By Erin B
November 4th, 2011

If you’re the type of parent who leaves the kids at home with a babysitter unless you’re going to Boston Pizza or Chuck E. Cheese, you might want to give these places a try. These restaurants will give the adults a delicious meal, and will also welcome your tykes with kids menus, high chairs and change tables.

Breakfast Buffet at the Wainwright Hotel at Heritage Park

The breakfast buffet at Heritage Park is a favourite with our family because of the vast selection of delicious breakfast foods (including lots of fresh pastries and baked goods, fruits and cheeses). After your meal, your kids will enjoy exploring the hotel upstairs or running around the expansive green spaces surrounding the hotel. No admission required, and you can drive through the gates and park at the hotel. The buffet only runs on select Sundays when the park is closed; check the Heritage Park website for more information.

Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria

Grab your tots and head to trendy Mission (4th Street SW) to check out Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria. The adults will love the uniqueness of the restaurant and the pizzas with their authentic Napoli crust and toppings such as prosciutto and arugula. The kids will enjoy having their own “bambini” pizza with a scoop of gelato for dessert and a special drinking glass. It’s best to check out this place at non busy times (we went at noon on a Sunday) if you’re coming with kids in tow. After your meal, save time to stroll down 4th street to explore Mission’s funky shops and eateries.

Phil’s Restaurant (Southwest)

Phil’s has been a Calgary institution since the 1960’s, and it’s a great spot for families. Our family likes to go to Phil’s for breakfast, usually with a bunch of friends or extended family. Adults will like the carafes of coffee left on the table, and the many breakfast choices (bacon or chubbies, shredded or chunky hashbrowns, brown or white bread, etc). Wee ones get a sippy cup, bib and infant toys with their high chair. Older kids get a colouring sheet and crayons. There is a kids menu with lots of choices, but if your kid likes pancakes you can order them a plate of dollar size pancakes for free.

Chianti Cafe & Restaurant (Willow Park)

If you’re craving good, comforting food that relies on simple, fresh flavours, you should give Chianti’s a try. The kids menu includes five types of pasta and meals come with pop & ice cream, plus kids are given crayons and colouring sheets to keep them occupied. The adult menu features soups, sauces and pastas made fresh (whole wheat and gluten free pastas are available). Prices are very affordable with most pastas priced under $10, and half portions available for $5.99. Go early (around 5pm) if you’re going with kids on a Friday or Saturday night because this popular spot gets very busy.

Big T’s BBQ (Northwest)

Nothing beats a good pulled pork sandwich, slow cooked brisket, or ribs that fall off the bone. Big T’s met all of our BBQ needs but was also surprisingly accommodating for wee ones. They had high chairs, booster seats, a kids menu and a colouring sheet and crayons. Kids menu choices include a main (ribs, burgers, pulled pork sliders, chicken fingers) and a side dish (such as fries, beans, veggies, or corn on the cob) for $7.