Vancouver’s Rally Pizza is far more than just a pizzeria. The kitchen churns out many promising appetizers and sides that aren’t pizza or its common sidekicks: six varieties of muffulettas, crispy potatoes with “prosciutto cracklings,” cheesy baked polenta, and a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables. The restaurant also shines for its plethora of inventive cocktails, as well as boozy milkshakes and treats for adults. For the younger crowd, it has a kids’ menu with mini pizzas and crispy potatoes, but the restaurant’s sundae and frozen custard bar is the real draw.

Known for its well-priced Oaxacan and Northern Mexican fare, the Northeast Portland restaurant of this former food truck also dishes up burritos and quesadillas for the niños. Families are welcome to bring toys and games, so parents shouldn’t feel shy about spreading out on the large patio and catching some rays while sipping a happy hour margarita or Modelo.

This old-school pizzeria is the ideal place to take kids for pepperoni and soft-serve, with beer for the booze-friendly grown-ups and Martinelli’s for the kids and non-drinkers. A large backyard with a play structure and area for kids to wander around and explore, especially in the summers. Pizza Jerk is also open for takeout and delivery.

It’s easy for kids to get excited about Nacheaux’s nostalgic menu of mac and cheese variations and chicken tenders, with a full bar for adults who drink and plenty of cool non-alcoholic beverages for the kids and sober visitors (think: watermelon peach lemonade). The food hall layout makes it easy for parents to take antsy toddlers on little walks around the space, and kids can get excited about churro beignets or chocolate coconut cookie ice cream.

Like at mom’s, families will find a warm welcome and a comfortable vibe at this Portland institution, made famous for its brunches, high-quality comfort food, and special Mother of the Month dishes. Younger children will enjoy the kid’s menu with things like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese, and plain macaroni and cheese.

Family game night hits a whole new level at this swanky, 32,000-square-foot restaurant-slash-entertainment center located on the third floor of Pioneer Place — activities range from bowling to private karaoke room to an old school arcade. Classic favs on the kids’ menu include grilled cheese and spaghetti and meatballs. 

Those looking for a child-friendly, upscale dining experience will dig the sustainably minded Southpark. For the tykes who love to compare oysters to boogers, the kids’ menu pleases all ages and palates, from fish and chips to butter-and-parmesan pasta and a green salad. It’s open for indoor and outdoor dining.

This extremely kid-friendly breakfast joint lets diners make their own pancakes on griddles right at the table, utilizing batter-filled squeeze bottles and adding their choice of fixins like fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips. If the adults at the table aren’t feeling the idea of eating DIY pancakes, Slappy Cakes also has a slew of à la carte options and plates prepared in the kitchen, such as country fried steak, eggs Benedict, and “Slappy Hash.”

Home to a casual, no-frills atmosphere and brick oven-baked pizzas, the sole spin-off of the popular Hood River-based brewery is a magnet for neighborhood families. If pizza’s not the kiddo’s thing, this Woodstock pub slings sandwiches and quesadillas for tiny diners. Coloring pages and Crayons available upon seating. 

With its dialed-in menu of fried chicken, burgers, sandwiches, and chili dogs, Holler makes a great destination for family game day. Along with its “Kiddo’s Menu”— hello, chicken fingers, meatloaf, veggie and fruit tray — the restaurant also appeals to youth for its lineup of pinball machines and other arcade games like skee-ball and mini basketball.

The dessert-minded sister restaurant to Holler, Holler Treats offers an after-dinner pit stop for kids to get excited about, with various scoops, ice cream sandwiches, waffle cone drumsticks, floats, and much more. Holler Treats also makes an alluring slew of party cakes and ice cream cakes that would be a hit for kid birthdays.