Best Restaurants in Santa Cruz for Kids & Families

Looking for the best restaurants in Santa Cruz for kids? As surf town with a vintage boardwalk and redwood forests, Santa Cruz offers genuinely kid-friendly dining (not just a kids menu) that families won't find anywhere else. Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking for something new, we've rated every option for age-appropriateness, stroller access, and value so you can skip the guesswork.

Kid-friendly doesn't mean chicken fingers only. The best family restaurants have quick service for hangry toddlers, space for strollers, and food that parents actually enjoy too. We note highchair availability, noise level, and whether they have a changing table. In Santa Cruz, expect mild year-round, foggy mornings, warmest in September-October. Pro tip: The Beach Boardwalk is free to walk — you only pay per ride. Henry Cowell Redwoods is 10 minutes from the boardwalk.

Below you'll find our curated list of restaurants in Santa Cruz, CA — each with detailed age ratings (infants through teens), cost estimates for a family of four, and the practical parent details that matter: parking, stroller access, nursing rooms, and honest reviews of what makes each spot worth your time.