Photo courtesy of Jimmy Changas

1. Jimmy Changas - Around Houston

Multiple locations around Houston. Find one closest to you here. 
For a fresh take on Tex-Mex, you'll want to check out Jimmy Changas. The chain is local to Houston, has a tasty margarita menu and boasts an enclosed playground for the kids (sans the sand, for all those who aren't keen on their kids leaving in need of a bath). Insider tip: while the wait can get lengthy, by downloading the nowait app you can get in line before you even get there. 

2. Crisp - Heights

2220 Bevis St.
713-360-0222
Crisp is a gastropub in the Heights with a great beer on tap, wine and comfort foods, and it also has a great outdoor space. There are games and a fountain that my kids always get a kick out of playing around.

Swinging at The Shack. Photo courtesy of Rachael Cherry

3. Betsy's - Bellaire

Betsy's is a fast casual restaurant serving breakfast tacos, sandwiches, pizzas and more in Evelyn's Park. You can have a meal or glass of wine while the kids play on the slides and run around on the green space, or just make it a quick stop for soft serve or popsicles.

4. Bellagreen - West Houston

801 Town & Country Blvd.
When it comes to healthy fare that is both delicious and made from premier local and organic ingredients, Bellagreen tops the list. Add in that the CityCentre location has a patio that opens up to the famed green space for kids, and you've hit the jackpot for family dining.

5. Texas Borders Bar & Grill 1093 - Richmond

26440 FM 1093 Road 400
281-394-2100
With a blend of American fare and Tex-Mex favorites, an outdoor enclosed playground for the kiddos, daily specials and live music on the weekends, Texas Borders Bar & Grill 1093 is a preferred dining choice for Richmond and Katy locals. As if that weren't incentive enough, Kids Night! starts at 5PM and kids' meals cost only $1.99 with the purchase of an adult entree. 

Photo courtesy of No Label Brewing Co.

6. No Label Brewing Company - Katy

5351 1st Street, Katy
Craft beer on tap, both indoor and outdoor picnic areas, a playground for the kids, an ever-changing selection of food trucks and a laid-back vibe that can't be beat - what more could you ask for when it comes to kicking back with friends and family on the weekends? Known for its unique location in an old rice silo, this brewery in Old Katy is a favorite destination for kids and adults alike. Love spending time at breweries? Check out our guide to the best family-friendly breweries Houston has to offer.

7. Little Matt's - West University Place

6203 Edloe St.
713-592-6200
You'll find more than good food and a kid-friendly atmosphere at Little Matt's. There's an entire wall devoted to encouragement and support of children and families struggling with cancer. You can leave a wish and donate to charities Little Matt's supports.

8. Live Oak Grill - Sugar Land

12935 Dairy Ashford
281-491-5253
There's not just one patio at Live Oak Grill, but two, allowing plenty of space for families to dine outside. The patio area is covered with fans (can I get an AMEN! for that one, especially for summer dining) and there's play equipment for the kids to stay occupied and entertained. You'll find a little bit of everything on the menu here, so dining out is easy for even the pickiest of eaters. 

Photo courtesy of Karbach Brewing Co.

9. Karbach Brewing Co. - Spring Branch

2032 Karbach Street
This brewery doesn't just boast amazing craft beer, but also has its own restaurant on site that's touted as having dynamic, world-class cuisine that pairs perfectly with the beer selection on tap. Combine this with a patio that allows space for the kids to be, well, kids and you have a weekend destination that can't be beat. 

Related: 11 Kid-Friendly Texas Hill Country Wineries To Visit

10. Christians Tailgate - West University

Christians Tailgate offers tasty bar food and cocktails at five locations across Houston, but the one in West University has a small arcade and a playground. That makes their happy hour specials more fun for everyone.

11. Red River BBQ & Grill - League City, Katy

1911 East Main St. 
281-332-8086 or 281-578-3800
You'll find delicious barbeque items on the menu at Red River BBQ & Grill in League City and Katy, but you'll also find a huge outdoor space and a sandbox filled with kids toys to play with at the Katy location. Kids will love spending time playing with the sand while you enjoy eating your fill of barbeque and listening to live music on the patio. 

 
Photo courtesy of the Hubcap Grill

12. Hubcap Grill - Heights

1133 W 19th St.
713- 862-0555 
If you're looking to grab a great burger while your kids sprawl out on a massive patio, Hubcap Grill's Heights location is the place you want to be. While they have multiple other locations around Houston, the outdoor dining area in the Heights is totally laid back and allows kids to be noisy.

13. Jenni's Noodle House - Heights

602 East 20th St.
713-666-3537
Kids can play inside of a giant concrete tube structure and draw on it with sidewalk chalk, as well as run around a green space right outside of Jenni's Noodle House in the Heights while you dine on tasty Vietnamese food. 

 
Photo courtesy of MOD Pizza

14. MOD Pizza - Pearland

2682 Pearland Pkwy, Suite 120
281-810-5998
Although there are multiple locations throughout Houston, MOD Pizza's Pearland spot has a playground where kids can play until they're nice and worn out after they eat their fill of delicious pizza. 

This post originally published in June 2017.