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Dine & Play: Family-Friendly Restaurants in
Charlotte (2025 Guide)
Looking for family-friendly dining options in Charlotte that cater to both kids and adults? From exciting play areas and splash pads to delicious meals and kids-eat-free deals, Charlotte’s top Dine & Play spots offer the perfect combination of fun and flavor. Whether you're planning a day at SouthPark Mall, exploring the newly opened Stream Park in Ballantyne, or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere at Camp North End, these locations ensure a memorable outing for the whole family. Discover where to eat, play, and relax with our ultimate guide to Charlotte’s best family-friendly destinations!
📍 4400 Sharon Rd, Space G23D, Charlotte, NC 28211
🍽️ Mall Access | Free Parking Garage | Patio Overlooking Play Area
Located right next to the SouthPark Mall Playground, Suffolk Punch SouthPark offers family-friendly dining with a patio view of the play area—perfect for parents looking to relax while kids play. Its direct connection to the mall makes it an easy stop before or after shopping.
Kids Menu (served with fries or fruit):
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Mac & Cheese, Grilled Cheese Sliders – $8
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Chicken Tenders, Sliders – $11
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Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza – $9
Adult Favorites:
Ahi Tuna Nachos, Berry Delicious Salad, Burrata-Rita Flatbread, Tiramisu Cold Brew, Spicy Berry Margarita
Family Deal:
👶 Kids Eat Free on Sundays (starting Sept 8) with a $15 adult purchase | 4 PM–Close
The Bowl at Ballantyne’s Stream Park (Ballantyne)
📍 14105 Stream Way, Charlotte, NC 28277
🌳 Green Space | Hammocks | Playground Nearby
Part of Ballantyne’s exciting redevelopment, Stream Park features walkable paths, open-air seating, and a nearby playground just across a pedestrian bridge—perfect for picnics or relaxed family outings.
🌼 Flower Child (Healthy & Kid-Friendly Dining)
📍 15210 Bowl St #101, Charlotte, NC 28277
Kids meals are $8.75 and include one protein (chicken, steak, or tofu) with two sides such as broccoli with parmesan, sweet corn & quinoa, gluten-free mac & cheese, smashed potato, or fresh fruit.
Parent favorites include the Adobe Queso, Chicken Enchiladas, and the Mother Earth Bowl with shrimp.
👨👩👧👦 Why Families Love It:
A fast, wholesome meal just steps from the playground and green space.
🍗 Bossy Beulah’s at The Bowl
📍 15110 Bowl St, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC 28277
🕒 Open Daily: 11 AM – 9 PM
Kids can enjoy “Bossy Bites & Fries” for $8—a simple, satisfying meal perfect after playtime.
🚶♂️ Why Parents Love It:
Quick, delicious chicken in a laid-back, kid-friendly setting right near the park.
Blakeney Playground & Splash Pad (South Charlotte)
📍 9820 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC
🕒 Open Daily: 7 AM – 8 PM | Splash Pad: 9 AM – 9 PM (June 1 – Labor Day)
A popular spot for families, Blakeney features a playground for ages 2–12 and a seasonal splash pad to cool off during the summer. Enjoy shaded seating and benches throughout the area. Please note: no pets or roughhousing allowed.
🍔 Nearby Dining: Shake Shack, Starbucks, Five Guys, Brixx Pizza
Camp North End – Boileryard Play Area (North Charlotte)
📍300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
🚗Free On-Site Parking
From April to October, kids can enjoy building and climbing with giant LEGO-style blocks near the Boileryard. The area offers wide-open space for play, though blocks are removed before Thursday night movie events.
☕ Nearby Dining: HEX Coffee
🌮 La Caseta (Pupusas & Latin street food)
The Tipsy Pickle at Camp North End (North Charlotte)
Instagram Reel Here
📍 301 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
🕹️ Coffee, Kid-Friendly Drinks, Retro Games & Pickleball
Located in the heart of Camp North End, The Tipsy Pickle is a fun, casual spot where families can unwind. Grab a coffee or kid-friendly drink, enjoy a bite from their menu, and challenge each other to retro video games. With nearby pickleball courts and a welcoming vibe, it’s a go-to hangout for all ages.
Perfect stop before or after playtime at the Boileryard or exploring Camp’s local shops and murals
Urban District Market & Playground (NoDa)
Urban District Market & Seoul Food, NoDA
📍 421 E 26th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
🍛 Toddler Play Area l Arcade l Patio
Urban District Market features a year-round outdoor playground and an indoor toddler play space—perfect for hot, cold, or rainy days. The seasonal splash pad adds extra fun during warmer months, making this a great all-weather destination for families. Parents will love grabbing coffee from and Coffee which serves hot and iced drinks with treats like mochi donuts, and pastries.
🍽️ Kids Meals at Urban District Market:
Options include Chicken Nuggets & Tater Tots, Shrimp Nuggets & Tater Tots, and Korean Corn Dog from Crispy Patty; Plain Udon from Kaudon; Pizza Empanada from Stuffed; Grilled Cheese from HC Burger Company; and Kids Butter Pasta from Pasuta.
Alley 51 Food Hall (Pineville)
📍 10500 Centrum Pkwy, Pineville, NC (Next to Super G & Reclectic)
💦 Splash Pad (May–September) | Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas
If you love Asian cuisine, Alley 51 is a must-visit international food hall with flavors from Indian, Thai, Mongolian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and more—something for every palate! Not super hungry? Grab a mochinut dessert, play arcade games, let the little ones enjoy the toddler play area, or relax on the outdoor patio. Don’t miss the attached international grocery store for unique foodie finds.
💰 Fair prices with generous portions
🪑 Plenty of seating, even on busy weekends
✅ Perfect for kids, adults, vegetarians, vegans, and meat lovers alike
Must-Try Dishes:
Great Wall: Roast Duck & Rice, Crispy Roast Pork & Rice, Soy Chicken Noodle Soup (Egg Noodle) — all $13.95
Railay Thai Express: Tom Kha (Shrimp) $8.95, Strawberry Panda Waffle $10.95 (a sweet treat!)
Birkdale Village (Huntersville)
Instagram Reel- Birkdale Buds and Lunch
Instagram Reel: Free things to do with kids in Birkdale Village
📍 Sam Furr Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
🚗 Free Garage & Surface Lot Parking
Birkdale Village is a stroller-friendly, walkable space with green areas and seating perfect for families. From April through October, enjoy weekly kids’ events every Wednesday, free live music on Fridays, and movies on select Saturdays.
🍽️ Dining Picks: Brown Bag Seafood (kid-friendly salmon & roasted veggies), Starbucks, Green Brothers Coffee
🎶 During live music and movie events, order food ahead by 4 PM Friday for easy pickup at the Concierge Booth behind the stage — no extra fee. Weather cancellations still allow restaurant pickup
Waverly Town Center (South Charlotte)
📍 7404 Waverly Walk Ave #1-3, Charlotte, NC 28277
🚗 Free On-Site Parking
Enjoy a seasonal splash pad open June through August, surrounded by green space and a family-friendly atmosphere with seasonal events.
🍽️ Kids Menu at Ted’s Montana Grill: Mac & Cheese or Grilled Cheese ($5.50), Chicken Tenders or Grilled Chicken ($8), Salmon, Beef, or Bison Filets ($11–$13)
Empire Pizza (Pineville)
Empire Pizza & Arcade – Pineville (Charlotte, NC)
📍 8500 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226
🎮 Arcade games $1 each | Family Party Room Available
Empire’s Pineville location features arcade games priced at $1 each and a family party room where you can bring your own cake (no outside food allowed).
🍕 Kids Eat Free Mondays, 4–9 PM: Pizza ($7), Spaghetti & Chicken Tenders ($6), Grilled Cheese ($5)
🍟 Sides: Fries, Tater Tots, Broccoli ($3)
Indoor Play at Javesca Café (Steele Creek)
Steele Creek Community Place Reel
📍 13501 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28278
Features an indoor jungle gym-style play structure (hours vary—check before you go). Socks are required. The area is not staffed but monitored for capacity, making it a great rainy day option.
☕ Nearby Café: Javesca — serving coffee, lattes, and snacks
Superica - Strawberry Hill
Strawberry Hill Instagram Reel
📍 4223 Providence Rd Suite D, Charlotte, NC 28211
🚗 Free Parking
Enjoy two arcade games, a fun Tex-Mex menu, and an outdoor patio perfect for families.
🍽️ Kids Menu ($8): Tacos (Ground Beef or Chicken Tinga), Bean & Cheese Nachos, Cheese Quesadilla, Cheeseburger & Fries — all include rice, beans, drink, and popsicle.
Hello, Sailor – Cornelius
📍 20210 Henderson Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
🕚 Wed–Sun, 11 AM–9 PM | 🚗 Free Parking
Enjoy a pirate-themed kids menu complete with an eye patch, plus boat watching from the deck. It’s an ideal stop near Carrigan Farms or Jetton Park.
🍽️ Kids Menu ($5.99–$9.99): Cheeseburger, Chicken or Shrimp Boat, Grilled Cheese, Mac n’ Cheese
Ice cream treat
Fast Food Playgrounds – Quick & Fun
Perfect for a quick stop with a little playtime. All locations have indoor or outdoor playgrounds.
Chick-fil-A:
Stonecrest – 7910 Rea Rd Charlotte, NC 28277
Waverly – 11530 Waverly Center Dr Charlotte, NC
Mint Hill – 7404 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd Mint Hill, NC 28227
Matthews – 6390 Weddington Rd Waxhaw, NC
Monroe – 2592 W Roosevelt Blvd Monroe, NC
Baxter Village (Fort Mill, SC) – 1600 SC-160, Fort Mill, SC
McDonald’s:
Blakeney – 9710 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Matthews – 9607 E Independence Blvd, Matthews, NC 28105