Are You Visiting A New City?
Will you be visiting a new city for this summer's family vacation? If so, you are probably just as excited as your kids are. Do you already have your vacation plans made? Have you already scoped out the best eateries? If you have, you must be a plan-ahead type of person. On the other hand, you might still be in the planning stages of your vacation. From selecting restaurant places to eat to arranging for take-out meals, here are some ideas that might help you.
Obtain A Restaurant Guide - Once you reach your hotel or motel, there will more than likely be a restaurant guide in the lobby area. Are your kids old enough to read? If so, get restaurant guides for you and your spouse, and also get some for your children. After all, part of the fun for them will more than likely be in getting to help choose the places you'll eat.
As you study the restaurant guide, see if there's a note that includes a kid's menu. That will be a good indication that the restaurant is family friendly. For example, if you and your spouse want to try exotic foods, your kids might not be keen on that idea. The fact that there's a kid's menu will probably mean that there will be things like chicken nuggets and French fries for them to enjoy.
Think of introducing your children to new foods, too. For example, if your restaurant places to eat guide shows a seafood restaurant that appeals to you, don't let the fact that your kids aren't crazy about seafood stand in your way. Won't it be good for them to have a try at something like a fish taco?
If your children have never eaten at an elegant restaurant, think of selecting one in the city you are visiting. The fact that you are all dressing up a bit will help them to know that they will be using their best manners.
Meals To Go - Another idea is to find restaurants that will prepare foods-to-go or that will do food delivery. For example, are your kids old enough to be left alone while you and your spouse go on a date? If so, think of finding a pizza restaurant that does deliveries. Your restaurant guide will more than likely have that as one of its listings. Have the pizza delivered before you leave for your date so that your kids won't have to worry about paying and tipping for their pizza delivery.
Another idea is to plan a picnic in one of the city parks. If you do that, select a restaurant that will prepare your food in disposable containers. Consider having the main part of the meal at the park and then looking for a restaurant where you can have a special dessert.