Families with small children know that sometimes it’s hard to find a restaurant where other customers may accept a wiggling baby or a flying French fry. Kids find many places boring or the restaurant is catered more toward adults.
We put together a list of five Connecticut restaurants that will change your dining experience with your children. From Hot Wheels to an in-house magician, there’s something all of the kids will enjoy. There’s even one place with a full arcade and bowling alley in it to really bring fun to the experience. Summer is a great time to travel the state and find a new favorite place to eat. Here’s our list of places to try.
Pizza Works
455 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook
Pizza Works in Old Saybrook is known for its trains. Located next to the Old Saybrook train station, the second level of the restaurant is filled with model trains and town scenes. Kids will love watching the miniature remote control trains pass them by while they’re eating dinner. Share a pizza “in the old style with a light, crispy crust and the freshest ingredients.”
Antonio’s
1185 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury
Antonio’s prides itself in its family-friendly atmosphere. Lining its dining room walls are chotchkies and fish tanks. Kids will love playing “I Spy” as they wait for their meal. The true magic of Antonio’s is on Friday nights. They host magician David Reed-Brown and children will love the magic tricks during dinner. Antonio’s also has an extensive gluten-free menu for those with dietary restrictions.
Game On
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville
The casino isn’t just for the adults. At Game On, restaurant meets bowling alley and arcade. Located at the entrance to the Earth Expo & Convention Center, Game On is an “interactive restaurant and 65-foot bar with craft beer on tap, an eight-lane bowling alley, 15 hi-definition viewing screens, karaoke, shuffleboard, cornhole, darts, nostalgic and modern arcade games, billiard tables, live entertainment, and much more,” according to its website.
Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza
285 East Center St., Manchester
Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza is a car enthusiast’s delight. There are cars everywhere and Hot Wheels line the walls and the tables. Kids can enjoy a pizza and some entertainment as they pick out which car is their favorite.
Puerta Vallarta
2385 Berlin Turnpike, Newington
Puerta Vallarta is the place to be on Sunday evenings with the family. A band of Mariachi singers parades through the restaurant, bringing cheer and Mexican tradition to the atmosphere. Kids will love listening to the music and munching on chips, salsa and other Mexican delights.
