Enjoying Restaurants With Young Kids
How to Enjoy Restaurants With Young Kids
On the weekends I look forward to not cooking and going to out to eat at least once or twice, but having two young kids has made it a challenge; sometimes I wonder if taking them out is more trouble than just cooking! My kids are high energy and are the kind of kids you hear entering the restaurant. Giving myself a cooking break was something I didn’t want to give up and it is nice to have an excuse to leave the house and plan activities around, so I knew I had to figure something out. Whenever when go on vacation, I set my kids up with tons of activities to grab out of their travel backpacks while on the airplane or in the car, so I decided to make them restaurant kits; Afterall, we spend a lot of time going out to eat, so they should be able to have activities to pick from to keep themselves entertained. Since we have introduced their restaurant kits, mommy and daddy get to enjoy a meal and a beer and the kids are content with their kits. Here is how to make your own!
Keep Your Young Children Entertained at Restaurants:
DIY Restaurant Kit
Ages 2-5
Materials:
1. Tin lunch box
2. Dry erase marker
3. Magnets
4. Cards (ABCs, Animals, Numbers, etc.)
5. Small puzzle
6. Small doll/figure with a few accessories (chair, food, clothes, etc.)
7. Small Book
8. Small notepad and pen
9. Stencils
10. Travel-sized games
Instructions:
1. Visit the dollar section at Target or the dollar tree every few weeks to switch up activities and keep their interest.
2. You can keep Switchable items in the plastic bin in the trunk.
3. The dry erase marker works right on the tin lunch box and can be erased. You can make connect the dots, ask them to write words they see on the menu, play tick tac toe, or just draw.
4. The magnets stick to the tin lunch box, so having different magnet games are a great option.
These kits have been game-changers, in allowing some adult conversations at restaurants, and being able to relax a little while we are out. There are a few tips that I would like to add when eating out with young kids that will make your life so. much. easier! Here are my 5 tips while eating at restaurants with young kids:
Review the menu on the way to the restaurant or before you leave
have your order ready to be placed the minute you sit down
Once the food comes, ask for the check right away
Pay for your bill the minute the check arrives, this way, if there is a meltdown, you are able to leave quickly
Ask the restaurant if they have some fresh fruit or veggies to keep your kid occupied until their meal comes. This way, they will not fill up on junk food, but rather, have some healthful snacks to hold them over until their meal arrives.
Looking for more advice? Check out Parenting Hacks for the Car! Follow us on Instagram, & Pinterest!