When it comes to dining out with kids, it can be a challenge. Since we know you have your hands full (figuratively and literally), we’ve scoured the city for the most entertaining restaurants for kids in Seattle. Think bowling, conveyor belts, ice rinks, flaming onions and putt–putt golf. Don’t worry about packing your diaper bags full of toys, these fun places to eat will satisfy your little foodie while keeping the wiggles (and hopefully tantrums) at bay. Read on for Seattle restaurants that are sure to enthrall, engage and delight, while also serving up a great meal.
Vault 177 & Spin Alley Bowling
Vault 177 is tucked away in the heart of Richmond Beach, a scenic little neighborhood. The restaurant opened in 2020 and boasts a food and craft beverage menu that will delight all ages. The waffle fries alone are a reason to check this spot out. They offer chicken fingers, hamburgers, pizza and more for kiddos. For adults, they offer a wide selection of 32 beers on tap. As for entertainment, the restaurant is adjacent to a large bowling alley, Spin Alley Bowling. Families can dine at Vault 177 or order food to enjoy at the lanes. They also have video games, darts, pool tables and lots of vending machines for your tiny trinket collectors. The best time to stop by is on Saturdays, from 3-5 p.m. for cosmic bowling. The lights are turned down, the music is turned up and the disco ball comes out. Looking for an after dinner excursion? Richmond Beach is only about a mile down the road. If you want to see beautiful water views and spend some time at the beach, you've come to the right quaint neighborhood.
Insider tips: Pack some quarters for this outing. We doubt you’ll make it out of there without a sticker or small plastic figurine, especially if you’re going with toddlers. They offer bowling aids for little ones, and they have tiny bowling shoes for tiny feet.
1430 N.W. Richmond Beach Rd.
Shoreline, WA
206–546–5000
Online: vaultmenu.com
Hours: Mon.–Thurs., 4–10 p.m.; Fri., 4–11 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., noon–10 p.m.
Crab Pot Seattle
Located in Miner’s Landing on Pier 57, you'll find the Crab Pot, a casual restaurant that specializes in seafood. Be prepared to adorn a bib, grab a mallet and have fun breaking open seafood dumped directly on the table. It’s a great way to get a little messy and enjoy a meal as a family (one you don’t have to worry about cleaning up). The restaurant features waterfront views and an outdoor patio that' hard to beat when the weather is nice. After dinner, be sure to check out all the arcade games and adventures Miner’s Landing has to offer. Ride the carousel, grab ice cream to–go or buy a ticket to ride the Great Wheel and enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, Elliot Bay and downtown Seattle.
Good to know: The Seattle Aquarium is a short walk away. You can make a day out of your next touristy trip to the waterfront and stop by to say hi to the seals and otters.
Insider tip: Parking can be a bit of challenge downtown. Our tip is to park in the covered parking garage by Pike Place and walk over. There is a lot of construction on Alaskan Way, so give yourself some grace navigating the noise and flaggers, and aim for a weekday if you want to beat the crowds.
Pier 57
1301 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA
Online: thecrabpotseattle.com
Hours: Sun.–Thurs., 11:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Tokyo Japanese Steak House
Dinner and a show are exactly what you’ll get when you go to Tokyo Japanese Steak House in Woodinville. Take a break from doing the cooking, and let their chefs take over. In fact, all prep and cooking are done right in front of you. They entertain with spinning utensils, flaming onions and lots of jokes. The best part is your kiddo will be so entertained there’s no need to pack the iPads to keep them from melting down in the middle of a meal. At Tokyo Japanese Steak House their goal is to leave guests wowed and full, so sit back and enjoy the show—just don’t get too close to the flames! Kids menu items are available for those 10 and under and come with soup, salad, vegetables and steamed rice. Choose from a wide array of meats–chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon, scallop or filet mignon.
Insider tip: If it’s your birthday, be sure to mention it’s your special day—they’ll help you celebrate. We hear there is cheesecake involved.
13317 N.E. 175th St., Suite L
Woodinville, WA
Online: wtjsh.com
Lunch hours: Mon.–Fri., 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. & 4:30–9 p.m.; Dinner hours: Sun.–Thurs., 4:30–9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 4:30–10 p.m.
Mox Boarding House
Grab a game. Grab a bite. Stay for a good time. Mox Boarding House is a unique store that brings two of our favorite things together–board games and delicious food. The restaurant shop combo is a great place to dine and entertain kids of all ages. The grilled cheese is a shop favorite that will surely bring a smile to your cheese–loving tot’s face. The venue also hosts fun events for kiddos wanting to learn new games or hone their skills. And with two locations in the greater Seattle area—one in the heart of Ballard, the other in Bellevue—you've got options. Each location offers something special for kids and parents alike, but both have games galore. Tabletop games are free to use while dining in. Simply choose from their expansive library selection.
Insider tip: The Bellevue location has a hidden speakeasy. Check it out on your next date night.
Good to know: Kiddos can learn to play Magic: The Gathering at the Bellevue location every second Saturday of the month, starting at 2 p.m. or stop in to play Pokemon every Sunday. During the month of January, all Gamewright games are 10% off.
13310 Bel-Red Rd.
Bellevue, WA
425-326-3050
Online: moxboardinghouse.com
Hours: Mon.–Fri., 11 a.m.–midnight; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.–midnight
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Get out your chopsticks! Did somebody say conveyor belt sushi? This innovative and interactive Japanese restaurant, located in Wilburton Village in Bellevue, will have your little ones enthralled the moment they take a seat. There is so much to take in from the moment you step inside. They have a revolving bar of sushi that brings endless options of fresh rolls to your fingertips. The touch pad at your booth is where you can order sushi, hot plates, nigiri, dessert and more, if you don’t feel like waiting. It’s ready in minutes and rockets to you on a belt, just above the revolving bar. Trust us when we say it’s addicting. Kiddos will enjoy the endless entertainment, and you can feel good about the rolls your tiny sushi lovers pluck from the belt. They promise their food is prepared using fresh, high–quality ingredients free of artificial sweeteners, seasonings, preservatives and colorings.The prices are great too—$3.25 per plate. They have ample parking in the parking garage, which makes getting in and out a breeze. We know how hard it can be to shuttle those strollers. You can leave them at home!
Insider tip: They have an app you can download to earn rewards and join the waitlist ahead of time. The app sends you texts and keeps you updated about your place in line. It’s a pretty popular place to eat, so checking in ahead isn’t a bad idea.
Good to know: You can win prizes if you discard a certain number of plates, so if your kiddos are competitive, be prepared to stuff those tummies. Kura's mascot, Muten–Maru, appears on the screen at your table and leads kids on an adventure. If you empty enough plates, you get a prize.
266 116th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA
Online: kurasushi.com
Hours: Sun.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Flatstick Pub South Lake Union
Let's just say this pub is up to par. Your little golfers will have a great time on the 9–hole mini golf course where they'll find elevation changes, brightly colored cartoons and tons of obstacles. Be sure to keep an eye out for Sasquatch. We hear the 12–foot–tall giant tours near the backend of the course. Did we mention kids 11 and under play for free? Because they do. When you're done on the putt putt course, try other fun games like board games, Jenga and Duffleboard. After you've gamed, swing by the dining area and enjoy pub fare, including scrumptious chicken fingers and fries. Just make sure to hit up this hot spot before 7 p.m., when it turns 21 and over. And you can make your visit easy by booking a tee time in advance on the website.
Insider tip: Take advantage of the pizza happy hour, weekdays between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. All pizzas are just $10.
Good to know: We love that Flatstick supports local breweries and selects a charity to support every month. You can feel good and shopping and playing here!
609 Westlake Ave. N.
Seattle, WA
Online: flatstickpub.com
Hours: Sun.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-1 a.m. (21 & up after 7 p.m.)
32 Bar and Grill
Located in the heart of the Kraken’s lair is a brand–new restaurant with one of the best views in town. The expansive 5,000-square-foot pub and grill overlooks the Starbucks Rink and Smartsheet Rink. Stop in for a hot meal after skating, or enjoy some poutine while you watch skaters glide and twirl on the ice below. You might even catch a glimpse of your favorite Kraken player. The pub fare is delicious, with all the cheesy, melty options your little one may crave. The mac and cheese is really yummy, and the portion size is enough to fill a very hungry tummy.
For little ones, you can also check out Tot Play Hour on Fridays, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This cool option for the littlest ice adventurers just started on January 7. Families can rent skates for your tiny skater ($5), or feel free to wear sneakers instead. They provide balls, piles of snow for your little ones to trudge around in and Bobby the Seal skate aids to help aspiring skaters have a good time with fewer falls. Tot Play Hour is designed for parents and kiddos ages 6 and under. Registration is required and easy—simply sign up on DASH through their website.
Cost: $12/Adult; Free, kids 6 & under
Insider tip: The facility is cashless, so be sure to bring a credit card.
Good to know: Public skate sessions are offered over lunch hours, weekends and evenings, and all ages and abilities are welcome.
10601 5th Ave N.E.
Seattle, WA
Online: krakencommunityiceplex.com
Hours: Mon., 4 p.m.–midnight; Tue.–Sun., 11 a.m.–midnight
—Kathryn Mueller
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