Parenting

6 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Washington

These spots have something for everyone in the family.

Photograph by Kip Dawkins. Image via Shutterstock. Image via Shutterstock. Image via Shutterstock Image via Shutterstock. Image via Shutterstock. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock. Image via Shutterstock. Image via Shutterstock. Photography by Kate Warren Cinnamon Pittman, Scott Nash, and Tracy Bernstein. Photograph by Andrew Propp Image via Shutterstock. Photograph by Shutterstock/Halay Alex. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock | shutterstock.com Image via Shutterstock. Illustration By Dan Page Image via Shutterstock. Photograph courtesy of FiLIP Technologies Photographs by Natalie Chitwood, Styling Pascale Lemaire for THE Artist Agency, Makeup/Hair Patti Nelson for THE Artist Agency Illustration by Alex Green/Getty Images. Image via Shutterstock. Photograph by Jeff Elkins Image via Shutterstock/Kzenon Image courtesy of Shutterstock Image via Shutterstock Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock. Photograph of kitchen by Stephen Simpson/Getty Images. Photograph of mudroom by Angie Seckinger; design by Marika Meyer. Photograph by Weikerken Altema Photograph by Fuse/Getty Images Photograph by Julie Fischer McCarter Photography by Kate Warren Courtney Cox, with her kids Carter and Virginia, leads an afternoon of cookie baking in the brightly lit kitchen. Cox had the skylight built to capture even more natural light. Photography by Kip Dawkins Photograph of The Young and the Restless by Monty Brinton/CBS Photograph of The Millionaire Matchmaker’s Patti Stanger by Randee St. Nicholas/TY KU/Bravo Photograph of The Biggest Loser by Trae Patton/NBC Photograph of Orange Is the New Black courtesy of Lionsgate Photograph of Scandal by Richard Cartwright/ABC Photograph of Homeland’s Claire Danes by Jim Fiscus/Showtime Property Brothers by Caitlin Cronenberg/HGTV Photograph of Kim Kardashian by Brian Bowen Smith/E! Entertainment Photograph of Mark Wahlberg at Kids’ Choice Awards by Lester Cohen/WireImage/Nickelodeon Photograph of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills by Joe Pugliese/Bravo Photograph of Shameless courtesy of Showtime Photograph by Kate Warren Image via Shutterstock. Photograph by Gary Houlder/Getty Images Image courtesy of Shutterstock | shutter stock.com Photograph by Scott Suchman Image courtesy of Shutterstock | shutterstock.com Photograph by Scott Suchman Photograph by Gary Houlder/Getty Images. Photograph by Dan Saelinger/Trunk Archive Photograph by Scott Suchman Photograph by Robert Daly/Getty Images Photograph by Kip Dawkins. Photography by Kip Dawkins; Styling by Marcie Blough Photograph courtesy Bloomingdale’s Photograph by Ray Kachatorian/Getty Images Photograph by Paul Bradbury/Getty Images DC Yoga Week. Photograph of Yoga class by Scott Belton. Photograph of Round HIll by Ed Foley; Lorien Hotel & Spa by Fred Licht; Salamander Resort by Jim Hanna Photograph by Kate Warren. Image via Shutterstock. All photographs by Rodney Bailey. Photograph by Scott Suchman Photograph courtesy of SWASH Image via Shutterstock. Transform the ordinary with a whimsical print or modern, eco-friendly option. (Left) Photograph of child's room by Angie Seckinger; wallpaper by Aimee Wilder. (Right) Photograph of dining room by Lisa Romerein; wallpaper by Rose Tarlow Melrose House Photograph of Jaleo by Scott Suchman

1. Jaleo

The Spanish tapas restaurant has more than 60 menu items—kids can order familiar dishes like mini-hamburgers and more exotic ones, like paella or the tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet with potatoes, onions, and eggs). The Penn Quarter and Bethesda locations have custom-made foosball dining tables, but call ahead to reserve a spot to play, as they tend to fill up quickly.

2. Ted’s Bulletin

Milkshakes from Ted’s Bulletin. Photograph by Andrew Propp.

Ted’s is 14th Street’s upscale version of the classic diner, with kid-friendly house-made pastries,“pop tarts,” and milkshakes (alcoholic versions are available for grownups). Be ready for a sugar-fueled experience—it’s worth the rush to take a culinary trip down memory lane.

3. The Source

Dumpling from the Source. Photograph by Scott Suchman

On Saturdays, the Source provides its signature dim sum brunch to downtown DC patrons. Fresh dumplings with creative fillings like Maryland crab and Kurobuta pork or house-made bao buns with duck and lobster are a big hit with both kids and adults. Still have energy to burn after your meal? Take the gang to the Newseum next door.

4. Union Market

Photograph by Scott Suchman.

There’s something for everyone at Northeast DC’s Union Market: oysters at Rappahannock Oyster, tacos at Takorean, meaty sandwiches atRed Apron—even a free guided tour of the Dolcezza gelato factory next door. The market atmosphere allows kids to stretch their legs and sample different foods, and wide walkways are especially welcoming with a stroller in tow.

5. Tea with Mrs. B

Photograph by Beth Blinstrub Photography.

From Friday-night “Royal Balls” in Falls Church to “Story Time Tea” at the Morrison House in Old Town Alexandria, Mrs. B (McLean resident Rebecca Czarniecki) engages children on manners from pragmatic—such as chewing with mouth closed and elbows off the table—to fun with “champagne” toasts and tea. Details at teawithmrsb.com or 202-448-2930.

6. Matchbox

Mini-burgers from Matchbox. Photograph courtesy of matchboxfoodgroup.

Pizza and mini-burgers at Matchbox are always winners with the kids, especially the artisanal “chef picks” pizzas. The variety of craft beers on draught and extensive wine list give all five area locations an edge with adults, too. Grab a booth to make the experience a cozier family meal.