Eating out at restaurants with young children can be challenging. Little ones have short attention spans, get restless easily, and can have trouble sitting still for an extended period of time. This can make for a stressful dining experience for parents. However, with some preparation and strategies, you can make your restaurant visit with younger kids more enjoyable for the whole family.

Here are 5 tips for taking younger children to restaurants and having a stress-free visit:

1. Choose the Right Restaurant

Picking the right restaurant can make all the difference when dining out with young kids. Opt for family-friendly establishments that have high chairs, kids’ menus, and some background noise to drown out any tantrums or acting out. Casual dining spots, like pizza parlours or noodle shops, are good bets. You may also want to avoid peak dining times when restaurants are crowded and noisy. Lunch or early dinners tend to work better with little ones.  

2. Bring Distractions

If you are fostering with Foster Care Associates and want to treat your children to a fun meal out, come armed with toys, books, colouring supplies or other engaging activities to keep kids occupied at the table. Sticker books, magnetic doodle pads, and electronics like tablets (on silent!) are great options. Bring a few different distractions and rotate through them to maintain interest. You can also ask the server for crayons or activity sheets. 

Having distractions ready will prevent restlessness and boredom from setting in.

3. Request a Table ASAP

Don’t leave young children standing around waiting to be seated. Ask the host if you can be taken to your table right away. Standing around is a recipe for misbehaviour. Kids are much more content once settled at the table with their toys or a snack to nibble on while you look over the menu. If there’s going to be a wait, see if you can wait outside where kids can expend some energy rather than confined in a crowded waiting area. 

4. Order Promptly 

Once at the table, go ahead and order drinks and appetisers right away. Hungry, thirsty kids quickly lose patience. Having sippy cups, juice boxes or smoothies and nibbles like bread or fruit ready shortly after being seated will help kids feel content as you wait for the main meal. Go ahead and order their meal first too so that it comes out quickly. 

5. Pack a “Busy Bag” 

Fill a bag with new, fun activities and bring it along to surprise kids with something novel when they start to lose interest. Mini sticker books, dot-to-dots, mad libs, mazes and more can provide a change of pace. Wrap each item separately to prolong the unveiling. You can also utilise the “busy bag” as an incentive for good behavior. Let them know they’ll get to open a new activity if they sit patiently.

The key is to be prepared to keep young ones occupied and minimise downtime. Also, remember to bring sanity-saving items like portable potty seats, wipes, and plastic bibs. Keep your expectations realistic, be patient, and don’t hesitate to request help carrying bags or entertaining kids from the waiter. 

With some planning and effort, dining out with your little ones can create fun memories. The more you do it, the easier it will get.