Living Like a Local: 11 Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Camp Pendleton

If your kids have a hard time sitting in their seat and you’re tired of side-eye judgment glances from snobby restaurant goers, then this is hands-down the best place to eat with your children. Grab a frozen watermelon mimosa or one of many local beers and let your children run wild! Park 101, located in trendy Carlsbad, offers giant Connect Four, Jenga, and Cornhole on their astroturf lawn. All kids meals come with a token for cotton candy, making this restaurant a special experience. (Be sure to come back for brunch and “Moms Who Mimosa.”)

Known for burgers and beer — and great for large parties — this restaurant also provides outdoor games at their San Marcos location. Be prepared with a change of clothes for little ones, as their outdoor space is dirt-covered. The Oceanside location is attached to a speakeasy (not kid-friendly), but the San Marcos location has a bowling alley which is perfect for a family outing.Landon’s Gourmet Kitchen

If you can’t pin down a sitter, but really need a night out with your spouse, Landon’s is the perfect restaurant for you because… drum roll please… there’s on-site childcare! This is not a joke. Decked out in Target’s Pillowfort decor, Landon’s Playroom will feed and take care of your children (for a reasonable fee) while you enjoy a kid-free meal. Dinner with — yet without — your kids? Yes, please!

If sushi is calling your name, this restaurant has a great kids meal, complete with strawberries to dip in chocolate. Located in the heart of downtown Oceanside, you can walk to the movies, shop local, or get frozen yogurt after listening to live music at Harney Sushi.

Just steps away from the Oceanside Pier and walkable from Del Mar housing on Camp Pendleton, Hello Betty’s laid-back Oceanside vibe makes it a kid-friendly restaurant. On the south side of the building, be sure to take a picture in front of the beautiful live succulent-filled wall (that’s so Cali), then grab a taco and head to the rooftop to watch the remarkable west coast sunset.

This is not your average chicken restaurant! From innovative chicken sandwiches to wings to matzo-ball soup, The Crack Shack has something for everyone of all ages. With picnic table seating and an outdoor sandbox, this restaurant is enjoyable to bring your kids.

While not advertised, this is a kid-friendly restaurant because parents bring their own sand toys and let their kids play in the sandy dirt. Bagby Beer is fun to ride bikes to from Del Mar housing on Camp Pendleton and is located next to VITAL Climbing Gym, which is also kid-friendly (ages 5 and up), making it the perfect combo for a Family Fun Day.

For the ultimate Southern California hipster experience, get your fav Instagram filter ready and take the fam to Campfire. Order their infamous roasted broccoli and one (or two) of their insanely unique cocktails, like the Roasted Beet, Grilled Nectarine, Aloe Black, or Smoked Honeydew. Don’t think we’ve forgotten about the kids! (Although you should totally come back without the kids and with an Uber driver.) There’s a giant teepee out back to keep the littles entertained, as well as marshmallows to roast right at your table for s’mores.

For inexpensive, yet healthy and savory meals, Tin Leaf is a gem. Kids eat free on Sundays, starting at 4 pm. Eating on the lawn makes this restaurant even more kid-friendly, as you won’t have to worry about shh-ing them every five minutes. Try one of the kefir sodas and create your own fresh salad. Their sister-restaurant, Beach Plum (located in the same complex), is a great option for brunch — and also kid-friendly.

For a cozy and unique atmosphere, enjoy a local brew while the kids explore the “secret garden” and koi pond at the Escondido location. Shaded areas make this restaurant very relaxing for the family, and tours of their on-site brewery make for a fun outing with friends.

From American to Asian to Mexican — and everything in between — Liberty Public Market will satisfy your entire family’s different tastes. Located in the ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station and on the former Naval Training Center, there’s plenty of rich naval history and outdoor space for children to run and roll around on. During winter months, there’s even an outdoor skating rink. Numerous trendy photo ops will make the drive from Camp Pendleton 100% worth it.

BRUNCH IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA!
Check out the Best Brunch Spots Near Camp Pendleton

GET MORE FROM DAILY MOM MILITARY

Newsletter: Daily Mom delivered to you
Facebook: @DailyMomMilitary
Instagram: @DailyMomMilitary
Pinterest: @DailyMomMilitary

Photo Credits: Park 101 | URGE | Landon’s | Harney Sushi | Hello Betty | The Crack Shack | Bagby | Samantha Jeet | Tin Leaf | Stone Brewing | Liberty Public Market | Katie Van Brunt |