Restaurants Where Kids Can Play - New Haven Area

1. Lenny & Joe's - Madison

For nearly 30 years, Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale has been serving up fresh seafood in New Haven County. Opening three decades ago with only four picnic tables, Lenny & Joe's now has three locations in New Haven, Westbrook, and Madison. But it is the Madison location that has the carousel! Lenny & Joe’s Magical Charity Carousel is open seven days a week from early May through October operating right alongside the widely popular seafood joint. Your kiddos will love climbing aboard the seal or lion and trying to catch the brass ring. All proceeds from the carousel are donated to charitable causes.

2. Trackside Brick Oven Pizzeria - Wallingford

Perhaps the coolest thing about Trackside is its location. Located inside a restored 1920's Philadelphia subway car, Trackside is nestled right alongside the tracks. Here you can enjoy New Haven-style brick oven pizza and fine Italian dining. Kids can watch modern trains roar past. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone.

3. Pizza Works - Old Saybrook

Tucked right alongside the Old Saybrook Train Station, Pizza Works offers delicious traditional New Haven-style thin crust pie AND plenty of choo-choo's. If you check out train schedule beforehand, you can plan to get to the restaurant at a peak departure/arrival time. The kiddos will get a glimpse at those speedy shiny bullet trains. (Especially the Acela!) We recommend sitting upstairs, where two model train layouts–one is even right next to a table—will keep the kiddos busy while you wait for your pizza. There’s also a TV screen showing the train station. And of course, you can just look right outside of your window!

Let aircraft provide entertainment for the kids in Oxford. Photo courtesy of 121 Restaurant

4. 121 Restaurant - Oxford

Hidden in Naugatuck Valley, in the small town of Oxford, is a restaurant offering dinner with a view. And we’re not talking water views. At 121 Restaurant at OCX, you can enjoy some pretty stellar cuisine while you watch planes land and take off. Your kids will love nibbling on chiocken fingers and fries while watching planes soaring into the sky and climbing toward the clouds.

5. The Place - Guilford

This is a super-cool outdoor restaurant where families can sit on tree stumps and eat in the fresh air. Open since 1971, it has a full menu featuring freshly prepared dishes, including mussels, scallops, fish, roasted corn, chicken, and even lobster.

6. Mew Cat Cafe - New Haven

This unique, cat-themed cafe helps the foster cat population. Imagine a snuggle with a friendly feline while you enjoy one the many tasty drinks, like hot cocoa for the kids. More a cafe than a restaurant, it really is an unforgettable experience. And yes the Mew Cat Cafe sells tasty treats like cookies, breads, and cat-themed cupcakes. 

7. Libby's Italian Ice and Pastry Shop - New Haven

Still serving tasty treats after decades and decades, Libby's has the ultimate in Italian desserts, pastries, Italian ice, and ice cream. Experience real New Haven-Italian culture. You can grab an ice and take a walk on historic Wooster Street or sit in the old-fashioned chairs. 

An ice cream cone will distract kids from all the fun at these CT restaurants! Image Courtesy Frog Rock Rest Stop

Restaurants Where Kids Can Play - Fairfield Area

8. Marly's Bar & Bistro - Wilton

Continuously voted “Best Burger” and “Best Seafood” in Wilton, Marly's Bar & Bistro is a great spot to grab a burger and a beer. And for kids, Marly's offers stuff they will actually enjoy, like PB&Js and Mac n’ Cheese. And every Sunday night at 5:30 the restaurant’s side room becomes a kids movie theater. They serve popcorn, dinner, and dessert while parents relax and enjoy some food. While it’s hot. Everybody wins.

9. Captain’s Cove Marina - Bridgeport

Offering outdoor fun for the whole family, Captain’s Cove Seaport is a great spot to spend the day during the summertime. With its waterfront locale, quaint shops, and boardwalk, the cove is a widely popular summer destination for Connecticut families. Head to the boardwalk with the kiddos Wednesdays through Sundays between noon and 5pm. You can set off on a Captain Kidd’s Treasure Hunt, included with your kid’s meal. Follow the clues and uncover the treasure with your kiddos before grabbing an ice cream cone.

Kids enjoy the lawn (and lawn games) in Morris. Image courtesy of West Shore Seafood 

10. West Shore Seafood - Morris

For a completely relaxed, Cape-Cod style environment, head to West Shore Seafood near Bantam Lake in Morris. Enjoy some delicious seafood with ample outdoor seating. From classic New England Clam Chowder to homemade crab-cakes and Cajun popcorn shrimp, West Shore Seafood is a Litchfield County treasure. Plus, there's plenty of space for the kiddos to run around or try their hand at classic lawn games like corn hole. Bring a picnic blanket and stay for a while. 

11. Uncle Bucks Fish Bowl and Grill - Bridgeport

This is a place your kids will never forget. This ocean-themed restaurant will have your kiddos' eyes popping as they see the full size shark and alligator bowling ball returns. And there's a shipwreck-themed eating area. Kids will have plenty to choose from on the menu and so will parents. Afterwards you have have fun bowling as a family at one of their 12 lanes.

12. Jacob's Pickles - South Norwalk

This relaxed, American-fare restaurant will serve you ANYTHING that goes well with pickles. In other words, don't bring your kid here unless they like a pickle. And guess what? Some of them are candied! It's a petite establishment with craft cocktails. The restaurant is also very active in the community, supporting a lot of good causes.

13. Rosy Tomorrow's - Danbury

All kids have to do is LOOK UP to be entertained. They might see: a flying acrobat, a fortune telling gypsy, or even a man playing the piano on top of the bar. It's so much fun! They also have Triple Chocolate Suicide Cake on the menu, don't say I didn't warn you!

Restaurants Where Kids Can Play - Hartford Area and Eastern CT

14. Skooters - Windsor Locks

Take your kids back in time at Skooters, where the decor evokes the 1950's drive-in era. Sit at the lunch counter to order or grab a table. Maybe mom will give you the change to choose a song in the old-fashioned jukebox!

15. Frog Rock Rest Stop - Eastford 

Tucked in the quiet corner, Frog Rock Rest Stop is truly a hidden gem hiding in the woods. This rest stop on Route 44 in Eastford has attracted visitors for more than a century with its iconic rock, painted to look like a frog. But it was only until recently that folks could grab a bite to eat, listen to some tunes, and stop into the small antiques shop where you can find everything from maple syrup to an antique fire engine pedal car. It’s such a quirky little spot in the woods, you’re guaranteed to leave with a smile. And, there’s a shade-covered playground for the kiddos to play while you chow down on Frog Rock’s classic American menu.

Originally published 2019