Whether you've got kids of your own or are looking to entertain family visiting Vacationland this summer, finding that perfect kid-friendly restaurant is a bit like searching for the Holy Grail. Families want a menu that will please pint-size and adult diners alike, perhaps some sort of children's play area or entertainment, and most of all, a good beer list. Here's 15 spots around Maine that are in that elusive family-friendly sweet spot.
Note: Seafood shacks are generally kid-friendly destinations as well. Check out the map of 15 Essential Maine Lobster Rolls to find one near you. Map points are listed south to north.
Kids will love this wood-fired pizzeria’s menu, with plenty of choices for picky palates like pepperoni pizza, burgers, and soft pretzels. Adults will love the craft beer selection, with 20 different taps available, and the friendly servers’ seemingly endless reserve of patience.
The kid’s menu at this family-friendly brewpub in downtown Kennebunkport is surprisingly large, while the beer choices will please the adults in the group. Should restless kids need a break, the game room in the back offers video games, pool, and a claw machine.
Kids will love the Mexican menu at this taqueria and the brightly colored decor. Smaller portions are available for los niños and they’ll love the non-alcoholic frescas that come with a plastic mermaid topper.
All of Otto’s locations are kid-friendly, but the Cottage Rd. location is particularly so, with its garage doors that let kids roam yet stay within eyesight of their parents.
Salvage BBQ is loud no matter the clientele, so a few shrieking kids won’t draw any notice. After enjoying kid-pleasing sides like mac and cheese and hush puppies, retro video games will keep them entertained while parents enjoy some much-needed bourbon.
Slab’s large patio and casual service is perfect for large groups and families. Kids will love the carb-y comfort foods that come from baker Stephen Lanzalotta’s kitchen.
Sit in the dining room and kids will be mesmerized by the wood-fired oven and the busy kitchen. Kids will love the flatbread pizzas, while adults will be happy with the restaurant’s selection of nitrate-free meats and local vegetables.
Silly’s expansive menu will satisfy every kind of diner, from young to vegan to gluten-free. The quirky decor will entertain kids, and a selection of games will help pass the time until the food comes.
The kid’s play area is a life-saver for parents who are looking to relax at this casual barbecue restaurant. Buck’s other locations in Windham and Portland are kid-friendly as well.
This brewpub serves Boothbay Craft Brewing’s beer and a from-sratch menu. Families will appreciate by the cozy tavern vibe and the industrial brewing equipment visible from the dining room. Kids under 12 can order off the special kids’ menu.
Located near kid-friendly Bradbury Mountain, this casual cafe is the perfect spot to stop post-hike for some filling sandwiches and soups. Don't forget one of the famous donuts for the road.
The global cuisine of this filmhouse, art gallery, and cafe might scare off some picky eaters, but even conservative diners will love chicken tacos, burgers, and loaded fries. The renovated mill space creates a convivial environment in which kids will feel right at home.
This nautically-themed tavern in downtown Bar Harbor has family-friendly pub classics like fried mozzarella sticks and grilled ham and cheese. Adults will appreciate the thoughtful list of craft beer.
Kids of all ages will love this casual eatery’s menu of hotdogs and hamburgers. Even the dog’s allowed, and kids and dogs alike can play in the fenced-in park.
Kids will love this wood-fired pizzeria’s menu, with plenty of choices for picky palates like pepperoni pizza, burgers, and soft pretzels. Adults will love the craft beer selection, with 20 different taps available, and the friendly servers’ seemingly endless reserve of patience.
The kid’s menu at this family-friendly brewpub in downtown Kennebunkport is surprisingly large, while the beer choices will please the adults in the group. Should restless kids need a break, the game room in the back offers video games, pool, and a claw machine.
Kids will love the Mexican menu at this taqueria and the brightly colored decor. Smaller portions are available for los niños and they’ll love the non-alcoholic frescas that come with a plastic mermaid topper.
All of Otto’s locations are kid-friendly, but the Cottage Rd. location is particularly so, with its garage doors that let kids roam yet stay within eyesight of their parents.
Salvage BBQ is loud no matter the clientele, so a few shrieking kids won’t draw any notice. After enjoying kid-pleasing sides like mac and cheese and hush puppies, retro video games will keep them entertained while parents enjoy some much-needed bourbon.
Slab’s large patio and casual service is perfect for large groups and families. Kids will love the carb-y comfort foods that come from baker Stephen Lanzalotta’s kitchen.
Sit in the dining room and kids will be mesmerized by the wood-fired oven and the busy kitchen. Kids will love the flatbread pizzas, while adults will be happy with the restaurant’s selection of nitrate-free meats and local vegetables.
Silly’s expansive menu will satisfy every kind of diner, from young to vegan to gluten-free. The quirky decor will entertain kids, and a selection of games will help pass the time until the food comes.
The kid’s play area is a life-saver for parents who are looking to relax at this casual barbecue restaurant. Buck’s other locations in Windham and Portland are kid-friendly as well.
This brewpub serves Boothbay Craft Brewing’s beer and a from-sratch menu. Families will appreciate by the cozy tavern vibe and the industrial brewing equipment visible from the dining room. Kids under 12 can order off the special kids’ menu.
Located near kid-friendly Bradbury Mountain, this casual cafe is the perfect spot to stop post-hike for some filling sandwiches and soups. Don't forget one of the famous donuts for the road.
The global cuisine of this filmhouse, art gallery, and cafe might scare off some picky eaters, but even conservative diners will love chicken tacos, burgers, and loaded fries. The renovated mill space creates a convivial environment in which kids will feel right at home.
This nautically-themed tavern in downtown Bar Harbor has family-friendly pub classics like fried mozzarella sticks and grilled ham and cheese. Adults will appreciate the thoughtful list of craft beer.
Kids of all ages will love this casual eatery’s menu of hotdogs and hamburgers. Even the dog’s allowed, and kids and dogs alike can play in the fenced-in park.
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