How to Keep Your Child Entertained During Dining Out

Find out the best strategies to keep your child entertained and well-behaved during dining out experiences.

Choose child-friendly restaurants

One of the first steps to ensuring a successful dining out experience with your child is to choose child-friendly restaurants. Look for places that offer a kids' menu or have a play area specifically designed for children. These restaurants often have a more relaxed atmosphere and understand the needs of families with young kids.

Bring entertainment options

Bringing along some entertainment options can help keep your child occupied during the meal. Consider bringing coloring books, puzzles, small toys, or electronic devices with headphones. These can help keep your child engaged and distracted, preventing boredom and potential tantrums.

Engage with your child

While dining out, make an effort to engage with your child. Talk to them about their day, play games like 'I Spy,' or involve them in decision-making, such as choosing their meal from the menu. When children feel involved and connected, they are more likely to be well-behaved and enjoy the dining experience.

Order food quickly

Children can become restless while waiting for their food to arrive. To minimize this, try to order their meals as soon as you sit down or ask the waitstaff for recommendations that can be prepared quickly. This way, your child won't have to wait too long before their meal arrives.

Pack snacks

If you anticipate a longer wait time or potential delays in receiving food, consider packing some small, portable snacks for your child. This can help keep them satisfied and prevent hunger-induced crankiness. Opt for healthier snack options like fruits, nuts, or granola bars.

Play tabletop games

Some restaurants have tabletop games like tic-tac-toe or Connect Four available. Making use of these games can keep your child entertained while waiting for food. It can also be a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy together.

Involve the restaurant staff

Don't hesitate to involve the restaurant staff if you need any assistance. They are often happy to accommodate families with children and may provide additional entertainment options or recommendations for kid-friendly dishes. They can also help with any special requests you may have, such as heating up a baby's bottle or providing a high chair.