For some parents, the thought of eating out at restaurants with kids is a complete nightmare. But we promise you, it doesn’t have to be.
The thing is, unlike many websites out there, we realize that all children are different. The same eating out “strategy” for one family may not work for another.
That is why we’re giving you variations of ideas to try. Let us know what works best for your family in the comments section below!
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.
Consider When to Order Food
Option A | Order Food Right Away for Kids
I order food for my kids as soon as I sit down, even before I give the server my drink order.
Kids don’t like waiting around for food when they are hungry. Ordering early significantly decreases their wait time.
Also, my toddlers are slow eaters. Even though the adult food comes 10-15 minutes later, our entire family finishes their meals around the same time and I’m not rushing them to finish at the end of dinner.
Option B | Order Food With Yours, But Pack Snacks
I have the opposite problem with my toddler, he eats super fast. Plus once he is done, he is ready to go.
If he got his food first, he’d probably be finished before the rest of our meals even arrived.
That said, like most toddlers, he doesn’t wait well when he’s hungry.
So I bring snacks. Yes, I’m a weirdo who brings my own food to restaurants.
My top choice is superfood puffs
Related Toddler Snacks Exposed: When Should Moms Say No?
Have an Activity Plan
Option A | Teach Kids Restaurant Entertainment
My family loves to go out to eat, so it’s going to happen a lot. My kids have to learn to entertain themselves since I’m not going to remember to bring activities for them every single time.
For starters, I always let them “help” me with restaurant tasks.
Little things that we don’t even think about can distract a child for a while – things like taking a plastic straw from the wrapper, unfolding the napkin to remove the utensils, stacking the menus, etc.
Of course if a children’s menu is provided, I’ll let them color for a while. I also teach them games like ‘I Spy’ and ‘Name that Tune’.
We play guessing games by putting a fork or spoon under a napkin and letting them feel it to guess which one it is.
They’re also a fan of riddles (like VERY simple ones): “What’s black and white and says ‘moooo’?”
Option B | Come Prepared and Packing
While many restaurants have kid’s menus with crayons, I don’t rely on just that to keep my toddler occupied.
You never know when there will be a crayon shortage. *gasp*
But seriously, that happens. Or that menu is just not that interesting to color. Or the restaurant is really busy and the meal takes forever.
I like to be prepared.
I’m always packin’ with a few crayons and a notepad or coloring book. These Grab n Go Play Packs
Though the absolute best crayons to have are the Triangular Crayons so you don’t have to worry about those suckers rolling off the table (bonus, they’re washable!!)
If I’m extra prepared, I also have some busy activities with me like a Paint by Sticker book
Think About What to Order
Option A | Order An Individual Meal
I always order something separate for my kids.
Sometimes it’s off the kid’s menu, but sometimes it’s just a side. For example, my daughter usually eats an entire order of guacamole as her “meal” at Mexican restaurants.
Ordering a separate meal lets the food come earlier (like I mentioned above). It also increases your chance the kids will actually eat the food (since you’re probably picking something they like).
Lastly, I feel ordering their own meal makes them part of the experience.
Option B | Share A Meal
Sharing my meal is a healthier and more budget friendly option.
Restaurant portions are usually huge.
I don’t need to eat the whole thing (though I probably would). It’s better for both of us if we just share.
Kid’s menus are often full of traditional “kid foods” which often aren’t particularly healthy. Also, I tend to pick a healthier meal when I share. Instead of chicken nuggets and fries, we both eat the grilled chicken and roasted veggies, so it’s healthier for both of us.
It also feels like a treat for my son. Due to some sort of twisted toddler logic, the food on my plate always seems more appealing than his own so he’s thrilled to share.
This method is definitely dependent on your little one’s appetite. It worked well for us for a couple years and only recently have we had to get my oldest his own meals because he now eats a ton.
Restaurants with Kids Tips for Success
Stick To Their Normal Schedule
Eat at their usual time!
So if they usually eat dinner at 5pm, you want to get to the restaurant and order so that you get your food by that time.
Bonus: If you’re lucky, they might even have early bird specials.
It can be tempting to try to push back the time for dinner out.
Meeting up with friends and family can make this especially difficult, but you are setting your toddlers up for hangry meltdowns.
Plus, you risk running into bedtime. A tired toddler is a ticking time bomb, don’t do this to yourself.
Go Out Often
Lots of parents are scared to take their kids out to eat, so they avoid it.
That is not the answer.
Exposing your kids regularly to the “real world” out there is very important.
Start small – restaurants that are more casual, kid friendly, and where the food comes quickly.
It will get easier every time.
Have the Necessary Gear
Between sanitation and safety, there are lots of reasons why it’s important to invest in the proper baby gear.
- Placemats
These disposable placemats
Kids drop their food all over the table when they are eating. These mats provide them with a clean surface to eat on.
They also reduce the chance your child will drop a breakable plate!
Bonus – they’re BPA free and biodegradable, so don’t feel too guilty throwing them away.
- Bibs
Always bring a bib so you don’t have to hover over your child making sure they don’t mess up their nice “going out” clothes.
I always have 2 Bumkins Superbibs
And then there’s also the ones with full sleeves
Related Are You Packing the Diaper Bag Wrong?
- High chair cover
The essential Highchair Cover
Another bonus, it doubles as a shopping cart cover!
- Take n toss cups and spoons
You never know what types of cups and utensils restaurants will have to offer your child.
Most family places will have cups with lids, but not always. And my little guy could not handle the huge metal spoon and fork.
I always carry these Take & Toss Cups
Pick Kid Friendly Places
Not all restaurants are meant for kids, so stick to places that welcome children.
This doesn’t mean you’re limited to Chuck E’ Cheese, there are tons of family restaurants. It does mean you may want to save the fancy places for a special occasions when the kids stay with a babysitter. Even the most well-behaved children can struggle in a quiet, candle-lit spot.
You will all feel more comfortable in a family friendly joint where there’s plenty of ambient noise and spilled cup is just another day.
Contain Them
Put those kids in high chairs for as long as possible. I squeezed my oldest in those seats until it was impossible for him to fit. That was a sad day.
After they’ve outgrown the high chair, the next best spot is the inside seat of a booth.
I avoid chairs at all costs. There’s two main reason, the first being convenience.
I don’t know about you but repeating “sit down” until my voice goes hoarse or I lose my freaking mind is not exactly my idea of fun.
But there’s some safety concerns as well. Chairs make it a bit too easy to hop off and bolt or tilt backwards too far. Both of which, my wild child has done.
