Some days, cooking at home seems like a daunting task. Dining out feels like the reprieve we need but eating at a restaurant with kids can also be stressful. Finding a place where you can enjoy a great meal while your little ones play is a win-win! Here is a list of restaurants with playgrounds and play areas in and around Plano. There is something on this list for even the pickiest eaters!
Restaurants with Playgrounds in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, & More
These restaurants have a designated playground or area specifically for kids:
Up Inspired Kitchen | Frisco
Brunch and lunch are my go-to meals at Up Inspired. The décor is cheerful and, well, inspiring (you see what I did there). If you’re keeping it clean, there are tons of healthy options like salads, grain bowls, and avocado toast. However, if you want something a little less healthy, go for the short-rib grilled cheese or the cloud cake. There are also great kids’ meal options and a small area on the patio with a little playhouse for kids.
Super Chix | Frisco
Super Chix has a variety of chicken sandwiches, tenders, and salad, along with all the fixings. Make sure to add one of their hand-spun shakes to your order. Little ones can play corn hole on the patio while you eat.
Hat Creek | McKinney
Hat Creek has a huge play area with a jungle gym and slide outside. You can sit on the large, covered patio or inside where it’s a bit cooler. Burgers and chicken tenders are the most popular items on the menu. Tuesday is Family Night! Take advantage of $2 off combos and $1 off kid’s meals from 5pm to close.
La Vista Cocina + Cantina | Carrollton
A seesaw and various play structures make for a fun time at La Vista Cocina for the kids. Nosh on tacos and margs on the covered patio that’s attached to the playground.
Nicos Cocina | Carrollton
Nicos serves up a brunch buffet on the weekends, and drink specials during the week. The patio is covered and situated right next to a playground, so you can keep an eye on your littles while you feast on delicious Mexican dishes and drinks.
Central Market | Plano
While this is not a restaurant, Central Market has prepared meals like sushi, breakfast tacos, gelato, and other yummy grab-and-go foods you can eat as your kids play in a small outdoor playground.
The Yard | McKinney
An historic house in the heart of Downtown McKinney is home to The Yard. They serve up great eats and outdoor fun for the whole family. Kids can play ping pong, table tennis, and other fun games while you dine.
Read More: Things to Do in Downtown McKinney
Texas Truck Yard | The Colony
My kids always enjoy a visit to the Truck Yard, with its “truck museum,” plenty of open space, and areas to play. There’s indoor seating and a bar and kitchen, but all the fun is outside. Different food trucks park on the lawn for you to purchase from, and you can often find live music in the evening.
Heritage Pizza | The Colony
Grab a pie while your kiddos play at Heritage Pizza. Kids eat free on Tuesdays, or you can enjoy a family meal any day of the week for $33. The family meal includes a large pizza, salad, cheese bread, and drinks.
Watters Creek | Allen
Lots of different restaurants to choose from at Watters Creek, plus a playground that includes a small pond with ducks right in front of Frogg Coffee. Here’s how to spend the day at Watters Creek with your child.
Restaurants with Play Areas in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, & More
These restaurants don’t have a designated playground like the above-mentioned places, but there is open space for little ones to run around or games available for them to play.
The District at Willow Bend | Plano
Choose from a variety of eateries outside of Willow Bend Mall and let your kiddos stretch their legs after in the outdoor area.
The Boardwalk Granite Park | Plano
Grab a burger at Chips, French cuisine at Edith’s, or a beer at Union Bear, then stroll the boardwalk and let the kids jump on the grassy mound.
The Star | Frisco
Live out your fantasy of being a Dallas Cowboy at The Star. Kids can run and play on the turf, before or after you grub at one of the many eating options that are in walking distance from this open area. Cane Rosso & City Works directly overlook Tostitos Championship Plaza, the Dallas Cowboys 50-yard replica turf.
Legacy Food Hall | Plano
Grab food from one of the many eateries, then head outside to the open area with board games and cards for the whole family to play. On weekends, you may find a live band on the stage overlooking the lawn.
Grandscape | The Colony
Visit one of the restaurants in the plaza for a meal or grab ice cream at The Baked Bear or Kilwin’s, then stroll to the back to find an open grassy area for kids to run around, tucked behind Scheel’s department store, which also happens to boast an indoor Ferris wheel!
If I left your favorite place off the list of restaurants with playgrounds in Collin County, please share in the comments.
