Dining al fresco in a picturesque outdoor setting is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a meal. Lucky for us, here in Austin we have so many perfect patios to choose from! These are some of our favorite restaurants that offer kid-friendly outdoor dining that the whole family will love.
Ski Shores Cafe
Patio Dining with Kids in Austin
Central Market (4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin) has a large deck and patio for families to enjoy. Listen to live music while the kids play on the playground. Bonus: Kids eat free on Tuesday after 5 p.m. (one free kid’s meal per entrée purchased). Note: The playground is not enclosed and can get crowded during peak times, so plan to keep an eye on little ones. It’s also a good idea to watch your food – there are grackles and bees aplenty here!
Waterloo Ice House (6203 N. Capital of Texas Highway, Austin) has a pleasant and shady patio with a playground and a sand pit, which makes it an ideal place to relax and enjoy a meal while the kids play.
Phil’s Icehouse/Amy’s Ice Creams (13265 US Hwy 183 N, Austin) share a playground on their side patio. Enjoy beer, burgers, and ice cream all in one place! Note: The playground area is not fully enclosed, so watch those kiddos!
Whole Foods Market Lamar (525 N Lamar Blvd., Austin) and Whole Foods Domain (11920 Domain Drive, Austin) both offer food options and patio dining. Both locations also have playgrounds, although the one at the Domain location is much smaller (and not enclosed).
El Mercado (1302 S 1st St., Austin) has a fun little playground on their back patio which makes family dining here extra enjoyable!
Mesa Rosa (15515 N FM 620, Austin) The Northwest Austin location features a spacious patio next to a wide-open field where kids can go run and play! Bring a soccer ball and encourage your young ones to make some new friends while you sip a frosty marg and relax!
Chuy’s (11680B Research Blvd, Austin) The patio at the HWY 183 location isn’t huge, but the giant tree right in the center of it is a communal hang for kids of all ages. They make friends, swing back by the table for a bite once in a while, and run off to play while you have an uninterrupted adult conversation! Bliss!
Maudie’s at the Triangle (4600 West Guadalupe Street, Suite B5, Austin) has a patio that is so close to the playground, you can let your kids play while you keep an eye on them and eat. Note: The playground area is not completely enclosed and is close to the parking area and street, so this might be best for older kids.
Hat Creek Burnet (5400 Burnet Rd, Austin) has a little playground for the kids and a menu with something for everyone. Bonus: Every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to close, Big Hats and Little Hats are half price!
in.gredients (2610 Manor Rd., Austin) is a no-waste bulk grocery store where you bring your own containers. Enjoy their freshly prepared foods on their charming patio where they even have a fenced-in playground for kids. Read our review!
Hula Hut (3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin) offers tropical Tex-Mex inspired food served with beautiful views of Lake Austin from the patio. Kids can look out into the water and search for fish and turtles.
Shady Grove (1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin) has a spacious and tree-covered patio that provides a chill environment, even on the hottest Texas days.
Lucy’s on the Lake (2900 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin). Lucy’s Fried Chicken is an Austin favorite, and this location features beautiful lake views, outdoor seating, and a playground.
Torchy’s Tacos (11521 RR 620 North #1000, Austin) is located in Plaza Volente, which is on the southeast corner of RM 620 and Anderson Mill Road in northwest Austin. There is a playground on-site.
The Midway Food Park (1905 South Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin) offers food trucks, a playground, live music, picnic tables, and bathrooms. Check Facebook for updates and hours of each vendor. See the list of vendors here.
Flores Mexican Restaurant (8300 N FM 620, Austin) has outdoor dining with a playscape for the kids.
Ski Shores Cafe (2905 Pearce Rd., Austin) has a beautiful outdoor patio right on the lake and a fun playground for kids.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse (1400 E 38th 1/2 St., Austin) is more than just coffee! Their large patio includes a stage where you can see free live kids’ music every Sunday morning at 10!
Silver Grill Cafe (4005 W Parmer Ln, Austin) has an enclosed playground off the patio and kids eat free every Tuesday with purchase of adult meal.
The Thicket (7800 S. 1st Street, Austin) is a community gathering spot for meals in South Austin. Read Catherine’s review of this hip up-and-coming outdoor dining experience.
Fresa’s Chicken on South 1st (1703 South First, Austin) has a cute tree shaded patio and yummy kid’s menu.
The County Line (5204 FM 2222, Austin) lake location is a fun spot for families to sit on the patio over the water. Kids like to feed the fish!
Bouldin Creek Cafe (1900 S. 1st Street, Austin) is a kid-friendly option for vegetarian families that has a charming outdoor patio.
Pieous (12005 U.S. 290 West, Austin) offers outdoor seating, kid-friendly picnic tables, chalk walls for kids to draw on, and plenty of space to run and play. Kids love their pizzas (and desserts)!
Patio Dining Beyond Austin
Salt Lick (3350 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock) is authentic Texas BBQ and a local favorite outdoor dining experience. They have a tree-covered patio lit with globe lights and a playground for the kids. Note: The playground isn’t completely enclosed and it’s right next to a parking lot, so watch little ones closely.
Kerbey Lane Cafe (2120 N Mays St, Round Rock) has a nice little enclosed playground right off the covered patio. Bonus: Kids eat free every Tuesday!
Joe’s Crab Shack (2401 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Round Rock) has a sandy playground below their back deck patio. Note: It’s all enclosed so the kids can’t escape, but unless you’re seated at one of the nearby tables, it’s hard to keep an eye on your kids while they play.
Hat Creek Round Rock (3700 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock) has a patio next to a large running area for kids with astroturf topped hills and a slide. Bonus: Tuesday from 5 p.m. to close, Big Hats and Little Hats are half price!
Hat Creek Westlake (5902 Bee Cave Rd, West Lake Hills) has a patio and playground. Bonus: Tuesday from 5 p.m. to close, Big Hats and Little Hats are half price!
Hat Creek Georgetown (201 San Gabriel Village Blvd, Georgetown) has an adorable tree-covered patio and play area for kids. Bonus: Tuesday from 5 p.m. to close Big Hats and Little Hats are half price!
Dahlia Cafe (2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill) has a great patio/playground setting with some old-school equipment.
Lone Star Grille (1501 E New Hope Dr, Cedar Park) large outdoor space and playscape for the kids to run around while you dine outside.
Homespun (131 East Mercer St., Dripping Springs) offers outdoor seating and little playground for the kids. Bonus: Kids 8 and under eat free on Wednesdays!
Doc’s Backyard (5207 Brodie Ln., Sunset Valley) has a huge patio and a big playground for the kids.
