On a gorgeous summer day, nothing beats relaxing outside with a delicious meal and elegant patio drinks. But, not all patios in Chicagoland are created equal — and many of them aren’t the best option for dining out with the kids. To fully enjoy your time outdoors, you want an outdoor dining establishment with a delicious menu, kid-friendly bites and activities that will keep the fun going long after the plates have been cleared.
The next time you’re craving a patio cocktail or want to enjoy a family meal outside, visit one of these restaurants with kid-friendly patios. From children’s menus that will satisfy your little ones to patios with games and activities that will keep them occupied while you enjoy that second (or third) patio cocktail, you’ll never want to do family dinner anywhere else. Cheers!
This article was updated on May 3, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included fact-checking and adding more kid-friendly patios and rooftops to our list. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@chicagoparent.com.
Kid-friendly patios in Chicago
Big Star
This popular taco spot has three Chicago locations, all with hip outdoor patios. Tacos and quesadillas are sold individually, making it easy to order kid-sized portions. Grown ups can mix and match yummy tacos and enjoy the popular margaritas, palomas, daiquiris and other refreshing patio beverages.
Caffe Oliva
- Address: 550 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Caffe Oliva, on Ohio Street Beach in Chicago, is like a mini vacation without leaving the Midwest. Pack up the beach gear and get there early so the kids can play in the sand while adults soak in the sunshine and indulge in beachy cocktails. Lunch and dinner menus include Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches, burgers, salads and flatbread pizzas. The standard kids fare is offered, plus a special kids dessert. Don’t forget your wallet, as cash is not accepted here.
Kaiser Tiger
- Address: 1415 W. Randolph St., Chicago
This West Loop sausage, bacon and beer restaurant boasts a huge beer garden with ping-pong, bocce, giant Jenga and bags. The picnic-style seating, decor and vibes make it an ideal location to relax and hang out all day long. Did we mention there are 20+ rotating beers on tap?
Open Outcry Brewing Company
- Address: 10934 S. Western Ave., Chicago
This South Side rooftop restaurant has board games for the kids, a Chicago-centric brewpub menu with sandwiches, salads and pizzas named after the surrounding streets and plenty of specialty brews for parents. The communal seating gives the entire place a family-style feel. After your meal, stay awhile and play a board game with your crew while enjoying the open air vibes at Open Outcry.
Park & Field
- Address: 3509 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago
Logan Square’s Park & Field is perfect for a day of fun in the sun. This vintage sports club and eatery includes a 6,000-square-foot patio with bocce courts and board games, plus chalk and bubbles for the kids. Not only is there a kid-friendly menu, but there’s also a dog-friendly menu with treats and dinner options for your pups. End the night by purchasing a s’mores kit and roasting marshmallows over the fire pits.
Smoque BBQ
- Address: 3800 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago
Not many kids can put away the huge portions offered at most smokehouses, but what’s a kid to do if they don’t want to eat chicken fingers (again)? Luckily, Smoque has kid-sized brisket and pork sandwiches so your little ones can enjoy barbecue on the BYOB sidewalk patio.
North Suburbs
Cortland’s Garage
- Address: 1 N. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights
Dine on a large brick patio with the fam while enjoying pub grub and standard kids fare. The patio features TVs, seasonal decor and string lights, making it the perfect place to catch a game over a family meal.
Prairie House Tavern
- Address: 2710 N. Main St., Buffalo Grove
We all love a good patio meal, but we also know how unpredictable Chicago weather can be. Luckily, Prairie House Tavern offers two outdoor dining options: a classic outdoor patio deck (complete with umbrellas) and an enclosed glass patio that allows diners to take in some sunshine regardless of the weather conditions. While there’s not a kids menu, little ones will love eating tavern pizza, chicken tenders, tater tots and nachos.
Timothy O’Toole’s of Libertyville
- Address: 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
Kids can have just as much fun as their parents on this patio that includes covered and uncovered seating. The kids menu includes six entrees and just as many sides, mini desserts and a full offering of kids mocktails. Plus, kids eat for $1.99 with purchase of an adult entree and beverage 5 p.m.- 8.p.m on Tuesday evenings. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?
South Suburbs
Girl in the Park
- Address: 11265 W. 159th St., Orland Park
The expansive patio at Girl in the Park is both kid friendly and dog friendly, so bring the whole fam out for your next outdoor meal. The “Lil Humans” menu includes classic kids options like chicken tenders and butter noodles, and adults have some seriously delicious options to choose from, like seared salmon, chicken ‘n’ biscuits, ribs and much more.
The Irish Legend
- Address: 8933 Archer Ave., Willow Springs
This Irish bar and restaurant may look old school, but the local craft brews and creative cocktails are refreshing and modern. Enjoy Irish dishes and American tavern food on one of the restaurant’s two outdoor patios. The back patio has a stage for live music, fire pits and even a small waterfall fountain. Littles can order kid-sized cheeseburgers, chicken tenders and grilled cheese, or the entire family can share a pizza — the South Side pie with fennel sausage and giardinara and the Reuben pizza are just a couple of the specialty pizza toppings available.
West Suburbs
302 Wheaton
Address: 302 W. Front St., Wheaton
This hotspot is known for its burgers, great draft beer selection, milkshakes (including boozy ones for grown ups!) and family-friendly outdoor patio. The restaurant hosts kid-friendly movies nights and events, as well as summer specials like Dole Whip Wednesdays.
Elmhurst Brewing Company
- Address: 171 N. Addison Ave., Elmhurst
Elmhurst Brewing Company prides itself on being a family-friendly brewery. Kids have their own menu to order from, and a children’s play area inside will keep them busy and having fun while parents enjoy their beverages, which include a wide-selection of craft beers to pair with pub food.
Empire Burgers & Brew
- Address: 48 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville
This downtown Naperville hot spot is known for its massive burgers (and kid-sized patties, too!), like the namesake Empire burger — a 50/50 bacon patty with egg, spring mix, cream cheese, green onion and maple-bourbon syrup — but the real appeal is the outdoor rooftop that overlooks the Naperville Riverwalk.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
- Address: 436 Illinois Rte 59, Naperville
What started as a parking lot patio during the pandemic has turned into a family-friendly hangout that welcomes kids and pups! Chill out on this lodge-themed patio, complete with fire pits that are the perfect touch to a relaxing summer night. With a kids menu, salads, soups, bowls, pasta, burgers and even more on the menu, you’ll have to come back time and time again to try everything.
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