Kids can make their own pancakes at Slappy Cakes.

Kid-Friendly Dining

Gather 'round the table at these kid-approved eateries.

Updated Oct. 7, 2021 2 min read

These family-friendly Portland standouts combine healthy children’s menus, play areas and fun in creative ways.

Know Before You Go

To slow the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, effective Aug. 27, a statewide mask mandate is in place. Oregonians and visitors ages 5 and up are required to wear face coverings in all public indoor settings, as well as crowded outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is not possible, regardless of vaccination status. This rule does not apply to individuals actively eating or drinking in food establishments.

Additionally, some restaurants may require proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test for entry. Please check with individual businesses on their policies and hours of operation before visiting, and continue to be patient, flexible and kind, especially if asked to mask up or share your vaccination status. These measures are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Food, For Kids

Slappy Cakes

Challenge the family to a flapjack throwdown at this kids’ favorite with built-in table griddles. At Slappy Cakes, select your batter and toppings (peanut butter, chocolate chips, fruit, marshmallow, etc.), and go to town on your silly, outrageous or just plain over-the-top concoctions.

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Old Town Pizza

Home to some of Portland’s best pies since 1974, Old Town Pizza’s downtown location is haunted (Will ghost Nina join you for dinner?), and its expansive eastside Old Town Brewing location has plenty of room for kids.

Laughing Planet

Tabletop dinosaurs set the whimsical scene at Portland’s eight Laughing Planet cafés. Nutritious options like veggie-loaded bean burritos disappear fast as kids peruse vibrant artwork and more.

Hopworks

Play areas complement healthy kids’ food at Hopworks Urban Brewery . Mom and Dad can enjoy stellar organic brews and grownup menu options.

Kid-Friendly Breweries in Portland

In a city with so many excellent breweries, parents don't have to choose between spending time with their kids and enjoying a great pint of beer.

Petunias Pies and Pastries

In the heart of the West End, Petunia’s Pies offers a great selection of gorgeous baked goods, all of which happen to be gluten-free and vegan — making ideal treats for the children that so often miss out on sweet goodies because of dietary restrictions. Plus cocktails are also available for their parents.

24th & Meatballs

24th & Meatballs is a cozy nook decorated with old boxing posters that serves classic Italian meatballs, in subs or over fresh pasta, with your choice of homemade sauce. Afterward, grab a kid-sized s’more pie at the Pie Spot down the block.

Little Big Burger

Local chain Little Big Burger‘s quarter-pound burgers are as addictive as they come — and perfect for little hands — with fresh brioche rolls, local cheese, homemade “Camden’s Catsup” and sides of truffle-oil fries. Don’t miss the root beer floats with local Tillamook ice cream.

Mississippi Pizza

Part music venue and part pizzeria, Mississippi Pizza is one of Portland’s most family-friendly eateries with its weekly kid-centric entertainment and a bevy of pizza options from single slices to 18-inch pies, all available with gluten-free and vegan substitutions.

Mother’s Bistro

A kids’ play area full of toys and books lets little ones entertain themselves at Mother’s Bistro, whose menu features classic comfort food (think pot roast, mac n’ cheese and chicken dumplings), all sourced from recipes created by moms from around the world.

Food, For Kids