Dining out with children: tips for a relaxing evening (for everyone)

Dining out with children: for some a wonderful family moment, for others something you dread. The difference is often not in the children, but in the preparation. The right restaurant, the right time, and a few clever tricks make a world of difference.

Choose the right moment

Go early. Around five or five-thirty, most restaurants are still quiet, the kitchen is fast, and children still have energy left. Anyone arriving at eight o'clock with a tired child is asking for trouble.

Weekdays or Sunday afternoons are often quieter than Friday or Saturday nights. There is more space, and more patience from the staff.

Choose a restaurant that suits children

Not every restaurant is suitable for a family, and that's okay. When choosing, pay attention to a few things:

• A relaxed atmosphere: a lively restaurant with some background noise is easier than a quiet place where every sound stands out.

• A menu with simple choices: pasta, pizza, or small dishes to share work well for most children.

• Space: a spot for the stroller, high chairs, and toilets with a changing table.

• Outdoor space: a terrace or garden gives children a breath of fresh air between courses.

Call or check in advance if there are high chairs. That saves a lot of improvising at the table.

Make a reservation, and mention that children are coming

Reserving prevents waiting at the door, and waiting is the hardest part of dining out for children. When reserving, indicate how many children are coming and if you need a high chair. Then the restaurant can give you a table with a bit more space, for example, not in the middle of the walkway.

Make it easy at the table

1. Order quickly: look at the menu in advance so you can order immediately upon arrival.

2. Ask if the children's meal can come first: then children don't have to wait while you are still having your starter.

3. Bring something to do: coloring pages, a small book, or a game. Preferably without sound.

4. Involve them: let children order themselves or taste something new. Then it feels like their outing.

5. Plan a walk: going outside or to the toilet together helps during restless moments.

Know when it's enough

Sometimes it's just not meant to be. Then it's okay to skip dessert or pay the bill while the children are still happy. Better a short evening that ends well, than a long evening that ends in tears. There will be a next time.

Dining out with children and other families

Are you going with multiple families? Then agree in advance on the time, location, and budget. With a larger group, reserving is even more important, and a restaurant with some space or a terrace is definitely a plus.

Finding a restaurant in HelloWhere

In HelloWhere you can search for restaurants in your neighborhood or in the city you are visiting, and see what a place has to offer: the menu, opening hours, whether there is a terrace, and what tips others have left. Where possible, you can book directly via HelloWhere, including the number of people.

Are you going with a few families? Send around a Choose together link: everyone privately indicates what they feel like, and you see which restaurants suit the whole group.