Hellobee Boards

We just got back from our first post pandemic trip, and our first trip as a family of four- which included dinning out daily. My youngest is a chill baby, so I didn't worry too much about him, but I was worried about my almost 4 year old.

We chose restaurants that had kids menus, so I knew they'd be family friendly. Other than that, I just made sure to pack some stuff for her to do- a new coloring book, magic marker activity pad, and wikki stix. It went so well! She was excited to the special restaurant activities and was so well behaved!

Agreed with above, we try to not bring our now 5 year old out to dinner after 7 (her crankiness increases and I figure at that point that other diners might be wanting a more date like atmosphere). I always have at least a pen in my purse but otherwise I try for magnatiles, small toys, and other quiet things. If it has a kids menu it has to be ok for kids and around us breweries/beer gardens specifically say if they allow kids on their website.

Also want to second what PP said. We try to eat on the earlier side too, to avoid the people wanting a date atmosphere.

One other thing I didn't see above is when my kids were younger, I always brought a light snack because my kids expected to be fed the moment they sat at a table because who makes their kids sit at a table at home for 30 minutes before food arrives.