As the back-to-school season approaches, families in Bloomington-Normal are gearing up for a new academic year. Between shopping for school supplies and adjusting to new schedules, finding time to cook can be challenging. Fortunately, our community is home to a variety of family-friendly local restaurants that offer delicious meals and a welcoming atmosphere.

Here we are highlighting just a very few of these local favorites and providing additional tips for making the most of your dining experience.

BloNo Pizza Co

BloNo Pizza Co’s offerings are full of kid-friendly fare! From their “Nothing but a Cheez Thang” (house-made dough cheesesticks covered in garlic butter, Parmesan, and mozzarella, served with ranch and marinara) to pan and thin crust pizzas, everyone will love it! Can’t decide on something as a group? No worries! Head to the buffet or try a personal pizza topped with whatever you like. BloNo offers more than just food; their all-seasons golf provides fun for the family before, after, or during your meal. Plus, they’re introducing duckpin bowling in Fall 2024/Winter 2025 for even more fun!

Must-Try Dish: No trip to BloNo is complete without a glass of Kool-Aid! Flavors vary by day.

📍 BloNo Pizza Co is located at 1304 Cross Creek Dr. in Normal, IL.

Carl’s Ice Cream

Carl’s provides food and treats for kids of all ages! The littlest members of your family will enjoy their kids’ meals (hot dogs, burgers, chicken strips, and more), each complete with fries, a drink, and a delicious scoop of ice cream!

Must-Try Dish: Make sure to try something from their novelties menu! It won’t disappoint. The menu includes Buster Brownies, Chocolate Covered Cheesecake, Wonder Bars, and more.

📍 Carl’s Ice Cream is located at 1700 W. College Ave. in Normal, IL.

Destihl Beer Hall

Destihl is known for its innovative dishes and craft beers, but it’s also a fantastic place for families. The menu includes a variety of kid-friendly options, and the lively atmosphere ensures that children will feel right at home. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a versatile choice for any weather.

Kids’ Menu Items: Chicken fingers, pizza, burgers, or mac and cheese served with your choice of nacho chips or fruit.

Must-Try Dish: Head to the beer hall on the weekend where the little ones can enjoy brunch! Scrambled eggs with bacon and a biscuit is sure to please. Weekend brunch is available Saturday and Sunday until 2 PM.

📍 Destihl Beer Hall is located at 1200 Greenbriar Dr. in Normal, IL

Lil Beaver Brewery

Don’t let the name fool you! While Lil Beaver brews some delicious beers, they provide a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family—even your four-legged relatives! Their regular menu includes sandwiches, salads, pizza, and a wide range of other items, while their kids’ menu boasts options for even the pickiest eaters.

Kids’ Menu Items: Little ones can choose from Kraft Mac N Cheese, a burger, or chicken tenders, each with their choice of mandarin oranges, fries, or onion rings, along with made-from-scratch personal 9-inch cheese, sausage, or pepperoni pizzas.

Must-Try Dish: Don’t leave without ordering a skillet cookie!

📍Lil Beaver is located at 5 Finance Dr. in Bloomington, IL.

 
Additional Tips for Family Dining

Plan Ahead:
To make your dining experience as smooth as possible, consider calling ahead to make a reservation (where applicable), especially during peak hours. This can help reduce wait times and ensure that your family gets seated promptly.

Bring Entertainment:
While many family-friendly restaurants provide coloring sheets and crayons, it’s always a good idea to bring along some small toys or books to keep younger children entertained while waiting for food.

Check for Specials:
While many restaurants no longer offer Kids Eat Free deals, many have regular daily or weekly specials that allow you to feed your family without breaking the bank. Keep an eye on their websites or social media pages for the latest promotions, which can make dining out more affordable.

Support Local:
By choosing to dine at local restaurants, you’re supporting small businesses and contributing to the local economy. Plus, you’ll often find that the quality and uniqueness of the food far surpass that of chain restaurants.

**All photos are sourced from Eat Local or property of the featured listings.