Our Huge List of Restaurants With Patio Seating and Where to Eat Outside with Kids Around Lansing

Sweet Spots Where Families Can Eat Outside on Patios in Lansing

I finally get it – why my mom would make us play outside until the very last second every day. Now that I’m a mom and going through Michigan seasons, once summer hits, being and playing outside is a huge priority. We want to soak up as much natural vitamin D as possible. Especially after such a long winter, I want to be outside as much as possible.

Lansing Summer Things to Do »

Cosmos Pizza Patio in Lansing Old Town with Kids

The great news is that Lansing restaurant owners do outdoor seating superbly and creatively. I can think of more than 40 spots with outdoor seating options. Even though we can only eat outside for about 1/3 of the year, all types of places join in the outdoor seating fun.

Thank you, Lansing patio owners! You make it easy and fun for families to eat out during the summer.

What Type of Patio Dining Experience Are You Going For?

We are all parents – so we can be real with each other right? There are days.

Good Vibe Patio Days: When all is well and eating anywhere is a dream.

Fast and Convenient Patio Days: When eating inside is NOT an option because my two year old is in a “mood” and will not sit still. Can I get an AMEN!?

Good Vibes – Patios/Outdoor Seating in Lansing

We think these places are a good time with good food and nice atmosphere.

El Azteco
Locations: East Lansing, West Lansing

Striving to offer only the finest Mexican food, El Azteco uses only natural ingredients to create their authentic dishes that are both fresh and delicious.
Red Haven
Location: Okemos

Farm-to-table is more than just a concept at Red Haven, it’s a way of life. Red Haven is now open by reservation-only.
Meat
Location: Turner Street, Old Town, Lansing

Secluded patio dining in the heart of Old Town.
MP Social
Location: Lansing along the Riverfront

Beautifully aesthetic with an amazing view of downtown.
Lansing Brewing Company
Location: Lansing

Kids’ menu, lawn games, surrounding art/graffiti, plus nearby baseball.
The Creole
Location: Turner Street, Old Town, Lansing

Mouth-watering burgers to satisfy any craving plus over 150 whiskeys to choose from.
Maru Sushi 
Location: East Lansing

Sushi under the stars.
Jolly Pumpkin
Location: East Lansing

As part of Albert El Fresco, Jolly Pumpkin has front row seating for large scale yard games, live music, and other East Lansing festivities. Plus kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal on Sundays.
Blue Owl
Locations: REO Town, Old Town, & East Lansing

Great place to grab a bagel and a cup of java.
The Peanut Barrel
Location: East Lansing along Grand River Avenue

This East Lansing icon is the classic neighborhood bar serving up specials, all-time favorites, and slinging your favorite mixed drinks and beers.
Bravo! Italian Kitchen
Location: Eastwood Towne Center

You can’t go wrong with a restaurant that serves noodles! Fine Italian dining with two outdoor patios to choose from.
Sushiya!
Location: East Lansing along Grand River Avenue

Daily specials and authentic Asian cuisine make this a must-eat-at restaurant.
The Cosmos/Zoobies
Location: Old Town

Choose from out of this world pizza or mouth-watering “bar food”. Trust us – this is some of the best bar food around.
Saddleback BBQ
Locations: REO Town and Okemos

A brisket, a basket, all of the food served at Saddleback is fantastic!
Reno’s
Locations: Lansing & East Lansing

On warm days, Reno’s rolls-up their windows offering more patio space that you can fathom. Tack on sports on TV, live music, menu specials, and more, this makes for a fun outing for your family.
HopCat
Locations: East Lansing

Did someone say brunch? Which ever time of day you dine at HopCat, you are bound to find something delicious on this menu.
Pablo’s
Location: Old Town, Lansing

Pablo’s Old Town location offers patio seating with a view of Old Town. Great for people watching. Plus, their chips and salsa are seriously THE BEST.
Good Truckin’ Diner
Location: REO Town

Eclectic diner offering breakfast and lunch items.
Gluten free and vegan options available.
Midtown Brewing Company
Location: Downtown Lansing

Perfect location to people watch! Brunch options on Sundays.
Mitchell’s Fish Market
Location: Eastwood Towne Center, Lansing

Choices for both with their sea-legs and those without!
Harper’s Brewpub and Restaurant
Location: East Lansing

Large patio with a street-view of downtown East Lansing. Harper’s menu offers a variety of food to choose from no matter your appetite.
Hanging in the hammocks in East Lansing’s Albert Al Fresco Dining Area – near Hop Cat, Harper’s, and Jolly Pumpkin

Fast and Easy – Patios/Outdoor Seating in Lansing

We think these places are fast and easy for outdoor dining.

Horrocks
Location: Lansing

Grab food as you walk through the store + picky eater options + umbrellas and lights = fast and easy.
Chipotle
Locations: Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos

Quick and easy ordering with 4 locations to choose from.
Fresh Thyme
Location: East Lansing

Build your own lunch with all the choices that Fresh Thyme has to offer. Great spot for train spotting too! BONUS: Save room for dessert from Gigi’s Cupcakes just across the parking lot.
Whole Foods
Location: East Lansing

Ready to eat soup, salad, and snacks.
Flour Child Bakery
Location: Grand Ledge

Everything is made from scratch daily plus they are allergy-friendly!
Bagels and treats at Flour Child in Grand Ledge
Old Town General Store
Location: Old Town Lansing

Ready to eat refrigerated options make this a quick and easy stop in Old Town.
Grand Traverse Pie Company
Locations: Downtown Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos

Walk-up ordering, patio-seating, and people-watching. Choose from fresh made pies, quiche, soups, salads, and more.
Sir Pizza
Location: Old Town Lansing

Pizza made-to-order. Great views of the Grand River and Old Town. Stop by the Brenke Fish Ladder after dinner for walk along the river.
Blaze Pizza
Location: Lansing

Build-your-own personal pizza means everyone gets what they want! No more picking off what you don’t like.
Zaytoon Mediterranean
Locations: Lansing & Holt

Allergy-friendly. Vegan. Fast-paced, easy ordering, and a kids’ menu make a great choice for everyone.
Panera Bread
Locations: Lansing, Okemos

Large menu offering bagels, sandwiches, flat-bread pizza, soup, muffins, quiche, we could go on and on.
Culver’s
Locations: All over Lansing

Walk up ordering + fresh ingredients + FREE custard w kids meal = fast and easy.

Patio Season is Here – Where Will You Sit?

Do you have an awesome patio to share? Let us know in the comments where you like to eat outdoors. Lansing is better when we spread the word!

2 thoughts on “Our Huge List of Restaurants With Patio Seating and Where to Eat Outside with Kids Around Lansing”

  1. Thank you! This is amazing! I would also add Bad Brewing in Mason. They have a food truck and a great patio space under rope lights with a lot of seating options set beneath a beautiful wall mural.

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