Kid-friendly restaurants in Macon, Georgia
Kids have a wide range of palate and often even in one family there will be one kid who will eat anything, but another who will only eat a limited range of items. And there are other days when all you want to do is find a place that’s budget friendly. Here’s some of our favorites sure to please everyone:
To Make Everyone Happy
- The Rookery- Burgers, milkshakes, fries- and so much more. Even adult milkshakes, for those days when you’re going to take a long stroll around downtown before heading elsewhere. The Rookery is a long-time downtown Macon classic.
- Bearfoot Tavern- Wings, tacos, wood fired pizzas AND burgers?! Say no more! Bearfoot Tavern has something to satisfy everyone. Weekends feature family friendly musical entertainment and, coming this summer, we hear there will also be a duck pin bowling alley next door.
- Piedmont Brewery- Good food PLUS a downstairs arcade?! We’ll take it! Local mom and disability advocate Laura says her autistic son loves the arcade and quiet place walk around when they need a break- which is a plus for her: “Dylan loves to go downtown, and he knows the spots he can have fun, eat some good food, and where he has a space to walk around away from the crowds. Piedmont has the perfect downstairs area for this, with some cool arcade games included.
- ”Nu-Way Hot Dogs- Even though the original location, opened in 1916, sadly caught fire there are still multiple locations in Macon that you can visit. Famous for their bright red hot dogs, this is a must visit when you’re in Macon. Be sure to try one with their signature chili!
- Grow (fresh local food)- Grownups as well as kids will love their homemade sloppy joes! But on those days when they aren’t on their seasonal menu- you’re sure to find something to please everyone. Note: since they do have a seasonal menu that means it’s dependent upon what is currently available and supports local growers!
- El Sombrero on Forsyth Road- This local Mexican classic is an easy pick for both parents and kids. The large booths mean that kids can have their own space, or if you’ve got a large group they can easily accommodate everyone. And everyone is sure to be satisfied- even if you’ve got a picky eater (such as this author’s oldest child stares at him only ever getting a cheese quesadilla) or the most adventurous one (this author looks at the middle child who always has to try something different and new). Maybe also consider one of their specialty margaritas?!
Free or Discounted for Kids
- S&S- Another Macon staple, the S&S goes beyond cafeteria food; each day has a different set of Southern classics to order from. (Fried chicken day might just be the best!) Kids meals here are $2.99 (10 and younger) with one entree, two veggies, a roll, and Jello.
- Taco Mac- While not exactly a discount for kids, Taco Mac does donate 25 cents per kids meal to Camp Twin Lakes: a camp for Georgia kids who are facing serious illness, disabilities, and other life challenges.
- IHOP - In Fridays from 4-10 they offer one free kids meal per purchase of adult entree.
- Texas Roadhouse- on Tuesdays with purchase of 1 adult entree can get up to 3 1.99 kid's meals for children 12 and under- also have children's activities from 4 to close.
For Finer Palettes
But not every kid can subsist on burgers, hot dogs, and pizza. Some kids have a bit more of a refined palette, and for those kids (and parents!) here's a few favorites:
- Circa- Their only available on the weekends Surf and Turf sushi might be a lot to handle, but it is one sure to satisfy, especially if you have a sushi lover amongst you.
- Dovetail- Situated above The Rookery, Dovetail is a staple amongst the fine dining scene. This farm to table themed restaurant sources their ingredients from all of the state of Georgia.
- Oliver’s- It’s not often that you find a fine dining spot with a special kids menu, but Oliver’s delivers! All items are priced under $10 (with the exception of the steak, salmon, and premium sides) so you can have a budget friendly visit with your exceptional experience.And this is just the tip of the iceberg! So you can see, there’s so many food options when visiting Macon. There’s never a shortage of restaurants to try on your visit to Middle Georgia.