Spring and warmer weather means more family outings and more dining out. Leading restaurant training developer Restaurant Rockstars offers creative ideas for restaurants to keep kids busy and parents happy.

Parents who love to dine out but who refuse to potentially annoy other diners with their children are always on the lookout for restaurants clever enough to keep little guests entertained.

If kids don’t have something to do in a restaurant, guess what?

They will find something to do.

Parents who love to dine out but who refuse to potentially annoy other diners with their children are always on the lookout for restaurants clever enough to keep little guests entertained. Leading restaurant training developer Restaurant Rockstars advises that a little thought can go a long way and offers the following tips to keep children busy and parents happy.

#1 Coloring Challenge

Turn the typical coloring sheet into a coloring challenge. Create a game where kids have to draw what they want to order on a piece of paper. This activity has potential to immediately engage kids once seated and gives parents time to actually read the menu. The best part is that wait staff gets involved in guessing what the child wants from the drawing. Depending on your child’s age and skill level, this could unfold a number of ways, but amusement is guaranteed!

#2 Kids’ First (Literally)

Kids get restless waiting for anything—especially when hungry. Instantly gain favor with parents by training wait staff to take and input kid’s food and drinks first. Of course, many intuitive restaurant staff already do this—but making it a policy ensures a consistent experience. And servers can make kids feel ‘special’ by insisting that they get to order before their parents . #3 Music Rules

Music is a global language that transcends all ages. A great playlist or acoustic musician will delight adults and children alike. Songs like “Puff the Magic Dragon” are classics that are enjoyed by all.

#4 Tap into Staff Talents

Encourage talented staff to show off their skills at the table with kids and their families. Balloon- making, juggling or cup stacking are a few ideas. Ask your staff about their talents and their ideas for activities to engage children. The possibilities are endless and could have great payoff for team members and your establishment.

#5 On Site Games

If space allows and it makes sense for your restaurant, contracting with an arcade game vendor to install a change machine and the latest video and crane games, pinball, etc. is another way to entice families. Most arcade game vendors will maintain the machines and split all generated profits, making this arrangement a win-win.

For more information on the Restaurant Rockstars Sales Stars hospitality and sales training programs, visit https://media.restaurantrockstars.com or email us at [email protected].

About Restaurant Rockstars Restaurant Rock Stars is a proven hospitality and sales training solution for busy full-service restaurants. Our mission is to transform restaurant ‘Order Takers’ into ‘SALES STARS’ to increase restaurant sales and server gratuities while providing superior service and entertaining dining experiences to guests. Our SALES STARS training is an online turn-key training program that systemizes the training function and builds competitive and team spirit. Our website is membership based with the option to renew each year, to capitalize on high restaurant industry turnover.

Restaurants across the United States (and other gratuity-based countries) are missing hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in lost sales and opportunity due to guests receiving ordinary dining experiences.