A common myth is that you can only take children to fast food.
Well, they call certain theories myths for a reason and there are also a couple of umbrellas in that single comment. I am not about to take my girls to a black tie restaurant and I certainly know my children’s limitations. With those umbrellas now packed away, let’s be honest. We spent the better part of the past four years eating dinner at home and we really missed eating at restaurants which pre-pandemic was at least twice a week. So we have some favorite types of restaurants that we take our kids too that does not have a toy served with food. Here are some of my favorites:
- Chain Restaurants. Any place that has placemats that are served with crayons is a great place for dinner. Usually they have music playing and the appropriately placed television to keep the young diners preoccupied. Most of these places now also have a tablet, but not all those flashy games are free. My children typically enjoy the pizza or chicken nuggets options with side dishes like fries or fruit. Most of these places do not mind the occasional small figurine toys or the little tub of playdough as long as it does not leave the table.
- Pizza. One meal that everyone in my house can agree on is pizza and we sometimes will frequent some of our local pizza places from time to time. Some of these restaurants do have a video game or two as well as toy dispensing machines. We will often order an order of breadsticks or an appetizer to keep our girls occupied until the pie is brought to the table. Most of restaurants are informal and there are normally louder characters that my kids there.
- Hibachi. My kids usually put their pickiness aside when Japanese made at the table in front of them. Some of these restaurants do have the chef sing and throw things which my children think is just plain awesome. Those restaurants that have the chef entertain the table usually have funny jokes that appropriate for both children and adults without going over the edge. The girls love using the chopsticks and the onion with flames shooting out of the top are always fun. It is dinner and entertainment all wrapped up in one!
- Buffets. We like clean buffets and then to go a little earlier before the majority of the dinner crowd arrive. The kids love making their own plates and sometimes they will go back up for seconds. A lot of buffets will have an elaborate spread of desserts which sometimes includes a fondue or an ice cream machine. One of my favorite things is that you have to pay up front and when you have antsy kids, not waiting for the server to come with the bill is always a plus!
- Sandwich Shops. My children enjoy going to sandwich shops, especially those who make the sub right in front of you. They have the ability to pick what they want in their sandwich as well as pick out chips and a juice drink. Some of these places do offer a pizza option as well as different kids meals. My girls tend to eat more if they have ownership in what they made.
- If All Else Fails… We will some times take our girls to a fast food place that has a playground and there is no shame in that!
I recommend that whatever option that you choose, take crayons, paper, a small book and a couple of small toys in a purse. That way if things get rough or boring, there are options. Bon Appetit!
