Miami and Miami Beach’s Best Family-Friendly Restaurants

From flashy al fresco restaurants on South Beach to revived diners and dockside dining along the bay, Miami is dotted with family-friendly restaurants that both parents and kids can get on board with. Whether you’re looking for a spot that doubles as an attraction (think bowling and arcade games), want to soak up Miami’s stunning sunsets (and local seafood), or hope to appease picky eaters (or prevent a temper tantrum) with loaded burgers, fries, and candy-coated milkshakes, these eight spots are sure to be a hit.

Read more: Top 5 Family Activities in Miami Beach

1. Big Pink

A SoFi (South of Fifth) staple since the ‘90s, Big Pink is a trendy take on a retro diner. Everything from the Barbie pink-colored façade to the matching Volkswagen Beetles parked out front, to the specials served on stainless steel trays adds to the extremely Instagrammable experience. The late-night spot is open until 5:30 a.m. on the weekend, making it a favorite for the after-party crowd streaming from the clubs, as well as families strolling in for an all-day menu of elevated diner fare like powdered sugar Kobe donut burgers and chicken parm fries. Little ones can also order from the children's menu, which offers basic yet tasty items like pizza, pancakes, mac and cheese, and chicken fingers. 

2. 11th Street Diner

For something more traditional that feels like just as much of an attraction, head north on South Beach to the 11th Street Diner. The original, railroad-style art deco dining car from the 1940s serves all-day breakfast classics like pancakes and eggs benedict, plus other American faves like Philly cheesesteaks, tuna and patty melts, and milkshakes. Children ages 10 and younger can take their pick of dishes such as chicken fingers, hot dogs, and pasta with butter. Last but certainly not least, the diner bosts a full bar — perfect for parents craving a milkshake spiked with amaretto or Baileys — plus an entire waffle bar for those wanting to go big at brunch. 

3. Sugar Factory

Located on neon-clad Ocean Drive, Sugar Factory is just as its name suggests — a candy shop that could give Willy Wonka a run for his money. These aren’t your typical treats, though. The crowd-favorite Couture Pops are elevated lollies with bejeweled sticks, and shakes come in flavors like chocolate cookie jar (a blend of Oreos, chocolate chips, and pure melted chocolate). Order a snow cone or ice cream sandwich for something sweet to snack on while strolling the boardwalk, or sit inside to order staples like buttermilk onion rings, cheeseburger-loaded fries, and rainbow-colored sliders that come with a rubber duck to take home. While kids can get their sugar high in the form of Butterfinger or Nutella-banana shakes, parents can order smoking cocktails garnished with gummy fruit and cotton candy.