Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Coeur d’Alene: A Summer Guide from a Mom of 4

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Coeur d’Alene: A Summer Guide from a Mom of Four

If you’re looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Coeur d’Alene, you’re in luck. Between lake days, splash pads, and long summer evenings, our family eats out more in the summer than any other time, and with four kids in tow, I’ve learned pretty quickly which spots are actually welcoming to families.

This list isn’t about fancy dining or white tablecloths. These are the places where kids can be kids, parents can relax a little, and everyone leaves happy and full.

Whether you’re visiting North Idaho for vacation or you’re a local planning your next outing with your kids this guide is perfect for you. (And if this summer happens to be your last before welcoming a new baby, you might also enjoy reading about maternity photos in Coeur d’Alene.)

As a Coeur d’Alene family photographer and local mom of four, I spend a lot of time exploring North Idaho with my kids. Between lake days, soccer practices, playground stops, and summer evenings that stretch well past bedtime, we’ve tested just about every kid-friendly restaurant in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. These are the spots we come back to again and again, places where kids are welcome, the food is great, and parents can actually relax for a minute.

Hudson’s Hamburgers

If you want a true Coeur d’Alene classic, Hudson’s is it.

This historic burger counter has been around for over 100 years and hasn’t changed much… in the best way possible. There are no reservations and no credit cards, so bring cash and be ready to grab a seat at the counter if you’re lucky enough to snag one.

These aren’t gourmet burgers with fancy toppings. They’re the simple, greasy, absolutely perfect burgers that hit the spot after a long day on the lake.

If the line is long, grab your burgers to go and walk down to the park for a lakeside picnic. It’s also conveniently located near McEuen Park and Dog Park, which is one of our favorite spots for letting the kids burn off energy around dinner. If you’re planning a full family outing, I shared more of our favorite playgrounds around Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls here.

Crafted Tap House + Kitchen

If you’re looking for a spot where parents and kids both leave happy, Crafted is a great stop.

With 62 taps of craft beer, parents have plenty of options while the food menu keeps things fun and creative. In the summer, the patio is lively and there’s often live music on the weekends.

My personal recommendations:

• Fried chicken and waffles
• The Biggie Burger with sweet potato fries

The patio atmosphere makes it a great casual dinner stop with kids.

Embers by the Lake

This one is a local favorite for a reason.

Located on beautiful Hauser Lake, Embers by the Lake combines great pizza with one of the most kid-friendly outdoor spaces around. While you wait for your food, kids can run and play on the lawn, and if you request it, they’ll even bring out little balls of dough so kids can make their own mini pizzas.

With over 1,000 five-star reviews, the food and service are consistently excellent.

It’s a little bit of a drive if you’re staying near downtown Coeur d’Alene, but the view alone makes it worth it. Just be sure to call ahead during the busy summer months.

Daft Badger Brewing

Daft Badger Brewing is a neighborhood brewpub that locals love.

The space is smaller, but the service is excellent and the patio is perfect in the summer. The food is elevated pub fare and the beer selection is even better.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for something relaxed and local while still bringing the kids along.

Vantage Point Brewing Company

If you love German-style beers and comfort food, Vantage Point Brewing is a great family stop.

The outdoor space is perfect for summer evenings with:

• plenty of seating
• shaded areas
• lawn games like corn hole

It’s one of those spots where families can settle in for a while without feeling rushed.

Post Falls Brewing Company

This has been one of my personal summer pit stops for nearly 10 years, and it just keeps getting better.

Post Falls Brewing has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and in the summer you’ll almost always see kids rolling down the tiny hill next to the patio. I love a judgment free zone where I can parent with a beer in hand.

It’s also conveniently located near Q’emiln Park and within walking distance of a new food truck gathering spot, making it easy to turn dinner into a full evening adventure.

Shindigs Kitchen & Social

Locals may remember when this spot used to be a biker bar… but those days are long gone.

Today, Shindigs Kitchen & Social has become one of the most family-friendly restaurants in the area, with a menu focused on delicious comfort food made without seed oils.

There’s plenty of seating both inside and outside, and the staff is always welcoming to families.

My personal menu favorites:

• Fried pickles
• The onion burger

You can check out their full menu here:
https://eatshindigs.com/

p.s. This was my first request post partum with my fourth baby. They’re take out option is fast and just as delicious!

Dockside Restaurant

Dockside offers one of the best lake views in Coeur d’Alene, which automatically makes it entertaining for kids.

Located right on the water, it’s a relaxed setting with classic American dishes and plenty to look at outside the windows.

It’s especially fun for:

• Sunday brunch
• a casual lunch after the beach
• or stopping in for dessert

Kids absolutely love their famous Gooey dessert, and then you can let them run off their sugar high down the floating boardwalk or at a local park.

Le Peep

If you’re looking for a reliable breakfast or lunch spot with kids, Le Peep is a solid choice.

Located along the Spokane River, it’s a casual restaurant with a huge menu…which means even picky eaters will find something they like.

The food is straightforward, flavorful, and perfect for starting a day of exploring Coeur d’Alene.

Rogers Burgers & Ice Cream

When in doubt, burgers and ice cream always win.

Rogers Burgers & Ice Cream is one of those classic family stops where everything is made fresh to order. It might take a few extra minutes, but that just gives kids more time to enjoy the picnic tables outside.

My personal strategy?
Let the kids split an ice cream first while waiting for burgers.

There are several Rogers locations throughout Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, and surrounding areas, making it an easy family-friendly stop no matter where you are.

Pro tip: It’s almost always faster to go inside rather than wait in the drive through!

A Local Mom’s Tip

Some of the best family memories happen after long summer days … when everyone’s been warmed by the sun with fresh lake hair.

Those moments are exactly why I love photographing families in this during this season.

If you’re planning a summer trip to Coeur d’Alene or you’re a local wanting to document this summer with your kids, you can learn more about my Coeur d’Alene family photography sessions here.

Because these summer days always fly by way to fast…. but they end up being the moments we want to put a pin in and remember all year long.

FAQ: Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Coeur d’Alene

What are the most kid-friendly restaurants in Coeur d’Alene?
Some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Coeur d’Alene include Hudson’s Hamburgers, Crafted Tap House + Kitchen, Embers by the Lake, and Rogers Burgers & Ice Cream thanks to their relaxed atmospheres and family-friendly menus.

Are there restaurants with outdoor space for kids in Coeur d’Alene?
Yes! Embers by the Lake, Vantage Point Brewing Company, and Post Falls Brewing all offer outdoor areas where kids can move around and play.

Where can you get burgers and ice cream with kids in Coeur d’Alene?
Rogers Burgers & Ice Cream is a local favorite for families and has several locations throughout Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls.