Planning a visit to the Mt. Pleasant area with family? Keep reading to see six kid-friendly places to eat in central Michigan!

The Barn Door is a family-run business that is sure to give you that down-home feeling while providing great food and service. They have daily specials – including kid’s meals starting at only $1.99 on Saturdays! When you eat at The Barn Door, you’re supporting Michigan-based companies. This includes their Smith & Son’s (Isabella County) burger, their Cop’s & Doughnuts (Clare County) buns picked up fresh weekly, and their Michigan cheeses and produce.

Opened in 1948, Pixie Restaurant brings you back to the days of crusin’, Coney Dogs, and jukebox rock n’ roll fun. Pixie offers a 50s-themed diner look with an assortment of diner classics from Coney’s to burgers and even pizza. And a stop at Pixie wouldn’t be complete without an old-school milkshake. While there be sure to check out the food challenge champion tiles on the tables, walls, and even the ceiling. Want to take on the food challenge yourself? You just need to eat six Coney Dogs or ten Bitty Burgers!

When it comes to Sunday brunch with family, Wood Shop Social is the place to be. In addition to their regular brunch specials like French Toast, Breakfast Poutine, and a Bloody Mary Bar, Wood Shop also serves a Cereal Bar free for kids 10 years and younger. The Cereal Bar includes favorites like Fruit Loops, Cheerios, and Rice Krispies, and features toppings ranging from bananas and blueberries to sprinkles, gummy bears, and mini-marshmallows!

But don’t just come for Brunch; every Thursday, kids 10 years and younger eat for free off of the kids’ menu!

Located in the heart of downtown Mt. Pleasant, Pisanello’s Pizza offers pizzas, subs, wings, and salads. Can’t decide on what toppings to get? No problem! Monday through Friday, Pisanello’s offers a lunch pizza buffet, featuring a variety of pizza options, including a special cinnamon dessert pizza. At Pisanello’s, pizza never had it so good!

If you and your family are looking for great classic bar food, stop by Freddie’s Tavern, just west of downtown. Freddie’s Tavern has a full menu with burgers, chicken, salads, sandwiches, and more, and has been voted “Best Burger in Town” by the People’s Choice Award eight years in a row! On Sundays, Freddie’s has their Family Chicken Dinner, which includes a 12-piece Broasted Chicken, Broasted Potatoes, one pint of coleslaw, and 4 dinner rolls – all for under $25! Freddie’s also has an air hockey table, dart boards, and plenty of TVs to keep everyone in the family entertained.

While spending the day at Soaring Eagle Waterpark surfing the FlowRider, crossing the Acorn Pass, or floating down Little Beaver’s Bend, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Visit their on-site dining, Nbakade Family Restaurant. This family-friendly restaurant serves basics such as pizza, chicken tenders, and hotdogs, sure to please the pickiest of eaters, as well as more substantial meals like chicken alfredo and grilled sirloin.

To save these restaurants and more, download the Meet Mt. Pleasant App and add them to your plan. Check out a full list of lodging properties, things to do, and family fun activities. Be sure to use #Meetmtp while in the area – we might just share your post! Follow the Mt. Pleasant CVB on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to keep up with the latest happenings in the Mt. Pleasant area.