyball. The kids aren’t trapped at a table and can go off and play. Parents can, too, but we usually chill with a beverage. The food is shareable, and the drinks are usually good.

Plan Your Visit:

Fat Joe’s Kitchen & Arcade

This Oceanside spot lives up to its name, combining a menu of satisfying comfort food with a fun-for-all-ages arcade. It’s a lively local hotspot that’s perfect for a family outing, offering a menu of great food and entertainment.

Quick Look


🍔 Cuisine: Comfort Food
🤸 Best For: Arcade Games & Casual Eats
Don’t Miss: Pinball, Mario Kart & the Sampler Plate

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The arcade has a great mix of games, including pinball, Mario Kart, and even a mini-bowling alley, providing plenty of entertainment to keep the whole family engaged.

Why Parents Love It
Parents can enjoy a selection of draft beers and a menu featuring burgers, tacos, and loaded fries in a lively, casual atmosphere that’s a few blocks from the beach and popular kid-friendly resorts.

Plan Your Visit:

The Smoking Gun

With its retro vibes and lively atmosphere, The Smoking Gun in the Gaslamp is a hit for family dinners, especially before a Padres game. It’s a fun, casual spot where kids can stay entertained with a host of games while adults enjoy delicious cocktails and Southern-influenced street food.

Guests play air hockey in the arcade.

Quick Look


🍔 Cuisine: Southern & American
🤸 Best For: Arcade Games & Pre-Padres Game Fun For Older Kids
Don’t Miss: The Arcade, Ping Pong & Butter Burger

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The arcade is the main event, packed with dozens of classic and newer games to keep them busy. They can also challenge the family to pool, shuffleboard, or ping pong. There’s even a photo booth and a classic Zoltar machine.

Why Parents Love It
The innovative cocktails are a highlight, paired with dishes like the Butter Burger and Street Corn Skillet. Its prime Gaslamp location makes it a perfect stop for a meal before heading to Petco Park.

Plan Your Visit:


Local Spots for Pizza or Pinball (or Both)

Pizza Port

A San Diego legend, Pizza Port combines a laid-back, surf-inspired vibe with really delicious pizza. While there are now multiple locations, several feature a selection of classic video games, vending machines, and pinball machines.

I love the Monterey Pizza!

Quick Look


🍕 Cuisine: Pizza & Brewpub
🤸 Best For: Eating Like a Local
Don’t Miss: Monterey Pizza & Beer Buddies

Why It’s Fun for Kids
Many locations (Bressi Ranch probably has the most) feature a mini-arcade with classic video games and pinball machines kids can play while waiting for their pizza.

Why Parents Love It
It’s a San Diego institution for a reason. The award-winning selection of house-brewed craft beers is a major draw. The lively, communal atmosphere with picnic-table seating is perfect for a relaxed family meal. And, seriously, the pizza is so good. If you ask many of my UCSD college friends what their last meal would be, I bet most would say Pizza Port.

Plan Your Visit:

San Diego Brewing Co.

One of San Diego’s original brewpubs, this spot maintains a classic, family-friendly sports bar atmosphere. It’s a reliable choice for a casual meal where parents can sip a great local beer and kids can stay entertained with some old-school games.

Quick Look


🍕 Cuisine: Brewpub & American
🤸 Best For: Old-School Arcade Games & Watching Sports
Don’t Miss: Pinball & the Famous Fish and Chips

Why It’s Fun for Kids
A selection of classic games, including pinball machines and Golden Tee Golf, provides a fun, old-school way to keep everyone entertained.

Why Parents Love It
It’s a classic, no-fuss brewpub that’s a local’s place. With 50 local craft beers on tap and 22 giant TVs, it’s the perfect place to catch a game while the kids are happily occupied.

Plan Your Visit:


Interactive & Themed Dining Experiences

These kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego offer something fun for kids, be it a hands-on activity or super cute food.

CUCINA urbana & CUCINA enoteca

The CUCINA restaurants by Urban Kitchen Group have long been staples of the San Diego dining scene, offering a perfect blend of contemporary Italian cuisine with a lively atmosphere. It’s a prime example of the “Gourmet-Casual” trend, respecting both the adult palate and a child’s desire for participation.

Quick Look


🍝 Cuisine: Italian
🤸 Best For: Nice Family Dinners
Don’t Miss: Kids Menu Make-Your-Own Pizza & Ribeye Carpaccio

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The star of the show is the “Modo Mio Pizza” experience, where kids get to become little chefs and assemble their own pizza at the table before it’s whisked away to be baked.

Why Parents Love It
The CUCINA brand is known for its sophisticated, MICHELIN-recognized Italian cuisine and stylish design, offering a premium dining experience that’s as great for families as it is for date night.

Campfire

Built entirely around the theme of a campfire gathering, this unique Carlsbad restaurant is on the recommended family restaurants list of many concierge teams at the kid-friendly hotels we book.

The outdoor seating area at Campfire including the tipi kids' play area.
The Tipi and outdoor seating (Photo courtesy of Campfire)

Quick Look


🔥 Cuisine: Live-Fire Cooking
🤸 Best For: Family Dining in Carlsbad
Don’t Miss: S’mores & the Outdoor Tipi

Why It’s Fun for Kids
Children can play in an outdoor tipi and, for dessert, roast gourmet s’mores over real fire pits.

Why Parents Love It
The camp-like atmosphere and menu focused on the rustic art of live-fire cooking offer a fun way to dine as a family.

Plan Your Visit:

Harumama Noodles + Buns

Harumama is an absolute delight and one of the most creative kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego, famous for its adorable and delicious character-themed steamed buns. The visual appeal is a fantastic way to encourage even picky eaters to try something new, turning a simple family meal into a fun and photo-worthy event.

Character buns on a marble table with other Asian dishes at Harumama in San Diego.
Photo courtesy of Harumama

Quick Look


🍜 Cuisine: Ramen & Buns
🤸 Best For: Instagrammable Food
Don’t Miss: Flying Pig Ramen & Animal Shaped Buns

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The main attraction is the super-cute Character Buns, shaped like pandas, pigs, chickens, and bunnies. With both savory (pulled pork, chicken) and sweet (Nutella, ube) fillings, they are an instant hit all ages.

Why Parents Love It
Beyond the cute buns, you can order flavorful ramen, noodles, and poke bowls. (They deliver by Doordash and other services, so we order this to our house quite a bit.)

Plan Your Visit:

Kura Revolving Sushi

Sushi might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a family restaurant. However, if you were to ask my daughter and her friends what one of their favorite spots is, they would say Kura. It’s a gamified, revolving sushi restaurant where the more plates you empty, the happier the “ninja” is. You’ll receive a Bikkura Pon prize (a toy in a plastic capsule) for every 15 empty plates.

(The sushi is not bad, but it’s not the best you’ll ever eat. There is also a regular menu with tempura, noodles, and other cooked dishes. )

Tuna nigiri sushi under domes travels across a conveyor belt at Kura Sushi in San Diego.
My daughter and her friends love this conveyor belt sushi, where you can win prizes

Quick Look


🍣 Cuisine: Revolving Sushi
🤸 Best For: Gamified Dining & Trying New Foods
Don’t Miss: The “Bikkura Pon” Prize System

Why It’s Fun for Kids
It’s fun and fast to grab your food from a constantly spinning conveyor belt. For every 15 empty sushi plates deposited into a tableside slot, a small toy in a plastic capsule is dispensed from a machine above.

Why Parents Love It
It’s an easy and fun way to introduce kids to sushi. There’s a good variety on the belt, nothing too weird. I will warn you, though, that the price can add up if you have really hungry (or prize-hungry) kids with you.

Plan Your Visit:


Simply Kid-Friendly: Great Food, No-Fuss Fun

Sometimes you don’t need a playground or an arcade, but rather a go-to place with delicious food that the whole family likes.

Duke’s La Jolla

With its stunning ocean views, Duke’s is a popular family restaurant in La Jolla that brings the spirit of Aloha to San Diego. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the menu is family-friendly. We like it with kids and without.

Quick Look


🌺 Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
🤸 Best For: Family-Friendly Lunch or Dinner with a View in La Jolla
Don’t Miss: The Famous Hula Pie (So Good)

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The Keiki (kids) menu comes with coloring and a bingo game to keep little ones entertained at the table, and the dishes are served on cute fish-shaped plates, which is a fun touch.

Why Parents Love It
It combines breathtaking views of La Jolla Cove with fantastic tropical cocktails and seafood (I like the poke for lunch). It’s just reliably good.

Plan Your Visit:

Ruby’s Diner

This quintessential American diner in Carlsbad is a kid-friendly dream, complete with a fun, nostalgic 1940s theme. Located in the Carlsbad Premium Outlets conveniently near LEGOLAND California, it’s a good stop when you don’t feel like dining at the theme park or in your nearby hotel. Or while shopping for deals.

Quick Look


🍔 Cuisine: American Diner
🤸 Best For: Easy Lunch or Dinner
Don’t Miss: Hand-Spun Milkshakes & Classic Burger

Why It’s Fun for Kids
From the large train track on the ceiling, where you can watch miniature trains amble around above you, to the TV screens playing movies in the back dining room, to the great build-your-own cardboard cars handed to you when seated.

Why Parents Love It
I’ve been going to Ruby’s forever. It’s just easy and not too expensive.

Plan Your Visit:

Village Pizzeria

A true Coronado institution, Village Pizzeria is a go-to for anyone looking for a delicious and easy family-friendly restaurant in Coronado. It serves up authentic East Coast-style pizza with a laid-back, West Coast vibe, making it a perfect, no-fuss meal that everyone in the family can agree on. With two locations on the island, it’s a go-to spot for families seeking a no-fuss meal out.

Quick Look


🍕 Cuisine: New York-Style Pizza
🤸 Best For: A Casual Pizza Night in Coronado
Don’t Miss: Garlic Knots & Meathead Pie

Why It’s Fun for Kids
It’s a fun, friendly, and casual atmosphere where kids can be kids. Between crowd-pleasing pizza and pasta options, everyone is happy.

Why Parents Love It
The Bayside location at the Ferry Landing offers stunning views of the downtown skyline, while the original Orange Avenue spot is good for people-watching. You can even grab a pie to go for a picnic.

Plan Your Visit:

Flower Child

This health-focused restaurant features a colorful, upbeat atmosphere that makes it an easy and enjoyable place to bring kids. You can also take a $73 Bundle home, which features a full nutritious meal of sides, salads or bowls with your chosen proteins for 4-6 people.

It’s located in Flower Hill Promenade, which I think has done an excellent job of transitioning to a more family-friendly place to run errands and decompress with your kids in tow.

Quick Look


🥗 Cuisine: Healthy Casual
🤸 Best For: Any age
Don’t Miss: Mother Earth Bowl or Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese

Why It’s Fun for Kids
There’s kid seating and a small chalkboard inside, as well as a small soft play area nearby in the mall.

Why Parents Love It
The menu is centered around fresh, healthy salads, bowls, and sandwiches, with a healthy kids’ menu that doesn’t taste super healthy. In reality, the idea is to play a little, browse some boutiques, maybe stop by Whole Foods, and grab lunch or dinner at Flower Child. It’s just easy (after you find parking, which no lie, is challenging sometimes—remember there’s the lot by Whole Foods).

Plan Your Visit:


The Best Family-Friendly Breweries in San Diego

Yes, kid-friendly places to eat in San Diego includes some of our top breweries. Quite a few have outdoor games so this isn’t an exhaustive list, but rather a “start here.”

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

A true pioneer of the destination brewery model, Stone Brewing offers two locations that are family-friendly. Both spots combine world-famous craft beer and elevated pub food with beautiful, expansive outdoor settings perfect for kids to explore.

Quick Look


🍺 Cuisine: Craft Brewery & Gastropub
🤸 Best For: Pretty Gardens & Outdoor Space
Don’t Miss: Bavarian Pretzel & Stone IPA

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The Escondido location is a destination in itself, set within a stunning one-acre garden with koi ponds and paths to explore. The more urban Liberty Station venue has bocce ball courts and large grassy areas perfect for play.

Why Parents Love It
It’s a relaxing atmosphere to can enjoy world-famous craft beer and elevated pub food,while the kids have space to occupy themselves.

Plan Your Visit:

Viewpoint Brewing Co.

As Del Mar’s first brewery, Viewpoint is known for pretty views of the San Dieguito Lagoon and a relaxed, open space to hang out. It’s a scenic spot where parents can unwind while kids enjoy the unique outdoor amenities.

Quick Look


🍺 Cuisine: Craft Brewery & Gastropub
🤸 Best For: The Swings
Don’t Miss: Duck Fat Fries & Weekend Brunch

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The indoor/outdoor space includes a turf area with games like cornhole, but its most unique features are the custom-made group swing seats that are a hit with all ages.

Why Parents Love It
A chef-driven menu elevates the experience beyond typical pub fare, making it a perfect spot to relax while the kids play. It’s a good place for events, too, I’ve been to several here. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Plan Your Visit:

Belching Beaver

This popular local brewery has multiple locations, but the Tavern & Grill in Vista is a top choice for parents of toddlers thanks to its thoughtful design. They offer a welcoming atmosphere with great beer for adults and space for kids to be kids.

Quick Look


🍺 Cuisine: Brewpub
🤸 Best For: Toddlers (Vista) & Tabletop Games (North Park)
Don’t Miss: Peanut Butter Milk Stout & Tater Tot Dam

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The Vista location is a dream for parents of toddlers, thanks to its fully enclosed outdoor patio that provides a safe and secure play space. The North Park tasting room offers tabletop games like Jenga to keep kids entertained at the table.

Why Parents Love It
A wide range of popular and award-winning craft beers and a full food menu at the Vista tavern that goes well beyond typical pub fare make it a great spot for the whole family.

Plan Your Visit:

Duck Foot Brewing Co. (Miramar)

I wanted to include Duck Foot for parents interested in gluten-reduced beer. There’s a tasting room with a great outdoor space.

Quick Look


🍺 Cuisine: Craft Brewery with Food Trucks
🤸 Best For: Casual Day Out & Gluten-Reduced Beer
Don’t Miss: Secret Spot Hazy IPA

Why It’s Fun for Kids
The outdoor area features picnic tables and a grassy space perfect for playing. Inside, a selection of board games is available to keep kids (and adults) entertained at the table.

Why Parents Love It
The commitment to high-quality, gluten-reduced beers means there are fantastic options for those with dietary restrictions, and the rotating food trucks ensure there’s always something new to try.

Plan Your Visit:

Notable Changes on this List


Station Tavern and Officine Buona Forchetta removed their play areas. Another former favorite, My Yard Live, is closed.

Which family-friendly San Diego restaurants do your kids prefer?

See also: Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in San Diego

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

7 responses

  1. Angela

    Thanks for this awesome list. Heading to Waypoint this Sunday for brunch to celebrate the hubby’s birthday. My little guy, almost 2, is a grazer and we can never get him to stay still. This setting will be perfect!

  2. Jennifer

    The Station in South Park has a small play area where kids can play while parents can grab a craft beer or cocktail. The burgers are equally delicious, offering options for the pickiest of little ones, too.

  3. N37

    We just finished a meal at Waypoint Public. Thank you so much for the suggestion! Awesome food, even better beer, and grandma and toddler are doing somersaults in the kid’s area.

  4. Kelly

    Thanks so much for this list! Heading down from Encinitas for staycation in La Jolla this weekend with the kids and was wondering about Beaumonts. Can’t wait to try it out!

  5. Lauren

    Visiting from Dallas with my husband, parents (70ish) and kids (8 & 10) and have loooooooved your recs! Found your site by chance and couldn’t be more pleased!!!! So far 2 for 2 and will hit more of these along the way! Thank you! (I let Cucina know I found them through you! 🙂

  6. Laura

    All of these places sound amazing! Do most of them have parking or are we better off using Uber? Thanks!

    1. Katie Dillon

      Most of them have parking but Uber works well in San Diego and so does Lyft if you want to go that route! I tend to Uber to Little Italy and busier places like that on weekend nights if you’re eating out there.