35 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Sacramento

The impressive Sactown food scene and family-friendly nature of the city, means you get kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento that are very good. Michelin Star restaurants aside, It’s typical to see kids dining out in most Sacramento restaurants. While chain restaurants exist in Sacramento, the local food scene makes Sacramento stand out. 

Sacramento has a fantastic food scene (and coffee, wine, and beer scenes, for that matter). Surrounded by farms, there’s a reason why it’s called the “farm-to-fork capital.” It’s easy to find neighborhood restaurants with superb seasonal menus, the freshest ingredients, and the most idyllic outdoor patios. The Midtown Farmers Market is, in itself, an experience. Even the Golden 1 Center has 90% of its ingredients locally sourced. Sacramento has an incredible food scene and an underrated one. 

It’s not a secret that going to a restaurant with kids, especially with younger children, can be challenging. Parents crave outdoor seating so kids will be less of a disturbance. The convenience of high chairs, a distracting activity like coloring books to entertain the kiddos while waiting for food, and affordable kids’ meal options are also essentials. I’ve only ever had great experiences taking our kids to restaurants in Sacramento.  

Keep reading for kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento in every nook and cranny of the area that only scratch the surface!

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Sacramento 

1. Alaro Craft Brewing — Midtown Sacramento 

My toddler had the best time when we dined at Alaro. Everyone was so friendly toward him, and the spacious back patio was the perfect spot for our rambunctious tyke. They gave him Wikki Stix and had plenty of kid-friendly food options. While they might be a brewery at heart, they have soft-serve ice cream flights. What kid wouldn’t love that? 

2. Skipolini’s — Folsom & Rocklin

A family-friendly restaurant with an outdoor, covered play structure for kids on its patio has got to be at the top of my list of kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento. Both the Folsom and Rocklin outposts of Skipolini’s have outdoor climbable play structures with slides within gated patios. While these are the two Sacramento locations, Skipolini’s has other Northern California locations.

Expecting moms may also want to check out Skipolini’s for their famous “Prego Pizza.” Legend has it that in 1981, an expecting mother asked for a pizza that would induce labor, and the Manager created her a pie with thirteen toppings, extra onions, and extra garlic. The mom-to-be went into labor that same night after eating the pizza. Since then, pregnant women have continued to visit Skipolini’s for their famous labor-inducing pizza, and there are numerous success stories on their website. Skipolini’s also has a kids’ menu.  

3. Drake’s: The Barn — West Sacramento

Parents can sit back with a beer while the kids roam around a large, open outdoor area that’s enclosed. Lawn games will also entertain kids. This family-friendly favorite Sacramento spot has a scenic location along the riverfront with a lively atmosphere. 

4. Milagro Centre — Carmichael

This charming food hall has fare options that include Mexican, Italian, and Japanese. You can find something for any picky eater here. I first came across Milagro Centre when craving a horchata latte and ended up at Cafe Madre. The food hall atmosphere is relaxing, making it a great casual option for kids with equally delicious food for yourself. There’s a family bathroom in the food hall, too. However, it’s been closed each time we’ve gone. 

5. Tower Cafe — Land Park

One of the most popular restaurants in all of Sacramento happens to be one of the most kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento. Tower Cafe is known for its serene, tree-canopy-covered patio, expansive food menu, and iconic location next to the historic Tower Theatre. They’ve got coloring sheets for kids, plenty of high chairs, and food items on the kids’ menu that you’ll want to order for yourself (like the blueberry cornmeal pancakes). 

RELATED: Best Things To Do with Kids in Sacramento

6. Nixtaco — Roseville & Folsom

If you dine at Nixtaco early in the day, you might have the place practically to yourself. Or at least that’s what happened to our family when we made reservations for the second they opened on a Sunday. The food is excellent and the restaurant has repeatedly been included in the Bib Gourmand, Michelin Guide. Kids can get in on the delicious Mexican food, too, with kid-friendly menu options. Nixtaco recently opened a second location in Folsom.

7. Journey to the Dumpling — Elk Grove & Midtown Sacramento

This beloved Sacramento restaurant elevates Chinese food while being very kid-friendly. While they may be known for their dumplings, there’s plenty of approachable fare for kids, from potstickers to french fries. Keep an eye out for their Lunar New Year events!   

8. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar — Arden-Arcade & Roseville

Kura Sushi isn’t specific to the Sacramento area, but it’s still one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento because of its conveyor sushi. It’s an engaging experience as kids can pluck off plates directly from a conveyor belt, order through interactive screens, and even earn prizes. 

9. Selland’s Market Cafe — East Sacramento, Land Park, & El Dorado Hills

Enjoy a casual but delicious farm-to-fork meal at this neighborhood family-friendly restaurant. If the name “Selland” sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the same Selland family of The Kitchen restaurant, which was the first Sacramento restaurant to earn a Michelin star. Selland’s Market Cafe has a kids’ menu with favorite staples, like pizza and grilled cheese. With sandwiches, salads, soups, a full-service bakery, and ongoing specials, there’s something for everyone. 

10. Todo Un Poco — Elk Grove

If you’re like me, where you love Italian and Mexican but can never decide between the two cuisines, Todo Un Poco is the restaurant for you. Its unique concept is an Italian and Mexican fusion restaurant treasured in Elk Grove. They also have one of the largest kids’ menus I’ve ever seen. Seriously! There are at least 12 options—half are Italian meal options for kids, and the other half is Mexican fare for kids. 

11. Mikuni — Fair Oaks, Sierra Oaks, Elk Grove, Midtown Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, & Davis 

Mikuni satisfies Japanese food cravings and is a staple in Sacramento, with multiple locations throughout the area. If kids are still testing the waters with their palates, there are plenty of options like karaage and veggie rolls. Although their kids’ menu is small, it is mighty with the choices of a kid’s bento box or udon. 

12. University of Beer — East Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Davis, & Rocklin 

It might seem like a temple for beer lovers, but this is a kid-friendly restaurant with several locations throughout the Sacramento area. They have an incredible promotion on Tuesdays where kids eat free all day with the purchase of any food item that’s $16 or more. The deal is limited to one kids’ meal per purchase and cannot be combined with other promotions like Happy Hour specials. 

13. Meet & Eat — Land Park

The community-centered vibe and relaxed ambiance make Meet & Eat an ideal setting for family meals. Kids will feel comfortable in the bright, airy space, and parents can enjoy a quality dining experience with fresh, locally sourced farm-to-fork options. Meet & Greet has a solid kids’ menu. 

14. Divided Sky Tavern — Fair Oaks

This neighborhood tavern is a kid-friendly spot where families can enjoy delightful dining options in an indoor and outdoor setting. With a dedicated kids’ menu offering tasty options for young diners, the restaurant provides an enjoyable, relaxed experience for all ages. 

15. Zocalo — Midtown Sacramento, Folsom, University Village, & Roseville

Zocalo might seem a bit too fancy for little kids, but this is not the case. When we dined there with my toddler, quite a few families were in the restaurant. The kids’ menu is fantastic. It has options like a quesadilla, burrito, tacos, and enchilada. Each kid’s menu item includes a drink, black beans, white rice, and, most notably, a churro and ice cream dessert. They also have high chairs. Zocalo is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, so if you want some quality Mexican fare that is still kid-friendly in a refined setting, this is the spot. 

16. Tree House Cafe — West Sacramento

We all know a calm morning with kids doesn’t exist. However, the vast, serene outdoor space at Tree House Cafe might come close to making a morning calmer with kids. Order food inside the cafe, then take it outside. Choose your outdoor seat vessel of Adirondack chairs or picnic tables while soaking in the sunshine. 

17. Paesano’s — Midtown Sacramento, Elk Grove, & Davis

Paesano’s is a kid-friendly Italian spot that welcomes families with its warm atmosphere and diverse menu. Kids can enjoy classics like pasta and pizza, while parents appreciate the restaurant’s fresh, authentic Italian flavors. The laid-back setting and friendly staff make it easy for families to enjoy a meal together. The Elk Grove location also has a lovely patio. 

RELATED: A Guide to Land Park in Sacramento for Kids

18. Leatherby’s — Arden-Arcade, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, & Lincoln

Leatherby’s is a local Sacramento treat. The seasonal ice cream flavors are sure to get you in the door. In addition to ice cream, they have a full-service dine-in restaurant with a kids’ menu. This place feels like an old-school ice cream parlor with its black and white checkered floors and towering milkshakes. It’s made for families and is always crawling with kids. 

19. Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse — Downtown Sacramento

I love that Urban Roots has a dedicated kids’ menu, and a good one, for that matter. Kids get to pick one item from the smoker and a 4 oz. fun-size side, which includes a Hawaiian roll and a drink for $12. Some sides are kid-friendly favorites like mac & cheese, fries, and more adventurous options like burnt end beans and collard greens with ham. The lively, laid-back vibe and spacious, community-oriented seating make it an enjoyable barbecue experience for families. 

20. Hop Gardens — Curtis Park

Hop Gardens is a family-friendly gem in Sacramento’s Curtis Park neighborhood, offering a casual vibe. Known for its wood-fired pizzas made with fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect spot for a family meal. The spacious outdoor patio has comfortable amenities, like plenty of seating and cooling misters in the summer. 

21. Bear & Crown — Old Sacramento

Bear & Crown in the Old Sacramento Waterfront District has an inviting British pub vibe with a California twist. Families can enjoy spacious seating and a large outdoor patio with a fire pit. The kids’ menu includes classics like burgers and fries, mac and cheese, and even British-inspired dishes like bangers and mash. It’s a terrific spot for families to enjoy a taste of the UK when checking out things to do with kids in Old Sacramento or visiting the California State Railroad Museum. 

22. Four Sisters Cafe — Roseville

Step into a welcoming, family-oriented vibe that makes everyone feel at home. Four Sisters Cafe serves high-quality, homemade dishes, like small-batch, scratch-made omelets, pancakes, and waffles. The mango stuffed french toast is a favorite dish among diners. This buoyant setting is an ideal spot to take little ones as one of the kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento. 

23. Iron Horse Tavern — Midtown Sacramento & Folsom

Iron Horse Tavern offers a family-friendly dining experience in a stylish, urban setting. Children can enjoy a kids’ menu featuring favorites like mac and cheese, chicken nuggets with fries, pasta with sauce options, and grilled cheese. Expect a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe with reclaimed wood accents, cozy booths, and an outdoor patio. Don’t miss ordering the beignets. 

24. Rock & Brews — Cal Expo

Rock & Brews is an entertaining, kid-friendly atmosphere, especially if your little rocker is a music buff. While the menu has rock-inspired items, the Cal Expo location stands out due to the additional activities you can do. It’s not typical that restaurants have mini-golf (two mini-golf courses, actually) and batting cages, but this Rock & Brews location does. Eating here will be more than just a meal. It will be an experience with some rock ‘n’ roll flair. 

25. The Hive Tasting Room & Kitchen — Woodland

For a unique dining experience, head to The Hive in Woodland, in Yolo County. The Hive is a honey and mead tasting room. They serve a local and seasonal farm-to-fork menu that’s inspired by, well, honey. A dedicated kids’ menu includes grilled cheese, waffles, and a punny “PBEE&J.” The regular menu looks incredible and consists of tapas incorporating honey. Enjoy their impressive menu on the astonishing outdoor patio. In addition to the mouth-watering food, The Hive aims to educate through honey tastings, which cost an additional fee and have to be booked in advance. Check out what to expect at The Hive in my Instagram Reel.

26. Pizzasaurus Rex — Midtown Sacramento

A pizza place that’s dinosaur-themed has kid-friendly written all over it. The prices run on the higher side, but seeing your kids roar over pizza will probably be worth it. 

27. Temple Coffee Roasters — East Sacramento (though they do have other locations in Sacramento)

I’m a big fan of Temple Coffee and love how kid-friendly it is. I’ve always seen a kid, baby, or stroller in every Temple Coffee location I’ve been to when getting my caffeine fix. It might not be a full-service restaurant, but the East Sacramento location makes the list because it has an outdoor chalkboard that entertains kids while parents try to finish a hot seasonal latte. Don’t forget to grab a pastry or two for the kiddos. 

28. Gunther’s — Land Park

This wouldn’t be a list of kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento without including everyone’s favorite local ice cream shop. Is it a restaurant? Technically, no. They’re known for the sweet stuff, like ice cream, freezes, cakes, and pies. However, they do have some random non-sweet foods available such as hot dogs, turkey sandwiches, PB&J, and more. It’s one of the must-do summer activities in Sacramento with kids, and one of the popular spots to visit in Land Park.

29. Tule Coffeehouse — Elk Grove

If you’re craving a dreamy patio to go with your coffee, look no further than Tule Coffeehouse in Old Town Elk Grove. There’s not one, but two patios to choose from. The one to the right of the main door is my favorite and feels like a secret garden. The first thing I do when visiting a new spot is to look for high chairs, and I was ecstatic to find them here in their idyllic patio setting. The PB&J Panini is also a good option for kids. 

30. Boring Rose Brewing Co. — El Dorado Hills

Boring Rose Brewing might have the word “boring” in it, but it couldn’t be anything further from boring. It’s always questionable if a brewery is kid-friendly or not, and this one is. Although there isn’t a dedicated kids’ menu, there’s plenty for little ones to munch on. The inside is sleek and modern. There’s an outdoor patio, as well. Parents may actually get to enjoy a craft beer while here!  

31. Boudin SF — Arden-Arcade & Roseville 

You don’t have to take a day trip to San Francisco to eat at the famous Boudin Bakery. The iconic sourdough bread can be found right here in Sacramento. It hits the sweet spot for dining out with kids since it’s a casual cafe but is a bit more interesting than your typical chain. There’s a large kids’ menu, too. 

32. GoatHouse Brewing — Lincoln 

Another brewery on this list of kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento? Yup! As I mentioned, Sacramento has an impressive beer scene, and many local breweries are family-friendly. While this brewery might be a bit outside of Sacramento, it makes the list for the unique experience of kids being able to feed goats on the farm where the brewery is housed. Treats for the goats are available for sale in the Tasting Room. 

33. Full Belly Farm — Guinda 

This one might be a bit of a drive, but their pizza nights are a fun and different option, and one of the best things to do in the summer with kids in Sacramento. Bring a blanket and enjoy a relaxing evening on the farm while sharing wood-fired pizzas with fresh farm-to-table ingredients and seasonal toppings in the Capay Valley. 

34. Enchanted Forest Dining Experience — Placerville 

Kids who want to live out a fairy-themed fantasy may want to trek to Placerville for a themed dining occasion at the Enchanted Forest Dining Experience. From the moment you enter, the restaurant transports you to a whimsical world. Trees are aglow in fairy lights in the middle of the restaurant, and servers offer guests lighted headbands to wear while dining. Pasty pies, fondues, and other farm-to-fork fare are on the menu in this Hobbit hole. Children can opt for a three-course kids’ experience on a dedicated menu for 12 and under. 

35. The Old Spaghetti Factory — Downtown Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova & Roseville 

With the amount of next-level local kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento, I’m not a big fan of dining out at chain restaurants. Maybe it’s because I’m married to a former chef, and we enjoy supporting local businesses. I’ve decided to make an exception and include this chain restaurant on my list of kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento. If your kids love trains, it’s pretty cool that they can eat a three-course kids’ meal inside a trolley car.