posted Aug 19, 2024

Kid Friendly Restaurants in Lancaster County

When on vacation in a place you aren’t familiar with, it can be hard to choose a non-chain restaurant that you know is ready for your kids.

Fortunately, when in Lancaster, PA, you have a ton of kid-friendly restaurants to choose from, with menus that have family-friendly options, and a fun atmosphere.

Speckled Hen
If you’re looking for some fresh food and a low-key atmosphere, head over to the Speckled Hen. You’ll find a kid’s menu with breakfast served all day, as well as lunch and dinner options. Aside from the great food, there’s a super entertaining play area in the front dining room that allows the kids to play while Mom & Dad savor their food, and in warmer weather, you can head out back to eat while the kids play on the playground!

DJ's Taste of the 50s
Take a step back in time with this traditional 50’s diner, with décor, music, and your wait staff all thrown back in time. Enjoy burgers, fries, and a classic milkshake for lunch, or a great diner breakfast. Just keep in mind, they are not open for dinner.

Gracie's on West Main
If your kids like bacon, you’ll love Gracie’s. They have a kids menu featuring breakfast all day, as well as lunch & dinner – but bacon has become their staple. You’ll all enjoy reading the hand-drawn chalk quotes all around the restaurant – Gracie has a lot of chalk walls that are filled with doodles, artwork, and quotes, and she hand-draws them all, so you may go in one day and see one thing, and the next time you’re there, the walls will be completely different.

Strasburg Creamery
For not only a delicious lunch, but wonderfully good ice cream with fresh waffle cones, head over to the Strasburg Creamery. Kids will love a classic American sandwich or burger and then can enjoy some time in the store watching fudge being made the old-fashioned way on a marble slab, and even sample some of the goodies in the sweets shop.

Rachel’s Café & Creperie
If your family is looking for a little taste of Paris here in Lancaster, PA, head on over to Rachel’s Café & Creperie, where you can get breakfast, lunch or dinner with a kids crepe menu, or just pop on in for coffee and a dessert crepe. We highly recommend the Nutella crepe.

Family Style PA Dutch Food
Everyone in the family – your kids included – won’t be able to resist the indulgence in the comfort of a hearty meal. If you’re looking for some traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes, head on over to one of our PA Dutch restaurants, where your family is sure to enjoy your meal.

A Tea Affair
For the little princesses in your life, head into our cool small town of Lititz to A Tea Affair where you’ll enjoy a contemporary take on the traditional tea room. You’ll be able to choose from Tea and Scones, Luncheon Tea, Garden Tea, or High Tea. If you plan on visiting, reservations are highly recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Café One Eight
For the tweenagers in your life, you’ll want to head Downtown to Café One Eight, a locally owned café featuring fresh food and delicious drinks for both the kids and the parents. With delicious breakfast favorites like avocado toast and the Lancaster burrito, to sandwiches and wraps for lunch & dinner, be sure to ask for a mini-to-go-cup for your mini!

Cartoon Kitchen
From breakfast party pizza to Lady Rainicorn’s desserts, the Cartoon Kitchen is serving up some Cartoon-themed cuisine. Get a front row of the kitchen where your favorite characters prepare your meal. Sit in one of the dream cubes for wall-to-wall artwork and a TV playing all the best from the Cartoon Network. The restaurant is located inside the Cartoon Network Hotel so book your overnight stay for a weekend of family fun!

Café 1832
Located on the property of Strasburg Rail Road, this historic atmosphere is the perfect setting for lunch, dinner, or just a quick bite. Under the direction of former Disney Chef, Phillip Ponticelli, Café 1832 is family-friendly, featuring a scratch-made menu using fresh ingredients for seasonal dishes including soups, salads, sandwiches, and dinner options.

Casey Jones' Restaurant
Located at the Red Caboose Motel, Casey Jones' Restaurant offers unique dining in a train caboose! Perfect for the kiddos and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Your Place Restaurant & Pub
Your Place Restaurant & Pub has been serving central PA since 1972. They are a family-owned establishment known for our traditional food, especially our World Famous Stromboli! Whether you’re alone or with a large group, we can accommodate any occasion at Your Place Restaurant & Pub.

Yoder's Restaurant & Buffet
Yoder's is a family-owned restaurant known for its hearty Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. The team-friendly environment and buffet-style dining make it perfect for accommodating large groups and ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

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Author

Sarah•

Director of Marketing & Partnership

Seventeen years in Lancaster County have given Sarah a deep appreciation for its diverse landscapes and vibrant communities. She loves the contrast between a bustling downtown, rich in shops, varied architecture, and diverse food, and the outdoor adventure, farmland, and small towns just minutes away. She aims to share the warm, laid-back, yet innovative spirit of Lancaster's residents. She enjoys exploring the area's trails and spending time doing the many kid-friendly activities with her family. Outside of work, Sarah spends time tending her vegetable garden, reading, and participating in various outdoor activities.

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