FYI, reservations are encouraged at all of these popular restaurants.

Restaurants in DC Where Kids Can Play

1. Hi-Lawn — Washington, DC

This rooftop restaurant and green space offers stunning views while you partake in drinks and bites at the colorful picnic tables, on a blanket on the turf, in-a-tent couch seating, or indoor table seating. After eating, have some fun with your family playing board games, darts, bumper pool, and life-sized chess, or just relax and soak up the vibes and sunshine. Hi-Lawn offers great drinks for adults, including craft beers, wines, cocktails, and grown-up drink pouches. 

2. Comet Ping Pong — Washington, DC

Comet Ping Pong is a great place to head for live music, appetizers, pizzas, salads, and most importantly, FREE PING PONG!  Whether a ping pong newbie or seasoned professional (I hear that's possible), an afternoon or evening at Comet Ping Pong will make the entire family happy! The restaurant is open 7 days a week, offers indoor and outdoor seating (with a fire pit for when it's chilly), and you can check out the online schedule of live music if you are particular about what you listen to while you eat and play.

3. Pinstripes — Georgetown

Make sure your family has a wonderful night together by heading to the Pinstripes in Georgetown (there is also a location in Bethesda, MD). Italian-American fare is the specialty, and parents can choose from pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, and salads, all made from scratch.  Not particularly feeling like those choices? Pinstripes also offers baby-back ribs, salmon, steak, chicken parmesan, and Italian jambalaya.  Pinstripes also has a "kids only" menu that offers a starter, entree, dessert, and beverage—all for $10, so this special outing doesn't break the bank. After dinner, families can stay to bowl in the full-sized lanes or make memories playing Bocce together. 

Restaurants in Northern Virginia Where Kids Can Play

4. Punchbowl Social — Arlington

If you are looking for an expansive, yummy menu where everyone in the family can get just what they are looking to eat and you're looking for a fun place with numerous activities for the family, Punchbowl Social is the place for both! The menu offers handheld bites such as quesadillas, burgers, tacos, and sandwiches, but also offers steaks, fried chicken n' waffles, chile rellenos, and gourmet salads. As for activities, Punchbowl has it all: giant Scrabble, ping pong, billiards, foosball, board games, cards games, giant Jenga, mini and full-sized bowling, an arcade, and karaoke. Frankly, you would be hard-pressed not to have fun at Punchbowl.

5. Crossroads Tabletop Tavern — Manassas

Are board games and card games the way to fun in your family's heart?  If so, Crossroads Tabletop Tavern is the place to visit for food and fun. Crossroads Tabletop Tavern has over 2,000 board and card games to choose from to add fun during or after your meal.  The menu offers tavern-style American fare to include perennial kids' meal staples: chicken tenders, fun burgers with clever names, macaroni and cheese, chili, and jambalaya. There are weekly food specials and themed game nights, so feel free to check the schedule before visiting. There is also a full bar with cocktails and mocktails for grown-ups.

 
Stratosphere Social offers family activities such as arcade games. Photo courtesy of Facebook

Restaurants in Maryland Where Kids Can Play

6. Stratosphere Social — Sykesville

If you are looking for a place where parents, younger, and older kids can all have fun, look no further than Stratosphere Social. Stratosphere Social offers family activities such as bowling, virtual reality games, arcade games, and trivia, but also offers axe-throwing for patrons over 16, an XD theater (a 7D experience), and trampoline dodgeball. Reservations are not accepted for the attractions but are accepted for dining. The restaurant offers burgers, hot dogs, paninis, wraps, flatbreads, salads, and appetizers, as well as a kids' menu. Stratosphere Social also has Happy Hour every Monday-Friday, from 4pm-7pm with food and drink specials. 

7. Crabtowne USA — Glen Burnie

Located in Glen Burnie, Crabtowne USA is known for its seafood, but the restaurant also offers steaks, chops, burgers, and salads, in case you are more of a land-lubber in your tastes. The kids' menu has favorites like mac and cheese, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and fried shrimp. Does your family love crab? Crabtowne USA offers all-you-can-eat crab! After your meal, your family can have fun playing Crabtowne USA's 68 arcade games, 34 pinball machines, and claw machines. Crabtowne also offers kiddie rides for the smallest patrons.