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Des Moines, IA · Guide

Kid-friendly restaurants in Des Moines

Last updated November 1, 2026 · 12 places

Finding a spot to eat in Des Moines that accommodates your family dynamic is essential for a successful outing. Whether you are navigating the bustle of Downtown, searching for a laid-back meal on the Ingersoll Avenue corridor, or heading toward West Des Moines, the city offers a variety of environments suited for younger diners. This guide focuses on local favorites that balance quality food with the practical realities of eating out with children.

Our recommendations are tailored for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. We prioritize places that offer consistent service and comfortable spaces, helping you spend less time managing logistics and more time enjoying your meal. These selections reflect typical local experiences to help you plan your next family outing with confidence.

Good to know this fall

School nights mean the 5–6:30pm window is the sweet spot — most family-friendly spots are quiet then and packed by 7. Fall weekends bring festival crowds downtown, so call ahead for parties of five or more, and ask about seasonal kids' portions — many kitchens run smaller fall menus.

Want picks tuned to your kids' ages, dietary needs, and interests — not just a static list?

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  1. 01

    Fresko

    4.6 (942)909 Locust St Ste. 103, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
    Kids' menu likelyHigh chairsCalmBest for school-age

    An upscale American restaurant located downtown, offering dishes like short rib and fresh salmon. It accommodates families with a range of menu options.

    When to go: reserve in advance

    Parent tip · This is an upscale environment, making it a good choice for a family dinner where you want a quieter, more formal experience.
  2. 02

    Either/Or

    4.5 (903)6222 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
    Kids' menu likelyHigh chairsLivelyBest for school-age

    Located on Grand Avenue, this restaurant offers a large outdoor patio and a designated playground area for children. It serves a variety of American fare in a fresh, open environment.

    Parent tip · Sit on the patio so children can play in the nearby playground area after they finish eating.
  3. 03

    Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

    4.2 (1,269)665 Grand Ave Ste 100, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
    Kids' menu likelyHigh chairsLivelyAll ages

    This Downtown spot serves Southern-style comfort food, including fried chicken and biscuits. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming for family dinners.

    Parent tip · Ask for the honey-dusted chicken or biscuits if you have picky eaters who enjoy classic comfort flavors.
  4. 04

    Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

    4.2 (273)6079 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA
    Kids' menuLivelyAll ages

    A fast-casual chicken finger chain. The interior features a mix of high-top tables and standard seating, with quick service times.

    Parent tip · The portions are compact, which can be an appropriate size for younger children.
  5. 05

    Smokey D's BBQ

    4.6 (6,406)5055 NW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A casual barbecue counter featuring ribs, brisket, and turkey with spacious seating and wide aisles. The atmosphere is relaxed and accommodates groups easily.

  6. 06

    Lachele's Fine Foods

    4.8 (1,359)2716 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    An Ingersoll Avenue burger shop with an old-school aesthetic, featuring counter seating and an open kitchen. It is known for smash burgers, tots, and shakes.

    Parent tip · If the shop is full, you can order to-go and eat at the neighboring Alpine area.
  7. 07

    HomeGrown Des Moines - Crescent

    4.7 (1,147)555 17th St Ste 102, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
    Kids' menu likelyHigh chairsLivelyAll ages

    Located in the Crescent building, this breakfast and lunch spot features an airy, bright interior and outdoor seating. The menu includes diverse options like chilaquiles and house-made pop-tarts.

    When to go: get on the waitlist

    Parent tip · The house-made pop-tarts are a reliable favorite for younger children.
  8. 08

    Buzzard Billy’s

    4.5 (5,301)615 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
    Kids' menu likelyHigh chairsLivelyAll ages

    A Downtown restaurant specializing in Creole and Cajun dishes with an extensive gluten-free menu. It offers plenty of booth and table seating.

    Parent tip · Ask for the extensive gluten-free menu if your child has specific dietary restrictions.
  9. 09

    Fong's Pizza

    4.5 (4,334)317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
    Kids' menu likelyHigh chairsLivelyAll ages

    Known for creative pizzas like Crab Rangoon, this East Court Avenue spot offers a unique, casual atmosphere. It maintains its own parking lot nearby.

    Parent tip · The Crab Rangoon pizza is a local specialty, but check if it is available by the slice if you are only looking for a small serving.
  10. 10

    Bubba

    4.5 (2,915)200 10th St Ste 606, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
    Kids' menu likelyHigh chairsLivelyBest for school-age

    A Downtown spot serving elevated Southern comfort food. The interior is polished and the menu features items like fried green tomatoes and biscuits.

    When to go: reserve in advance

    Parent tip · Request a reservation to ensure you are seated promptly, as the dining room can get quite crowded.
  11. 11

    Eatery A

    4.5 (2,317)2932 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
    Kids' menu likelyHigh chairsLivelyBest for school-age

    An Ingersoll Avenue mediterranean restaurant with a chic, low-light atmosphere. It is known for pizzas and various small plates.

    Parent tip · Happy hour can be busy; if you have children with specific allergy requirements, verify the ingredients with the server clearly.
  12. 12

    El Fogón

    4.4 (1,500)1250 8th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
    Kids' menu likelyHigh chairsCalmAll ages

    A Mexican restaurant in West Des Moines featuring high-backed booths that provide a sense of privacy. The menu includes traditional tacos and birria.

    Parent tip · Visit between lunch and dinner hours if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience for the family.

Common questions

How were these kid-friendly restaurants in Des Moines chosen?

Each place starts from current local listing data for Des Moines, then is screened for family fit — things like kids' menus and high chairs, how loud it gets, the ages it suits best, and practical details like stroller room and wait times.

How current is this guide?

This guide was last updated in November 2026. FamSpots refreshes its city guides on a rolling schedule, and each page shows its own update date at the bottom.

Is FamSpots free?

Yes. Every city guide is free to read with no account. Creating a free account adds recommendations tuned to your kids' ages, interests, and dietary needs. No credit card is required.

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