Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Lansing

Looking for the best places to eat with kids in Lansing? Whether you're after a quick bite or a sit-down meal the whole family will love, we've rounded up top kid-friendly restaurants that serve up delicious food for all ages. From melty grilled cheese and hand-tossed pizzas to hidden gems with fun atmospheres, these spots cater to even the pickiest eaters.

So, round up the kids, invite the grandparents, and enjoy a stress-free family dining experience in Lansing!

Great for Breakfast & Brunch

Fleetwood Diner

Step into nostalgia at one of the Midwest's hippest little diners! Fleetwood Diner is a bustling hotspot that offers a menu catering to both kids and adults. Little ones can enjoy classic favorites like hot dogs, chicken strips, and pancakes, while adults can savor the local favorite, Hippie Hash, and traditional diner fare. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a hand-dipped milkshake or malt for the perfect retro dining experience.

🥞 Full menu – Fleetwood Diner

Groovy Donuts

Groovy Donuts is a colorful, retro-style donut shop that’s perfect for families craving a sweet treat. With locations in East Lansing and Williamston, this fun spot serves up classic favorites like cinnamon twists and apple fritters, plus fun, rotating flavors like Fruity Pebbles donuts. Whether your little one is after a sprinkle-covered delight or a gluten-free or vegan option, Groovy Donuts has something for everyone.

🍩 Order ahead – Groovy Donuts

Unique Experiences

Bobcat Bonnie’s

Does your little one love trains? Want to enjoy a fun, vibrant place to eat? Bobcat Bonnie’s has it all! This lively spot features a fantastic kids' menu with delicious options that even the pickiest eaters will love. From mini burgers to mac and cheese, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you can dine inside a train car for a unique experience. They also offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, along with delicious brunch on weekends.

🚂 Kids menu – Bobcat Bonnie’s

Crunchy's

This cozy, casual hangout is a favorite of the MSU crowd and offers more than just your average eats. Crunchy’s features a space-themed kids' menu and an arcade area with pinball machines to keep the little ones entertained. Meanwhile, parents can unwind and enjoy a craft beer selection.

🕹️ Full menu – Crunchy’s

MSU Dairy Store

Need a sweet treat to finish up your family meal? Head to the MSU Dairy Store on the campus of Michigan State University for delicious, fresh ice cream. With 13 weekly rotating flavors available in cups and cones, there’s always something new to try. Watch them make the ice cream or cheese from the observation deck for a fun experience.

🍦 Ice Cream Menu – MSU Dairy Store

Rocko’s Bar & Grill

Located inside Zap Zone XL, Rocko’s Bar & Grill offers a kid-friendly menu with all the favorites like burgers, chicken fingers, and quesadillas. Enjoy your meal, then dive into over 120,000 square feet of excitement with go-karting, laser tag, trampolines, bowling, and more—all under one roof!

👾 Full menu – Rocko’s Bar & Grill

Casual & Family-Friendly Spots

HopCat East Lansing

When your hungry “HopKittens” need food, head to HopCat in East Lansing. Kids can choose from a Junior Cheeseburger on Texas toast, mac & cheese made with cheesy shell noodles, cheese quesadillas, or house-made crispy chicken tenders. Pair with a side of Cosmik Fries, apple slices, or celery and carrot sticks. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available.

🐱 Kids menu – HopCat East Lansing

Lansing Brewing Company

Lansing Brewing Company is perfect for families, with an outdoor patio and a big grassy area with games like cornhole. The kids’ menu offers all-time favorites like chicken tenders and mac & cheese, plus cereal options for picky eaters.

🍽️ Full menu – Lansing Brewing Company

Midtown Brewing Company

Located in downtown Lansing’s Washington Square, Midtown Brewing offers mouthwatering pub food and a great kids' menu. Little ones will love the sliders, which are the perfect size for small hands to hold.

🍔 Full menu – Midtown Brewing Company

Noodles & Company

Most kids love noodles, and Noodles & Company is the perfect spot to satisfy those cravings. With locations in downtown East Lansing and Okemos, kids can choose from ooey-gooey Wisconsin mac and cheese, buttered noodles, spaghetti and meatballs, or tortellini marinara. Each meal comes with sides like broccoli or applesauce—simple, tasty, and just right for little appetites.

🍜 Kids menu – Noodles & Company

Old Nation Brewing Company

Old Nation Brewing is a local favorite, known for their famous M-43, a delicious New England IPA. They also offer a full kids’ menu packed with all the classics—grilled cheese, chicken tenders, burgers, mac & cheese, and pizza. Plus, there are fun surprises like popcorn shrimp and cereal! Finish it off with a refreshing root beer float or a kids' ice cream sundae topped with chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and whipped cream.

🥣 Kids menu – Old Nation Brewing Company

Pizza House

Located near Michigan State University, Pizza House specializes in both Chicago-style and traditional pizza. It’s perfect for large groups or birthday celebrations. The kids’ menu includes BBQ ribs, spaghetti and meatballs, macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, and of course, cheese pizza. Pair it with a small shake, malt, or a hot fudge sundae for the perfect meal ending.

🍕 Kids menu – Pizza House

Photography: Adrienne Cooley (header image at Midtown Brewing Company), and our wonderful Members and #lovelansing community—a special thanks for their awesome imagery and social media posts.