A Guide to Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Gainesville

By Julia Bauer
Children eating together at a table

Finding a restaurant that caters to both kids and adults can be a challenge, but Gainesville has plenty of options that offer a fun dining experience for the whole family. Here are some top kid-friendly restaurants in Gainesville where you can enjoy a meal without the stress.

Satchel’s Pizza

Address: 1800 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville
Website: satchelspizza.com

Satchel’s Pizza is a local favorite that offers more than just delicious pizza. The quirky atmosphere, complete with a junkyard playground and a vintage van for seating, makes it a hit with kids. The menu features kid-friendly options, and the laid-back vibe ensures that parents can relax while the little ones explore.

Maple Street Biscuit Company

Address: 3904 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville
Website: maplestreetbiscuits.com

Maple Street Biscuit Company offers a fun and casual dining experience with a menu full of Southern-inspired comfort food. Kids will love the creative biscuit sandwiches, while parents can enjoy hearty breakfast and lunch options. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make it an ideal spot for a family meal.

Gators Dockside

Address: 3842 Newberry Rd #1a, Gainesville
Website: gatorsdockside.com

Gators Dockside is a kid-friendly restaurant and sports bar in Gainesville that offers a laid-back environment with a menu full of kid-friendly favorites like wings, burgers and fries. The restaurant often features arcade games and TVs showing sports, which can keep the kids entertained while the family enjoys a meal together.

Blue Highway Pizza

Address: 13005 SW 1st Rd, Newberry and
204 N.E US Highway 441, Micanopy
Website: bluehighwaypizza.com

Blue Highway Pizza is a perfect spot for families looking for casual dining with high-quality food. Their kid-friendly menu includes pizzas, pastas and more, with options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly staff make it a comfortable place for families to enjoy a meal together.

SquareHouse Pizza

Address: 405 SW 4th Ave, Gainesville (4th Ave Food Park)
Website: squarehousepizza.com

SquareHouse Pizza is a kid-friendly restaurant in Gainesville thanks to its welcoming and casual atmosphere. Known for its delicious, hand-tossed deep-dish pizzas, waffles and generous portions, it offers a variety of kid-friendly options, including customizable toppings and cheesy breadsticks. The restaurant features a relaxed dining environment with ample outside seating for families, making it easy for kids to enjoy their meal and socialize. It also has a trinket shop and outdoor cornhole game!

The Flying Biscuit Café

Address: 4150 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville (The Marketplace at Thornebrook)
Website: flyingbiscuit.com

The Flying Biscuit Café is a cozy kid-friendly restaurant in Gainesville that’s great for a family breakfast or brunch. Known for its fluffy biscuits and Southern-inspired menu, this restaurant offers plenty of kid-friendly options like pancakes and eggs. The vibrant, whimsical decor adds to the fun, making it a hit with both kids and parents.

The Top

Address: 30 N Main St, Gainesville
Website: thetophub.com

The Top may be known for its eclectic menu, but it also offers a welcoming environment for families. The kids’ menu features all the classics, from grilled cheese to mac and cheese, while the adult menu boasts a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. The lively, artistic setting keeps kids entertained, making it a great choice for a family night out.

Cymplify

Address: 5404 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville
Website: cymplify.com

Cymplify is a local café that combines great coffee, a cozy atmosphere and a kid-friendly environment. With a spacious outdoor seating area and frequent family-friendly events like live music and food trucks, it’s a great spot for parents and kids to relax and enjoy a meal together.

One Love Café

Address: 4989 Northwest 40th Place, Gainesville
Website: onelovecafegainesville.com

One Love Café is a vibrant, community-oriented spot perfect for families. Located in Magnolia Park, this café offers a spacious outdoor seating area where kids can run around while parents enjoy live music and delicious food. The menu features a variety of options, from burgers to fresh salads, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With its laid-back atmosphere and regular family-friendly events, One Love Café is an ideal destination for a relaxing family meal.

Midpoint Park & Eatery

Address: 931 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville
Website: midpointeatery.com

Midpoint Park & Eatery is a food truck park that’s kid-friendly and perfect for families looking for variety and a fun dining experience in Gainesville. Nestled between several neighborhoods, this spot features a rotating selection of local food trucks offering everything from tacos to ice cream. The park’s open space allows kids to play while parents enjoy their meals in a casual, outdoor setting. With picnic tables, hammocks, shade and a lively atmosphere, Midpoint Park & Eatery makes for a great family outing.

Mi Apa Latin Cafe

Address: Gainesville – 114 SW 34th Street, Gainesville
Jonesville – 14209 W Newberry Rd Suite B, Newberry
Alachua – 15634 NW US Hwy 441, Suite F, Alachua
Website: miapalatincafe.com

For something a little different, Mi Apa Latin Cafe offers a taste of Latin America with a kid-friendly twist. The casual dining experience features a menu full of Cuban-inspired dishes, including options that kids will enjoy, like empanadas and arroz con pollo. The relaxed vibe and delicious food make it a favorite for families in Gainesville.

Curia on the Drag

Address: 2029 NW 6th St, Gainesville
Website: curiaonthedrag.com

Curia on the Drag is a unique spot that combines a café, coffee shop and food truck park in one. The spacious outdoor area is perfect for kids to explore while parents enjoy a meal or coffee. With a rotating selection of food trucks, there’s always something new to try, making it a fun experience for the whole family.

Leonardo’s Pizza of Millhopper

Address: 4131 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville
Website: leonardosmillhopper.com

Leonardo’s Pizza of Millhopper is a Gainesville institution known for its thick, cheesy pizza and casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Kids will love the large pizza slices and the fun, quirky decor, while parents can enjoy a relaxed meal.

Harvest Thyme Café

Address: 7415 NW 4th Blvd suite 30, Gainesville
Website: harvestthymexpress.com

Harvest Thyme Café offers a health-conscious menu with plenty of options for kids, including sandwiches, wraps and smoothies. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a welcoming spot for families looking for a casual, nutritious meal.

These kid-friendly restaurants in Gainesville offer a variety of dining experiences that cater to families. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, Tex-Mex or something more adventurous, there’s a spot in town where you and your kids can enjoy a great meal together.

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