Tips For Eating Out With Kids
Let's face it, kids have short attention spans and like to move from activity to activity. Eating out can be a challenge when they need to sit in their seats for an extended period of time. Before you cancel your restaurant plans, here are some tips to make the process easier:
Make a Reservation: Call or look online to see if the restaurant takes reservations. Having a set time to sit down for a meal will cut down on waiting and any potential pre-dinner meltdowns.
Go Early: The earlier you can go to dinner, the better. The restaurant will be less crowded and the more likely you will be to get your food faster. Faster service equals less waiting with the kids.
Highchairs, Sling and Boosters: Call the restaurant ahead of time to see what they offer in terms of seating for younger children. Some restaurants may not have the options you need. Other restaurants may only have a limited number of these seats. Call ahead and request the ones you need to make sure they are available when you arrive.
Booths Not Tables: If a restaurant offers both tables and booths, try to get a booth. When you have an infant in a carrier and there is no sling available, you can put the carrier in the booth next to you. Booths are also easier to help toddlers with their food. And finally, if you have a toddler like ours, they have a place to lay down for a nap after eating.
Kid's Menus: Call ahead or look online to see if they offer a kid's menu. I am all for my kids trying new foods, but sometimes it's nice to know there is something on the menu they will want to eat. These portions tend to be smaller ensuring less wasted food or the need for "doggie bags," especially if you've already got your hands full when leaving.
Onsite Activities: Ask the restaurant if they provide an activity sheet with crayons for kids to do at the table. Often times, the back of the kid's menu is a coloring sheet. This can keep them occupied while waiting for their meal.
Bring Activities (Infants): If you have children in highchairs, bring some of their favorite toys and some string or ribbon. Tie the toys onto the highchair. That way when they play their favorite game of "throw everything on the floor," you can simply pull the toys back up.
Bring Activities (Toddlers): I have found what works best with toddlers is one of their favorite coloring books and some crayons. I would suggest buying the crayons that are triangular in shape. This prevents them from rolling across the table and usually ending up on the floor.
Bring Activities (Grade-School): For this group of kids, we will occasionally bring their Ipads if we know it's going to be a longer meal. If not, I suggest bringing blank paper and a pen. Draw tic-tac-toe grids, dot and box games or play hangman. All of these options seem to keep them occupied before the food arrives.
Bring A Bag: Even if you no longer have a baby, I suggest packing a bag: wipes for extra messes, snacks for "I don't like anything on the menu" and pre-filled sippy cups. Our toddler would only drink milk for awhile and a restaurant we went to did not serve it. After that, I always brought sippy cups with milk for her.
See If Kids Can Order First: Ask your server if it's possible to put the kids' orders in first. This will allow their food to come out faster and give you time to figure out what you would like to order while not being rushed.
Ask Ahead About Allergies: Call the restaurant and ask how they handle food allergies. It's even more helpful if you can speak to the chef.
Rubber Placemats For Toddlers: If you have a younger child just learning how to use utensils and keep food on their plate, bring one of those rubber placemats with the lip on it. It's easy to clean-up, allows plates to stay in place and food from falling on the floor.
Fun-Themed Restaurant: A lot of times half the battle of eating out with kids is keeping them entertained. Consider eating at a restaurant that offers both food and entertainment. Whether you choose a restaurant where a train delivers your food, one with a playground or a game room, it provides a distraction from the wait.
Eating Out Doesn't Have to be a Restaurant: Sometimes going to a friend's house for a dinner, might make the most sense. Kids can eat early and then go play. Often times the meal out will last longer in this setting.
Do you have any tips you use when eating out with children? Please comment below and we can add to the list.
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