This mama likes getting a break from the mundane tasks such as going to the grocery store, meal prepping and cooking.
However, going to a restaurant with young toddlers is kind of a nucking futs idea.
A great way to have a much more enjoyable experience is by finding places that offer kid friendly activities such as having a playground on site.
There’sGood Reasonfor SuccessfulMeal Times
It’s largely due to the “sweet reward” young kids get after they’ve successfully made it through a meal.
✔️ Adults get to enjoy their simple meals in somewhat peace.
✔️ And our kiddos don’t have a hard time eating their sweet potato fries or extra veggies because there’s FUN right around the immediate corner.
Food for Thought Tips:The Most Important Things
based on my experiences.
#1 Don’t eat before dinner time.
A hungry toddler will sit to eat.
Try to hold off on that afternoon snack so that the rest of the family can actual eat their meals (mostly uninterrupted).
#2 Be mindful of fussy eaters.
If your toddler has picky taste buds, order items off the menu based on their taste preferences.
I understand wanting to expose our children to a wide variety of foods. After all, new flavors awaken the palate in a fun way!
However, if your goal is to ENJOY your dining experience…I’d save the exploration for home.
A great alternative could be ordering small portions of something you’d like your child to try that offers the perfect size for them.
And it’s a more budget friendly price tag for you.
#3You know your family’s nutritional needs.
If you’re looking for a balanced meal, check out the location’s menu ahead of time.
Kid Friendly + Delicious Dinner Ideas = The Right Place to Be
Located in the DMV area.
This (DC/Maryland /Virginia) list can help EVERYONE have an enjoyable dining experience.
Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.Learn more.
#1 Steelefish Grille
660 Boulton St, Bel Air, MD 21014
Main ingredients: seafood and playground on premises
#2 Dock of the Bay
9025 Cuckold Point Rd, Sparrows Point, MD 21219
Main ingredients: seafood and playground on premises
#3 Falling Branch Brewery
825 Highland Rd, Street, MD 21154
Main ingredients: indoor/outdoor seating, beer, food trucks, live music, and playground on premises
#4 Crabtowne USA
1500 Crain Hwy S, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Main ingredients: seafood and arcades on premises
#5 Stratosphere Social
1332 Londontown Blvd, Eldersburg, MD 21784
Main ingredients: salad, burgers, pastas, and more with a bowling alley and arcades on premises
#6 Conrad’s Seafood Restaurant
3414 Merchant Boulevard, Abingdon, MD 21009
Main ingredients: seafood and playground on premises
#7 FunVille Playground and Cafe
4318 Holland Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Main ingredients: sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and more with an indoor playground on premises
#8 Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company
5000 Olney Laytonsville Rd, MD 20832
Main ingredients: indoor/outdoor seating, beer, food trucks, live music, and playground on premises
#9 Dave and Buster’s
Several locations within the DMV area.
Main ingredients: sports bar with a large variety of American food with arcades on premises
#10 Fisherman’s Catch
1 Maurice Dr, Forest Hill, MD 21050
Main ingredients: seafood, steak and bowling alley on premises
#11 Humagalas
16 Bel Air S Pkwy, Bel Air, MD 21015
Main ingredients: burgers, beer, and playground on premises
#12 Sakura Japanese Steak, Seafood House & Sushi Bar
615 Baltimore Pike, Bel Air, MD 21014
Main ingredients: live entertainment (cooking) for all ages
#13 Fishtales
2107 Herring Way #22st, Ocean City, MD 21842
Main ingredients: bayside restaurant with pirate theme playground on premises
*Click on the links above to get more information before planning your next restaurant adventure.
(Restaurant) Brain Development Skills
Taking young children to a restaurant can be a treasure trove full of learning opportunities.
6 Reasons why it’s a good idea to bring young children to a restaurant
#1 Socialization
Communicating thoughts, wants, needs, and feelings is an important life skill.
Children get to listen to the table’s conversations which helps with their receptive (what they are hearing) vocabulary.
To support their expressive vocabulary, try including them in the conversations so they can practice adding relevant words or sentences related to the topic.
#2 Ordering from a menu.
Help build up those commutation skills by having your child order their own meal.
#3 Practicing manners.
As you know, “please” and “thank you” go a long way.
Let them show off all that they’ve learned from you by saying thank you when their food has been delivered.
#4 Practicing hand eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot more educational by getting your little one to sprinkle cheddar cheese onto their taco.
- Scooping and spooning: Using utensils to scoop and spoon food requires hand-eye coordination to guide the utensil to the mouth.
- Cutting: As children learn to use a knife and fork, they need to coordinate their hand movements to cut and manipulate food.
- Reaching and grasping: Squeezing condiments such as ketchup or mustard onto food requires hand-eye coordination to aim and hand control to squeeze the appropriate amount onto their plate.
#5 Using a public restroom.
There are unwritten rules that we follow when using a public bathroom. For example;
✔️ Do you put toilet paper down before sitting?
✔️ Do you wash with soap and water or do you just hand sanitize afterwards?
✔️ Do you air dry your hands or use the facility’s method of drying?
Communicating your expectations beforehand then modeling those expectations will help reduce frustrations that may lead to tantrums.
#6 Planned entertainment.
✔️ Are your children allowed to bring their devices, books, or other forms of entertainment to the restaurant?
✔️ Or is the expectation for them to find entertainment at the table with your family and friends?
Having clear expectations here will go a long way for you and your child/children.
The list of restaurants/breweries already have built in entertainment for the kiddos!
Favorite Toddler Feeding Supplies
- Munchkin® Stay Put™ Suction Bowls for Babies and Toddlers– These bowls STAY on the table. Less opportunity for spills + more opportunity to just sit and enjoy your meal.
- 100% Silicone, Plastic Suction Dishware Plate with Lids for Babies Toddlers– Keep the chicken nuggets and broccoli florets on the table with these mess-free, stress-free suction plates.
- Calm at the Restaurant )Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) is a cute story tailored to 3-7 year olds all about eating at a restaurant.
- Preschooler Places: A-Zis an awesome workbook that’s full of hands-on learning activities which happens to include a whole section about restaurants.
Do you have a “golden nugget” that is working for your family that’snot on this list?
I’d love to hear about it! I’m sure many parents of small children would too!
Please share in the comments.
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