13 Unique Family Restaurants in Grand Rapids

Interesting Kid Friendly Restaurants in Grand Rapids

West Michigan’s restaurant scene has been growing and so much that there are family dining options for every personality. We’ve got our free & cheap spots, our favorite spots, the summer time outside eats spots, but what about the unique places to get a bite out?

17 Family Restaurants in GR That are a Little Zany

There are lots of kid friendly restaurants around West Michigan. But we wanted to find places that capture the imagination and add a little interest to dinnertime. Here are 17 spots that our kids love.

1 – Hancock

1157 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506

Don’t let Hancock’s hot chicken fame keep you from bringing the kids – they’ve got “regular” chicken, too!

If you need some southern comfort food, this is the place to go. Fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, baked beans, pimento macaroni and cheese–and the mouthwatering list goes on and on.

Their great outdoor space with lots of yard games is perfect for keeping kids entertained.

2 – The Score

5301 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Summertime at The Score means you can enjoy a pizza while watching a sand volleyball game.

Let your kids play in the sand while you wait for your food…just be prepared to take them for a hand wash before you settle in to eat.

The pizza here is quite good quality, and the closeness to water helps keep the temperature down to reasonable on hot days.

3 – Fuji Yama Japanese Steakhouse

1501 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Have you been to Fuji Yama? It’s a show!

As you sit around the grill the chef mesmerizes you with his cooking skills and flames.

We took our eldest when he was just 3.

It may have been a bit of a mistake…the flames freaked him out.  

It might be time to take him again, though, now that he’s older. It’s a pretty awesome show.

4 – Chapbook Cafe

Schuler Books, 2660 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Eat lunch at Chapbook Cafe, read some books, buy some books at Schuler Books.

The quiche here is amazing.

The sandwiches are really quite good as well as coffee and desserts.

The children’s department here is pretty fun and very well stocked.

5 – Bagger Dave’s

2817 Kraft Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

While not completely unconventional, kids are mesmerized by the trains that run overhead at Bagger Dave’s. They even get train stickers.

Check out the the specialty sodas, which you can get in ‘flights.’ They come four at a time with an upgrade to a full size glass of any soda you choose.

I tried the green apple soda once (seasonal flavor) and it tasted like sour apple lollipops.

6 – Yesterdog

1505 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Gourmet hot dogs? Yes, please!

Coupled with their cool vintage decor and simple 6-option menu, Yesterdog is a Grand Rapids icon.

It’s the place for kids and their parents who are still kids at heart.

7 – Boatwerks

216 Van Raalte Ave., Holland, MI 49423

Located on Lake Macatawa, if you dine at Boatwerks in the summer, you can watch boats arrive as you eat.

Boats can park at the dock just as easily as cars can park in the parking lot.

Because of this there’s a lot of boat activity to keep you and your littles entertained!

8 – Craig’s Cruisers

5730 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
651 Chicago Dr, Holland, MI 49423
1551 E Pontaluna Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49456

You may not think of Craig’s Cruisers for dining, but their pizza and salad buffet is pretty good!

While you’re there you can enjoy some arcades, mini golf, go carts, and laser tag. Multiple locations throughout West Michigan!

9 – The Ice Cream Caboose

Near Boulder Ridge Animal Park, Ice Cream Caboose is a great little ice cream shop.

Open during the summer hours, this little shop is in a train car!

10 – Sandy Point Beach House

7175 Lakeshore Drive, West Olive, MI 49460

Sandy Point Beach House has a great outdoor patio and areas to play bocce ball in the sand!

Special bocce ball sets are provided for families with supervised kids.