The Most Kid Friendly Restaurants in Ashland, Oregon

Ashland Oregon is nestled in the Rogue Valley and is a lovely place to visit. Whether you are taking in a play at the Shakespeare Festival, or visiting one of our many parks or art galleries, you will probably build up an appetite. There are so many restaurant choices-- where should you go, especially if you are bringing kids?

Having lived in this area for most of the last 20 years, I can offer some good suggestions.

1. Breadboard (744 North Main Street, Ashland. 541-488-0295)

Anytime we have family visiting, we make sure they go to Breadboard at least once. It is a family favorite. Breakfasts are delicious, cooked to order and everything is fresh. They also have a good lunch menu, but I just always order breakfast because I like it so much. (Note: Basic Breadboard, I think it is about $5-6 and for another $2 you can add bacon. It comes with 2 eggs, toast and homer potatoes which are the best! They offer fresh Marion berry jam for the toast and it just does not get any better than that!) Portions are generous. They offer a children's menu section and also have a basket of toys. This is such a popular place that there is generally a "hum" of noise and kids fit right into the mix. Service is always excellent. I just can't say enough good things about them.

2. Munchies (59 North Main, Ashland. 541-488-2967)

At the end of the Ashland plaza you'll find this downstairs eatery. They have been in business for many years (I remember going to Munchies when I first moved here in 1989) and the food is always fabulous. They serve breakfast (all day), lunch, dinner and if you can imagine the largest and most scrumptious desserts and then multiply whatever your imagination conjures up by about 2. This family friendly place brings crayons to the table and offers a separate kids menu/coloring sheet. Breakfast is a good value here because you can get a basic eggs/potatoes/homemade bread-toast for about $5.50! Portions are big.

3. Big Al's (474 North Main St. Ashland. (541)482-6481)

Hungry for a burger? Head down Main Street to this long-standing eatery where you can get hot fudge milkshakes and extra fry sauce for those great fries. They also offer sandwiches and some Mexican entrees. The "serve yourself" soda refills are a big hit with kids. Big Al's is a relaxed and friendly enviroment, perfect for families with small kids.

4. Great American Pizza Company (1448 Ashland Street, Ashland (541-488-7742)

College towns are always full of pizza places and Ashland is no exception, but if you want to know which pizza joint is best and where locals go, Great American is a favorite. I have to admit that I have never actually been inside this business-we always have pizza delivered, but I have heard nothing but good things about them over the years. It is a small building, but if it is crowded you can always get it "to go" and go have a pizza picnic in one of our many beautiful parks.

5. Inner Child Café (310 Oak Street, Ashland. 541-482-3480)

This is one of the most kid friendly places in town and the only downside to going is that you will have a hard time tearing your kids away. This is a play space for kids with a large castle and pirate ship to climb on, plenty of fun toys to explore and much more. They offer some healthy choice breakfast, lunch and snack menu. There is a "cover charge" to get in $4 for first child and $2 for each additional wee one, but parents get in free. Prices for food and drinks are very reasonable and you are bound to have a good time getting a "reading break" from your kids while they play.

Wherever you decide to eat at, we hope you have a pleasant stay in Ashland and are able to enjoy some of the magic you will find here.