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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Gurnee

Kid-friendly date spots

Somewhere to take the kids that still feels like a genuine date, not a compromise.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
60 to Escape - Gurnee Mills image 1
60 to Escape - Gurnee Mills image 2
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Escape room center

Escape rooms feature immersive set design with thematic variety ranging from spooky mansions to space settings. Atmosphere shifts from eerie and suspenseful to fun and creative, often with dark lighting enhancing the mood. Groups engage in team-based puzzles that blend into the environment, offering experiences suitable for different ages and preferences.

Escape rooms offer family-friendly themes like Starship Final Frontier and Mystery Manor that kids aged 7 to 14 enjoy. Staff remember details like kids' themed hats, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Escape rooms offer engaging puzzles and interactive challenges that couples enjoy solving together. Popular themes like Mystery Manor and Hidden Temple create memorable experiences for date nights.

People are saying

"The escape room experience was really fun and immersive."

"The Escape Room staff were super helpful and interactive with the story."

"These escape rooms make for great date spots with well-done sets."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure availability.

2

The escape rooms are designed for ages 10 and up; younger kids may find it too scary.

3

Unlimited clues are available during the game for players who need assistance.

02
MR.PITA : zabiha halal image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a casual, relaxing atmosphere with clean, inviting space and comfortable seating. The menu features both vegan and non-vegan options, including standout falafel and shawarma dishes. Aromas and chill music create a soothing environment that welcomes diners.

Staff offer free treats like hummus, juices, and fries for kids. Meals include kid-friendly options like a chicken entree split between children. Extra items like lentil soup and pita come at no cost.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here has tender, moist, charred meat, cut fresh."

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh, it's incredible."

"They're so kid friendly, offering free treats and extra food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a killer platter deal for $24.99.

2

They don't serve pork, catering to halal dietary needs.

3

Parking is limited due to neighboring businesses.

03
Taco Pros Gurnee image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern, clean space with casual ambiance and cactus decorations creates a fresh, welcoming vibe. Music plays consistently, adding to the relaxed atmosphere that feels family-friendly and comfortable. Booth seating and a salsa bar with varied spice options support a balanced dining experience.

Large groups with kids get served efficiently even during busy times. Kids enjoy steak burritos, ground beef tacos with cilantro and onion, and fries, making it a solid spot for quick meals with picky eaters.

Tacos and burritos make for casual date nights here. The spot suits quick dinners and post-gym meals with flavorful combos that get repeated visits.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and flavorful."

"I found the food to be delicious and fresh."

"The food at these Date Spots is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $1 tacos with a limit of two per person.

2

Lunch specials are available on Saturday and Sunday.

3

The restaurant requires patrons to be at least 22 years old to be served alcohol.

04
Olivia's Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a lively and inviting atmosphere with outdoor patio seating and a cozy, warm interior despite its large size. Large televisions above the bar create a bar-and-grill vibe rather than a refined dining experience. The private room provides a spacious and private setting for groups.

Kids enjoy the spaghetti marinara and mango gelato here. Gluten free options exist but mistakes happen, like serving regular pasta instead of gluten free.

Dishes like chicken parmesan and lasagna offer rich flavors and balanced textures. Meals come with just the right amount of sauce and cheese, making it a solid spot for a dinner date.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, they'll make anything you want."

"The food and drinks here are excellent for date spots."

"The spaghetti marinara was a hit with my picky eater."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers gluten-free options on the menu.

2

Expect no wait time for large groups during peak hours.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food served.

05
Denny's image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant operates 24 hours with an old-fashioned style and fancy lights creating a dimly lit, peaceful atmosphere. Environment stays quiet and comfortable for families or friends, though occasional loud groups appear. Food includes notably good buttermilk pancakes and berry vanilla crepes.

Staff show patience with children, helping them order politely and handling picky eaters without fuss. They stay attentive and kind, making kids feel comfortable, including those with speech delays.

Staff show patience and attentiveness to couples, even during busy or tricky moments. The spot suits late-night visits and welcomes partners with care and accommodation.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and served piping hot."

"The server was so sweet and attentive to my kids."

"The staff here is super sweet and patient on dates."

Good to know

1

Denny's is open 24 hours a day.

2

The wait time was 10-15 minutes for three people at 11 am on a Monday.

3

The prices at Denny's cost 65 dollars for 2 adults and 2 children.

06
shawarma king #1 image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant offers an oriental style interior with homey tables and booths and music that sets a lively tone. Atmosphere feels like a Middle Eastern street vendor with unique wallpaper and a welcoming vibe. Staff show kindness and attentiveness, enhancing the friendly environment.

Staff show understanding when kids spill drinks and offer complimentary drinks after closing. Kids enjoy the mixed grill platter and toddler-friendly food options.

Generous portions and well-seasoned falafel stand out for a casual date. The staff offers complimentary hummus and falafel, creating a welcoming vibe that adds to the experience.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The falafel here has a crispy shell and is moist inside."

"The food here is amazing and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The meat used is halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

2

Portion sizes are generous and worth the price.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment.

07
Kyoto Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Interior features cyberpunk-inspired decor with vibrant lighting and space-themed visuals creating a modern, gaming bar vibe. Atmosphere balances cozy warmth with energetic, sensory-rich design. Tables include call buttons for service, and anime plays on a video wall, adding to the unique experience.

Kids enjoy their meals and finish everything. Staff show kindness to families. Drink options include Coke and Sprite, but no Diet Coke.

Offers a casual setting suitable for both family outings and couples. The gyoza appetizer stands out but comes served at room temperature, which may affect the dining experience.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be out of this world."

"The ramen and bulgogi here are delicious."

"The kids loved their meals and ate everything."

Good to know

1

The grand opening is at 3pm with free appetizers for the first 30 customers.

2

Karaoke is available on the video wall during certain hours.

3

The ramen costs $18.95, which some may find pricey.

08
The Backyard Steak Pit image 1

Open-air grill with large flame creates a cozy, upscale atmosphere featuring candlelit dinners and tablecloths. Bar area offers a lively space for cocktails, though noise can carry into the dining room. Decor blends modern style with classic touches reflecting the restaurant's long-standing presence.

Staff show kindness and work hard to accommodate families, even large groups. Kids enjoy the huge steak on the kids menu.

Celebrations here focus on steak and seafood, with the lobster tail standing out as a favorite. The setting suits special occasions like birthdays.

People are saying

"The steak here is cooked perfectly, every time."

"I found the steaks here were cooked to perfection for a great date spot."

"You'll wait a long time for a table here, but it's worth it."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted for tables of fewer than five people.

2

Expect high prices for the quality of food served.

3

The restaurant opens at 4 PM for new sailors' families.

09
Red Lobster image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with a classic interior that remains largely unchanged, offering a quiet, cozy atmosphere with moderate busyness. Staff provide personal touches like singing happy birthday and offering gloves and bibs for crab. The place features a lobster tank that adds to the experience.

Patient and sweet servers make dining easy for kids. Special moments like a 5th birthday celebration and engaging staff help kids feel welcome and entertained. Homemade rolls add a nice touch for families.

Shrimp dishes like Shrimp and Grits with a wine sauce stand out, paired with favorites like Fever Tree Ginger Beer. Friendly service from waitresses like Erika and Jazmine adds a warm touch to the experience.

People are saying

"I found the food to be piping hot and fresh."

"Brian the bartender made our Date Spots night great."

"Brian's service was so inviting and efficient, making it kid friendly."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of over an hour on busy weekend nights.

2

The restaurant has a significant cleanliness issue, especially in the kitchen area.

3

Unlimited shrimp promotion ends at 10 pm; arrive early to take advantage.

10
Caribana Island Grill - Gurnee image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean restaurant offers a clean, open space with island-themed decor and a live DJ playing vibrant Caribbean tunes. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, filled with island energy and lively music that creates a relaxed vibe. Seating is ample, supporting a social and engaging environment.

Kids enjoy the Salmon Tacos and Salmon Kids Meal here. Only one high chair is available, which might be tight if many kids come.

Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken come with well-prepared sides such as mac and cheese and sweet potatoes. The atmosphere and service create a relaxed vibe that suits a date night.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very flavorful."

"You have to try the jerk chicken here for your next Date Spot."

"The kids meals here are amazing, especially the mac & cheese."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday with a $5 entry fee.

2

Karaoke night is on Thursdays, starting at 10 PM.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7 PM on weekdays with half-price drinks.

11
Marcus Gurnee Mills Cinema image 1

Spacious movie theater with comfortable reclining seats and great surround sound creates a relaxed atmosphere. A restaurant and bar add convenience, while a special sports viewing wall offers a unique experience. Cleanliness and modern design contribute to an inviting environment.

Easy access makes it simple to bring kids along. Activities include bingo games with prizes and family-friendly movie showings like John Wick.

Connected chairs let couples sit close during movies. Watching films like 4DX Twister adds excitement to dates. Staff check IDs selectively, which can affect the vibe for younger couples.

People are saying

"The 4Dx movies here make you feel like you're on a roller coaster."

"The 4D chairs moved like a roller coaster, making it fun and Kid Friendly."

"You need your ID for Date Spots here, even if you're clearly of age."

Good to know

1

Bingo night occurs weekly on Wednesdays at 7pm.

2

Discount movie Tuesdays offer tickets for $5 each.

3

You must be 18 or older to enter after 6 pm without a guardian.

12
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store image 1

Rustic wood decor and an old-timey country store create a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a family-friendly vibe. Guests often browse the charming gift shop while waiting, adding to the relaxed pace. Smiles and friendly energy fill the space, making it feel like home.

Toys section keeps kids busy while waiting. Staff engage warmly, even singing happy birthday. Music is family-friendly with no inappropriate messages.

Frequent visits for breakfast dates show it as a reliable spot for couples. Friendly service and a casual vibe make it easy to enjoy time together away from daily routines.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and served hot."

"The staff here is so kind and attentive with kids."

"The food here is decent for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The bathrooms are poorly maintained and often smell bad.

2

Expect a lack of cleanliness throughout the restaurant.

3

Parking availability is limited, especially during peak hours.

13
Lola's Tacos and Tequila image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a colorful and fun atmosphere with dim lighting and lively salsa and reggaeton music at a comfortable volume. Outdoor seating on a quiet, private patio enhances the relaxed vibe. The place features an extensive margarita menu with large drinks and a strong tequila selection.

Dimmer lighting and low music volume create a calm atmosphere for kids sensitive to stimulation. Staff show friendly attention to children, making visits comfortable and welcoming.

Offers a casual vibe ideal for dinner dates before heading to the movies. Accommodates birthday parties and family gatherings, making it versatile for different date occasions.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and amazing."

"I thought the steak tacos were a 10/10."

"The kids' steak tacos were good and the salsa was sweet."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is a popular time for drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during happy hour.

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Gurnee, Illinois

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