Where Kids Eat Happy and Parents Relax
Finding the perfect restaurants in KC’s northland for a family dinner can be tough. You want good food for the grown-ups, meals the kids will actually eat, and a place where nobody gives you dirty looks if your toddler gets a little loud. Good news – KC’s Northland has you covered!
This area north of the river is packed with excellent family restaurants in KC’s Northland that know how to make both kids and parents happy. From restaurants where trains deliver your food to spots with huge outdoor play areas, here are the best places to take your crew for a meal everyone will remember.
Play While You Eat: Family Restaurants in KC’s Northland with Activities
Chicken N Pickle (North Kansas City)
This family-friendly spot combines chef-driven food with pickleball courts and tons of outdoor games. Kids love the outdoor patio with fire pits, ping pong, jenga, battleship, cornhole, and bocce ball.
What makes it special: Known for wood-fired rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, and grass-fed beef sandwiches. The outdoor space gives kids room to run around while parents enjoy craft drinks.
Website: https://chickennpickle.com/location/kansas-city/
Perfect for: Active families who want to play before or after eating
Location: 1761 Burlington St., North Kansas City, MO 64116 Phone: 816-537-1400
Char Bar (Parkville)
Both Char Bar locations have spacious outdoor areas perfect for kids to get up and run around while waiting for food. The Parkville location also has hopscotch in their hallway for indoor fun.
What makes it special: Great Kansas City BBQ with six pickleball courts and both indoor and outdoor gaming areas. Perfect for brunch on weekends too.
Perfect for: BBQ-loving families who want space to move around.
Website: https://charbarbbq.com/locations/parkville/
Location: 15348 Old Town Dr., Parkville, MO 64152 Phone: 816.622.9600
Iron District (North Kansas City)
Each small business operates out of a repurposed shipping container, creating a fun and unique vibe for this outdoor space. The colorful containers and spacious outdoor food court provide a complete, family-friendly entertainment experience.
What makes it special: Multiple food options mean there’s something for everyone when it comes to food, drinks, and dessert. Kids love exploring the different container shops.
Perfect for: Families who want variety and a unique dining experience
Location: 1599 Iron Street North Kansas City, MO 64116
Classic Family Restaurants in KC’s Northland
54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse (Zona Rosa)
54th Street at Zona Rosa has a great patio and offers pickleball, HD golf, and a multisport simulator. The large menu variety is a plus, with locations throughout north Kansas City.
What makes it special: Made-from-scratch food with generous portions at honest prices. Kids menu includes options like chicken fingers and sliders.
Perfect for: Families who want reliable food and entertainment options
Website: https://www.54thstreetrestaurants.com/kansas-city-mo-zone-rosa.html
Location: 7200 NW 86th Terrace Kansas City MO, 64153 Phone: (816) 587-0864
SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza – Burlington Creek
Child-sized cheese or pepperoni pies plus delicious gelato is perfect for kiddos visiting Spin! Kids’ meals include a mini cup of gelato.
What makes it special: Great drinks for adults and a well-executed kids’ menu. Multiple locations make it convenient no matter where you are in the Kansas City.
Perfect for: Pizza-loving families who want quality ingredients
Location: 6100 NW 63rd Ter. Kansas City, Missouri 64151 Phone: (816) 741-7746
Website: https://www.spinpizza.com/menu-burlington-creek/
Stone Canyon Pizza – Parkville and Gladstone
Stone Canyon has you covered for pizza lovers. Opened on historic Main Street in Parkville in 1995, this local favorite offers brick-oven pizza in a family-friendly setting. They also have a second location in Gladstone.
What makes it special: It is a local, family-owned restaurant with traditional pizza recipes and a welcoming atmosphere for families. They make their dough fresh—three times a day! And they get their other ingredients from local sources whenever possible.
Perfect for Families wanting to support a local business with great pizza. They also have appetizers, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more, and daily menu specials!
Locations:
- Parkville: 15 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152 Phone: (816) 746-8686
- Gladstone: 504 NE 70th St, Gladstone, MO 64118 Phone: (816) 741-4444
Website: https://stonecanyonpizza.com/
Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts at 5536 N.E. Antioch Road, has fresh, made-to-order donuts that are perfect for family treats. They also have drinks, ice cream, and sandwiches. They have catering too!
What makes it special: Made-to-order donuts with toppings kids can watch being added. Perfect for breakfast treats or afternoon snacks.
Perfect for: Families wanting fresh donuts and a fun treat experience
Location: 5536 N.E. Antioch Road, Gladstone, MO 64119 Phone: (816) 326-7004
Website: https://www.duckdonuts.com/
Tips for Dining with Kids at Family Restaurants in KC’s Northland
Best times to visit: Weekday lunches and early dinners (4-6 PM) tend to be less crowded and more relaxed for families.
Money-saving tips: Many restaurants offer kids-eat-free specials on certain days. Pizza Ranch offers free kids meals on Tuesdays, and several spots have happy hour appetizer deals.
What to expect: Most of these restaurants understand that kids can be noisy and messy. Many have high chairs, booster seats, and kid-friendly bathrooms.
Why the Northland is Perfect for Family Dining
Kansas City’s Northland still feels like a hidden gem, despite massive growth in the last decade. Cities like Parkville, Liberty, and Gladstone have created a vibrant area with dozens of restaurants you don’t want to miss.
The Northland offers something many other KC areas don’t – space. Most of these family restaurants in KC’s Northland have large patios, game areas, or outdoor space where kids can be kids without bothering other diners.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite with activities to keep the kids busy or a sit-down meal where everyone can try something new, the Northland has options to make the whole family happy. From trains delivering burgers to outdoor games and authentic barbecue, these spots prove that family dining can be both delicious and fun.
Next time you’re planning a family meal out, head north of the river and discover why locals love these family restaurants in KC’s Northland. (You’ll probably see some of these spots in our KC Originals series soon.) Your kids will have stories to tell, and you’ll have new favorite spots to return to again and again.
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