Because I cruise social media pages maybe a little more than I should, I find the range of questions that get asked of locals to be a bit fascinating.  There’s a wide variety of them, of course, with different people looking for different things.  My favorites are the ones that are short and sweet, but usually end up in an on-line pillow fight between corresponding answers.   “I’m looking the absolute BEST Oysters! Go!” is a shortcut to a heated discussion.  As is “What’s the best Italian restaurant (or pizza) in town?”  That one gets you going every time.  You know who you are.

You might or might not be surprised to know that probably the next most frequently asked question is about where you can take your kids to eat.  Of course, every mother’s child is a perfectly well behaved angel, this has been confirmed, but we do understand that if there is-for example-a long wait for a table, then we are going to need somewhere to keep them…..uhhhh, entertained?  If you have kids, then you know the drill.

Fortunately for me, those days are long gone, but I do see and hear where the kiddos are being staged these days while mom and dad navigate a wait….or a beverage.  Here are some of those observations…

Skull Creek Boathouse/Dockside

It’s hard to argue this not being mentioned as a top spot on the island for kids. Maybe the only place where an actual playground is practically built into the waiting area.  All the favorite games are there plus the spectacular views, especially at sunset, make for a scene that is pretty tough to beat.  In the Summertime, the waits for a table can get fairly funky at Skull Creek during the dinner hour. Most people know this.  I just find the scene out here tough to beat when you are juggling a few toddlers.  The menus are kid friendly and everyone goes home a winner. Btw, Dockside takes reservations. Win win.

Harbourside Cafe -Harbourtown

Another top choice in my book is deep in the heart of Harbourtown.  The Harbourside Cafe not only offers probably your best view of the Yacht Basin and the island’s iconic lighthouse, but there are also a ton of…..uh “distractions” around. Some shopping to walk through, you can enjoy looking at the various watercraft in attendance. Or you can take the kids to the playground just a small stone’s throw away.  Add to that a post-meal concert from the legendary Gregg Russell and you are in business.

Local Legend Brewing Company

New on the list this year is the island’s brand new brewery, Local Legend.  Owned and operated by the SERG Group, it is more than obvious they took into account the need for space for families traveling with children. Not only is there a fairly large outdoor area featuring corn hole games and other outdoor distractions, but inside you will find a clear divide between the beer consuming adults and the arcade game playing children.  Everyone gets a side of the room.  Down the middle are a series of booths allowing access and visuals to either or.  There is food on the menu here.  I suspect it will become as popular as our next stop in very short order.

The Bank

The island’s largest food court/food truck park is an ideal spot for not other variety in the kind of eats you can offer your group, but also outdoor fun.   They’ve been open for a couple of years now, so most people know about it, but if you don’t and you have children in tow, then you should.

A few others that are certainly worthy of mentions here include Fish Camp on Broad Creek, Poseidon at Shelter Cove, Zunzibar and Salty Dog at South Beach Marina.  If all else fails or the weather doesn’t feel like cooperating, then it sounds like a few pizzas are in order with special reserved seating for some Netflix.   

Hey, options are always good.  Enjoy

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