Restaurant Activities for Kids To Keep Them Entertained

Dining out with kids can be a challenge for many customers, as parents often juggle keeping their little ones entertained while trying to enjoy their own meals. This constant shuffle between having their own meals and managing the kids can sometimes make dining out feel like more work than relaxation.

But here’s the thing — your restaurant can be the perfect place for kids to have fun, too!

With the right restaurant activities for kids, you can offer a win-win scenario: allowing parents to eat in peace while kids are happily engaged in activities that keep them occupied. It’s all about offering entertainment that is fun, easy to execute and doesn’t disrupt the dining experience for everyone around.

In this article, we’ll explore nine restaurant activities for kids that not only keep children entertained but also contribute to a positive, family-friendly atmosphere in your restaurant. Let’s dive in!

9 Fun and Creative Restaurant Activities for Kids

Keeping kids entertained during a restaurant visit doesn’t have to be a challenge. Below is a list of engaging activities that are easy to implement and sure to make dining out enjoyable for the whole family.

1. DIY coloring sheets and crayons

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep kids busy while they wait for their food is to offer DIY coloring sheets. These can be custom-designed to reflect your restaurant’s branding, menu items or theme. For example, if you serve pizza, you could have coloring sheets with fun illustrations of pizzas, ingredients and Chefs. 

Pair the coloring sheets with a set of high-quality crayons or colored pencils, and you’ve got a simple, enjoyable activity that kids can do right at the table. It’s also a great way for children to engage in a quiet, creative activity while their parents have time to enjoy their meal.

2. Interactive menus

Instead of simply listing items, design the kids’ menu to be fun and interactive. Include sections that encourage children to think, draw, or explore. Interactive menus not only make the waiting time more enjoyable for kids but also encourage family engagement. 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fun food facts: Add interesting facts about food or the restaurant. For example, you could share surprising facts like “Did you know bananas are berries?”
• Draw your meal: Create a “Draw Your Meal” section where kids can sketch what they imagine their food will look like. It’s a fun and creative way to engage their imagination while they wait.
• Puzzles and games: Include activities such as word searches, mazes or “find the hidden object” games. These simple activities can keep kids entertained while they wait for their meals.
• Menu challenges: Include a small challenge like asking kids to spot five different food items on the menu. This can add a layer of interaction and help pass the time in a fun way.
• Themed menu sections: If your restaurant has a specific theme, tailor the menu design to match it. For example, a pizza restaurant could have a “Create Your Dream Pizza” section, where kids can choose toppings and design their own pizza.

3. Magnetic puzzles

Magnetic puzzles are a fantastic option for keeping kids entertained at the table. They’re portable, mess-free and come in all sorts of themes that can tie into your restaurant’s brand or menu. 

For example, if your restaurant serves burgers, you can offer a puzzle where kids put together pieces of a burger. These puzzles are engaging and provide an interactive experience without taking up too much space. 

Best of all, they can be reused, making them a great investment for your restaurant.

4. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) craft kits

DIY craft kits can range from simple paper crafts to more elaborate activities like creating friendship bracelets or food-themed projects. 

Many craft kits are inexpensive, easy to set up and provide kids with a quiet, creative outlet. After they’ve finished their crafts, they’ll also have a fun souvenir to take home, adding a little extra excitement to the experience.

5. Jokes and riddles cards

Jokes and riddles cards can feature fun, age-appropriate jokes, food-related riddles or animal trivia. These can be placed directly on the table or handed to children as they are seated.

The idea is for kids to read through the cards on their own, or share the jokes and riddles with their parents or other diners. This activity allows children to stay occupied without requiring staff to get involved. Not to mention, it fosters moments of fun family interaction while waiting.

To keep things fresh, the jokes and riddles can be updated periodically or themed around holidays, seasons or popular events, offering variety for returning customers.

6. Sticker activity packs

For a simple and mess-free option, consider providing kids with sticker activity packs. These can include a variety of themed stickers — whether it’s food-related designs, animals or your restaurant’s logo — and a sheet to stick them on. 

This is a great option for younger children who may not yet be ready for complex activities but still need something to occupy them while they wait. 

7. Simple tabletop games

Simple tabletop games like magnetic tic-tac-toe or memory can be a great way for kids to interact with their families and pass the time. 

These games don’t take up much space and can be played quickly, giving kids a fun, non-distracting way to stay entertained. They also encourage family bonding, making them a great addition to any family-oriented restaurant.

8. Interactive tablet games

Providing tablets at the table is an easy way to keep kids entertained. Load these with child-friendly apps like educational games, puzzles and drawing programs. From math challenges to creative art tools, there’s plenty to keep kids engaged while they wait for their meal.

Tablets are portable, easy to clean and offer a range of activities that can capture a child’s attention for a good amount of time. Just ensure the content is age-appropriate and aligns with the family-friendly vibe of your restaurant, and you’ll have happy kids and parents enjoying their meal with a little peace and quiet.

9. Outdoor playground 

If your restaurant has outdoor space, consider creating a small playground or play area where kids can burn off energy while waiting for their food. The space doesn’t need to be elaborate — simple additions like a slide, sandbox or swings can be enough to keep kids entertained and enhance your restaurant’s family-friendly vibe.

Just make sure to establish clear safety guidelines. Also, have staff monitor the area regularly to ensure everything stays safe and enjoyable for all guests.

Rewarding Kids for Good Behavior at Your Restaurant

A fun way to encourage good behavior while keeping kids engaged is by offering a “good behavior” punch card. The concept is simple: Give kids a card when they sit down, and reward them with a punch for positive actions like sitting patiently, using their indoor voices or sharing with others. 

Once the card is filled, they can redeem it for a small prize. The prize can be a sticker, a fun toy or a special treat like a small ice cream.

This system not only motivates kids to be well-behaved but also adds an element of excitement to their dining experience. It also makes them feel accomplished and appreciated for their patience while waiting for their food. 

A reward-based program like this can make your restaurant more enjoyable for families and help parents relax knowing their children are engaged and motivated to behave well.

Creating a Family-Friendly Restaurant Atmosphere

A family-friendly atmosphere extends beyond just the activities you offer. The design of your establishment should cater to families with children. This includes things like child-size seating, high chairs and family-friendly menus. 

A welcoming environment encourages families to return. After all, when kids have a great time, parents are more likely to come back for future visits. By creating a space that caters to the needs of children, your restaurant becomes a go-to spot for family dining.

Training Staff To Handle Kids and Families

Providing creative activities for kids is just one part of creating a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s also essential to train your staff on how to handle kids and families.

Train your Servers and other front-of-house staff to be patient and welcoming, ensuring that children and their parents feel comfortable during their visit. 

Encourage staff to interact with children positively — perhaps by complimenting their drawings, asking about their favorite food or engaging them in light, friendly conversation.

When staff members are well-trained to engage with kids, it creates a more relaxed and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Creating a Family-Friendly Atmosphere Starts With Your Team

Having a team that understands how to engage with kids and make parents feel comfortable can elevate the overall dining experience and turn first-time visitors into repeat customers.

If you’re a Restaurant Manager or owner looking to improve your family-friendly offerings, OysterLink can help you connect with talented restaurant staff who are experienced in handling all kinds of guests. 

Whether you looking for a Server, a Cook or a coordinator for kid-friendly activities, OysterLink provides a platform for finding the right fit for your restaurant’s needs.