Who needs a tablet? How to keep your children busy in a restaurant
23.8.2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
They’re loud, jump around and mess up the table decorations – going to a restaurant with kids is often far from relaxing. Here are 30 entertainment options that don’t involve a tablet or device.
On a recent restaurant visit abroad, I couldn’t believe my eyes. At the table next to us, two children – around five and ten years old – were slumped over two tablets. Literally, their heads were bent low over their devices and large over-ear headphones covered their ears. Their parents and, I assume grandparents, were sitting next to them.
But it wasn’t just that. After all, it’s also standard to see children in front of screens at restaurants these days here. I’ve also allowed my daughters to watch a cartoon in a restaurant. What was more shocking was the fact that the tablet was in constant use – even during the meal. The children shovelled bite after bite into their mouths, not taking their eyes off their tablets for a second.
Seeing this made me think about children’s entertainment away from screens. After a quick search on Galaxus, one thing was clear – there are plenty of portable, creative and practical alternatives for restaurant visits.
For the little ones
Sticker books
Decorating pages with stickers. The function of a sticker book sounds unimaginative at first. But the cool thing is many stickers are reusable so children can do this again and again. Every time they visit a restaurant they can create a different picture.
Motor skills games
Opening buckles, closing zippers, untangling knots. Sliding the puzzle pieces into the right place. Or tying shoelaces. Motor skills challenges like these will keep your child out of mischief.
Painting books or placemats
Painting in restaurants is a classic. Child-friendly restaurants often already offer their young guests colouring books and crayons. Unfortunately, still far too few places do this. Yet it’s so simple.
Diggers, Schleich animals and other toy figures
Again, the simpler the better. A few of their favourite figures or vehicles won’t weigh your bag down and are often enough to keep children happy. Even if it’s just for a few minutes to enjoy your own food in peace.
Puzzle fun
Puzzle blocks are another form of entertainment suitable for a very young audience. Bandolino are also great, handy learning cards. Children use a string to answer the task on the card by connecting the pictures. A solution check is on the back. Alternatively, you can go for busy books – a popular favourite.
Children's books
What is Lieselotte looking for? The great search and find hidden object book
German, Alexander Steffensmeier, 2020
Children's books
Ravensburger My very first puzzle block - favourite puzzles
German, Lisa Regan, Jessika Zollickhofer, Amanda Enright, 2022
For the big kids
Puzzle fun
Puzzle books for schoolchildren are more challenging. They include maths, writing, reading and searching. There’s even a kids version of Sudoku. They won’t get bored with those.
Children's books
Tom Turbo - Puzzle Boss 1
German, G&G Publishing House, Children's and youth book, 2021
Children's books
Reading Lions Riddle Rally for Reading Pros - 2nd grade
German, Loewe learning and puzzles, Dominik Rupp, 2021
Reading and learning
Reading’s always good. But not all children want to read a book in a restaurant. Nor do they want to learn something. It’s not fun and it’s not cool, after all. However if it’s disguised as a tricky quiz that needs to be solved, they’re usually all over it.
Children's books
QuizDetective. General knowledge for primary school pupils
German, Bettina Gutschalk, Manfred Rohrbeck, 2015
Children's books
Bibi & Tina: The great horse quiz book with Bibi and Tina
German, Klett Learning Training, 2021
Brain teasers
Here, too, you need a lot of brainpower. And time. In the IQ puzzle, you connect pieces to each other and, depending on the level, on top of each other. The aim of Chicken Shuffle, for example, is to slide the hens over their eggs but your direction of movement is restricted. And everyone knows the Rubik’s Cube, where you rotate the coloured squares to match each other.
Crafts
Crafts in a restaurant? Yes! Of course, only if there’s little material involved, so the neat bistro table doesn’t become a chaotic work surface. Folding origami, stringing beads or tying loom bands works. For small craft materials, it’s best to ask for a deep plate.
Advanced skill games
Take a playground classic to the restaurant: Cat’s Cradle works by creating specific shapes with a string around your fingers. Four hands are required. The geoboard is also for solo players; instead of string, rubber bands are used for the figures. Spin Master requires a little more skill – you move a small ball through the track to the finish.
We’re looking for more ideas! Do you have any other great tablet alternatives to entertain children in restaurants? Let us know in the comments.
Header image: Shutterstock/Anna Kraynova
Katja Fischer
Senior Editor
Katja.Fischer@digitecgalaxus.chMom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.