Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Atlanta: Where Families Actually Enjoy Going Out to Eat

Looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Atlanta that work for the whole family—not just the kids or just the adults? Atlanta has a strong family dining scene, from casual pizza spots to sit-down Southern classics, many with play areas, patios, and flexible menus.

This guide focuses on Atlanta, Georgia specifically: intown neighborhoods, suburban favorites, and what to expect when dining out with kids around the city.

What Makes a Restaurant “Kid-Friendly” in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, kid-friendly usually means more than just offering chicken tenders. Local families tend to look for:

• High chairs and booster seats
• Kids’ menus or small portions
• Reasonable noise levels (or loud enough that a fussy toddler doesn’t stand out)
• Casual atmosphere and quick service
• Family restrooms or changing tables
• Outdoor seating or a place for kids to move around
• Easy parking (especially important in busy intown areas)

Neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Decatur, West Midtown, Grant Park, and the northern suburbs have especially strong options for families.

Quick-Glance: Types of Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Atlanta

Family-Friendly Pizza and Italian Spots

Pizza is often the easiest win for families, and Atlanta has plenty of kid-friendly pizzerias where adults still enjoy the food.

Intown Pizza Favorites

Fellini’s Pizza (multiple locations)
Fellini’s has several locations across Atlanta, including:

• Fellini’s Pizza – Ponce
  909 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
  Casual, counter-service, with outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe. Slices are large, the menu is simple, and it’s usually noisy enough that kids fit right in.

• Fellini’s Pizza – Howell Mill
  2800 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
  Convenient for families in Buckhead and the Westside. Easy parking, lots of families in the evenings.

Everybody loves an outdoor table here when the weather’s nice, especially with strollers and small kids.

Pizza in Decatur and East Atlanta

Mellow Mushroom – Decatur
340 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
A well-known chain with a strong local presence. The Decatur location is particularly family-friendly, with:

• Kids’ menu
• Coloring and kid activities available at many tables
• Walkable downtown Decatur options if kids get restless

Savage Pizza – Avondale Estates
115 Laredo Dr, Decatur, GA 30030
Quirky, casual, and good for families who like something a little different. Close to neighborhoods on the east side with a laid-back feel.

Southern, BBQ, and “Real Atlanta” Spots Kids Can Handle

Visitors often want classic Southern or barbecue without feeling like their kids are out of place. Several Atlanta institutions work well for that.

Busy Bee Café (for comfort food with history)

Busy Bee Café
810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
This historic spot offers Southern comfort food near downtown. Things to keep in mind:

• Very popular at peak times; consider going early with kids.
• Seating is fairly tight, so strollers may be tricky.
• Fried chicken, mac and cheese, and sides are usually kid-approved.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
A local favorite in the Candler Park/Edgewood area:

• Outdoor seating and a casual atmosphere
• BBQ plates, sliders, and sides that work well for kids
• It gets busy, so earlier dinners or weekday visits are easier with young children

Casual Diners and Breakfast Spots Families Love

If you’re searching for kid-friendly brunch in Atlanta or an easy breakfast after a trip to the playground, these are good bets.

The Flying Biscuit Café (Multiple Locations)

One of the most family-friendly breakfast chains around town, with locations in areas like Midtown, Candler Park, and Brookhaven. For example:

The Flying Biscuit Café – Midtown
1001 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

What families generally like:

• All-day breakfast
• Kids’ portions (pancakes, eggs, grits, biscuits)
• Casual, colorful atmosphere

Ria’s Bluebird (Grant Park Area)

Ria’s Bluebird
421 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Located near Oakland Cemetery and a quick drive from Grant Park:

• Popular for pancakes and brunch-y plates
• Small space, so it’s better with slightly older kids or off-peak hours
• Convenient before or after a trip to Zoo Atlanta or Grant Park playgrounds

Food Halls: Great for Mixed Tastes and Busy Kids

Atlanta’s food halls are especially good for families because everyone can order something different while staying together.

Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Why families like it:

• Multiple stalls with pizza, burgers, tacos, and treats
• Indoor and outdoor seating, plus access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail for kids to walk or scooter
• Skyline attractions (at an extra cost) that older kids may enjoy

Parking can be busy; give yourself extra time if you’re arriving with kids and gear.

Westside Provisions & The Works

• Westside Provisions District (around Howell Mill Rd NW) has several casual, family-appropriate restaurants and easy parking garages.
• The Works ATL (1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318) includes a food hall-style setup, open space, and often family-friendly events. It’s helpful if you have multiple kids with different tastes.

Fast-Casual and Easy Options Near Major Attractions

If you’re visiting Atlanta with kids, you’re likely spending time near places like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, or local parks. Here’s what to expect nearby.

Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park Area

Around the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola (225 Baker St NW area), you’ll find:

• Fast-casual chains with kids’ menus and high chairs
• Several sit-down restaurants geared toward tourists and families
• Most places are used to large groups, strollers, and kids in sports or school groups

Parking is mostly in garages or paid lots, so factor that into your timing and budget.

Grant Park / Zoo Atlanta Area

Near Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315):

• Small, local cafes and casual spots on Cherokee Ave and in nearby Summerhill and Grant Park
• Family-friendly menus, often with sandwiches, burgers, or simple plates
• Many places are walkable from the park or a short drive away, with free or street parking more common than in downtown

Suburban Kid-Friendly Restaurant Clusters Around Atlanta

Many Atlanta-area families live outside the city center, and the suburbs have strong options for kid-friendly dining.

Sandy Springs and Dunwoody

Areas around Roswell Rd, Hammond Dr, and Perimeter Center feature:

• Numerous fast-casual chains with kids’ menus
• Family-friendly sit-down restaurants with large booths and easy parking
• Playgrounds and green spaces nearby (e.g., Morgan Falls Overlook Park in Sandy Springs) for pre- or post-meal energy release

Alpharetta and Avalon

Avalon
400 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta, GA 30009

This mixed-use development has:

• Multiple restaurants with kids’ menus and outdoor seating
• A central green space where kids often play
• Stroller-friendly sidewalks and abundant parking

Nearby downtown Alpharetta also hosts many casual, family-friendly restaurants, often with outdoor dining.

Decatur Square

Decatur Square (centered around E Ponce de Leon Ave and N McDonough St) is walkable and very family-oriented:

• Pizza, tacos, burgers, and bakery-style options
• Kids often play on the square or sidewalks while adults finish up
• MARTA access via Decatur Station, which helps if you’re coming from intown without driving

How to Choose a Kid-Friendly Restaurant in Atlanta

When you’re looking for a place to take kids in Atlanta, it helps to think about:

1. Time of Day

• Early dinners (5–6 p.m.) are usually quieter and easier with little ones.
• Brunch crowds can be intense at popular spots—have a backup plan or be ready to wait.

2. Parking and Transit

• Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland) may require street parking or paid lots.
• Suburbs and shopping districts usually have free surface lots or garages.
• For some intown outings, MARTA can be less stressful than driving and parking with kids.

3. Noise Level and Layout

• Busy, casual spots are often better for small children than quiet fine dining rooms.
• Patios, picnic tables, and open seating make it easier to manage spills, stroller parking, and restless toddlers.

4. Proximity to Kid Activities

To make it a full outing, combine a meal with a kid-friendly stop nearby:

• Parks: Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Chastain Park
• Attractions: Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank Museum, Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• Trails: Atlanta BeltLine segments with playgrounds and green spaces along the way

Tips for Stress-Free Dining Out with Kids in Atlanta

A few practical ideas specific to the city:

• Call ahead if you have several small kids or need multiple high chairs or space for a stroller.
• Ask about wait times before heading to very popular brunch or dinner spots (especially on weekends).
• Bring simple distractions (coloring books, small toys) for slower, sit-down restaurants.
• Watch for special family nights or kids-eat-free deals, which some Atlanta-area restaurants offer on weeknights.
• Check the weather if you’re counting on patio seating; Atlanta storms can be sudden, and outdoor seating fills quickly on nice days.

Kid-friendly restaurants in Atlanta are easy to find once you match your family’s needs with the right neighborhood and style of dining. Whether you want a quick slice near the BeltLine, Southern comfort food that feels like “real Atlanta,” or a flexible food hall where everyone can choose their own meal, the city and its nearby suburbs give you plenty of realistic, family-tested options.