Kid- Friendly Outdoor Dining Options in Columbia County, NY
can be hard to find as a parent. Not only do you have to find a restaurant that will accommodate your kiddos, but it also has to have food they will actually eat.
I love good food, and a night out as a family means I don't have to cook or clean up after dinner, so I'm all for it.
As a result, I can personally recommend some places where both you and your children will enjoy going to eat when you need a night out.
The Berry Farm has both an indoor greenhouse option for evenings that are a little chilly, and an outdoor seating option for warmer nights. Super cute lighting and greenery make it a cozy spot for the family, picnic tables offer low stress meals (no biggie if your kiddo spills their drink,) and if you sit outside there is plenty of room for your kiddos to roam. Adult beverages offered if that's your vibe, and the food never disappoints. In the Spring, I count the days until the Berry Farm is open for dinner again.
2. Cooper's Daughter, Claverack, NY
If you love sitting around a fire pit with a cocktail on a summer night, and food trucks are your thing - this may be the spot for you. Cooper's Daughter offers a tent with seating, a fire pit, a gazebo with picnic tables, and a rotating schedule of food trucks from week to week. It's a small space, so I'd advise against going with a large group, but it's a great spot for a family dinner out. They even have some lawn games to keep you occupied while you hang out. Leashed pets welcome.
3. S & S Brewery, Nassau, NY
In similar fashion to Cooper's Daughter, S&S offers Food trucks but they also have live music, a grassy playground area for the kids, and a large indoor seating area if you're just not feeling being outside. Food Trucks are offered on a rotating calendar you can check here if you'd like to plan your visit around what your kids will eat. Fur babies welcome, so bring your pup, your kids, order your food and listen to some music while your kids play on the playground. S&S is a win-win for everyone.
4. Samascott's Garden Market, Kinderhook, NY
Okay, so this one is a little different, but it's too good to leave out. I'm really including it for the moms. I love plants, and Samascott's has a beautiful greenhouse we visit often. The bonus is they also serve the best hard ice cream, and soft ice cream and even have a dairy free option. The hard ice cream flavors are seasonal, and change often depending on what they have, so prepare to be surprised. The unique flavor combinations are something you won't find anywhere else. If you like to order the same flavors every time - don't worry. They have a base menu that stays pretty consistent. (I recommend coffee bean - it's excellent.) They have picnic tables if you'd like to sit and eat your sweet treat, or you can enjoy it while you walk through their multiple greenhouses. Final perk? They also have a retail store with the most whimsical planters, dishes, mugs, pillows, etc. and a farm store offering clean, fresh, homemade food to go. The Chipotle grilled chicken salad is my favorite, and when we stop for ice cream, I usually grab a salad to go, so I have something good to eat after I finish planting all the plants I bought that I didn't have room for. My kids actually like the salads too, so everyone is happy when our visit is done. While it may not be a dinner option, it's definitely worth making a stop when running errands.
So whether you're looking for a night out or an ice cream break while you're running errands, I hope you enjoy one of these stops as much as we have. Be sure to snap some cute pics to document, and let me know what you think!
~Krista
