Florida is jam-packed with so many things to do. The great state is home to theme parks, beautiful beaches, and outdoor activities. For families, it can seem like the ideal getaway for vacation. Since these picks are catered toward the families, let's start off in a kid-approved way, and that's with dessert first.

1. Sugar on Another Level

First on our list is the Sugar Factory located in Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida. The Sugar Factory is a restaurant with a solid menu that has a little bit of everything: burgers, wings, tacos, sandwiches, loaded fries, and anything and everything a kid could want. But where they truly thrive is in their creative shakes, waffles, and desserts. On top of that, the restaurant has a candy room that embodies the creative aspects of the 1971 Willy Wonka movie. Sugar Factory is a dream for kids who wish to eat happily.

2. Fun and Games

Next is Riveters in Tampa. This restaurant has spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas. Riveters has a full bar, sports playing on the TVs, live music, an arcade basketball game, and a young, lively staff that seems ready to please. It’s the type of place where families can kick back while kids stay entertained. The energy is fun, upbeat, and makes dining feel more like an experience than just a meal.

3. Sunsets, Rivers, and Food

Third is Beaches at Vilano. This restaurant has awesome outdoor seating in St Augustine, one of the prettiest towns in Florida. Beaches at Vilano is right across from the town itself, with a beautiful sunset view over the water, as the restaurant sits perfectly along the Matanzas River. Beaches is a great spot to capture romance and scenery. Beaches even has a little beach along with a dock for families coming in hungry after a boat day or for kids who want to explore and pick up shells while their parents converse. It’s a relaxed, laid-back spot that brings together good food and the natural beauty of coastal Florida.

4. Pars, a Bar and Dining

MacGregors is our next pick. This putt-putt golf course is located in Fernandina Beach and has tournaments, food, snacks, and cocktails for the parents. While not a restaurant in the traditional sense, this putt-putt golf course turns an excursion for food into a competitive, family-friendly day with the option for dining. It’s the kind of place where fun and food go hand in hand, making it a unique family outing.

5. Fish and Colossal Ships

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Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill is located in Port Canaveral. While the food is great and the menu is full of options, Fishlips also has plenty of seating, live music, and docks where fishermen bring in fresh catches from their excursions. As if that wasn’t enough, the restaurant sits right beside one of Florida’s busiest cruise ship ports, so while you eat, you can look in awe at the giant ships towering next to the restaurant. It’s a one-of-a-kind dining view that kids and parents alike won’t forget.

6. Seafood and Beach Fun

Kiki’s Sandbar in Little Torch Key is a great spot for kids. The food is fantastic and embodies the Florida diet with menu items featuring local snapper, mahi, and fresh shrimp. Kiki’s has the seafood department covered. As for entertainment, the restaurant has a stage for live music, and the property offers outdoor seating right on the beach overlooking the water. Families can truly enjoy everything the Keys have to offer in one dining experience, music, seafood, beaches, and crystal-clear water to gaze at.

7. Cretaceous Flavors

By Lake Buena Vista lies one of the coolest restaurants in Florida: T-Rex Café. Located in the heart of Disney Springs, this spot is absolutely worth a trip or two. The restaurant’s exterior is decorated with dinosaur fossil structures, setting the tone before you even walk in. The menu caters to kids with simple favorites like burgers, chicken tenders, and fries. But what makes this experience unforgettable are the life-sized animatronic dinosaurs inside that roar and move throughout your meal. This restaurant embodies the Cretaceous period and is a must-visit destination for families who want dinner to feel like an adventure.

8. Creative Tacos

TacoLu, located on Jacksonville Beach, is not your ordinary taco place. TacoLu isn’t too far from the shores of Jax Beach and has an experimental taco menu that they knock out of the park. The interior is colorful, and the business itself is usually busy. That said, TacoLu is a must-visit for the flavors alone. The lively atmosphere makes it fun for families, and kids will love trying creative tacos alongside classics they already enjoy. With its mix of beach vibes and bold food, TacoLu captures the spirit of a family-friendly restaurant.

9. Dining with a Splash

Caribbean Jack’s in Daytona Beach is another solid mention. This restaurant sits right on the water with its own dock, giving you a great view of Florida’s east coast while enjoying a meal. The interior of Caribbean Jack’s is fun and quirky, perfectly fitting the Daytona scene. While that might seem pretty similar to other beachside spots in Florida, just wait, it gets better. This restaurant also has a pool. It’s a rare find where families can combine dining, relaxation, and a splash of fun all in one stop.

10. Fresh Flavors and Family Fun

Timoti’s Seafood Shak has two locations, one in Fernandina Beach and the other in Nacotee. Timoti’s is a great place to visit with the family. The meals come in good proportions, and they do seafood just right. It’s a local favorite, and for good reason: simple seafood baskets, poke bowls, outdoor seating, and even a playground for kids to play on. What more could you ask for? It’s the kind of spot where parents can relax with fresh, flavorful food while kids have space to burn off energy. With its laid-back vibe and family-friendly setup, Timoti’s captures the charm of a true Florida seafood shack.

11. A Taste of France

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Une Autre Histoire La French Bakery, located on St. Augustine Beach, is run by a French family who speak fluently amongst each other as they work. If you are fond of French cuisine, then this is the place for you. Croissants, brioche, tarts, éclairs, quiche, and more fill the menu. La French Bakery is one of the best dining options in St. Augustine, and if you’re a family looking for the perfect place for brunch to try baked goods and pastries, then Les Petits Plaisirs is right up your alley. The atmosphere is warm and authentic, making every visit feel like a little taste of France by the sea.

12. Brunch, Bagels, and Canine Entertainment

Pete’s Bagels in Ybor in Tampa, Florida, is another fantastic place to grab breakfast or brunch. The cozy restaurant has great outdoor seating and a simple bagel-sandwich-inspired menu along with coffee. What makes Pete’s special outside of its charm and food is that it is located right next to a dog park, so families with dogs can enjoy their morning breakfast while their pets play, or simply watch other owners with their pups while they sip coffee and eat. It’s a relaxed, local favorite that combines great food with a welcoming community vibe.

13. Planes, Eggs, and Bacon

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Last on our choices of family-friendly restaurants is Jet Runway Café in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Next to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), this restaurant specializes in breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Its main draw is that it sits right next to a runway where planes and helicopters land regularly, creating a very cool and entertaining spot for the whole family. Kids will be amazed watching aircraft take off and land while enjoying their meal, making it a dining experience that feels like a show. With great food and a one-of-a-kind view, Jet Runway Café is the perfect ending to our list of unforgettable family-friendly restaurants in Florida.

Making Memories One Meal at a Time.

Florida is full of so many great places to eat and create memories with your family. From beachfront seafood shacks to dessert wonderlands and adventurous themed cafés, there is truly something for every taste and interest. These restaurants are not just about food but an experience that families will remember. Whether it’s the view, the activities, or the fun atmosphere, each place adds a special touch to your family outing.

13 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Florida Where Kids Eat Happily