Eating Out With Kids: To Do or Not To Do

Taking children out to eat can be a challenge.

Parent Perspective

My son is 15 months and we try to take him out to week about once every week or so. This means our priorities in choosing a restaurant are different from our pre-baby days.

We look for restaurants that have a bit of noise so that if our son makes noises that are a bit too loud or, heaven forbid, starts to cry at some point, it will be less noticeable. Now that he is on solid food and eating more finger food, we look for kids menus that he might like. If we’re trying a new place, I bring backup food.

Restaurants with changing tables in the bathrooms are also key, because I have changed my son’s diaper in a number of places and precarious situations I would have preferred to avoid.

My son likes restaurants that have plenty of people, preferably children, that he can look at. He really likes the placement and crayons. If you asked him, he’d probably add a balloon to his wish list, so it’s a good thing he can’t talk yet.

What do you look for when dining with children? Do you find the challenges are worth it? Which restaurants do you find to be the most family friendly?

Diner Perspective

As a diner with or without children, people dining with children can pose a potential challenge.

My son likes to smile and wave, and if you’re a cute girl, he’ll try extra hard to get your attention and look cute. Some people enjoy waving at the little baby and others would just like their own privacy. At this point, it’s pretty easy for anyone not into babies to simply look away from my son.

On the other hand, some children run around and scream and shout in restaurants while their parents continue to chat, posing issues for other diners and for restaurant staff.

What do you think the parents’ responsibility is when dining in public with children? Is it OK to let your kids run around?