11 Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Mystic Aquarium
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The Mystic Aquarium is one of the biggest attractions in Mystic, CT, and is where you will likely spend a good portion of your day. While they have a cafeteria there, you may prefer to visit one of the kid-friendly restaurants near Mystic Aquarium before or after your visit.
Luckily there are some fantastic places to eat with kids near Mystic Aquarium that are either within walking distance or a very short drive away.
Family-friendly Restaurants Within Walking Distance of Mystic Aquarium
If you take a quick walk across the street from Mystic Aquarium, you will find more kid-friendly restaurants and easy food options.
Peking Tokyo
Take a break from burgers and fries. Located across the street from the aquarium, try the delicious Chinese food and sushi at Peking Tokyo.
McQuade’s Marketplace
McQuade’s is a market instead of a restaurant, but they have take-out and freshly prepared food options. They have pizza, delicious pre-made sandwiches, hot meals, and an extensive salad bar.
Rio Salado
Rio Salado is a great Mexican restaurant conveniently located across the street from the aquarium and Olde Mistick Village. Their kids’ menu includes tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and nachos.
Kid-friendly Restaurants in Olde Mistick Village
The Mystic Maritime Aquarium is conveniently located right next to the Olde Mistick Village, which is home to several restaurants. Whether you want a quick bite, lunch, or have a family dinner after your visit, you will find something here that will suit everyone.
Mango’s Pizza
You can never go wrong with pizza when you’re looking to feed kids, and in our humble opinion, Mango’s is the best pizza in Mystic. Eat in, or get it to go and take a short walk to the duck pond to eat there.
After you finish your pizza, pop across the walkway for some ice cream at Mango’s Homemade Ice Cream.
The Jealous Monk
You may not think of The Jealous Monk as a kids’ restaurant, but it has something for everyone in the family. Their extensive kids’ menu will make it easy to feed even the fussiest kids.
You can also have fun playing board games, pinball, and old-school video games while you wait for your meal.
Go Fish
Go Fish is the place to stop if you are a seafood fan looking for a family-friendly restaurant with great food and a nice atmosphere. They have a wide variety of items, from sushi to lobster grilled cheese (which we highly recommend), and a kids’ menu that will please any child in your family.
Note: Go Fish has moved to 29 Old Stonington Rd.
Bleu Squid
Whether you’re looking for breakfast or lunch near Mystic Aquarium, Bleu Squid is the perfect spot to stop. They are known for their yummy soups, salads, and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. Try one of their lobster rolls if you feel like having something a little more extravagant.
If you are headed to the aquarium early, stop into Bleu Squid beforehand for their delicious breakfast options like omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and muffins.
The Boardwalk
Not a restaurant per se, but this is a great place to stop if you are looking for a quick bite. We have all been in a situation where your child is starting to get cranky after a day of activity, and the only way to cure it is a quick snack. Pop into The Boardwalk to grab a hot dog, chicken tenders, or a jumbo pretzel.
Restaurants a Short Drive Away from the Aquarium
If you don’t mind hopping in the car but still want to stay close to the aquarium and avoid Downtown Mystic, you’re in luck.
Sea View
Sea View is a riverfront clam shack that serves fried seafood, burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes. Its location right on the Mystic River with views of the Mystic Seaport is worth the short drive alone.
Twisters Ice Cream
Looking for a sweet treat? Twisters is located next to Sea View and is a great place to stop for a cool treat on a hot day or any day.
If you don’t mind driving into town, there are even more fantastic places to eat with kids in Mystic, CT.
No matter your taste or whether you want to sit down for a fantastic meal or just grab something quick, there are plenty of places to grab a delicious bite in Mystic.
Kids Mystic, CT Travel Planner
Get your kids involved in planning and organizing your trip to Mystic, Connecticut. This fun seven-page planner comes in two designs and includes:
- Planner with attractions, activities, kid-friendly restaurants, and where to find ice cream shops, bakeries, and candy shops.
- A blank planner page
- Fillable five-day travel itinerary sheet
- A two-page travel journal for kids to write about their trip
- A fun scavenger hunt to find iconic Mystic locations + and an answer sheet.
GET THE KIDS MYSTIC TRAVEL PLANNER FOR $5.97