Room to run makes Nick Elmi’s new suburban cafe a go-to for families. The riverside patio has room for playing and coloring with chalk, while parents enjoy the Top Chef winner’s all-day fare and drinks. Think: Grilled cheese and BBQ fries for the kids — avocado toast and sparkling rose for the parents.

With an inviting grassy area that runs through a pedestrian-friendly shopping center, Ardmore’s Suburban Square is a popular spot for families. New this year is Lola’s Garden, from the team behind Harper’s Garden and Morgan’s Pier. Outdoor dining shines here, thanks to a big, covered al fresco section. Kids are welcome and get their own menu with cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, shells and cheese, and grilled cheese.

Take a break from screen time with the little ones for a throwback experience at Thirsty Dice, where the biggest challenge will be choosing from the selection of 800 board games to play. Kid-friendly food — including tater tots with ketchup and mac and cheese with Cheeto crumb crust — rules on this spot’s approachable menu.

With an indoor pirate ship-themed playground, freshly brewed beer from Mainstay Independent Brewing Company, and a menu full of upgraded comfort food, Craft Hall checks all the boxes for a day of family-friendly fun. Good news: Craft Hall guests can now park next door in Lot A at Rivers Casino.

While adults enjoy stuffed French toast, fluffy omelets, and thick sandwiches at Sabrina’s Art Museum or University City locations, kiddos have their own menu to peruse with options like grilled chicken, buttermilk pancakes with chocolate chips or fruit, and scrambled eggs with cheese. In the suburbs, find Sabrina’s in Wynnewood and over the bridge in Collingswood.

One of Philly’s most popular vendors at events and festivals, Charisse McGill now has a permanent home for her French Toast Bites operation. The name says it all: bitesize French toast pieces that can come topped with berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, chocolate syrup, or caramel drizzle. A vegan option is available and so is French toast infused coffee. The poppable treat is available year ‘round at Cherry Street Pier and it’s also open for the summer season at Spruce Street Harbor Park.

The menu of burgers, dogs, and fries at University City’s Sunset Social works well for families. Half pints of ice cream and the sweeping views of Center City from this rooftop hot spot make it a good time for all. Easy parking is available in the attached garage. Bring a picnic blanket.

Iron Hill has more than a dozen area restaurants and now one in Center City. Parents get to enjoy freshly brewed beer while little ones get a beverage and two sides with every kids menu entree — for $5 or $6. There are half a dozen options for kids to choose from and as many side dishes.

With plenty of room to spread out and a wide variety of vendors, the food hall at the Bourse works well for the whole family. Kids will especially enjoy the chicken soup spot, grilled cheese counter, pasta place, and ice cream sundae maker. It’s a perfect place to get a meal while sightseeing at Independence Mall.

This international chocolate-themed restaurant has one of the biggest and most playful kids menus in town. Children can “paint” their food with ketchup, get sliders in a mini-spaceship, and share the Chocolate Mess Party: warm chocolate mud cake in a chocolate swimming pool, with whipped cream mountains, ice cream bowling balls, chocolate rocks, and toffee sauce.

At the north end of Graduate Hospital and newly available in the BOK Building, Miles Table promises a quick, casual, cozy experience with fulfilling, fresh meals. Everything on the kids menu — chicken fingers and fries, grilled cheese and chips, and scrambled eggs with sliced apples — is under $6. Plus, breakfast is served all day.

When Bridget Foy was a newborn baby, her parents named their restaurant after her. It’s been a family-friendly joint ever since. Now, Foy, a mom herself, runs the casual South Street destination. On the menu, find kid-accessible dishes like tomato soup with grilled cheese, pizza bruschetta, and pasta.

Hawthornes is a go-to spot for area families, especially for brunchtime pancake specials. Kids will also enjoy tater tot apps, pierogies, muffins, and pizza (after 4 p.m.). Grown-ups appreciate the big beer list and espresso drinks in the morning.

Kids love pizza and Slice makes it easier for parents to take their families out for a pie. The restaurant offers high chairs, kids-eat-free nights, and make-your-own pizza kits.

With seven kids of their own, P'unk Burger owners Marlo and Jason Dilks opened their East Passyunk eatery with young families in mind. Kids get their burgers and shakes, but with an organic spin. P’unk supports children’s charities throughout the year, has arcade games, and offers a kids menu.