Tips for trendy dining (and long waits) with kids
So there’s a new spot in town that everyone is talking about. You can’t wait to try it, but you remember the last dining out experience with your family could have been premiered as this year's top blockbuster horror movie. No worries, we’ve got some tips to help lessen the stress of eating out with your crew.
Here are our tips for trendy dining (and long waits) with kids:
Card Games
Passing the time while you wait at a restaurant can be fun for everyone involved if you come prepared. Having a card game handy is a great way to engage everyone at the table when that tried and true game of I Spy starts to get old.
Make Reservations
Your best bet on a successful restaurant venture with little ones starts with cutting your wait time to as little as possible. Call ahead or head online to reserve your table instead of walking into a long delay.
Timing is Key
When able, select lunch or weekday dining. Restaurants are less crowded during these hours, allowing for shorter waits and more room to spread out. Other benefits are the weekday and lunch specials most establishments offer, keeping both your wallet and belly happy.
Smart Snacking
Kids can’t say they’re hungry if you have food at their fingertips. Steering towards restaurants that offer free bread, chips, or other table snacks while you wait keeps meltdowns at bay. Not sure if a new spot you plan to visit has snacks for the table? No shame in bringing a few tried and true snacks of your own to keep your little ones content.
CityKiddos playing Legos while out to eat
Seating is Everything
“Booth or table?” It’s a question we all get asked but rarely think about. However, consider how the right seating can make or break your dining experience. Will every item inevitably roll away from your kiddos and off the table? Then no to those high top seats. Do booths make it hard to maneuver as a group? Opt for a table and chairs instead.
Keep Them Busy
Most disruptions dining out likely happen from boredom. While patience may be your virtue, many kids are still working out the kinks. Keep those busy bodies occupied with their favorite things that are easy to transport. Our suggestion: grab an art box to fill with items like building blocks, art supplies, notepads, stickers, or small figurines.
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When in Doubt, Phone it Out
That sports game or news station on the restaurant’s TV screen just isn’t doing it for your tablemates. No shame in pulling out the phone or tablet for a quick show while you take a breather and explore the menu.
Put a Lid On It
We all know Murphy’s Law: Without a lid, anything that can spill, will. Ok, so Murphy might not have written his law just like that, but we’re sure that’s what he meant. Don’t second guess asking for lids or bring spill proof cups of your own. Murphy would definitely approve.
