Kid-Friendly Restaurants in New York

Ellen's Stardust Diner on 1650 Broadway features classic American dishes alongside live performances by singing waitstaff, creating an entertaining dining scene for children and adults alike.

The diner’s 1950s theme is visible in the chrome finishes and vintage memorabilia lining the walls. Kids tend to enjoy the upbeat Broadway tunes performed tableside while eating staples like chicken fingers, burgers, and macaroni and cheese. Milkshakes come in thick, creamy servings with options like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry priced around $7. Main courses for kids range from $8 to $12.

Be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends and evenings, since Ellen’s does not accept reservations. The diner opens daily at 7 AM and stays open until midnight, making it convenient for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The location near Times Square means it’s accessible by subway (1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W lines to Times Square-42 St) and a 5-minute walk from Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Nearby family hotels make it easy to visit Ellen’s without a long commute.

Alice's Tea Cup at 102 W 73rd St provides a cozy, whimsical environment where children can enjoy small portions of tea-time treats alongside finger sandwiches and scones designed for younger guests.

Inspired by "Alice in Wonderland," the restaurant surrounds diners with pastel colors, floral wallpaper, and fairy lights. Upon arrival, kids often receive fairy wings from the staff, which adds to the playful atmosphere. The ‘wee tea’ menu features smaller portions of sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats like mini cupcakes or shortbread cookies. Prices for these range from 6 to 12 New York dollars.

Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, the spot works well for brunch or a late-afternoon snack after visiting Central Park, which is a 10-minute walk east on Central Park West. The nearby 72nd Street subway station (B, C lines) provides easy access.

Alice's Tea Cup is also referenced in our family hotels guide for its proximity to Upper West Side accommodations.

Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain at 513 Henry St features classic soda fountain treats like homemade sodas and ice cream sundaes in a restored 1920s apothecary setting, great for a casual dessert outing with kids.

The interior features vintage tile floors, wooden counters, and glass jars filled with candy, creating a nostalgic vibe. Children are often drawn to the extensive ice cream menu, including sundaes topped with whipped cream, cherries, and nuts, as well as floats made with house-made sodas in flavors such as root beer and sarsaparilla. Prices for sundaes start at $9, floats are around $7.

The food menu includes simple items like hot dogs ($6) and grilled cheese sandwiches ($7), catering to selective young eaters. Weekday hours run from noon to 10 PM, and weekends extend until 11 PM. The soda fountain is located about a 12-minute walk from the York Street F subway station.

For more family dining ideas in Brooklyn, see our guide to family-friendly neighborhoods.

Serendipity 3 at 225 E 60th St is known for its frozen hot chocolate and large dessert portions, with a menu that also includes kid-friendly meals such as foot-long hot dogs and sliders.

The restaurant’s interior is an eclectic mix of vintage knickknacks and bright colors, which creates a playful environment. The famous frozen hot chocolate costs around $10 and is served thick, cold, and topped with whipped cream. For kids, the menu features simple favorites priced between $8 and $14, such as chicken fingers and sliders.

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid waits that can stretch over an hour. Serendipity 3 opens daily from 11:30 AM to 11 PM. It is located just a 5-minute walk from the Lexington Av/59th St subway station (N, R, W, 4, 5, 6 lines).

This restaurant is mentioned in our family hotels guide for its Midtown East location.

Big Daddy's at 239 Park Ave S serves generous portions of comfort food in a retro-themed diner with walls covered in pop culture memorabilia from the 1950s and 60s.

The kids' menu includes pancakes ($7), chicken tenders ($9), and mini burgers ($8), all served with sides like fries or fruit. Adults can order larger portions of classic American dishes such as meatloaf or mac and cheese. The lively atmosphere is amplified by upbeat music and colorful decor.

Big Daddy's is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, suitable for any meal of the day. Located near Union Square, it's accessible via multiple subway lines (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W) at 14th St-Union Square station.

Find out more about family-friendly dining options nearby in our family hotels guide.

Located at 81 Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn, The Moxie Spot combines a casual café with a large play area for children.

This venue allows parents to enjoy meals like salads and sandwiches while kids engage in crafts, toys, and games in a safe, supervised environment. The children’s menu includes pasta ($8) and grilled cheese ($7) with fresh ingredients. The space hosts themed events such as puppet shows and pajama parties several nights a week, which keeps visits varied and entertaining.

Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, The Moxie Spot is about a 10-minute walk from the Hoyt-Schermerhorn subway station (A, C, G lines). Parking options nearby include street parking and several paid lots.

For more family-focused venues in Brooklyn, see our guide on family hotels and areas in Brooklyn.

Cowgirl at 519 Hudson St has a Western-themed setting with colorful decor and a menu featuring Tex-Mex favorites and a dedicated kids’ menu including quesadillas and tacos.

The restaurant’s interior includes cowboy hats and lassos on the walls, which tend to catch children’s attention. The kids’ menu prices range from $7 to $12, with options such as grilled cheese quesadillas and smaller taco servings. Desserts like root beer floats and ice cream sandwiches add a sweet finish.

Cowgirl is open daily from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, making it an option for lunch or dinner after a walk through the West Village. The nearest subway is the 14th St station (A, C, E lines), about a 7-minute walk away.

See more about West Village dining and family activities in our family hotels guide.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at 529 Broome St is known for its customizable gourmet burgers and extravagant CrazyShake milkshakes topped with candies, cookies, and whipped cream.

The burger menu includes kid-friendly options like sliders ($7–$10) and simple cheeseburgers. The CrazyShake shakes cost about $15 and come in playful flavors with toppings such as cotton candy, brownie chunks, and gummy bears. The interior is casual with tables spaced to accommodate strollers.

Open daily from 11 AM to midnight, Black Tap is near the Broadway-Lafayette subway station (B, D, F, M lines), about a 3-minute walk.

For more burger spots suitable for families, check our family dining guide.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que at 700 W 125th St specializes in smoky, hearty barbecue dishes with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.

The menu features ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken available in kid-sized portions ($8–$14). Sides include baked beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread. The rustic decor includes wooden tables and metal fixtures, with upbeat blues music in the background.

Open daily from 11:30 AM to 11 PM, it is accessible via the 125th St subway station (1 line), about a 7-minute walk. The restaurant is stroller-friendly and spacious enough for families.

See more barbecue and family-friendly dining options in our family restaurants guide.