Kid-Friendly Dining Options in Midland, Texas
(updated June 2024)
Being a parent ain’t easy - especially when the young ones insist on running wild during a nice meal. Surely you’ve vowed to never eat out again but we’ll do you one better. Here’s our guide to the most kid-friendly restaurants and eateries in Midland, TX. Make sure to check with each business, as their hours are always changing.
Did we miss one of your favorite kid-friendly dining destinations in Midland? Email us and we will be sure to add it.
The Hand Café
Where else in town do you know of that has a two-story slide, board games to lend, a child and pet-friendly patio with play equipment, and a menu that easily takes you from breakfast into dinner? Did we mention frosé and local craft beer?
Hand Café has an eclectic menu that offers something for everyone in your brood. From churro donuts (yes, you read that right) and a craft coffee for a late morning pick-me-up to their gyro with hummus for lunch, they will keep you coming back to try something new - perhaps the sweet or savory crepes? Or BAGELS?
The furnishings and décor at Hand Café tell the story of the owners' Michigan roots (note the hand-shaped chairs and décor) as well as the love of locals through the furnishings (many are from a local shop, Found Furnishings) and the framed VIM Racing jersey.
So bring the kids any hour of the day and get some sun on your face while you let the stress of parenthood melt away.
Play Equipment | All Day Dining | Indoor and Outdoor Seating Options
Location:
Blue Sky Texas
Craving burgers, hand cut fries, and milkshakes? Blue Sky Texas in Midland is a great place to bring the family. With their multitude of options (including plain and dry burgers for the pickiest of kiddos), everyone will find something off the menu to dig into. They have a covered outdoor patio that is perfect for kids to practice not using their “indoor voice”.
Covered Patio | All Day Dining | Kid’s Burger Menu
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Mac’s Bar-B-Q
This fast-casual spot in Midland makes our list because of the outdoor seating, live music, and play structure. After enjoying a serving of Mac’s Bar-B-Q’s top-selling green chili mac and cheese or their smoked turkey, the kids can play on the fully outfitted playground or try their hand at cornhole. Inside Mac’ are a ton of TVs for watching the game with your family, and parents can order an adult beverage while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy live music all Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays all summer long from any of the many seating areas. For the colder months, you can saddle up to an outdoor table equipped with a fire pit.
Of all of the Midland eateries on our list, this one takes the cake for best equipped to wear your child out with a minimum effort on your behalf.
Counter Service | Outdoor Seating & Play Structure | Live Music
Location:
2400 W Indiana Ave
Midland, TX 79701
TKILAZ Mexican Restaurant
TKILAZ Mexican Restaurant is a great place to bring the whole family together for a fantastic Tex-Mex meal. Don’t let yourselves fill up on their chips and salsa, though it will be difficult not to because the two they give you are almost addictive.
The ornate decorations will keep your little one’s eyes occupied until their food hits the table. Bonus, there’s a mariachi band with a violin, cello, trumpet, and guitars. Everyone is sure to have an entertaining meal here.
Lively Environment | Mariachi Music | Friendly-Staff
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The Half Acre
Half-Acre, one of the many BBQ spots in Midland is the perfect place for families with kids (and dogs) to visit for lunch or dinner. This offshoot of Midland Meat Co. and Scharbauer Ranch has a large outdoor patio area with picnic tables, yard games, and plenty of room for kids to burn off energy while the adults enjoy conversation. Try their Dirty Fries and Brisket Eggrolls, you’ll thank us later!
Farm to Table / Yard Games / Pet Friendly
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Café at the Gardens
Alldredge Gardens may boast the largest and most diverse plant offering in town, but you’ll also find their onsite café, Cafe at the Gardens, to be one of the most unique and delightfully kid-friendly. Their compact menu is well prepared and they have a full bar for mom and dad.
The atrium/greenhouse seating area is surrounded by plants, trees, and a beautiful koi pond that transports your kids to a desert oasis. After eating, you can take the littles through the nursery aisles to let them walk through the colorful ambiance.
Atrium Seating | Koi Pond | Affordable Eclectic Fare
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Sumo Sushi and Hibachi
You might not automatically think of a sushi joint as a kid-friendly dining option, but you’d be missing out if you don’t visit Sumo Sushi and Hibachi and get a seat at the hibachi grill. Like other famous hibachi places, cooks here do all the tricks and flips you associate the places with.
Had a long day at the office? Your chef will joyfully squirt sake straight into your mouth out of a condiment bottle. Kids won’t miss out either - a baby bottle equipped with lemonade is just what the doctor ordered. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Your kids will be in constant awe of the fire and the quick reflexes of the cooks.
Hibachi Antics | Affordable Child Menu | Fun for the Whole Family
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The Tailgate
A popular music venue and regular host of Basin Brunch is actually a great family-friendly place in Midland. The Tailgate is an outdoor venue that offers plenty of foodtruck options, performances, yard games, and picnic tables for families. They host craft and art markets, Family Fun days, and more.
Food Trucks | Outdoor | Entertainment
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Murray’s Restaurant & Deli
A classic Midland dining option will keep your kids full of curly fries and all the PB&J they can eat. On the weekends, you can split a pizza with the entire family and keep even the pickiest of eaters happy. Introduce them early on to their homemade ranch and curly fry combination washed down with their sweet tea or lemonade.
Murray’s also has this great new patio for the kids to enjoy and run around on a particularly nice evening or just stop in for lunch. With a great shade area for those sunny days, you’ll be able to enjoy your meal outside with all the tiny humans running around.
Pro tip: sit outside and enjoy their new patio for all the kid’s screams and space for running around.
Check out our post on pizza restaurants in Midland, TX.
Patio Dining | Kid-Friendly Options | Pizza & Fries
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Back in the Day Cafe
With such fun décor, children are going to have so many things to look at while the family waits for the food to arrive. Go to Back in the Day Cafe for some excellent diner-style food and a relaxed atmosphere.
It’s a popular local restaurant because their service is excellent, the food is even better, and it’s perfect for the whole family.
Unique Environment | Affordable Eats | Casual Dining
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Juji's Kitchen
Located inside the Claydesta Center in Midland, Juji’s Kitchen serves breakfast, fresh lunches, grab-n-go meals, and Saturday brunch to those in downtown Midland. We added this spot to our list of kid-friendly restaurants because of the beautiful atrium inside the building.
Your kids will love checking out the fountain, the plants, and the faux wildlife. Where else can you see a baboon driving a zebra-drawn carriage? Don’t miss out on the swings inside Juji’s as well!
It may also be relevant to add that bottomless mimosas are available here any day of the week (except Sunday).
Fun Decor | Casual Dining | Breakfast & Lunch
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Michael's Charcoal Grill
If one of your kids loves aviation, Michael’s Charcoal Grill is a must-stop for a family meal. Airplane memorabilia and photos are everywhere, giving your little future pilot plenty of inspiration to look at. Service is great and you’ll enjoy your classic American food while sitting underneath some really cool large-scale model airplanes.
Trying to eat healthy while the kids get a meal they won’t complain about? Be sure to grab grilled meat or barbecue option and enjoy it alongside the salad of your own creation with their Texas-sized salad bar
Fun Decor | Counter Service | Diverse Menu
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If you are wondering what coffee shops to go to in Midland, then check out our guide.
Did we overlook a great, kid-friendly restaurant in Midland? Send us an email and we’ll get it added or be sure to include it in a future post.
Looking for ways to get involved in the Midland AF community? Join our private Facebook group, become a contributor, advertise with us.
Celebrate the Fourth all weekend long in Midland, TX.