Sometimes you’re just in the mood for some good Texas barbecue! Barbecue places are the perfect kid-friendly hang since they’re a laid-back atmosphere, you can pick and choose what you like, and you’re SUPPOSED to get messy when you eat!
These eateries take it a step farther with a playground! Get your BBQ fix and let the kids play. Win-win.
(If it’s a BBQ food truck, make sure to check the truck hours before heading there, since food truck hours can vary!)
UPDATED Summer 2025
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Places to Eat BBQ and Let the Kids Play
1. Rudy’s Bar-B-Q
7709 Ranch Road 620, Austin TX 78726
2451 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin TX 78746
Not only do these two locations of Rudy’s Bar-B-Q have playgrounds, but they also open early, so you can enjoy breakfast tacos in the morning when you’re itching to get out of the house! Or of course, all kinds of barbecued meats and yummy sides and desserts.
2. Meanwhile Brewing
3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, Texas 78744
This is one of Austinites’ favorite breweries, and one of the reasons is its selection of top-quality food trucks! Distant Relatives is no exception — people love this barbecue and sides. Add in Meanwhile’s fun play area (with tree fort, slide, rope net, and balance beams) and it’s the perfect outing.
3. Salt Lick BBQ
18300 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619
3350 East Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
Both locations (Round Rock and the original Driftwood) of this famous barbecue joint have playgrounds for the kids. The Round Rock location is right by Dell Diamond or Old Settlers Park, and the Driftwood location is perfect for a day out in the Hill Country. Kids under 3 eat free with the purchase of an adult Family Style.
4. Pig Pen BBQ
301 W. Highway 290, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
If you’re out in Dripping Springs, stop by Pig Pen BBQ for some tasty meats and a fun time on the patio. They’ve got the traditional barbecue (including a kids sandwich if you need a smaller portion), plus a Mexi-Que menu for something a little different.
5. KG BBQ at Oddwood Brewing
3108 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723
KG BBQ is set up outside Oddwood Brewing in East Austin and serves BBQ with an Egyptian twist! People come from all over town to enjoy it. (And if your kids or someone in the family wants something different, you can grab a pizza from Oddwood!)
Oddwood has a fenced-in turf area around the back of the restaurant with shade and small playscapes, plus a retro arcade inside!
6. Pork Booty ATX at Fieldhouse
1717 Scottsdale Dr Suite 160, Leander, TX 78641
The Fieldhouse at the Crossover has something to offer for everyone in the family! Tons of space, live music or movies on the big stage many nights of the week, a shaded playground, and a selection of food trucks.
Pork Booty ATX serves barbecue with a Venezuelan flair and is known for its slow-cooked and roasted pork (though they serve other meats too!).
7. Kerlaches at Thicket
7800 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78745
A totally different way to eat barbecue! Kerlaches combines Texas barbecue with kolaches, so the tender meat is enclosed in semi-sweet dough. This location of the Kerlaches truck is set up at Thicket Food Park, which has space to run around and lots of play equipment and toys.
Want pizza instead? Try one of these spots with playgrounds. Or check out my ultimate guide to Austin restaurants with play areas.