Top 10 Screen-Free Entertainment Options for Taking Littles to a Restaurant

This past weekend, my family celebrated Mother’s Day. And while there were numerous ideas floating around social media about how different moms wanted to spend their day, my family knows exactly what I want every year: Church, brunch, nap, relax. That’s it. It’s pretty simple and has worked well for our family. 

But, what I noticed while I was brunching with my family, was the amount of young children who were kept occupied by screens. Every table had ample adults and then a little one, some only a few months old, enthralled by a screen. Don’t get me wrong - I get it. Screens keep children occupied and quiet. They give the adults time to eat and converse without having a 30+ pound human being climbing all over you as if you’re a jungle gym. 

With that said, I also cannot ignore the mountains of data, both scientific and anecdotal, of how screens - even “educational” programs - negatively impact children’s behavior, relationships, academics, and more. And, with the mountains of data telling parents not to use screens, there’s only a molehill of folks sharing alternatives. 

So, I thought I’d give my favorite go-to’s for keeping my little ones occupied at a restaurant and a few hacks I’ve learned along the way. Some items on this list, you may agree with and others you may not. Think of this post like a buffet - choose what you like and leave the rest. Lastly, they’re not listed in any particular order - just the order in which they popped into my head. 

#1: Condiment Packets

Yes, I said that right. Condiment Packets. Jelly, BBQ sauce, sugar packets…it doesn’t matter to a child with an imagination! They can count them, sort them by color, stack them as high as they can, or even build structures. And, with minimal adult input, you can get them to practice some of those preschool skills they’re learning. 

#2: Coloring

This one takes a bit of planning, but I keep crayons and pens in my purse pretty much at all times. It also helps to keep a few folded coloring pages or, better yet, a mini coloring/activity book. Feel free to mix this one up any way you like. Primary colors only. Fancy metallic or pastels. Colored pencils, pens. Of course you know your child best, so you know what interests them and if they prefer to color outside the lines (or the paper!).

#3: Paint with Water

A personal favorite of mine and of my children, this mess-free activity only requires a bit of water. These are fairly cheap and reusable, and the best part is that they come in a variety of themes to keep any kiddo happy and occupied. 

#4: Reusable Stickers

This activity kept my oldest occupied for at least 30 minutes! We were lucky to find a reusable sticker book that let her play dress up on paper (one of her favorite things to do!). What’s best is that she could change her mind as many times as she wanted. And, if her intrusive thoughts won and she found herself putting stickers on the table or chairs, they were easily removed without any damage or residue. 

#5: Travel Magna Doodle

A classic, but travel sized. Small enough to even fit in a purse or backpack. 

#6: Dolls / Action Figures

If your little one has a favorite doll or action figure, you may want to let them take it on the go. Their imagination can do the rest. 

#7: Books

My little ones love all books. What do they love more than books? NEW BOOKS! Visit your local dollar store or purchase online. We prefer small books no larger than 3” on either side. That way, they travel well. 

#8: Fidgets

Not just for concentrating in class, fidgets can be a great distraction (see what I did there) from waiting for your food. 

#9: Quiet Toys

My youngest had a favorite toy cell phone. It was basically a pop-it. No sounds, no lights, just a solid color with little pop-it buttons and numbers. She took it everywhere and refused to leave the house without her “cell phone”. Simple and quiet, it allowed her imagination to shine through as she sat and “talked” with her friends on her phone or took “selfies” and sent them to us. 

#10: Playing Cards

Uno is a family favorite. Even if we’re not actually playing the game, the colors and numbers can keep littles occupied. They can sort, stack, count, or just use their imagination. And, you don’t even need an entire deck!

Finally, all of these items are great, but what matters most is your presentation. If you’ve always allowed them to use the phone, you may want to wean them off slowly. Set time limits and shorten the time each time. Make statements that bring excitement instead of sounding like punishment. You can try, “You can use my phone for the first 5 minutes and then you can give your X Toy a turn”. 

A few more tips: 

• Keep snacks around in case the food takes a while 

• Help your child pack their own “go bag” so they can choose their toys. 

• Be patient, especially if you're transitioning from screens. It takes time for their imagination muscles to strengthen.

What works for you when you’re out with your littles? Share your best kept secrets!