Tasty and Kid-Approved: Exploring Family-Friendly Restaurants in Indy

On a quest to find the perfect family-friendly spots in the greater Indianapolis area

It’s the age-old parent conundrum: you want to take your family out for a bite to eat, but two of your kids are more particular than Gordon Ramsay on Hell’s Kitchen, and one only eats dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets. So, what do you do?

Finding an eatery that the whole family agrees on is a tall order. You’ve got to strike a balance between a laid-back atmosphere, tasty food, and a spot that’s easy on the wallet. Fortunately, Indianapolis has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to options for your picky, pint-sized pals. 

Lincoln Square Pancake House: Breakfast done right

This diner started in 1989 in Kokomo, founded by Greek-American, George Katris. They’ve been busy ever since. With 14 locations, they’ve become a household name for Hoosiers in Central Indiana. As the name implies, they serve breakfast all day, which appeals to young and old alike.

Lincoln Square is your quotidian American diner. The food is served fast, and in generous portions, at a fair price. From breakfast nachos to sizzling skillets to Nutella crepes, Lincoln Square has a dish for everybody. 

Even still, they manage to surprise and delight with some more unorthodox dishes. Their baklava, for example, is a delectable crowd-pleaser.

Baby’s: A retro-chic diner that leaves you both satisfied and nostalgic

Babys’ describes their aesthetic as a “little wink to the past.” Upon walking into the charming little eatery in the Herron Morton neighborhood, you’ll know just what they mean. The retro-chic decor, neon lights, and delicious shakes harken back to the days of jukeboxes, sock hops, and classic cars. 

The menu gives a nod to these cultural icons but with a modern twist. One of their most impressive dishes is the Strut Burger, which features double-stacked smash patties with smoked gouda, pickles, bacon, mango chutney, and “dazzle sauce,” (citrus chili aioli.) 

Children will enjoy the colorful, laid-back ambiance, the kid-friendly menu, and the outdoor patio. Baby’s even thought to include a play structure to keep the little ones occupied while they prep your meal.

In keeping with the retro vibes, smash burgers are the crown jewel of this menu. And for the adults, Baby’s sports a wealth of wine, beer, and cocktail options. Or, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, they even offer boozed-up milkshakes.

C.R. Heroes Family Pub: A super choice for a fun dinner

The name might sound contradictory, but C.R. Heroes in Fishers pulls it off swimmingly. While the bar is open for the grown-ups, kids aren’t left out. The pub features adorable mocktails such as “ogre punch,” “just ducky,” and “bee sting.” They’re each adorned with a little toy: an eyeball bouncy ball, a rubber ducky, and a small bee, respectively. Gummy worms or Swedish fish are included with each of the drinks.

As the name implies, the restaurant is furnished with heroes of every variety. Of course, the mainstays such as Batman and Spiderman can be found. However, real-life heroes such as Albert Einstein, the Founding Fathers, and the Beatles are also lining the walls.

The menu is made up of mostly traditional, American fare. The bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a stand-out, as is the queso chicken and peppers. Kids can choose between a large swath of options, including pizza pretzels, chicken tenders, and mini corn dogs. 

Overall, the eclectic hero-themed memorabilia combined with the mocktails and plentiful selections make C.R. Heroes a no-brainer for your next family night out.