Looking for restaurants with playgrounds in the Texas Hill Country? We’ve gathered family-friendly places where kids have room to play while everyone enjoys a good meal. And because not every great family outing needs a playscape, we’ve also included a few restaurants and dining destinations where the meal is part of a larger experience, such as exploring a historic market, cooling off at a splash pad, enjoying an open lawn, or visiting one of the Hill Country’s most memorable gathering places.

Tin Top Burger Shop — New Braunfels

A casual burger joint near the Comal River and Schlitterbahn with a fenced outdoor yard and a play area for kids. Families can grab burgers, fries and tots, then stop next door at Rhea’s Ice Cream for dessert.

Address: 283 S Union Ave., Ste. 101, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: 830-507-9138

Website: Tin Top Burgers & Ice Cream

Herbert’s — New Braunfels

This longtime Tex-Mex restaurant has a large back patio and an equally impressive play area with swings, a tree fort and room for kids to play. It’s an especially easy family dinner stop for fajitas, enchiladas and margaritas while the kids burn off some energy.

Address: 1440 N Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: 830-262-0278
Website: Herbert’s

The Courthouse — New Braunfels

This newer New Braunfels destination combines a restaurant with pickleball and padel courts and a shaded outdoor playground that’s visible from the dining area. The playground is open during restaurant hours, and there’s a dedicated kids’ menu too.

Address: 350 Dragoon Crossing, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: 210-491-2011
Website: The Courthouse

The Branch Neighborhood Grill — Bulverde/Spring Branch

The Branch boasts a large dining room with TVs, a party room that can be reserved, and a large patio with a playground. Both the food and drinks selections are wide, so there’s sure to be something to entice even the pickiest eater. The staff is always incredibly friendly. This is definitely a family favorite.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Happy Hour is M-F 1pm-5pm and includes discounts on drinks and appetizers. Plan to relax on the patio under the fans and bring along a few quarters for the capsule toy machines while the kiddos enjoy playing with others on the playground or raiding the little library for a good book.

Address: 17130 Texas 46
Phone: 830-885-7352
Website: The Branch

Beefy’s on the Green — Bulverde/Spring Branch

Beefy’s Burgers is a laid-back Hill Country stop serving up big, juicy burgers, crispy fries, and plenty of family-friendly favorites. With a casual atmosphere and no-fuss menu, it’s an easy pick when you’re out exploring with the kiddos and everyone is hungry. Come with an appetite, grab a table, and enjoy a classic burger-and-fries kind of meal.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Grab a spot outside! The fenced outdoor area has a playground and basketball court, so the kiddos can burn off some energy while the grown-ups enjoy their burgers.

Address: 12910 US-281, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Phone:  (830) 885-6756
Website: Beefy’s on the Green

Fun Buns Philly & Burger Co. — Bulverde/Spring Branch

Located at The District on 46, Fun Buns serves burgers, Philly sandwiches, shakes and sides in a casual setting built with families in mind. There’s an outdoor playground for the kids and a family-friendly arcade, giving this one plenty to do beyond dinner.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Be sure to check out the weekly specials and Boozy Shake offerings!

Fun Buns is located in The District on 46 which is home to a variety of food, drinks, and fun to be had in one spot. This area boasts plenty of outdoor seating, a dog park, a variety of food trucks, and a large play area. Weekends can get crowded and parking is shared among all of the businesses, so it can get busy, especially when there’s a big game on or popular live music on the docket.

Address: 15000 SH-46W, Suite 200, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Phone: 830-885-4305
Website: Fun Buns

Sandra’s Catina & Grill — Bulverde/Spring Branch

Sandra’s packs a punch with a tasty selection of Mexican food, fresh salsa and creamy queso, large portions, and wide selection of margaritas. It has a nice outdoor patio with a playground for the kids.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Sandra’s is closed Sundays and Mondays. Service can be slow, so aiming for off times such as an early dinner can help ensure a great experience for all.

Address: 13100 US-281, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Phone: 830-885-2939
Website: Sandra’s Cantina

The Screaming Goat Yard & Tap — Bulverde/Spring Branch

This place blends comfort with hospitality. Enjoy a variety of legit Cajun-inspired dishes, massive Bavarian pretzels, and refreshing tea in the large patio area. This place boasts a host of yard games, space to roam, and goats to entertain the whole family.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: You can purchase feed for the goats! Sunday brunch buffets are decadent and followed by Bingo. Be sure to check out their calendar of events, live music, and specials.

Address: 4 Sun Valley Dr, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Phone: 830-402-4656
Website: Screaming Goat

Richter’s Antler Cafe — Bulverde/Spring Branch

Antler cafe feels like a Texas hunting lodge complete with a large back patio and yard with a playscape. Chickens and turkeys free-roam the area. The hearty down-home cooking brings back memories of lazy summers and the large portions provide an opportunity to enjoy a family style smorgasbord.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Kids meals provide enough food to satisfy a pre-teen. The portions are large- especially the chicken fried steak- plan to share it.

Address: 1 Sun Valley Dr, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Phone: 830-885-6328
Website: Antler Cafe

The Loft — Bulverde/Spring Branch (closes at 2 pm)

The Loft Coffee House is a cozy Spring Branch favorite made for lingering a little longer. Grab a coffee, pastry, breakfast or lunch and settle into the welcoming, homey atmosphere while the kiddos enjoy some time outside. Even better, The Loft is a nonprofit coffee house with a mission to give back, so your morning coffee helps support something bigger.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Head outside! There’s a playground and outdoor seating, making this a great spot to meet another parent for coffee while the kiddos play nearby. BONUS: The Loft discounts their baked goods at 1pm!

Address: 1 Sun Valley Dr, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Phone: 830-885-6328
Website: Antler Cafe

Mariscos El Paisa — Bulverde/Spring Branch

Craving fresh and flavorful Mexican seafood? Mariscos is the place for you. Complete with bright indoor decor, ample outdoor seating on the patio, and a pirate ship themed playscape, this restaurant is a popular choice among locals.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Kids meals provide enough food to satisfy a pre-teen. The portions are large- especially the chicken fried steak- plan to share it.

Address: 29094 US-281, Bulverde, TX 78163
Phone: 830-980-1724
Website: Mariscos El Paisa

Darkside Brick Oven Pizza Co. — Boerne

Darkside Brick Oven Pizza brings a little extra fun to pizza night with creative, out-of-this-world pies baked in a brick oven. The laid-back atmosphere and seriously good pizza make it an easy stop for families, whether you’re grabbing dinner after a day in Boerne or settling in for a casual night out.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Let the kiddos check out the Star Wars-inspired décor and fun pizza names while you’re there. It turns an ordinary pizza night into a mini adventure, especially for little Star Wars fans!

Address: 25 Truss Dr, Boerne, TX 78006
Phone: 830-336-2207
Website: Darkside Brick Oven Pizza Co

Hamby’s Burgers — Boerne

Hamby’s is a fun, laid-back Boerne hangout serving up burgers, hot dogs, shakes and other classic favorites in a colorful, retro-inspired setting. With its casual atmosphere and a few unexpected touches for the kiddos, it’s an easy pick for a relaxed family meal.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Bring a few quarters for the pinball machines! Let the kiddos play a round or two, then save room for one of Hamby’s shakes.

Address: 437 S Main St, Boerne, TX 78006
Phone: 830-816-5620
Website: Hamby’s Burgers

Mikey’s Chicken and Tavern — Boerne

Mikey’s Chicken & Tavern is one of those rare spots where dinner and playtime happen all at once. Grab wings, chicken strips, burgers, pizza and other casual favorites, then settle in under the big oak trees while the kiddos play. With a laid-back Hill Country atmosphere and plenty of space for families, it’s an easy choice for a night out when you want the kids to have just as much fun as the grown-ups.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Come ready to play! Mikey’s has a bounce house, playscapes and a basketball court, so the kiddos can burn off some energy while you kick back and enjoy your meal.

Address: 25930 I-10, Boerne, TX 78006
Phone: 210-698-5620
Website: Mikey’s Chicken & Tavern

Inferno’s Wood Fired Oven & Spirits — Boerne

Wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and salads make Inferno’s an easy family dinner choice. The outdoor patio and large playground give kids somewhere to play.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Kids meals provide enough food to satisfy a pre-teen. The portions are large- especially the chicken fried steak- plan to share it.

Address: 1540 River Rd., Boerne, TX 78006
Phone: 830-331-2023
Website: Inferno’s Wood Fired Oven & Spirits

El Chaparral Cocina y Cantina — Boerne

A Hill Country favorite for Tex-Mex and family time, El Chaparral in Boerne serves up fajitas, enchiladas, margaritas and all the classics in a relaxed setting made for gathering. The spacious outdoor patio beneath the oak trees gives everyone room to settle in, and with plenty to keep the kiddos entertained, it’s an especially easy choice for a family meal.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: Ask for a patio table! The fenced playground is right by the outdoor seating, so the kiddos can play while you kick back and enjoy your pizza. BONUS: Check out the weekday lunch specials!

Address: 36 Old San Antonio Rd., Boerne, TX 78006
Phone: 830-300-8302
Website: El Chaparral

N’s Thai Food — Boerne

N’s Thai Food serves authentic Thai favorites in a relaxed, casual Hill Country setting. Fresh dishes include curries, noodles, and fried rice with locally sourced vegetables. Families get the best of both worlds here: there’s an outdoor playground by the patio AND an indoor children’s playroom, making it especially useful when the Texas weather isn’t cooperating.

Howdy Kiddo Tip: N’s is BYOB! Takeout service can be slow, so allow ample time when ordering ahead.

Address: 115 Adler Rd., Boerne, TX 78006
Phone: 830-331-2004
Website: N’s Thai

Fitzhugh Brewing — Dripping Springs

This family-friendly brewery and restaurant has a big outdoor beer garden under the oak trees, along with a dedicated kids’ playground and yard games. The kitchen serves burgers, sandwiches, salads and other casual fare, including a children’s menu.

Address: 15435 Fitzhugh Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Phone: 512-648-0653
Website: Fitzhugh Brewing

Dreamland — Dripping Springs

This one is almost an attraction disguised as a restaurant. Along with its kitchen and beer garden, Dreamland has a children’s playground, splash pad, mini golf, pickleball, disc golf and lawn games, making it an especially fun stop when you want the kids to do more than just eat.

Address: 2770 W Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Phone: 512-827-1279
Website: Dreamland

Hat Creek Burger Company — Dripping Springs

Yes, it’s another Hat Creek, but this particular location is worth including because the restaurant specifically promotes its newly renovated playground and patio. Burgers, chicken tenders, fries and shakes make this a straightforward stop with picky kids, too.

Address: 166 Hargraves Dr., F-100, Dripping Springs, TX 78737
Phone: 512-432-0161
Website: Hat Creek Dripping Springs

Hat Creek Burger Company — San Marcos

Hat Creek is designed with families in mind, serving burgers, fries, shakes and kids’ meals alongside a large outdoor playground. The San Marcos location specifically lists a playground and spacious patio, and its location near the outlet malls makes it a handy family stop.

Address: 4206 I-35 Frontage Rd., San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: 512-667-9723
Website: Hat Creek San Marcos

Honeysuckle — Fischer / Canyon Lake

This is a particularly good HK find. Honeysuckle combines elevated Texas comfort food with beautiful Hill Country views and a large outdoor playground, so parents can enjoy the scenery while the kids have room to play. The property also has outdoor dining, a game room, and sport courts.

Address: 3971 FM 32, Fischer, TX 78623
Phone: 830-964-5052
Website: thehoneysuckletx.com