7 Detroit Spots to Eat with Kids

Rainforest Café
You don’t have to fly the family to Disney World to experience this whimsical chain. This kid-friendly – no, make that kid-demanding – restaurant is just a short drive up I-75 at Great Lakes Crossing. It’s a frequent stop for families who visit the mall’s LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Sea Life aquarium or Peppa Pig World of Play.

Rainforest Café features a recurring thunderstorm show and jungle animal animatronics, along with plenty of animal noises and even some fog. In between thunderstorms, kids will enjoy watching the live fish that are in aquariums throughout the restaurant. The children’s menu has usual kid fare like chicken nuggets, pizza and mac and cheese. Adults can choose from a selection of seafood dishes, salads and sandwiches as well as a full bar.

Bogart’z
There are many reasons why Bogart’z, located on Detroit’s far east side, is a favorite for kids – among them, the restaurant’s pinball machines, video games and pizza. It’s a popular after-game stop for Little League and soccer teams.

The restaurant’s casual atmosphere matches its unpretentious menu, which features burgers, tacos, salads and appetizers. A kids’ menu also is available. The homemade cheese sticks are a must-try, while the pizza – half-off on Tuesdays – will make any kid happy.

Green Dot Stables
Green Dot Stables’ sliders are the perfect-sized menu item for kids. And with so many varieties, they’re also ideal for adults.

The restaurant, just minutes from downtown Detroit on Lafayette Street, offers sliders that range from Cuban (pork loin, ham, provolone, mustard and pickles) to Korean (beef patty, peanut butter and kimchi). There are also more basic sliders – meat, cheese, grilled onion and pickles – as well as those that are plant-based. All menu items are kid-sized and budget-friendly.

Buddy’s Pizza
Ask any Detroit native to recommend a great Detroit-style pizza, and you’ll undoubtedly hear about Buddy’s.

A Detroit tradition for generations, Buddy’s now has locations throughout metro Detroit. The original location – on Conant Street in Detroit – is still open and features the menu items that have made this metro Detroit chain famous among locals.

For the best Buddy’s experience, order a Detroit-style pizza with any topping or toppings you prefer – but remember, many toppings, including pepperoni, will be under the sauce, not on top. That’s the Detroit-style way. Kids will enjoy the pizza just as much as adults, but for those who prefer something different, Buddy’s also has a children’s menu.

Ford’s Garage
Just minutes from The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Ford’s Garage is a natural fit for families who are spending time exploring the area’s history attractions.

Despite its name, the Ford’s Garage chain is based in Florida ¬¬¬–– not Dearborn, where Ford’s world headquarters is located. The restaurant features a Model T that hangs above the bar. The menu includes plenty of burgers – all burnished with the Ford’s Garage wordmark – as well as salads and comfort foods like meatloaf and chicken tenders. Kids also will enjoy the restaurant’s selection of milkshakes.

The Bricks Pizzeria
Featuring both wood-fired pizzas and pastas, The Bricks Pizzeria attracts families from throughout the area who enjoy its food and video games.

The Grosse Pointe Park restaurant has a section packed with pinball machines and video games – the perfect place for kids to play while they wait for dinner. In addition to wood-fired pizzas, Bricks features pasta dishes such as cacio e pepe as well as roasted beet salad, arancini bites and tapenade. A full bar also is available.

American Coney Island
Locals often debate which coney island is better – American or Lafayette. Located next door to each other in downtown Detroit, they’re both great options for families eating out with kids.

The menu is traditional coney island – coney dogs, Greek salads and gyro sandwiches. There are also desserts that include baklava, donuts and pies. The menu is simple, and the atmosphere is laid back – perfect for families who are looking for a fast sit-down meal before heading to a Tigers game or exploring downtown.