Ever wondered why your family keeps going back to the same restaurant? It’s rarely just about the food. The best kid friendly restaurants get the small details right — the ones that make eating out with children feel easy instead of stressful. Here are 10 things guaranteed to make families visit kid friendly restaurants again and again.
1. Colouring books
A colouring book with plenty of clean pages (and crayons that actually work) buys parents precious minutes when the food is slow to arrive or you’ve forgotten to pack your own entertainment.
Bonus points for a comic or magazine for older kids who consider themselves too grown-up for colouring.
2. Kid sized cutlery
Little fingers struggle with adult-sized forks and knives — and a dropped fork clanging on the floor is a familiar soundtrack to family meals. Proper kid-sized cutlery makes a real difference to how smoothly a meal goes.
3. A space to put strollers out of the way
Somewhere for the buggy that doesn’t block the aisle or trip up other diners — or a member of staff happy to tuck it away safely until you need it again.
Recommended Reading: How to Survive Eating Out with Kids
4. Proper changing tables in both male and female toilets
Nobody wants to change a baby on the floor of a toilet cubicle. A proper changing table — plus the odd emergency wipe or nappy for those “we forgot the bag” moments — is always appreciated.
And yes, dads change nappies too, so changing facilities in both male and female toilets matter.
5. Kids’ menus with a bit of imagination
Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes — a kids’ menu with a little variety goes a long way. If chips have to be on the plate, pairing them with something fresh keeps little fingers busy and parents happy that there’s something healthy there too.
6. Smaller portions for kids
Nobody needs an adult-sized bowl of macaroni cheese that gets one spoonful before being pushed away. Right-sized portions mean less waste and happier kids.
7. Food that arrives when kids are hungry — which is now
Bringing children’s main courses out alongside the adults’ starters (without parents having to remember to ask) saves a lot of meltdowns at the table.
8. Short plastic tumblers
Short, sturdy plastic tumblers beat tall glasses that get knocked over in seconds. A few healthier drink options for kids on the menu are always welcome too.
9. Extra napkins on the table
For the inevitable spill. There is always an inevitable spill.
10. And if a restaurant can manage it…
A quiet corner with a screen showing something kid-friendly and a few cushions to sink into is the dream — not essential, but guaranteed to win a family’s loyalty.
Recommended Reading: 13 Fun Games to Play at a Restaurant
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a restaurant genuinely kid-friendly?
It’s usually the small, practical details — kid-sized cutlery, a proper kids’ menu, somewhere to park a buggy, and staff who don’t mind a bit of noise or mess. Families notice these touches far more than fancy decor.
Do kid-friendly restaurants need a dedicated kids’ menu?
Not necessarily, but a menu with some fresh, varied options alongside the usual favourites makes mealtimes easier for both kids and parents.
What can parents do to make eating out with kids easier, even if the restaurant isn’t perfectly set up?
Pack a small activity bag (colouring, a favourite toy), choose off-peak times when restaurants are quieter, and don’t be afraid to ask staff for small favours like bringing kids’ mains out early.
Are baby changing facilities available in all restaurants?
This varies a lot by venue, so it’s worth checking with the restaurant directly, especially for smaller or older premises.
Related Articles
- How to Survive Eating Out with Kids
- 13 Fun Games to Play at a Restaurant
Save This for Your Next Family Meal Out
Bookmark this list or share it with a friend planning a family meal out — it’s a handy checklist for spotting a genuinely kid-friendly restaurant before you sit down.
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