Family-Friendly and Kids Eat Free in Venice

Just south of Sarasota, Venice is a small city on the Gulf of Mexico mainly known for its retirement communities. However, in recent years families have been moving in and making Venice their home. With a number of wonderful places for families to spend their day like the splash pad near Centennial Park, the various playgrounds or hunting for shark’s teeth at the beach, at the end of the day the question remains. What family-friendly restaurants are in Venice?

Family Friendly Restaurants in Venice

I’m always on the lookout for family-friendly dining options that won’t break the bank. Today, I’m excited to share some gems in Venice, Florida, where you can enjoy a delightful meal with your little ones. These spots are not only about delicious food but also about creating memories with your family. So, let’s dive into these family-friendly havens!

Mad Dog Hot Dogs

2059 Tamiami Trl S, Venice, FL 34293
(941) 493-3086

This is a fantastic option for families looking for a casual meal. They serve a variety of hot dogs, sandwiches, and milkshakes, with prices under $10 for the adults. Their kids meal comes with fries and a juice for $5.25 and includes option like a hot dog, corn dog, 2 chicken tenders or 4 Mac-N-Cheez Bites. It’s a great spot to grab a quick, satisfying bite that won’t break the bank. You can even walk across the parking lot to their sister location Mad Salads for incredible build your own salads, a variety of baked potatoes, soups, wraps and more!

BrewBurgers

Two locations in Venice: 370 Commercial Ct & 525 Tamiami Trail

BrewBurgers has all the makings of a hometown favorite place. With fun retro-style decor for casual indoor/outdoor dining, you can feel comfortable bringing in your kids and still enjoy an awesome meal. Serving bar and grill-type fare with a flair, they are kid and pet-friendly. BrewBurgers is well known for huge specialty burgers, and they have a large beer selection.

Gold Rush BBQ

661 Tamiami Trl S, Venice, FL 34285

All about delicious BBQ, Gold Rush is a very family-friendly option. On certain days of the week, they offer various All You Can Eat Options, which makes it a great value when trying to feed your entire family well. If you want to grab a bundle to bring home, they have packages available to feed groups! Snag up a pound or two of their BBQ with some sides and enjoy a family meal at home.

Sharky’s On the Pier

A true tourist destination in Venice, Sharky’s is known for it’s beautiful location right on the Gulf with the Venice Fishing Pier. The kids menu at Sharky’s includes a drink and dessert with your choice of entree: Cheeseburger, Hotdog, Popcorn Shrimp, Chicken Fingers, Fish and Chips (deep-fried cod), Grilled Cheese or Macaroni and cheese with carrots or fries.

Rosebud’s

2215 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL
This classy restaurant is perfect for date night when you have to bring the kids along with you! You get all the fancy “adult” meals, and the kids have their choice of classic kids meals like a cheeseburger or macaroni & cheese or they can choose upscale meals like chicken marsala or prime rib! The prices are also really fair for these kids meal, with the cheeseburger being $7.99 all the way up to prime rib for $14.99! WHAT A DEAL!! And unlike many other menu, the kids meals go all the way up to age 15.

Pop’s Sunset Grill

112 Circuit Rd, Nokomis, Fl 34275

The experience of waterfront dining in a fun environment the whole family will love. The kids menu features all their favorites like cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, quesadillas and mac n’ cheese but also offers fried shrimp or fried fish. All served with a choice of apple sauce or french fries for just $7.50 each!

Tarpon Point Grill & Marina

121 Playmore Dr, Venice, Fl, 34293

Enjoy your family meal on the Myakka River! With burgers, seafood, pasta and more, the adults will be pleased. They offer live entertainment and large outdoor seating areas to accommodate families of all sizes. Kids menu includes mac & cheese, grilled cheese, chicken fingers or a cheeseburger served with fruit or fries for only $8.

Red Grouper Tavern

345 Commercial Ct, Venice, FL 34292
(941) 483-3809

One of the newer restaurants to the Venice area, Red Grouper Tavern is tucked in near Jacaranda and I-75 behind the gas station. With local and fresh seafood options, burgers and more, there’s something for everyone on the menu! Kids meals are a reasonable $7 each with a choice of either a Cheeseburger slider, chicken tenders, grilled cheese or fried fish (beer battered cod) all served with a side of fries.

IL Primo Pizza & Wings – North Port

16979 Tamiami Trl, North Port, FL 34287
(941) 888-2963

Every Wednesday at Il Primo & Wings is a delightful escapade into the world of pizza making for kids! For a mere $5, watch the joy on their faces as they spread the sauce, sprinkle the cheese, and create their very own Mini Cheese Pizza right at their table. But wait, there’s more! This magical evening comes with a cookie and drink to complete their meal, ensuring smiles all around. And the cherry on top? From 5 to 8 PM, kids are treated to free face painting and balloon twists, making it a night of endless fun and creativity.

Where To Find Kids Eat Free in Venice

In addition to all the local family-friendly small business type spots, there are several chain restaurants in Venice offering specials for kids: *Keep in mind that these deals can change or end at anytime*

Firehouse Subs– offers free kids meal with the purchase of a medium sub on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Bob Evans – kids eat free after 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. Place your order on the app, add the kids meal, and the kids meal will be discounted at checkout.
Pinchers – Free Kids Meal with each adult meal over $13.99
Island Fin Poke – Free Kids Meal with adult meal on Mondays
Perkins – Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays with an adult meal purchase
Outback Steakhouse – Kids Eat Free on Mondays with adult meal purchase for dine in only.
Culver’s: All kids’ meals at Culver’s come with a certificate for a free scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard in vanilla, chocolate, or the Flavor of the Day.
Moe’s Southwest Grill: (North Port) Buy one adult meal and get one free kids’ meal at Moe’s for guests under 12 on Sundays.

There are plenty of restaurants in Venice to suit everyone’s tastes. This is sometimes a challenge when eating out with children. Not only does Venice offer great family-friendly options, but most of the places on this list offer take out or use Door Dash for delivery! If you want to add a little adventure, there are plenty of parks and areas to have a picnic as well.

Family Meal Bundles

Sometimes you want to serve a meal family style at home, but you just don’t have the time or the energy to cook. (Trust me, I’ve been there.) It’s great to know that in these moments, there are restaurants in Venice offering wonderful bundle options!

Read All About Family Meal Deals In Venice

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About The Contributor
Raye Wiedner is an active widow, living in the Midwest. She has been a health care worker for most of her life, with a passion for trying new adventures.