Eating Out With Children......

[Ruthy23]

Hi...I have a two year old girl, 5 year old boy and one more very much on it's way! I love eating out but always worried about the reception I may recieve when I bring in my brood !

They are well behaved but at the end of the day they are kids! Any suggestions for family friendly places that aren't the usual 'pubs'? Thanks xx

ps I am in the West Yorks area

because I would say you coukd start with pizza hut places etc but my problem there is they are given to being louder and kids acting more like "louder"kids so this will then sit with them of how they can act at all places they eat out. which will then not be suitable for other places if that makes sense.

Almost Famous in Leeds is kid friendly. Also they do delicious burgers!
Last time I went there was a family with kids and a baby and nobody batted an eyelid.

One tip I was given was to make an occasion of eating out. Big it up in advance, let them choose their outfit. Give them a menu even if they can't read it etc. It's just little thing that hint towards 'special occasion behaviour'
Also don't be afraid to ask for a smaller portion of an adult dish, many places are very obliging. Or if it works better order them a starter and a side.

We have 3 and always take our kids out for dinner. The key is don't take them if they are going to be starving ! I always give them a snack or time it so we go early. I find lunch or Sunday roasts work well.

Also often children's meals are crap - so
I often ask for an adult meal and two plates for the youngest two, usually better quality and nicer.
Have a back up entertainment - I make sure my phone is fully charged so they can watch a cartoon, but it's only a last resort.

Go to places because you want to eat the food with your family, not because it's 'child friendly' .

Try something different you will be surprised ! Mine loved a Greek restaurant!

And ifs it's a nightmare - don't give up, next time it could be breeze.

Last sat my oh wanted to go out for dinner and I knew the kids were hungry and I hadn't even showered yet, so I made a quick carbonara then took them out at 7pm for a big naughty pudding in a ice cream parlour. They were so excited to go out at 7, and they loved it.