Go somewhere magical. This spot may be more for the kids than the grown-ups, but everyone will have a great time. Server work in costume and tables are magical experiences like a carousel or a teapot. Order a Roman Orgy (er, work out how to explain that name to the kids first) for four and get brisket, chicken, fruits, vegetables, and the works served family style. 

Want to introduce your kids to Asian cuisine? Start with something familiar: fried chicken. Bonchon, with locations in Addison, The Colony, Frisco, Fort Worth, and Arlington is a great place to start. It’s the crispy, savory chicken kids love and sauces and sides that will expand their palettes in a family-friendly fast casual dining environment.

It’s time for baby’s first soup dumplings, and they might as well be some of the best dumplings in DFW. This classic Dallas spot, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has always been accessible and family friendly. From the dumplings to jian bing (a folded crepe that is popular Beijing street food), there are fun dishes to introduce the kids to in a restaurant loaded with traditional Eastern decor and cooking methods.

When Goldie’s opened, the idea behind it was to have a nice neighborhood restaurant in Lake Highlands that is good for date night but also welcoming to families — even with kids. If getting your kids used to fine(ish) dining is on the agenda, Goldie’s has kid-approved items including burgers and fries. It’s also a good place to start expanding their palate.

Some restaurants aren’t really relaxed enough for kids. Celebration is not one of those places. Enjoy Southern favorites — the chicken fried steak smothered in gravy is notable — in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Think hot chicken and kids don’t go together? Well, that’s probably right. Happily, Palmer’s offers naked spice, which is no spice, so the kids can just enjoy their chicken while the adults go as hot as they can stand. This location has a nice little play area out front for the kids that’s easy to keep watch on through the big glass windows. And there’s a whole family-style menu.

This new spot on Greenville Ave. wasn’t designed for kids, but it’s a neighborhood restaurant and, of course, kids are welcome. They’re sure to enjoy the focaccia, burger, mac and cheese, and even the steaks and pastas. Just keep ‘em out of the Goose Bar around back.

Pie Tap has a fun, bustling atmosphere (so loud kids aren’t going to be a problem), a patio with some outdoor seating, pizza (the most important kiddie thing), and they give dough to kids to play with while they wait for the meal — so if there’s a future pizzaiolo in your family, this might be their new favorite place. There are also tons of chicken dishes, salads, and pasta options that kids will enjoy.

Take the kids back to the ‘50s in this retro diner with four locations around DFW. On the menu, order from kid-approved favorites, including peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders. Adults can partake of the blue plate specials, such as meatloaf and chicken fried chicken, or Norma’s favorites, which include pot roast and Southern-fried catfish.

This place was developed to be family-friendly, from the bare bones interiors to the large outdoor patio seating. While most of the pizzas have bespoke meats on them, there is a pepperoni option for picky eaters and a kids menu with a simple cheese pizza, pepperoni, or chicken strips and fries for the super picky eater. The chaperones can help themselves to a beer or wine while they hang out and enjoy a fine pizza pie.