After a full day enjoying the sand and sun with young kids, if the last thing on your mind is figuring out what to make for dinner –  why not relax and let someone else do the cooking for you? Fortunately, Pensacola Beach has no shortage of restaurants ready to let moms and dads take the night off in the kitchen.

Most places are suitable for families with children (if you haven’t already noticed, Pensacola Beach is pretty laid back…), but a few are especially good choices when you have young kids in your party that you want to keep entertained.  

Here are five kid-friendly beach restaurants you’ll want to try:

• Flounder’s Chowder House

Located in the heart of Pensacola Beach, Flounder’s is a spacious, casual seafood restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. A 55-foot shrimp boat, the M/V Flounder, sits just outside the entrance and an eclectic mix of beach and church relics fill the walls inside. Most tables have a view of the sound and its sandy beach, that’s been outfitted with volleyball nets. Kids can climb on board the large pirate ship playground and play just steps from your table. Flounder’s serves everything from seafood chowder to shrimp platters and sushi, as well as burgers and po-boys. Portions are large, and if you’re in the mood for fried seafood, you’ll have many options here. Diesel Fuel, a potent cocktail served in a mason jar, and gigantic three-layer slices of key lime pie (enough to share) are signature menu items.

• Peg Leg Pete’s

Ahoy Matey! Snap a picture with One-Eyed-Pete as you enter this kid-friendly establishment. The restaurant offers burgers, po-boys and sandwiches for the little ones and fresh seafood and Cajun specialties for the adults. More importantly, Peg Leg features a sanded playground and jungle gym for the kids to entertain themselves while the parents listen to live music. Located on LaFitte Cove on Pensacola Beach, take a stroll along the dock and check out all the boats stationed at the marina.

• Red Fish, Blue Fish

With a name straight outta Dr. Seuss, it has to be great for kids, right? Just wait ‘till you see the view, too! The food here is good, with fresh seafood delivered daily. Try any of their several “small bites” plates, including less common choices like alligator bites and frog legs, or enjoy a po-boy in the backyard-like atmosphere. This place has a funky vibe with colorful reclaimed wood tables and seating, including (if you’re lucky enough to snag one) chairs around a fire pit. It’s the perfect spot to savor a cocktail and watch the sunset, and it is pet friendly! Kids can play tetherball, corn hole or a human-sized Jenga here, too.

• Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill

This beach bar serves amazing food and drink while offering one-of-a-kind family-friendly activities too. Located within Laguna’s Adventure Park – which features a 3-story ropes course, a splash pad, four 30-foot-tall clip n’ climb structures, a zip rail, a go kart track, parasailing, jet ski rentals and more – it’s safe to say that your kids will remain entertained while you relax and watch them wear themselves out – all while sipping a tasty, frozen concoction from the Adirondack chairs at the bar and grill.

• Shaggy’s

Everyone in the family can find something they’ll want to eat on Shaggy’s menu. Choose from fresh oysters on the half-shell, fried seafood baskets, tacos, pulled pork, or crab cakes, just to name a few. High-top tables overlooking Little Sabine Bay make this open-air dining experience one to remember. Inside, TVs broadcast the most popular sporting events. Best of all for kids, meals include a free dessert. Plus, fishing poles and bait are free to use out on the pier behind the restaurant.

What are your favorite kid-friendly beach dining spots in the Pensacola area? Leave us a comment!