Finding a restaurant where kids are entertained and parents can actually enjoy a meal shouldn’t feel like a miracle. Thanks to hundreds of recommendations from MN Mom Community members, we’ve rounded up the best family‑friendly restaurants across the Twin Cities and surrounding areas — including Kids Eat Free nights, play areas, arcades, and local favorites worth the drive.

Whether you’re planning a budget‑friendly night out or just need a place where the kids can burn energy while you sip something warm, this guide has you covered.

**Restaurants update their deals often, and Kids Eat Free nights can vary by location. We recommend calling ahead to confirm before you go.

 

⭐ Kids Eat Free (or Cheap!) Nights — Twin Cities + Surrounding Areas

Sunday Deals

Beef O’Brady’s – Andover

  • $2.99 kids meals on Sundays
  • Includes a free $5 arcade card

Willy McCoy’s (Multiple Locations)

  • Kids eat free Sunday nights after 5pm with adult entrée.

Bennett’s Chop & Railhouse – St. Paul

  • Kids 10 & under eat free Sundays with adult entrée.

Shamrocks – St. Paul

  • Kids eat free Sundays 4–9 PM.

Gabe’s Bar & Kitchen – St. Paul

  • Kids eat free Sundays 11 AM–2 PM.

Skinners – St. Paul

  • Kids eat free Sundays 5–9 PM.

The Patty Wagon – Minneapolis

  • Kids eat free Sundays with adult entrée.

McHugh’s Public House – Savage

  • Kids eat free Sundays.

    Monday Deals

    Jimmy’s – Vadnais Heights

    • Kids meals $1.99 (10 & under, 1 adult per 4 kids)
    • Arcade + shaded patio

    Tailgaters – North Branch

    • Kids eat free with adult meal
    • Arcade

    Broadway Pizza (Many Locations)

    • Many locations offer Kids Eat Free Mondays.

    Crave – Multiple Locations

    • 1 free kids meal per adult entrée
    • Additional kids 50% off

    Andiamo Italian Ristorante – St. Paul

    • Kids eat free Mondays

    The Hen and Hog – Albertville

    • Kids eat free Mondays from 4pm – close

    Tuesday Deals

    Pizza Ranch – Champlin, Andover, and Cambridge

    • Kids eat free Tuesday nights (1 free kid per paid adult)
    • Arcade + buffet

    Broadway Pizza – Champlin

    • Kids eat free
    • Tableside magic show

    The Hideout – Stacy

    • Kids eat free with adult meal

    Lake Café – Big Lake

    • Kids eat free with adult meal

    Patrick’s Bakery & Café – Minneapolis/Edina

    • Kids eat free after 5:30 PM

    Celts Craft House – St. Paul

    • Kids eat free during Family Fun Night

    Green Mill – St. Paul (select locations)

    • Kids eat free Tuesdays

    Wednesday Deals

    Smashburger – Burnsville + select locations

    • Kids eat free with adult meal

    Thursday Deals

    Riverwood Tavern – Otsego

    • Kids eat free 5–7 PM

    Lake Café – Big Lake

    • Kids eat free with adult meal

    Every Day Deals

    Denny’s – Multiple Locations

    • Kids eat free after 4 PM (participating locations)

    Fogo de Chão – Minneapolis

    • Kids 6 & under eat free
    • Ages 7–12 half‑price

    Restaurants With Play Areas, Arcades & Kid‑Friendly Fun

    Indoor Play Areas

    McDonald’s – Cambridge

    • Indoor play place

    Burger King – North Branch

    • Indoor play area

    Outdoor Playgrounds

    The Lookout Bar & Grill – Maple Grove

    • Huge outdoor playground
    • Best seating: the patio

    River Inn – Hanover

    • Outdoor play space
    • Great summer hangout

    Arcades + Entertainment

    Pizza Ranch – Champlin, Andover, and Cambridge

    • Arcade + buffet

    Tailgaters – North Branch

    • Arcade + sports bar vibe

    Jimmy’s – Vadnais Heights

    • Arcade games
    • Large shaded patio

    Beef O’Brady’s – Andover

    • Arcade + $5 play card on Sundays

    Space Aliens – Albertville

    • Free tokens on select nights
    • Huge arcade

    The Ball Park – Blaine

    • Sports‑themed
    • Kid‑friendly atmosphere

    Breweries That Welcome Kids

    Elm Creek Brewing – Champlin (King of the Wing)

    • Great kids meals
    • Relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere

    Lupulin Brewing – Big Lake (Slicecraft)

    • Pizza + food trucks
    • Casual and kid‑friendly

    Omni Brewing – Maple Grove

    • Amazing pizza
    • Chill vibe

    Quick + Casual Family Favorites

    King Baguette – Ramsey

    • Tons of kid‑friendly options

    People’s Café

    • Local favorite for breakfast/lunch

    Texas Roadhouse

    • Loud, lively, and kid‑approved

    Kid‑Friendly Coffee Shops

     

    Sips Happens – Rogers

    • Play kitchen
    • Train table
    • Kid‑temp hot cocoa with toppings
    • Lemonades + snacks

    Community Favorites (No Deals, Just Loved)

     

    VFW – Isanti

    • Dance floor kids love
    • Friendly, welcoming environment

    Cornerstone Pub & Prime

    • Family‑friendly local spot

    River Inn – Hanover

    • Outdoor play area
    • Great summer hangout

    Have a favorite spot we missed?

     

    Message MN Mom Community — we update this guide regularly to keep it fresh, local, and helpful for families across Minnesota.