Traveling with kids can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a restaurant that caters to both adults and children. Luckily, as a local resident of Fort Lauderdale, I know just the right places to go. Whether you’re on vacation or a local like me, these ten family-friendly restaurants are worth a visit. They are located near popular tourist attractions and offer delicious food at affordable prices. So, let’s dive in and explore these hidden gems that I have been visiting with my family since moving to Fort Lauderdale.
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1. Jet Runway Cafe
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, Jet Runway Cafe is the place to be. Located at Florida’s Executive Airport, this destination restaurant allows you to watch small planes take off and land while enjoying your meal. The entertainment is built right in! Don’t worry about the noise; the runway is far enough away to avoid any disturbances.
Jet Runway Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch until 3 pm. It is a perfect spot for families with future pilots or anyone who enjoys a unique dining experience.
Kid-Friendly Checklist:
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Available
- Kid’s Menu: There is a cute kid’s menu with a variety of options priced between $6 and $8. Lunch options include grilled chicken, PB&J, chicken fingers, grilled cheese, mini cheeseburgers, a corn dog, or mac & cheese. All lunch options come with two sides. The meals are generously portioned and served on a frisbee, which can be taken as a souvenir.
- Options for Kids on Adult Menu: Plenty of reasonably priced items on the adult menu that children would enjoy.
- Activities for Kids: Watching planes and engaging with the kid’s menu activities like tic-tac-toe, mazes, and connect the dots. There’s also a fish tank near the entrance.
- Speed of Service: Quick and efficient.
- Servers: Friendly and accommodating.
- General Kid-Friendly Vibe: Excellent. The restaurant is accustomed to having children, and loud and rambunctious kids are not a problem.
- Prices: Reasonable prices with options ranging from salads, sandwiches, to burgers.
- Kid’s Cups: Basic plastic cups with lids and straws.
- Changing Tables: None available.
- Family Bathroom: Though not an official “family” bathroom, the single-person restrooms are spacious and clean.
2. LuLu’s Bait Shack
LuLu’s Bait Shack, located on Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, offers a festive and lively Cajun atmosphere with stunning ocean views. Although not specifically catering to children, LuLu’s is a fantastic place to bring your kids without worrying about them disturbing others. You can even find a tattoo/body piercing shop nearby if you’re in the mood for some adventurous fun.
If you’re seeking a fun and vibrant atmosphere where your children can make a little noise, LuLu’s Bait Shack is the perfect spot.
Kid-Friendly Checklist:
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: High chairs available, but no booster seats.
- Kid’s Menu: All kids’ meals are priced at $5.95 and come with french fries. Options include mac & cheese, a hamburger, chicken fingers, grilled cheese, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Drinks are not included. For slightly older kids, there are options like a shack salad ($7.95) or 10 wings ($9.95).
- Options for Kids on Adult Menu: Absolutely. The adult menu offers reasonably priced items like burgers, wraps, and a delicious Jet Burrito.
- Activities for Kids: No specific activities at the table, but plenty to keep them entertained. Kids can watch people on the street, and there’s a nearby candy shop and small rides outside. The walls are adorned with memorabilia for curious minds.
- Speed of Service: Food arrives within 20 to 25 minutes.
- Servers: Friendly and accommodating.
- General Kid-Friendly Vibe: Overall, LuLu’s is an easy place to bring kids, but it also attracts a mix of tourists and party-goers.
- Prices: Various Cajun options ranging from $10 to $16. The Mahi Tacos ($14.95) come highly recommended by the staff.
- Kid’s Cups: Yes, cups with tops.
- Changing Tables: In the women’s room.
- Family Bathroom: There is a handicapped bathroom labeled as the “men’s room,” which can be used as a family bathroom if necessary.
3. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant
For a truly magical experience, a visit to Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant in Dania Beach is a must. This place feels like a child’s paradise, with an old-fashioned candy shop, complimentary popcorn on your table, and even a small merry-go-round outside.
Apart from the unique ambiance, Jaxson’s offers an extensive menu of desserts and serves a generous portion of ice cream with every kid’s meal. For adults, the famous kitchen sink dessert is a must-try, featuring a sink full of ice cream flavors of your choice (they have 40!). There’s even a 1lb artillery hot dog for the hungriest guests.
Though Jaxson’s can get crowded, especially during peak hours, arriving early can save you the hassle of waiting in long lines.
Kid-Friendly Checklist:
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Available.
- Kid’s Menu: A variety of options priced between $6.95 and $12.45. Choices include pasta, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, pizza, chicken fingers, and more. All meals come with french fries and a kid’s sundae. Drinks are available for purchase. The kid’s menu is designed for ages 10 and under, but older kids can still enjoy them.
- Options for Kids on Adult Menu: Absolutely! The adult menu has a wide range of salads, wraps, hot sandwiches, specialty hot dogs, and hamburgers.
- Activities for Kids: The table comes with crayons, and the back of the kid’s menu has activities like word searches, word scrambles, coloring pages, and mazes. Children can also enjoy the candy shop and small rides outside the restaurant. The decor and memorabilia add to the fun atmosphere.
- Speed of Service: The food usually arrives within 20 minutes.
- Servers: Very friendly and accommodating.
- General Kid-Friendly Vibe: This place was made for kids! It offers a delightful experience that the whole family can enjoy.
- Prices: The prices are reasonable, with most entrees costing around $13. Seafood and chicken options are slightly higher, but the portions are generous. They also provide rolls and a soup or salad with each meal.
- Kid’s Cups: Yes, cups with lids.
- Changing Tables: Available in both the women’s and men’s rooms.
- Family Bathroom: No official family restroom, but the single bathrooms allow for privacy.
Visit Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant!
4. Rustic Inn Crabhouse
If you’re a fan of hard shell crabs, Rustic Inn Crabhouse in Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit. Located near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, this restaurant offers delicious food with an old-school, hole-in-the-wall vibe. With pictures of movie stars adorning the walls and outdoor seating overlooking a canal, Rustic Inn provides a unique dining experience.
While the neighborhood might not be awe-inspiring, the food and family-friendly atmosphere make up for it. Don’t worry about your kids getting a little messy; once you don the lobster bibs, judgment goes out the window!
Kid-Friendly Checklist:
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Both available.
- Kids’ Menu: The kids’ menu prices are slightly higher than the average restaurant. Options range from pasta to various meats and seafood, priced between $6.95 and $12.45. All meals (except pasta) come with fries, coleslaw, and a choice of fountain beverage. The dishes are designed for children aged 10 and under, but substitutions can be made without extra charges.
- Options for Kids on Adult Menu: Definitely! You can find delicious mac and cheese, sweet potato fries, chicken wings, and more.
- Activities for Kids: No specific activities, but the ambiance is welcoming for families.
- Speed of Service: Quick service, as the restaurant is experienced in handling a busy crowd.
- Servers: Friendly and accommodating.
- General Kid-Friendly Vibe: With its size and bustling environment, Rustic Inn doesn’t mind a few rowdy kids.
- Prices: Seafood comes at a cost, but it’s perfect for a special outing. The prices vary depending on the menu item and can be higher compared to other reviewed restaurants. Make sure to ask for market prices on the hard shell crabs and other seafood items.
- Kid’s Cups: Yes, plastic cups without lids.
- Changing Tables: No changing tables available.
- Family Bathroom: The regular bathrooms serve as family bathrooms, with a spacious layout. There is an additional sink area at the back for cleaning up after enjoying hard shell crabs.
5. Mazzola’s
After a visit to Young at Art (a fantastic children’s art museum) or Flamingo Gardens (a wildlife sanctuary and botanical garden), head to Mazzola’s in Davie for a satisfying meal. Located just a short drive away, Mazzola’s offers delicious Italian cuisine. Don’t be deterred by its small size; Mazzola’s is very accommodating to families, and the food is simply delightful.
Kid-Friendly Checklist:
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Available.
- Kid’s Menu: The kid’s menu features a range of options, including spaghetti, baked ziti, stuffed shells, lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, chicken parmigiana, and more. Prices range from $4.50 to $7.95. All meals come with fries, coleslaw, and a kid’s sundae. Drinks can be purchased separately.
- Options for Kids on Adult Menu: Yes! Mazzola’s offers plenty of choices on the adult menu, including sandwiches, salads, and specialty pizzas.
- Activities for Kids: No specific activities, but the family-friendly atmosphere ensures that your children will enjoy their time.
- Speed of Service: The food typically arrives within 20-25 minutes.
- Servers: Very friendly and accommodating.
- General Kid-Friendly Vibe: Mazzola’s may be small, but it’s big on family-friendly charm. The staff makes families feel welcome, and you won’t feel self-conscious about bringing your kids.
- Prices: Pasta dishes range from $11 to $12, while seafood and chicken entrees are slightly higher, costing around $15 to $18. All entrees come with rolls and a soup or salad.
- Kid’s Cups: Yes, cups with lids.
- Changing Tables: No changing tables available.
- Family Bathroom: Regular bathrooms with stalls.
6. Rob’s Family BBQ
Rob’s Family BBQ, located west of Fort Lauderdale, is the perfect place to go after visiting Young at Art or Flamingo Gardens. The restaurant has a country-style, kitschy ambiance that appeals to families, especially those with young kids. Enjoy the affordable kid’s menu, which allows children to choose their preferred meal by circling a picture.
Rob’s Family BBQ offers a spacious dining area and even features a balloon lady on select nights. So stop by and enjoy some delicious barbecue with your little ones.
Kid-Friendly Checklist:
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Available.
- Kid’s Menu: The kid’s menu offers a wide range of options, including a hot dog, chicken tenders, baby back ribs, hamburger or cheeseburger, spare ribs, pork, beef, or turkey plate, and mac and cheese. Children can choose one side dish from options like french fries, corn on the cob, applesauce, baked beans, and coleslaw. Drinks include soft drinks, lemonade, milk, or chocolate milk. Each meal comes with cookies for dessert.
- Options for Kids on Adult Menu: Yes, but the kid’s menu offers a variety of affordable options, making it a preferred choice.
- Activities for Kids: Crayons are provided, and the back of the children’s menu includes coloring activities. The balloon lady is an extra treat on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
- Speed of Service: Food typically arrives within 15-20 minutes. However, the balloon lady’s visit can keep the kids entertained while waiting.
- Servers: Friendly and accommodating.
- General Kid-Friendly Vibe: Rob’s BBQ is perfect for a bunch of young kids. The staff is welcoming, and you won’t feel self-conscious about having noisy children.
- Prices: Reasonably priced sandwiches and BBQ dinners, ranging from $11 to $14. Sides range from $2 to $4. Various options are available to cater to different tastes.
- Kid’s Cups: Yes, cups with lids.
- Changing Tables: Available in the women’s washroom.
- Family Bathroom: Regular bathrooms with stalls.
7. Pelican Landing
If you’re looking for a casual waterfront bar and restaurant with beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Pelican Landing is the place to be. Tucked into a marina, Pelican Landing offers a relaxing atmosphere without the touristy feel you might expect from a Hyatt hotel restaurant.
To find Pelican Landing, park near the hotel and follow Pier 66 by foot until you reach the end. The stroll offers breathtaking views of gigantic yachts and, if you time it right, a stunning sunset.
Though there are no specific activities for children, Pelican Landing is still welcoming to families, making it a fantastic stop during your Fort Lauderdale trip.
Kid-Friendly Checklist:
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: High chairs are available, but no booster seats.
- Kid’s Menu: Pelican Landing doesn’t have a separate children’s menu, but the waiter will inform you about the three available options: chicken tenders, hot dog, and grilled cheese. Each costs $6 and comes with fries and a choice of soda or juice. The restaurant is also accommodating if your child wants a child-size portion of grilled chicken.
- Options for Kids on Adult Menu: Yes. The menu offers sandwiches, wings, and salads that your children might enjoy, although the kid’s menu is the more affordable and varied option.
- Activities for Kids: No specific activities, so parents may want to bring some entertainment like coloring books and crayons for younger kids.
- Speed of Service: Food typically arrives within 20 minutes.
- Servers: Very friendly and accommodating.
- General Kid-Friendly Vibe: Pelican Landing is not primarily a kids’ place, but they are happy to have them. It’s a lovely spot for the whole family to visit and enjoy their time.
- Prices: Prices are reasonable for a hotel restaurant, considering the location and ambiance. Options include fish tacos, lump crab cake sliders, chicken sandwiches, and more.
- Kid’s Cups: Yes, cups with lids.
- Changing Tables: No changing tables available.
- Family Bathroom: Regular bathrooms with a stall.
8. Rocco’s Tacos
In the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine? Rocco’s Tacos is the perfect spot after a day of shopping on Las Olas Blvd. The restaurant exudes a fun vibe and even features a tequila bar for the adults. While Rocco’s Tacos is not solely focused on children, they offer a kid-friendly atmosphere, making it a win-win for everyone.
Kid-Friendly Checklist:
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Available.
- Kid’s Menu: The kid’s menu offers a variety of options priced at $6.50 each, including hot dogs, pasta with butter, quesadillas, chicken fingers, burritos, and tacos. Most meals come with delicious string fries that kids will love. Grilled chicken can be substituted for chicken fingers upon request, with no additional charge.
- Options for Kids on Adult Menu: Yes, Rocco’s Tacos has a large menu with plenty of choices for both kids and adults.
- Activities for Kids: The kid’s menu comes with crayons, and the menu itself contains word searches, word scrambles, coloring pages, and mazes.
- Speed of Service: Food typically arrives within 15 minutes, allowing kids to enjoy their activities.
- Servers: Very friendly and accommodating.
- General Kid-Friendly Vibe: While Rocco’s Tacos is not exclusively a kids’ place, the staff is welcoming and understanding. Families with children will feel comfortable dining here.
- Prices: With approximately $12.50 per person, it won’t break the bank. Prices may vary depending on the number of beverages and adult meals consumed.
- Kid’s Cups: For young children, Rocco’s Tacos provides cute plastic cups with tops and straws.
- Changing Tables: No changing tables available.
- Family Bathroom: Regular bathrooms without stalls.
9. ROK:BRGR
Just a few blocks away from Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science, ROK:BRGR (pronounced “Rock Burger”) is a perfect restaurant to stop by after a few hours of exploration. ROK:BRGR serves delicious burgers and drinks in a fun atmosphere. They even spray a mist outside to beat the Florida heat.
While ROK:BRGR isn’t specifically geared towards children, they welcome families and don’t mind if your kids tag along. So, if you’re in the mood for a burger and a drink, ROK:BRGR won’t disappoint. And if it’s not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other restaurants to explore along 2nd Avenue.
Kid-Friendly Checklist:
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Available.
- Kid’s Menu: The kid’s menu offers a variety of options, including chicken tenders, hot dogs, sliders, and grilled cheese, all priced at $7. Each meal comes with a generous serving of fries.
- Options for Kids on Adult Menu: Yes, but the kid’s menu provides plenty of affordable and varied choices. There are also mac and cheese bar options on the adult menu, as well as wings and mozzarella sticks.
- Activities for Kids: No specific activities, although your kids may enjoy stacking water glasses or bringing coloring books and crayons.
- Speed of Service: Food typically arrives within 25 minutes.
- Servers: Our experience with the servers was mixed, but overall they were friendly and accommodating.
- General Kid-Friendly Vibe: Though not their primary focus, ROK:BRGR is open to families. The restaurant’s pleasant atmosphere allows for a lovely family dining experience.
- Prices: ROK:BRGR offers reasonably priced burgers, salads, and sandwiches, ranging from $13 to $19. Appetizers and sides are available at an additional cost.
- Kid’s Cups: Basic plastic cups with lids and straws.
- Changing Tables: No changing tables available.
- Family Bathroom: Regular bathrooms without stalls.
10. B Square Burgers and Booze
Don’t be put off by the name; B Square Burgers and Booze is a fantastic family-friendly restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Located on Las Olas Blvd, B Square offers a cool, swanky vibe without the typical touristy atmosphere. The outdoor seating area has a bar, while the indoor setting boasts a contemporary feel.
B Square has something for everyone, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Although not primarily focused on kids, B Square is happy to welcome families, and their delicious food will surely impress.
Kid-Friendly Checklist:
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Available.
- Kid’s Menu: B Square does not have a specific kid’s menu. However, they offer affordable options like hot dogs, pasta, quesadillas, chicken fingers, and burritos suitable for children.
- Options for Kids on Adult Menu: Yes, the menu provides a variety of choices for both kids and adults.
- Activities for Kids: No specific activities, so it’s a good idea to bring coloring books or other small distractions for younger children.
- Speed of Service: Food typically arrives within 20 minutes.
- Servers: Friendly and accommodating, but during peak tourist seasons, service may be a bit more inconsistent.
- General Kid-Friendly Vibe: B Square is not solely focused on children, but the staff is welcoming and understanding. You’ll be comfortable dining with children at this lovely establishment.
- Prices: Prices are reasonable, with burgers ranging from $13 to $19. They also offer appetizers and additional menu items at varied prices.
- Kid’s Cups: Basic plastic cups with lids.
- Changing Tables: No changing tables available.
- Family Bathroom: Regular bathrooms without stalls.
Visit B Square Burgers and Booze!
These family-friendly restaurants in Fort Lauderdale offer the perfect combination of delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere. Enjoy your vacation or local outing, knowing that your whole family can enjoy a great meal together.
