Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in St Pete: 25+ Family Dining Favorites
Looking for kid-friendly restaurants in St Pete? St Petersburg offers amazing kid-friendly restaurants where families can enjoy great food, welcoming atmospheres, and special amenities for children. This comprehensive guide covers the best St Pete restaurants for families, including waterfront dining, play areas, kids eat free nights, and casual eateries perfect for dining with kids.
Quick Guide to Kid-Friendly Restaurants in St Pete
Waterfront Kid-Friendly Restaurants:
Ferg's Sports Bar, The Hangar, Parkshore Grill, Sea Dog Brewing
Casual Kid-Friendly Restaurants:
The Chattaway, Crabby Bill's, The Mill, Mazzaro's Italian Market
Kid-Friendly Restaurants with Play Areas:
Chuck E. Cheese, Peter Piper Pizza
Kid-Friendly Restaurants with Kids Eat Free:
Red Mesa Cantina (Tuesdays), Beef 'O' Brady's (Wednesdays), Carrabba's (Wednesdays)
Upscale Kid-Friendly Restaurants:
Parkshore Grill, Cassis American Brasserie, Bella Brava
Why St. Petersburg is Perfect for Family Dining
St. Petersburg has transformed into one of Florida's most family-friendly cities, with restaurants offering kids eat free programs, outdoor seating with beautiful weather, waterfront views, diverse cuisine from casual to upscale, and allergy-friendly options for special dietary needs.
Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants in St. Petersburg
The Chattaway
Location: St. Petersburg | Price: $ | Best For: Casual family dining, outdoor seating
A beloved St. Pete institution offering classic American comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor garden seating with twinkling lights creates a magical dining experience. Features spacious outdoor seating, kid-friendly menu with burgers and grilled cheese, coloring sheets and crayons, and affordable prices. Local favorite for over 30 years with vegetarian and vegan options.
Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill
Location: St. Petersburg | Price: $$ | Best For: Sports-loving families, outdoor games
Combines sports bar atmosphere with family-friendly outdoor space featuring sand volleyball courts, cornhole, and live music. Kids can play while parents enjoy craft beer and pub food. Huge outdoor area with games, kids menu, live music and events, and walking distance to Tropicana Field.
Red Mesa Cantina
Location: St. Petersburg | Price: $$ | Best For: Mexican food, Kids Eat Free Tuesdays
Serves fresh Mexican cuisine with Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays (one free kids meal per adult entrée). Fresh, made-from-scratch Mexican food with vegetarian and gluten-free options, colorful atmosphere, and outdoor patio seating. Kids menu includes quesadillas, chicken tenders, mini tacos, and rice and beans.
Parkshore Grill
Location: St. Petersburg | Price: $$$ | Best For: Special occasions, waterfront dining
Offers upscale dining that welcomes families with stunning waterfront views of St. Pete's downtown marina. Beautiful Beach Drive location with outdoor seating, kids menu with quality options, and Sunday brunch popular with families. Perfect for birthday celebrations, family gatherings, and special occasions.
Bodega on Central
Location: St. Petersburg | Price: $ | Best For: Cuban food, quick service
Serves authentic Cuban cuisine in a casual setting perfect for introducing kids to new flavors. Quick counter service, affordable prices, authentic Cuban sandwiches and plates. Kids enjoy Cuban sandwiches, chicken and rice, sweet plantains, and fresh fruit smoothies.
Crabby Bill's
Location: Multiple St. Pete Beach locations | Price: $$ | Best For: Seafood, beach dining
A St. Pete Beach institution offering fresh seafood, waterfront views, and relaxed atmosphere perfect for families fresh from the beach. Right on the beach with fresh seafood and landlubber options, kids menu with non-seafood choices, casual come-as-you-are atmosphere, and outdoor seating with ocean breezes.
Mazzaro's Italian Market
Location: St. Petersburg | Price: $$ | Best For: Italian food, quick meals
A legendary Italian market offering fresh pasta, sandwiches, prepared foods, and groceries in a bustling environment. Deli counter with fresh sandwiches, prepared Italian dishes to go, gelato and Italian desserts, and great for quick family meals. Kids love fresh pasta, Italian sandwiches, gelato, pizza slices, and cannoli.
Casita Taqueria
Location: St. Petersburg | Price: $$ | Best For: Tacos, casual Mexican
Fresh street-style tacos and Mexican favorites in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Build-your-own tacos, fresh ingredients, vegetarian options, outdoor patio seating, and full bar for parents. Kids menu includes simple tacos, quesadillas, and rice and beans.
The Mill
Location: St. Petersburg | Price: $$ | Best For: Brunch, comfort food
Popular brunch spot serving comfort food classics in a trendy downtown location. Famous for brunch with pancakes, French toast, and eggs, lunch and dinner options, kids menu available, and casual atmosphere. Weekend brunch can be busy, so arrive early or make reservations.
Nitally's Thai-Mex Cuisine
Location: St. Petersburg | Price: $$ | Best For: Unique fusion, adventurous eaters
Unique Thai-Mexican fusion offering creative dishes that appeal to adventurous families. Fusion menu with Thai and Mexican options, mild dishes available for kids, vegetarian and vegan options, casual atmosphere, and friendly service. Great for families wanting to try something different.
St. Petersburg Kids Eat Free Programs
Tuesdays: Red Mesa Cantina (one free kids meal per adult entrée), Tijuana Flats (select locations)
Wednesdays: Beef 'O' Brady's, Carrabba's Italian Grill (dine-in only)
Thursdays: Chili's (My Chili's Rewards members)
Sundays: IHOP, Denny's (select locations)
Pro Tip: Always call ahead to confirm kids eat free promotions, as they can change seasonally or by location.
Best St. Pete Restaurants by Cuisine
American Comfort Food: The Chattaway, Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill, The Mill
Mexican & Latin: Red Mesa Cantina, Bodega on Central, Casita Taqueria, Nitally's Thai-Mex
Seafood: Crabby Bill's, Parkshore Grill, The Hurricane (Pass-a-Grille)
Italian: Mazzaro's Italian Market, Bella Brava New World Trattoria
Pizza: Mazzaro's (by the slice), Blaze Pizza (build-your-own)
Asian: Nitally's Thai-Mex, Hawkers Asian Street Food
Family Dining Tips for St. Petersburg
Best Times to Dine with Kids
Early Dinner (4:30-6:00 PM): Less crowded, faster service, better table availability, kids aren't overtired.
Weekend Brunch (9:00-11:00 AM): Arrive early to avoid crowds, kids are well-rested, brunch menus appeal to children.
Weekday Lunch: Quieter than dinner, often faster service, sometimes better prices.
Making Reservations
Reservations Recommended: Parkshore Grill, Bella Brava, The Mill (large parties)
Walk-In Friendly: The Chattaway, Ferg's, Bodega, Mazzaro's
Pro Tip: For popular spots without reservations, arrive right when they open or check wait times online.
Dietary Accommodations
Gluten-Free Friendly: Red Mesa Cantina (dedicated menu), Parkshore Grill, Casita Taqueria (corn tortillas), Blaze Pizza
Dairy-Free/Vegan: The Chattaway, Nitally's, Bodega, Hawkers
Picky Eaters: Most restaurants offer plain pasta, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, burgers, mac and cheese, and cheese pizza. Don't hesitate to ask for modifications.
Waterfront Dining with Kids
Downtown St. Pete Waterfront: Parkshore Grill (upscale with marina views), Sea Dog Brewing (casual outdoor seating)
St. Pete Beach: Crabby Bill's (multiple beach locations), The Hurricane (Pass-a-Grille), Sloppy Joe's on the Beach
Benefits: Beautiful waterfront views, walking distance to parks and museums, perfect after beach play and sunset watching.
Family Dining by Neighborhood
Downtown St. Pete: Parkshore Grill, The Mill, Bodega on Central
Grand Central District: Red Mesa Cantina, Casita Taqueria, Nitally's
Historic Kenwood: The Chattaway, Mazzaro's Italian Market
St. Pete Beach: Crabby Bill's, The Hurricane
Central Avenue Corridor: Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill, Bodega on Central
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
St. Petersburg has evolved into one of Florida's most family-friendly dining destinations, offering everything from casual beachfront seafood to upscale waterfront dining that welcomes children. With kids eat free programs, beautiful outdoor seating, and accommodating staff, St. Pete restaurants make family dining a pleasure.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite after the beach, a special birthday celebration, or a relaxed weekend brunch, St. Petersburg's diverse restaurant scene has something for every family.
Ready to explore St. Pete's family dining scene? Start with our top recommendations, check out the kids eat free programs, and discover why St. Petersburg families love dining out in the Sunshine City!
Looking for more Tampa Bay family activities? Check out our guides to Tampa family restaurants, Clearwater Beach with kids, and free things to do in Tampa!
