Eating Out With The Kids — And Enjoying It!

You’ve probably seen your share of restaurant disasters in which babies, toddlers and older children are too noisy, too messy and rude. Call up those memories the next time you want to bring the kids along when you’re eating out and follow these simple tips to make sure you and others around you enjoy a peaceful meal.

Choose a family friendly restaurant

It takes a little practice for children to learn the skills necessary to behave properly in a restaurant. Speaking quietly, ordering appropriately, waiting for the arrival of the food and then eating with very few slurps and spills doesn’t happen in one outing. Save the formal dining spots until your children are ready. Choose a family friendly spot and, when you arrive, ask for seating that allows as much privacy as possible.

Go early, go close and go fast

Go early enough so children can eat at their regular time and aren’t tired out before they enter the restaurant. Choose a place just a short drive from wherever you’re staying. Find a place that can serve you quickly. The whole experience should take no more than an hour. Dining for children is all about choosing, eating and getting on to the next activity. If you want leisurely dining, this is not the time.

Norma Granados and her three sons, Zayn, 8; Isaiah, 4; and Noah, 2, look forward to special meals at Sol Mexican Grill, their favorite family friendly restaurant. Photo by Amber Thompson.

Pack an emergency bag

A few light snacks such as crackers or cereal will stave off hunger while you wait. Add a few tiny toys to play with and perhaps wipes for spills and quick face clean-ups.

Allow children some choice

You might even rehearse ordering something yummy on the way to the restaurant. Don’t allow children to be served before the adult food comes as they will be finished and ready to hit the road before you’ve even begun to eat.

Maintain control throughout the meal

Reminders of soft “indoor” voices may be necessary, and a short walk out into the lobby, or outside may be helpful. Never allow your children to roam freely around a restaurant. Accompany them to restrooms for both safety and control.

Clean up after yourselves and tip appropriately

Spills are inevitable, but leaving the mess for the servers is not only impolite, it leaves a poor example for your children. As much as possible, clean up after yourselves and remember to tip your servers appropriately when they’re helpful during the meal.

Keep a sense of humor

Eating out with children is different from eating with adults. You may not be able to have deep, meaningful conversations or enjoy the food in the leisurely way you would like. So keep a sense of humor about the experience, enjoy the family time and make that date with your spouse for a relaxed and luxurious dinner for two very soon.

Emergency Restaurant Kit

When eating out with young children it’s smart to pack a few extra things to keep the kids occupied. Consider bringing some of these:

• crayons or colored pencils and regular pencils, a small notebook and simple games like dot-to-dot, mazes and word searches
• crackers, cereal, pretzels and a sippy cup or juice boxes
• small board books
• miniature travel games such as Amaze or Rush Hour, Jr.
• a deck of cards