A Guide to Kid-Friendly Dining in Downtown East Lansing

Greater Lansing Area Moms is teaming up with Downtown East Lansing for a special series showcasing all the ways your family can explore and enjoy this vibrant community. From family-friendly events and activities to shopping, dining, and sweet treats, we’re bringing you the best of what the area has to offer—this month, we are starting with where to eat with kids!

Finding a spot to eat with kids in Downtown East Lansing just got easier!

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or something fun for the whole family, there are plenty of kid-friendly dining options to choose from. From classic burgers and pizza to fresh sandwiches, ramen, and even poke bowls, there’s something for even the pickiest eaters.

GLAMoms has curated a list of top family-friendly restaurants in the heart of East Lansing – making your next meal out a breeze. Even at spots without a dedicated kids’ menu, we’ve found plenty of ways for parents and kids to enjoy a meal together.

So, grab your crew, bring your appetite, and discover the best family dining Downtown East Lansing has to offer!

Auntie Anne’s / Jamba East Lansing 103 E. Grand River Ave. Known for their pretzels, they offer pretzel nuggets and other bite-sized options that are great for kids.

Barrio Tacos 202 Albert Ave. You can look forward to child portioning and also pricing. And there is also an assortment of build your own items, guacamole, chips and foods kids will find fun and delicious.

Beggar’s Banquet A local restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a scratch kitchen menu crafted with high-quality ingredients.

Bruegger’s Bagels 505 E. Grand River Ave. Offers kid-friendly options like plain or cinnamon raisin bagels with cream cheese, egg and cheese sandwiches, and refreshing smoothies – perfect for a quick and tasty bite!

Buffalo Wild Wings 360 Albert Ave. With a relaxed atmosphere and a kids’ menu featuring favorites like chicken tenders and mac & cheese, Buffalo Wild Wings is a great spot for families. Plus, plenty of TVs make it a fun place to catch a game while dining out!

Chipotle Mexican Grill 539 E. Grand River Ave. A quick and customizable option for families! Kids can enjoy a kid’s meal with a small quesadilla, tacos, or a build-your-own bowl with their favorite ingredients. Fresh, simple, and always a hit!

Cottage Inn Pizza 615 E. Grand River Ave. A go-to for pizza lovers of all ages! Kids can enjoy classic cheese or pepperoni pizza, and there are plenty of sides like breadsticks and salads to round out a family meal. Perfect for dine-in, carryout, or a quick slice on the go!

Crunchy’s 254 W. Grand River Ave. Offers a cozy casual hangout with a space-themed kids menu and arcade area, serving items like buckets of burgers, pizza nugs, and more.

Charlie Kang’s Chinese & Korean Cuisine 109 E. Grand River Ave. While they don’t have a specific kids’ menu, they offer a variety of dishes that can appeal to younger palates, such as Sweet and Sour Chicken and Fried Rice.

Dave’s Hot Chicken 194 Albert Ave. They keep it simple, but there are still options for kids, mild or no-spice tenders, fries, and mac & cheese make for a tasty and manageable meal for little ones!

Detroit Wing Company 437 E. Grand River Ave. Offers a variety of wing flavors and sides, with kid-friendly options like boneless wings, mac and cheese, and crispy fries, perfect for little appetites!

Dublin Square Irish Pub & Restaurant 327 Abbot Road. Offers a welcoming atmosphere for families, with kid-friendly options like mac & cheese, chicken tenders, and classic Irish fare. Plus, parents can enjoy traditional favorites while kids soak in the lively pub vibes!

El Azteco 225 Ann St. Offers kid-friendly favorites like cheesy quesadillas, mild nachos, and classic tacos, plus, for adventurous little eaters, their famous cheese dip and legendary Topopo Salad are great ways to dive into a local classic!

FieldHouse Crafts, Drafts & Eats 213 Ann St. Offers a family-friendly atmosphere with great food, kid-friendly options, and a relaxed setting perfect for dining out with your kids. Pizza, burgers, an assortment of appetizers – the kids will find something they will like… or share.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries 623 E. Grand River Ave. Five Guys keeps it simple, burgers, fries, and happy kids, making it an easy, no-fuss dining choice for families on the go.

D.P. Dough 553 E. Grand River Ave. Serves up warm, cheesy calzones that are great for kids, with options like classic cheese, pepperoni, or chicken & bacon – perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!

For Crêpe Sake 211 M.A.C. Ave. Offers a delicious selection of sweet and savory crêpes, making it a fun and kid-friendly spot where little ones can enjoy classic favorites like Nutella and banana or a simple cheese crêpe!

Georgio’s Pizza 120 Charles St. A local favorite known for its jumbo slices, Georgio’s Pizza offers a variety of toppings including kid-friendly classics like cheese and pepperoni. Perfect for a quick and easy meal while exploring East Lansing!

HopCat East Lansing 300 Grove St. Offers a “HopKittens” menu featuring items like Jr. Cheeseburgers, Tiny Tenders, Mini Corn Dogs, Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup, and Mini Mac. Each meal includes a kid’s beverage, apple slices, and a chocolate chip cookie. Kids menu here

Jersey Mike’s Subs 615 Grand River Provides mini-sized subs that are suitable for children, allowing them to enjoy a variety of sandwich options in smaller portions.

Jolly Pumpkin 218 Albert Ave. Offers a fun, laid-back atmosphere with plenty of options for kids! While the menu leans toward artisan pizzas and elevated pub fare, little ones can enjoy classics like cheese pizza or shareable appetizers.

Jimmy John’s 643 E. Grand River Ave. Fast, fresh, and always a solid choice for families on the go! Jimmy John’s offers customizable sandwiches, kid-sized options, and their signature Freaky Fast® service. Perfect for a quick bite between activities.

Kimchi Box 527 E. Grand River Ave. Offers a few kid-friendly options, including crispy chicken tenders, rice bowls, and flavorful but mild Korean-style fries, perfect for little ones looking to try something new!

Leo’s Coney Island 333 Albert Ave. Has plenty of kid-friendly options, from classic grilled cheese and chicken tenders to comforting mac & cheese and their famous Coney dogs, perfect for little appetites!

Los Treś Mex Grill 115 Albert Ave. So many options for kids. That’s if they don’t fill up on chips and salsa before their meal even makes it to the table!

No Thai! 403 E. Grand River Ave. Offers a variety of kid-friendly options, from mild noodle dishes to stir-fried rice, perfect for little taste buds that aren’t quite ready for the heat!

Noodles & Company 101 E. Grand River Ave.Offers a variety of noodle-based dishes suitable for children, including Wisconsin mac and cheese, buttered noodles, spaghetti and meatballs, and tortellini marinara. Each kids’ meal comes with sides like broccoli and applesauce.

Lou & Harry’s 211 E. Grand River Ave. Offers kid-friendly favorites like chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and pita with hummus, making it a great spot for families looking for a casual and tasty meal near MSU!

Panda Express 439 E. Grand River Ave. A go-to for quick and familiar flavors, Panda Express offers kid-friendly favorites like orange chicken, teriyaki chicken, and chow mein, perfect for little appetites that love a mix of sweet and savory!

The Peanut Barrel 521 E. Grand River Ave. A family-friendly restaurant known for its casual atmosphere and menu offerings suitable for all ages.

Playa Bowls 225 E. Grand River Ave. Offers a variety of bowl sizes, including smaller options that are perfect for children. Their menu includes açaí, pitaya, and coconut bowls topped with fresh fruits and granola. Stupid Cupid is a kid-favorite.

Poké Fresh 551 E. Grand River Ave. Offers a customizable dining experience that can work for kids who enjoy fresh ingredients and build-your-own meals. With options like rice, noodles, and a variety of proteins and toppings, even picky eaters can find something to enjoy!

Potbelly Sandwich Works 233 E. Grand River Ave. A fantastic family-friendly spot, offering a variety of delicious sandwiches, salads, and kid-approved sides. With its casual atmosphere and speedy service, it’s a perfect choice for a satisfying meal on the go

Raising Cane’s 301 E. Grand River Ave. Known for its crispy chicken tenders and signature Cane’s Sauce, Raising Cane’s keeps it simple but satisfying. With kid-approved meals that include fries and Texas toast, it’s a go-to for families looking for a quick and tasty bite in East Lansing.

Rice Kitchen 551 E. Grand River Ave. Offers customizable rice and noodle bowls, making it a great option for kids who enjoy simple, familiar flavors. With plenty of protein and veggie choices, families can create meals that cater to even the pickiest eaters!

Sapporo Ramen & Noodle Bar 317 M.A.C. Ave. For little noodle lovers, Sapporo Ramen & Noodle Bar serves up warm, comforting bowls of ramen with customizable options. Kids can enjoy a mild broth, simple toppings, and slurp-worthy noodles in a cozy setting!

Sushi Ya 529 E. Grand River Ave. For adventurous eaters, Sushi Ya offers kid-friendly options like mild sushi rolls, tempura, and teriyaki dishes. A great spot to introduce little ones to Japanese flavors in a relaxed setting!

University Weiner 551 Grand River Ave. Their walk up order window is fun! Plain dogs or dogs dressed with all the fixings. Along with a soda, a great spot to stop, grab a picnic table and people watch with the kids.

How about this list! More than we thought too! If we missed a Downtown East Lansing dining option for families, please let us know!

No matter what your family is craving, Downtown East Lansing has plenty of delicious options to make dining out easy and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, sitting down for a meal together, or trying something new, there’s a spot for every taste and appetite. We hope this guide helps make your next family outing stress-free and full of great food and even better memories. Be sure to check back as we continue exploring all the ways families can enjoy Downtown East Lansing—there’s much more to come!

How does your family enjoy spending time Downtown East Lansing? Send your family-fun ideas to [email protected] – we would LOVE to hear from you.