We’ve all been there—sitting down at a restaurant, desperately hoping for a peaceful meal, only for the kids to lose interest before the chips and salsa even hits the table. It’s a balancing act between keeping the kids entertained and happy so you can simply enjoy a few moments of adult conversation.
But have no fear - we’ve scoured the internet, reddit included, and have several tips on ways to get everyone in the family set up for an enjoyable event, from how to set yourself up for success to what types of toys are best to keep ‘em busy for a little while, at least.
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Set up for success before you even go
Like most things with kids, it’s all about the set up before you go.
First, get them excited. For us, this starts with hyping them up ahead of time with where we are going and what types of things they will get to eat and do when we arrive. Typically we will only do this the day of or one day before, to avoid the constant questions on “how many sleeps are left?”.
The day of, tucker them out if you can. Take even 20-30 minutes to let them run around and explore in their free will before you ever get going. Sometimes a quick walk around the block, or running around the back yard a few times is all that it takes.
Then, work to set expectations upfront. On the way there, it’s good to prime them with what’s to come and lay the ground rules for what you expect.
Check Out the Menu Before You Arrive
There’s no time to waste when you’re wrangling hungry kiddos. If you know the restaurant’s menu, try to have your order in mind before you arrive. I’ve been known to sit in the AC and look up the menu for even just 2-3 minutes before we get out of the car so that as soon as we sit, I can order their meals (or better yet, pump them up to order for themselves!)
Otherwise, plan to bring a snack that you know they will love, but nothing too heavy. That can tide you over until the food comes, especially if you’re there in a mad rush.
Trust me, it’s easier to head off the hangry tantrum than deal with it mid-meltdown!
The Secret Weapon: The Restaurant Bag
I keep a special backpack in our car, full of restaurant-friendly goodies that I rotate every few months. If we’ve been dining out a lot, I swap out toys to keep them feeling fresh. A little novelty goes a long way!
When building your bag of magic, aim for items that are easy to share and don’t create a huge mess or take up too much table space per kiddo. After many trials (and a few errors), I’ve come up with the ultimate list of items that have worked well for our family.
Sticker Books & Coloring BooksSticker books! These are a personal favorite—they pull double duty by combining stickers and coloring in one fun package! Bonus tip: peel the backing off the sticker sheets so little fingers can more easily grab their own. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Also, bring your own coloring supplies. The restaurant crayons are usually waxy and dull, and they melt in the car! Opt for washable markers or twistable colored pencils, along with a cheap coloring book that you can tear pages out of. No melted crayons here!
Magnetic Games & ActivitiesMagnetic toys are a lifesaver in busy restaurants because they minimize the “pick-up game.” Here are a few of our kids’ favorite magnetic sets:
- Bluey Magnetic Set
- Paw Patrol Magnetic Set
- Magnetic People
- Magnetic Blocks
- Pastel Magnetic Blocks
- Magnetic Puzzle Book: Animals
- Magnetic Puzzle Book: Princesses, Mermaids, and Unicorns
- Magnetic Robots
- Magnetic Drawing Board
- Magnetic Dress Up Dolls: Fairytale Fantasy
- Magnetic Dress Up: Bunny and Cat
- Magnetic Dress Up: Dino and Dog
- Magnetic Dress Up: Shark and Tiger
- Magnetic Dress Up: Unicorn and Mermaid
- Magnetic Dress Up Play Set
These can keep little hands occupied for ages and save you from crawling under the table for rogue toys.
Suction Cup ToysEver had a toy roll off the table over and over again? Enter suction cup toys! These stick to the table and keep kids entertained without the constant, “Mom, it fell again!”
Mini Montessori Busy Boards & Doodle Boards
For more hands-on entertainment, we love busy boards and doodle boards. They’re perfect for tactile play and don’t take up much room. The doodle boards are especially fun because kids can draw, erase, and start again as much as they like. Here are some top picks:
Play-Doh & Silly Putty
Small packs of Play-Doh or Silly Putty can be lifesavers. They’re compact, easy to clean up, and give kids something to sculpt and squish. I keep a couple of Play-Doh packs and Silly Putty in my bag for emergency entertainment. Here is also a 3 pack option of our favorite Silly Putty.
Wikki Stix & Lacing ToysWikki Stix are fantastic because they’re quiet– kids can bend them into shapes, letters, or anything their imagination dreams up. Lacing toys are also perfect for quiet activity because they help kids practice identifying shapes and work their fine motor skills while they’re at it!
Games to Play Without Supplies
Forgot the bag at home? No worries! There are plenty of easy, no-supplies-needed games that you can play while you wait for the food:
- I Spy with My Little Eye: A classic. Pick an object and give clues like “I spy something green.”
- The Alphabet Game: Go through the alphabet and name objects starting with each letter. It’s great for sharpening young minds!
- Would You Rather: This silly game is a hit with kids. Ask questions like, “Would you rather fly or be invisible?” You’ll get some creative answers!
- Two Truths and a Lie: Have each person say two truths and one fib, and see who can guess the lie. It’s fun for all ages!
Final Thoughts: You Got This!
Eating out with kids doesn’t have to be a stressful event. With a little prep and some handy tricks up your sleeve, you can keep everyone entertained long enough to enjoy a meal out. Having a dedicated restaurant bag and rotating toys keeps the novelty alive, and throwing in a few no-fuss games is always a win.
Remember, you’re not just keeping the peace; you’re setting the stage for family fun and connection. Happy dining!
