Family-Friendly Restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth
If you’re taking your family to a restaurant in Dallas-Fort Worth, McKinney is the hot spot, according to a Yelp list. Among the 100 most family-friendly restaurants in the United States, The Yard in McKinney nabbed the No. 8 spot. It’s an impressive showing for the backyard bar in one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s most quaint suburban areas, downtown McKinney.
The Dallas Morning News also named The Yard one of the best patios in Dallas-Fort Worth. Just three restaurants in North Texas made Yelp’s list of 100, and all were in Collin County.
Top Family-Friendly Restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth
Family-friendly restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth named were:
- The Yard in McKinney — No. 8
- The Stix Icehouse in McKinney — No. 21
- Hutchins BBQ in Frisco — No. 32
Why These Restaurants Made the List
Tip for parents: Barbecue is a great option for kids. The restaurants tend to be casual, and kids can eat with their hands. Pictured: Hutchins BBQ in Frisco.(Elías Valverde II / Staff Photographer)
Hutchins BBQ has had a big week in the news. In a News story with Reba McEntire, she cited “amazing” food at Hutchins after the ACM Awards last year. (The award show returns May 8, 2025, in Frisco, and McEntire will be the host.)
Also, Dallas Cowboys first-round draft pick Tyler Booker made a recent stop at Hutchins in McKinney for barbecue. It wasn’t Booker’s first time at Hutchins, he told reporters.
Other Family-Friendly Options in Texas
For anyone up for a road trip with kids, Yelp’s No. 1 family-friendly restaurant is Little Matt’s in Houston. It has an arcade and tablets with games for kids on them. Parents get a free margarita, beer or glass of wine with the price of each entree.
Hang on, free drinks for tired parents!? No wonder it’s No. 1.
The Yard in McKinney has outdoor picnic tables and special areas for kids.(J.Shertzer)
As for The Yard at No. 8, Yelp reports that its reviewers said “it’s a great place to have old-fashioned fun in the sun.”
Yelp reviewers also praised The Yard for its “legit” kids’ mac and cheese.
No. 32, The Stix in McKinney, is another great indoor-outdoor space with a whopping 14 acres of running space for kids.
Yelp’s Methodology
Yelp released its family-friendly list in spring 2025, just in time for Mother’s Day. The list was created from restaurants that had a “large concentration” of the phrase “family-friendly,” according to Yelp methodology.
Other Texas spots that made Yelp’s list are The Cove in San Antonio (No. 10), Dahlia Cafe in Liberty Hill, northwest of Austin (No. 26), Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Grill in Cedar Park, near Austin (No. 37) and Pinthouse Pizza in Austin (No. 40).
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a family-friendly restaurant in Dallas-Fort Worth, McKinney is a great place to start. With three restaurants making Yelp’s list of 100, including The Yard at No. 8, you are sure to find a great spot to take your family. And if you are willing to take a road trip, Little Matt’s in Houston is a great option, with its arcade and free drinks for parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the No. 1 family-friendly restaurant in the US according to Yelp?
A: The No. 1 family-friendly restaurant in the US according to Yelp is Little Matt’s in Houston.
Q: What makes The Yard in McKinney a great family-friendly restaurant?
A: The Yard in McKinney has outdoor picnic tables and special areas for kids, and Yelp reviewers praised its “legit” kids’ mac and cheese.
Q: How did Yelp create its list of family-friendly restaurants?
A: Yelp created its list of family-friendly restaurants by looking for restaurants that had a “large concentration” of the phrase “family-friendly” in their reviews.
