Fort Collins is a great place for families, and we’re not the only ones who think so. MarketWatch listed our hometown in the top five on their list, The Best U.S. Cities to Raise a Family. And things like 100-acre parks, free kid-friendly events, and state-of-the-art educational facilities can make any family feel right at home. And that atmosphere extends to our local eateries, too!
In this guide, we rounded up the best spots in Fort Collins for kid-friendly dining, complete with weekly specials, healthy options, family atmosphere, dedicated kids’ menus and more. So, whether your kids are picky or adventurous, you’ll find the perfect spot right here.
Austin’s American Grill
2815 East Harmony Road + 100 W Mountain Ave | Facebook
Owned and operated by Hot Corner Concepts—a characteristically local, Fort Collins team—Austin’s American Grill provides fresh, local flavors that come to life in made-from-scratch, home-style dishes. Both of their locations are known for their open rotisseries and bustling, family atmospheres. And their kids’ menu boasts approachable selections for lunch, dinner and brunch at just $5.95 each. That price includes a drink, side and sundae, too! To see the menu, click here.
Beau Jo’s
The famous recipes at Beau Jo’s date back to 1973 when this Colorado pizzeria opened their first location in Idaho Springs. Today, they operate more than five locations throughout the state, including one right in Old Town! And on Thursdays, this location celebrates Family Night with balloon twister entertainment and free meals for kids! To see all the details and special offers, click here.
CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing
The team at CooperSmith’s makes gourmet pub food, brews their own beer served alongside other local favorites, offers a fun, lively atmosphere, and is home to two of the best patios in Fort Collins. And it’s all in the heart of Old Town! Their kid’s menu is one of the largest on this guide and includes things like Kid’s Fish ‘N’ Chips, the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Dinosaur Nuggets, the Corndog with Chips, specialty drinks and more.
Krazy Karl’s
1124 W Elizabeth St + 2620 S Timberline Rd | Facebook
A locally-owned favorite for pizza and entertainment in Fort Collins, Krazy Karl’s operates two locations in Fort Collins where they sling pies, serve beer on tap and deliver throughout town. And, as if homemade pizza wasn’t already kid-approved, they also serve extras like pizza rolls, chicken fingers, garlic bread, loaded waffle fries and mouth-watering desserts. Anyone up for a Chocolate Dessert Pizza?
La Luz Mexican Grill
Rumored to have the best fish tacos in town, La Luz serves up fresh Mexican cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant has been a Fort Collins favorite for more than 20 years, and it’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch, a weekend breakfast, or a delicious dinner with the family. Their kids’ menu includes a variety of tasty burritos, quesadillas and tacos, and kids 12 years old or younger eat free on Sundays!
The Moot House
The Moot House is one of four Fort Collins restaurants brought to us by the local team at Hot Corner Concepts. This particular concept is focused on scratch-made food, wholesome, sustainable ingredients and craft beer. Seriously, they have more than 30 beers on tap! But their kids’ menu is equally as impressive, offering things like Battered Chicken Fingers, Roasted Chicken and Mac & Cheese all for $6. That price also includes a drink, a side and a sundae! To see the menu, click here.
Panino’s
Photo courtesy of Panino’s
The Panino’s story begins in Colorado Springs all the way back in 1974. Back then, Grandma and Grandpa Frasca opened their first restaurant with a focus on families in their community, and since then, their family of restaurants has grown to include three in Colorado Springs, one in Minnesota and one here in Fort Collins. The locally owned, vintage-inspired, neighborhood restaurant offers comfort food with Italian flair, and kids eat for free every Sunday!
The Pizza Press
216 N College Ave #120 | Facebook
Located inside The Exchange—Fort Collins’ liveliest open-air market—The Pizza Press makes eating pizza even more fun than it already is. This build-your-own pizza parlor is inspired by 1920s Americana and the era’s newspaper history. Here, you can order a signature pie named after some of the country’s most famous papers or you can publish your own and top it with things like bourbon bacon and pepperoni, artichoke hearts, caramelized onions and more. The Junior Editor is a kid’s special that includes a six-inch pizza with two toppings, a fresh baked cookie and a small fountain drink. To see the full menu, click here.
And to learn more about all the fun available in The Exchange, check out Your Guide to The Exchange in Fort Collins.
Silver Grill Cafe
This breakfast haven has been a Fort Collins favorite since it opened in 1933. And, as the oldest restaurant in Northern Colorado, the team behind Silver Grill has had plenty of time to learn the ropes and perfect breakfast. Though the café is most popular for their enormous, gooey cinnamon rolls, the entire menu is filled with American classics, seasonal specials and must-try dishes, but you and your kids will definitely want a cinnamon roll (or two).
Snack Attack! Specialty Sandwiches & Brews
Photo courtesy of Snack Attack! Specialty Sandwiches & Brews
Lauren and Shawn Storeby are Fort Collins locals with a passion for great food, great beer and entertaining—which happens to be the perfect combination to represent our community. They’ve created a locally owned, veteran-operated, eco-friendly establishment where anyone can enjoy healthy and delicious foods made with natural and organic ingredients. Their huge menu includes the special Kiddos Menu complete with a quesadilla, sandwiches and a PB&J made with organic strawberry jelly—all for $5 or under! And on Munch-kin Mondays, kids eat for just $1 with the purchase of a regular priced item.
Spoons
This Fort Collins restaurant serves up soup, salad and sandwiches made with healthy and local ingredients in mind. The menu changes daily to reflect available ingredients and changing seasons, and the kids’ menu offers similar, approachable and healthy choices like soup, salad and a grilled cheese sandwich, each for under $3. Their grilled cheese sandwiches are actually toasted—not grilled with butter—and they’re available for free every Saturday! To learn more and see the menu, click here.
Stuft
Stuft is a gourmet burger bar with a sports bar attitude. And, besides the fact that they serve some of the best burgers in the entire state (seriously, they’ve won awards), their three locations in Fort Collins, Windsor and Greeley offer the perfect settings for afternoon drinks on the patio, family dinner and football watch parties. The kids’ menu offers things like slider cheeseburgers, chicken strips and mini corn dogs for under $5, and each item comes with a side, too. Be sure to visit on Tuesday nights when kids can get $1 meals, and never miss out on a Princess or Monster Milkshake! To see the full menus, click here.
Union Bar and Soda Fountain
Photo courtesy of Union Bar and Soda Fountain
This River District restaurant features some of the most mouthwatering comfort foods, most innovative cocktails, one of the best patios, and some of the most stunning design in the city. Inspired by the food and the ideals of the old-school soda fountain and diner, their menu includes milkshakes (both kid-friendly and adult-friendly), donuts, all-day brunch and American classics. The special kids’ menu offers approachable versions of these American classics and each one comes with a free kids’ sundae or fruit cup! To see the full menu, click here.
Vatos Tacos & Tequila
This Fort Collins original is located in The Exchange and serves up top-shelf tacos and tequila, premium margaritas, handheld burritos for breakfast, lunch and dinner, loaded nachos, and so much more. And it’s all available for dine-in, grab-and-go, or outdoor dining on one of the city’s best patios! Their street tacos are some of the best in town and their soft serve tres leches ice cream is the perfect complement to any meal. The kids’ menu offers things like a burrito bowl, quesadillas and tacos, and each item includes a fountain drink and an ice cream cup.
To learn more about all the fun available in The Exchange, check out Your Guide to The Exchange in Fort Collins.
Waltzing Kangaroo
1109 W Elizabeth St | Facebook
The local family behind Waltzing Kangaroo has created a great eatery for families and kids to branch out and taste traditional Australian foods. The handheld meat and vegetable pies, quiches and savory rolls are perfect for fun meals, and ending with a Fruit Tart or Salted Caramel Slice will ensure everyone leaves happy. To see the menu (complete with mouth-watering photos), click here.
Do you have a favorite?
If you know of a great kid-friendly restaurant or special in Fort Collins, tell us about it in the comments below!
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