As any parent of kiddos will tell you, the value of a truly great kid-friendly restaurant is immeasurable. Fortunately, for Iowa residents and tourists, Des Moines is home to a lot of them. Here are some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Des Moines to visit the next time you’re in the city.
The Hall
The name says it all—The Hall is a modern space in a refurbished railcar building which serves up over 50 beers and wines on tap for parents, plus board games and a large variety of dining options (ranging from German fare to cheese curds to pizza). If you’re looking for a restaurant that has fun for the whole family, look no further than The Hall. For more information, visit www.thehalldsm.com.
Smash Park
Smash Park is known around Des Moines for many things: American pub grub, an expansive bar, the go-to headquarters for a wild night out with friends (complete with indoor and outdoor games) and the unofficial headquarters of pickle ball tournaments in Des Moines. A second outpost of this kid-friendly restaurant in Des Moines opened in 2022 in Pella. For more information, visit www.smashpark.com.
Spaghetti Works
It’s universally understood—kiddos love spaghetti and, unsurprisingly, Spaghetti Works boasts a lot of it. The restaurant serves up traditional kid’s menu fare, plus large spaghetti and meatball dishes that are rumored to be some of the state’s very best. Plus, kids will get a kick out of the fire truck salad bar! Every Monday at the kid-friendly restaurant in Des Moines is “Kids Eat Free” night, where with a purchase of an adult entree, a kid’s meal will be free of charge. For more information, visit www.spagworks.com.
Zombie Burger and Drink Lab
Zombie Burger is one of the city’s most special spots. And with zombie-themed elements, unforgettable burgers and the most decadent milkshakes, it’s pretty easy to understand why. Stop by this kid-friendly restaurant in Des Moines for a spooky, zombie-centric meal complete with a surprisingly affordable kid’s menu. For more information, visit www.zombieburgerdm.com.
Jethro’s
Jethro’s is a hotspot for hungry people of all ages—but the kids will definitely enjoy visiting this restaurant, which has several locales in Iowa. Beyond having a handful of classic kid’s menu offerings (like scratch-made mac and cheese and BBQ chicken sandwiches), the restaurant also has a super fun and casual ambience. Plus, it’s Man vs. Food-approved. For more information, visit www.jethrosdesmoines.com.