Kid-Friendly Restaurants in LA & OC... Crowdsourced!

Erynn:  The island vibe is probably what will delight kids the most, but parents will appreciate the full burger menu and the availability of gluten-free options. On the kids' menu, there are separate choices for "Surfers" under 6 and those who are 7-12. Menu options include sliders, tiki tenders, fresh pineapple with yogurt dip, and other island-fresh selections. Endless fries, however, are possibly the biggest perk for families!

Alexandra F.:  Our youngest cannot sit still for the life of him, so that's meant we've generally avoided eating out for the last few years - it's just not worth it! Enter, Rock & Brews. Not only do we all enjoy the upscale pub-style food, but they have a large, casual outdoor space with a huge sand pit where our little guy can play to his heart's content while we enjoy our meal. We've only been to the Buena Park location, but I believe many of their locations have similar play areas, which makes it a great restaurant for families. Great music and beer selection for parents, too!

Button Mash is the perfect spot for an evening dinner out with kids in LA. They have classic arcade games and pinball for extra fun before or after your meal.

Erynn:  A pub might not be the first place parents think to take kids, but Golden Road makes sure the whole family is included. They offer artisan food for both meat-eaters and vegans (plus everyone in between) and even have games for the kids. The menu focuses on local and seasonal fare, and of course, craft beer for the grownups.

Erynn:  Craft beer might be in their tagline, but Mohawk Bend does more than grownup beverages! Their menu features an array of dishes from vegan to vegetarian to full-on barbecue meat dishes. They even separate food prep for vegan dishes! But the main highlight for families is the range of seating spaces available- there's the atrium, the main dining room, and a patio to choose from.

Erynn:  Lemon Tree lets parents pretend they're at a fancy restaurant while maintaining a seriously kid-friendly vibe. The menu caters to both children's fancies and adults' more discerning palates, but it's the ambiance (and the expansive play area) that really seals the deal. While the menu is Korean-Italian, there are sure-to-please pasta, pizza, and other dishes for both kids and parents.

Note that kids must be under 48 inches tall to play.

Cost: Admission fee is $9 per child (parents must purchase a meal)

Erynn:  If mom and dad appreciate fine dining but the kids resist, Ray's may change that. Conveniently located next to LACMA, Ray's is a surprisingly family-friendly spot. Their menu features standard kid fare, but there are also artisan options for parents (and kids with discerning palates).

Plus, if you dine outside, kids have the freedom to explore some of the surrounding art installations while parents enjoy their meals.

Erynn:  If your kids are the type who find it hard to sit still while waiting for their food, Back on the Beach makes it a bit more tolerable. You can dine outdoors right on the sand, so kids can scamper and play freely.

There's no designated play area, but being outside gives kids freedom from sitting on a chair the entire meal. Plus, the menu includes kid-friendly fare like burgers, chicken tenders, and even veggie dogs.