Restaurants with Side Order of Play Space

Going out to for a “family-friendly” meal doesn’t just mean a restaurant with with kids menus, coloring books and high chairs.  I am talking about places that take it up a notch from what your normally find at kid-friendly joints.  These eateries have enough to keep kids entertained while you and your spouse have a chance to catch up on more than a just a few moments of uninterrupted peace.

On The Rise Bakery – Richmond, Vermont

A bakery not only selling pastries and coffee, On the Rise serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are several tables set up inside the building and on the deck. Within eyesight is Richmond Volunteers Playground if the kids want to run and stretch their legs. There is even a sandbox right on the porch of the restaurant. In the evenings this is also a venue for local musicians. Worth noting: Many items on the menu are gluten free.

“Let’s talk about a fantastic place to go morning, noon, or night with your kids! Wow!…read entire review“

Open Arms Cafe - Shelburne, Vermont

The Open Arms Cafe, located in Shelburne Village, uses many Vermont grown organic ingredients to prepare their dishes a very cozy setting. Breakfast (served til 2:30PM) includes pancakes, egg sandwiches, sticky buns, bagels, smoothies and fresh squeezed OJ.  Lunch includes many soup choices, wraps, sandwiches and burgers. The menu is updated daily. Worth noting: It is a bummer they are closed on Sunday.

“Nestled in the far corner there is a cute play area complete with a wooden kitchen, rocking horse and comfy chair perfect for reading a story or nursing. This place is completely kid friendly. You can…read entire review“

Flatbread Factory and Taproom – Shelburne, Vermont

The Flatbread Factory can be found in the Shelburne Bay Plaza on Route 7 next to Bruegger’s Bagels. Dishing up flatbreads, nachos, burritos, and salads, they are open 7 days a week for dinner and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. There is a kids menu ($5.99 ea) and, super cute, the food is served in retro tin lunch boxes from the ’70s. Choice are baked stuff pizza stix, chicken tenders with fries and grilled cheese with Teddy grams for dessert. Worth noting: Our users found it “pricey”.

“There is a small, yet well equipped playroom for little kids that has a train table, a flat screen TV with lots of G-rated Dora-type videos, a cushioned bench and a gigantic chalk board. This has an open window onto the “movie area” which has a large screen, lots of comfy leather couches and some chairs. Our older 8-11 yr old kids enjoyed…read entire review“

Cucina Antica – Shelburne, Vermont

Hidden away in the Shelburne Shopping Park is this little gem.  They serve up Italian and Greek cuisine like pizzas, pastas, salad in a casual setting. Kids meals average $4-5. Upon first glance you may not notice that tucked around the corner is a great little play space perfect for kids 7 and under. Worth noting: Location is key. Located in the center of  Shelburne it is close to Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms, Charlotte Berry Farm, Mt. Philo, and many other family friendly outings.

“The waiting area is also a play space for the kids and they don’t seem to mind if the kids come and go during the meal. It is covered in floor to ceiling chalkboard paint, perfect for young kids to color and older ones to play a game of…read entire review“

August First Bread and Coffee – Burlington, Vermont

This bakery and cafe serves hand-crafted, hearth baked bread, baked goods, sandwiches and coffee and other fine beverages. Nestled in a corner by the cozy chairs you will find a fine selection of books, games and toys on a shelf just begging to be played with.  In the warmer months the large garage doors open up to let the outside in. One night a week you are welcome to join them for dinner — “Flatbread Fridays”.  For $12 it is all you can eat flatbreads and salads served family style. Worth noting: This is the perfect place to refuel on the l-o-n-g walk from the waterfront to Church Street.

“I did I-Spy some toys and books in the corner to entertain the young ones. There is also a changing table in the bathroom and the place is totally stroller friendly. Even for those big Cadillac style ones…read entire review“

Great Harvest Bread Co. – Burlington, Vermont

Great Harvest Bread Co. is a local bakery on Pine Street serving freshly made bread, sandwiches and salads.  They grind their wheat every day so their bread tastes super fresh.   Wednesday is usually gluten-free bread day, but check the monthly bread calendar so you can know before you go what is baking in the oven. Worth noting: You can stop by anytime to taste a free slice of their hot-out-of the oven bread.

“and the place is super kid-friendly. They have a separate little play area with toys galore for your little ones to keep busy while you munch away on some great food…read entire review“

Piecasso Pizzeria and Lounge – Stowe, Vermont

Located in Stowe on the Mountain Road, this local pizzeria was voted onto Travel and Leisure’s 2009 America’s Top Pizza list.  And it is no wonder why — their pizza is tasty.  Many say, its the best. They offer in restaurant dinning, takeout and delivery of NY style traditional, hand-tossed pizza. They have an expansive kids menu that has more than just pizza.  Worth noting: They offer gluten free crusts as an option for $9.

“Another nice plus is the game room/lounge located in the front room by the bar area. It has 2 NASCAR style racing games, one shoot ‘em and one other. There are also couches….read entire review“

Garden of Eatin’ Cafe – Williston, Vermont

Through the trees and into the forest of the Gardener’s Supply Garden Center, is the Garden of Eatin’ Cafe. They prepare a nice selection of breakfast and lunch options including soups, sandwiches, and salads.  In the warmer months, there is an outdoor patio with seating by the pond. Kids can burn off some steam on the large play-set outside. Worth noting: There is also a beautiful little indoor play space by the cafe as well.

“When spring is in the air here is a place I like to go for a mommy and me date! I get to pick up all sorts of gardening delights and my kids get to play on the outdoor playground, play at the indoor play area and we get to have a snack for lunch. A win-win situation for everyone…read entire review“