In Gunbarrel, there’s a big kid-friendly playground that also serves award-winning beers. Lego Duplo blocks, board games, a turf patio, and a ball maze that matches the whimsical retro bucket chairs are all part of the package. While mom and dad sip grown-up brews, the kids can enjoy classic junk food such as Corn Nuts, Slim Jims, Twinkies, and Oreos alongside house root beer.

In the heart of old town Louisville is a big backyard housed at the former post office, and it just happens to sell hand-stretched gourmet pizzas and beer from over 60 taps. Afterwards, guests can pop next door and visit the original location of gourmet creamery Sweet Cow.

Louisville’s VFW space is a multiplex of projects: The VFW, Gravity Beer, and Gastronauts. On one side, customers get craft beers (think Wicked Nebula IPA and Coal Kreik dubbel), while out of a side window, classic dishes like meatballs, wings, and fries are served. In the middle: Ping Pong, board games, and other things to keep kids occupied.

Tower Road is home to one of the metro area’s hidden gems: the Moonlight Diner. Diners will blast back to the 1950s with a visit to this chrome boxcar covered in memorabilia from the era. Just minutes from DIA, it’s a stopping point whether coming or going, featuring a menu of classic grub like burgers and green chili, or breakfast any time — it’s open all day from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Custom blends such as Unicorn Poop and Squirrel Treats are mixed from favorite cereal boxes and served in heaping bowls at this newer Olde Town Arvada shop. Kids can marvel at the collector toys or watch classic cartoons while getting their sugar rush.

Pete Bredemann left an engineering job in pursuit of the perfect ice cream sandwich, and now what began as a cart has its own brick and mortar location in RiNo. Peteybird goes beyond the standard disappointing vanilla ice cream with a mushy chocolate cookie to offer flavors such as graham cracker with key lime pie and double chocolate with salted caramel.

The conveyor belt sushi restaurant is great for kids who need to be entertained during dinner. The artsy and colorful space can spark a conversation as well.

Even for parents of picky eaters, Maria Empanada has something for everyone. Hand-held pastry pockets full of savory fillings range from eggplant parmesan, or beef and onion to ham and cheese, corn, or mushroom. There’s virtually no wait from ordering to mouth, and takeout is always an option. 

Little ones will likely find lots to like on the kids menu of Asian favorites that have been modified for younger palettes (there’s a bao bun made with peanut butter and jelly and pork belly, a stir fried noodle bowl and wings san sauce). And iof the complimentary shaved ice served with every kid’s meal doesn’t make them happy, they’ll likely still get a kick out of hitting a ping pong ball on one of Ace’s 12 tables. There’s even a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. when an hour at a table costs just $10 an hour.

What’s not to like about pastries for the kids and a cup of drip coffee for the adults?

One of Denver’s original family-owned pizza joints is full of funky artwork with a menu of classic Italian favorites, from salads and subs to pizzas, pastas, and calzones. There aren’t any nuggets on their kids’ menu; instead they offer build-your-own-pizza at the table, plus kids get an extra ball of dough to play with.