The Best Places in Austin to Eat with Playgrounds

Our top picks in Austin for where to eat, shop, and caffeinate with kids in tow.

Austin is the most kid friendly city I’ve ever lived in. Part of what makes Austin so awesome, is the abundance of restaurants, breweries, coffee houses and grocery stores with outdoor playgrounds. During COVID, these places have become a life saver allowing us to get out of the house while still being somewhat socially distanced. 

Disclaimer: we haven’t made it to every single spot on this list. We’re still working our way through it. We made sure to highlight our favorites and verified playgrounds exist at any we haven’t yet made it to. Remember to call ahead and verify playground is open. Some are closed due to COVID.

Brentwood Social House

This is one of our favorite spots in Austin. They have both an indoor playroom and a backyard playscape that includes a combo sandbox with pirate ship. The coffee and baked goods are delicious. The prices are reasonable. They can get packed on weekends and you  may have trouble finding a table. 

Aviator Pizza and Drafthouse (Parmer Lane Location)

Good pizza and beer with a large outdoor patio that has plenty of picnic table style seating from which to view the fully fenced-in playground. Remember to bring your reusable plates and utensils as they use single use items here. 

Kerbey Lane Cafe (Round Rock location)

Ask to sit outside for the best view of the fully fenced playground. If you join their loyalty program you can get free kids meals. 

Central Market

You can pick up groceries, eat at the cafe, drink a bottle of wine in the sunshine, all while the kids play. The playground isn’t fenced in but the seating area sits between it and the parking lot. Plenty of seating throughout the different patio spaces. 

Dahlia Cafe (2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill)

Salt Lick (3350 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock)

Whole Foods – Downtown

The playground here is upstairs from the grocery. Take the elevator one floor up to the outdoor patio where you can relax and enjoy the sun while the kids play. I liked how clean the space was and with plenty of seating I was able to get a great view of the playground. This is also a great space to meet-up with friends for coffee or lunch. This Whole Foods location has a huge food court. 

Hat Creek Locations

Every Thursday is $1 beer & $1 wine ALL DAY!

Mandola’s (12100 West Parmer Lane, Ste, 200)

Triangle Restaurant’s – Maudie’s, Mandola’s, Galaxy Cafe)

Oasthouse and Flores (8300 N. FM 620)

Oasthouse and Flores share a playground that sits between their outdoor patios. The play structure is not fully enclosed, however, it is partially gated and has a decent amount of landscaping between parking and play areas. Oasthouse has a great cocktail menu and is a bit more upmarket. This is a great spot for a nice dinner date. We also really like the kids menu. 

Santa Catarina (500 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park)

Homemade Tortillas

Lucy’s (Multiple Locations)

Homeslice (501 E. 53rd Street)

Ski Shores Cafe (2905 Pearce Rd, Austin)

We go here on lazy Sunday afternoons and ask to sit right next to the playground. In front of the playscape is a sandbox area with toys that the boys love. Another perk, you can look at fish and turtles swimming in the lake. The food is basic fried food, a bit pricey and not vegetarian friendly. We stick to beer and fried pickles since we go between meal times. This is a great spot to enjoy an afternoon with friends. Parking can be a challenge during lunch and dinner rush. 

Phil’s Ice House / Amy’s

Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden

Pueblo Viejo Food Truck. No kids after 5pm. Note that this location does NOT have a playscape. Large grassy area, pond and gardens for kids to explore.