Parents, you know the struggle: Sometimes you just don’t want to cook dinner, but going out can be a hassle, especially if your little eaters aren’t satisfied for some reason. The struggle only compound when you're visiting a new place.
Fortunately, many restaurants “get it” – and make sure to cater to kids in some way, while being a cut above fast food.
Here, we provide a roundup of many of the best places in Bellingham and Whatcom County to dine out with kids. It’s by no means an exhaustive list but includes the input of many parents from around the area.
Especially if your kids want chicken strips, take them straight to Boomer's.
All Boomer’s kid’s meals come in cute classic car meal holders and include a burger, or their famous chicken tenders, plus fries, a drink, and a Tootsie Pop.
Moms and dads will love Boomer’s too – from their Bacon Guacamole Burger special to the fun-to-eat waffle fries and milkshakes. Oh, the milkshakes.
The atmosphere at Boomer’s is fun, too. You can dine in your car, old-fashioned drive-in style, or dine in, where the gas fireplace in the middle of the dining room is a special draw in the winter time. The decor is straight out of a ‘50s drive-in with the soundtrack to go with it.
Though not in Bellingham, you'll spot the Rusty Wagon while driving along Hannegan Road on your way to Lynden. This funky, whimsical road-house style restaurant is a fun place to bring the whole family.
The second you pull into the parking lot, it’s apparent this is a great place for kids. There’s a “Kids Corral” outside with a small playground and lots more to do and see around the grounds. It’s the perfect place to take your toddler to get the wiggles out when sitting at the table becomes too much.
Once inside, it’s just as fun. All sorts of country and western paraphernalia line the walls. There’s not a corner untouched by color and kitsch.
The Rusty Wagon serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, everything from steaks to gourmet burgers to hearty salads. First up, get the nachos. Loaded with chicken, tomato, onions, black olives and pickled jalepenos, plus generous sides of salsa, sour cream and guacamole. Your kiddos will not go home hungry.
For dessert, split an enormous brownie covered in whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Your kids will devour it.
The Loft is hip and urban in appearance, and at first glance you might not think this waterfront destination is a kid-friendly kind of place. Appearances can be deceiving.
They do a great job with the classic colorable kids’ menu, with a short but adequate menu of kid favorites, including fish ‘n’ chips and penne pasta with butter and cheese.
While you’re waiting for your food, the kids can enjoy all the boats right outside the window docked at the marina.
Once the food arrives – ahoy, matey! – it comes in a jolly paper pirate ship, which keeps the kids delighted while they munch on some really good food.
Then when it’s time to leave, kids get to dip into the treasure chest to bring home a toy.
The Loft is next door to the Marine Life Center, so combining the two makes for a super fun and easy outing.
A favorite with many of the kid crowd, not just for the pizza but also because kids get a mound of pizza dough to play with while they wait for their food.
Known for its beer and good food, this brewpub is family-friendly and has a great kids’ menu. During the summer, the beer garden is a wonderful family hangout while listening to live music.
1950s gas station kitsch meets some mighty fine food. Friendly staff to boot. Choose from two locations, one in Sunnyland and one in Fairhaven Village.
