If you’re a parent, you know the routine. Some of your friends want to meet up for a bite to eat but trying to convince toddlers to sit still in a restaurant for an hour sounds like a nightmare. You spend the entire meal trying to convince them to sit still or redirecting them that you didn’t actually get to catch up with your friends at all! Well guess what? Not anymore! 

As a mom to two toddlers, I understand the struggle of QUICKLY eating cold food after getting the kids meal cut up or my iced coffee melting by the time I get to enjoy it at the traditional sit down places. So I am on a mission to find places in The Woodlands area that let kids play while parents get a chance to relax, catch up with friends, and yes, actually eat while it’s still hot.

Here’s a list of mom-approved spots with play areas or family-friendly setups that make dining out easier and way more fun.

Center Court Pizza & Brew

This is our go to spot for meeting friends with my kiddos. I’ve also met multiple of my clients there to talk about buying a home/selling their home while the kids play. Their food is AMAZING (you have to get the boudin) and they have covered seating with fans or some that are in the sun a little bit. They have a fenced in playground with a slide. In the summer, it DOES get a little hot as a warning, but it has some shady spots underneath it to sit and play with their play pizzas. My kiddos have so much fun and I actually get to enjoy food AND conversations. 

Check out their menu here:

Click here to navigate.

Crust Pizza (Panther Creek and Harper’s Preserve)

Crust has really yummy pizza and a cozy atmosphere. They have a little fenced in outdoor area that has some toys for the kids to play with. I think this is a little bit more toddler friendly style than older kids, but my toddlers LOVE it there. We usually go to the Harper’s Preserve one and BONUS! They do kids eat free all day on Tuesday (at least at the time of this post-you can also see if other branches do that too). Go enjoy some delicious food and catch up with your bestie. 

Click here to navigate to Panther Creek.

Click here to navigate to Harper’s Preserve.

Check out their menu here.

Corkscrew BBQ

This is another one of our favorites! Their food is out of this world and they have a huge area for kids to play. They have balls out, miscellaneous toys, and space to run around. It’s also right by train tracks so you often get to watch the train go by which is a BIG exciting thing! There is both covered seating and picnic tables in the sun depending on which vibe you’re looking for. My favorite order from here is moist brisket with their potato salad. It’s a different potato salad than you’ve probably ever had but it’s amazing. 

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Check out their menu here. 

B52 Brewery

If you haven’t been here before, you need to go! While it’s not specifically for kids, they have games out like Jenga, cornhole, some seats around a fireplace and a really good food truck too. This craft brewery offers more than just beer, with food trucks, outdoor seating, and open space, it’s a popular weekend spot where kids can play while parents unwind.

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Check out their menu here.

Conroe Lake House

Waterfront views + yard games = family-friendly win. We’ve been here a few times with the kids and like the ability to be able to walk around outside with them a bit if we need to. The outside seating is covered with the nice breeze off the lake. It’s more of pub style food here so it’s perfect kid food - think burgers, fries, nachos. You can have your kids count boats/birds or play with giant connect 4 while you catch up on all the latest gossip.

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Check out their menu here.

The Table at Madeley

This is more of a food hall concept so there are plenty of options for everyone to have food they’re excited about. It has open seating and has a fun area for the kids to play with Jenga, chalk, Connect4 and more. They have live music at nights and it’s pet friendly too! This is next on our list to check out. 

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Check out their menu here.

Hat Creek Burgers

If you want delicious food, not snacky food AND a playground, this is it. This burger place also has fantastic salads and a playscape with a cover on it so the kiddos don’t get too hot. The big doors allow you to sit right inside in the AC and enjoy your meal while the kids go run around some more before it’s time to go. This is one a mom friend recommended that I can’t wait to try out myself! 

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Check out their menu here.

Creekwood Grill

This place is a WHOLE VIBE! It has a huge outdoor play space for the kids to run and play and tons of outdoor seating nearby for you to watch while you chat and eat. They are known for their live music and a big outdoor play space. This is another one a mom friend recommended to me and I can not WAIT to check it out.

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Check out their menu here.

Sawyer Park Ice House

During the day (until 9 PM), it’s family-friendly with room for kids, and later it transitions into more of an adult hangout. They have good food and a big space for kids to run around and play. If you were able to convince the men in your life to come on the playdate too, this is a great spot with massive TVs for them to watch the game while you all keep an eye on the kids. 

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Check out their menu here.

Conroe’s Incredible Pizza Company

Part arcade, part buffet, part indoor amusement park, it’s an all in one spot for fun and food. We went here with our friends and kids for a birthday celebration. Sitting down and eating was nice and easy with the kiddos but the age of my kids was harder for us to enjoy it. They all ran in opposite directions in the dark haha so be warned if you have toddlers! With a little bit older kids I can see how this would be a fantastic place. They have mini golf, bumper cars, laser tag, go-karts, etc which would give you the perfect chance to stand and talk while the kids do a round of bumper cars or go-karts. Oh yeah, and the food is really good too! 

Click here to navigate.

Check out their menu here.

Eating out with kids doesn’t have to mean eating cold food or cutting conversations short. These local favorite spots give parents a chance to sip, savor, and enjoy a little downtime while the kids are busy having fun.

Be sure to share this Play Date Restaurant Bucket List, places recommended by local moms that make family outings with family friends a little easier. If you have a favorite that’s not on this list, I’d love to hear about it! Because let’s be honest, there’s always room for more hot coffee and warm food in our lives.