Creating a family-friendly restaurant goes beyond offering just kid-friendly food; it’s about making the dining experience enjoyable for parents and kids alike. Restaurants that cater to families can attract a loyal customer base by offering a welcoming atmosphere, fast service, and activities to keep children entertained. Here are 17 practical ideas to help your restaurant become a favorite destination for families.
Create a Kid-Friendly Menu
Design a special menu with smaller portions and simple, nutritious dishes that appeal to young palates. Think about including fun presentations, like animal-shaped pancakes or colorful fruit bowls. Offering healthy options, such as veggies with dip or baked chicken, alongside kid favorites like mac 'n' cheese, can appeal to health-conscious parents.
Offer Interactive Activities
Turn your placemats into an interactive experience by printing special fish-themed coloring pages for kids. Hand out small cups with crayons so children can color while they wait for their meals. Once they've finished, parents can scan a QR code on the placemat, leading them to SwimFishy.com. After scanning, the fish on the coloring page will come to life and swim in a virtual fish tank displayed on your restaurant’s TV. This fun, interactive activity keeps kids entertained and adds a unique digital twist to the dining experience.
Family-Size Seating
Families need plenty of space. Ensure your restaurant has tables and seating that can comfortably accommodate groups of varying sizes. Booth seating is also a family favorite, offering more space and privacy for kids to feel comfortable.
Provide Clean, High-Quality High Chairs and Booster Seats
Having well-maintained high chairs and booster seats available is crucial for young families. Make sure you have enough to meet demand, and ensure they are cleaned regularly. Safety is a top priority for parents, so investing in high-quality equipment can make a big difference.
Designate a Play Area
If your space allows, set up a small play area where children can move around safely. Soft toys, a few interactive games, or building blocks can keep children entertained while parents enjoy their meal. This not only improves the dining experience but also encourages longer stays, leading to more orders.
Host Family-Themed Events
Plan regular family-friendly events to attract local families. Consider family trivia nights, themed dinners, or movie nights featuring kid-friendly classics. A "Kids Eat Free" night can also be a great way to boost mid-week attendance.
Create a Calm, Inviting Atmosphere
Balancing a lively yet calm atmosphere is important. Play soothing background music and create a relaxed dining environment where families feel welcome. Comfortable lighting and pleasant décor will help both parents and children feel at ease.
Provide Fast Service for Families
Families with young children often need their meals quickly. Consider prioritizing fast service for families, particularly when serving kids’ meals. Offering snacks or small activities while families wait can also help keep kids occupied, creating a more enjoyable dining experience.
Add Healthy, Child-Sized Drinks
In addition to sodas and juices, offer healthy alternatives like water infused with fruit, milk, or low-sugar smoothies. Serve these drinks in spill-proof, fun cups with colorful straws or lids to reduce the risk of messes.
Incorporate Technology for Fun
Kids love technology, so integrate it into the dining experience. Offer interactive tablets, touch-screen games, or apps like Fishy, where children can upload their art and watch it transform into a colorful fish swimming on the screen. Digital interactions can keep kids engaged while parents enjoy a quiet meal.
Offer Family-Style Meals
Create family meal packages designed for sharing. Family-style dining encourages togetherness and is a great way for parents to sample different dishes. Consider offering large pizza platters, taco kits, or pasta bowls for an easy and fun dining experience.
Celebrate Special Occasions
Make birthdays and other celebrations special by offering free desserts, balloons, or small party favors. A birthday crown, a complimentary cupcake, or singing "Happy Birthday" can make the occasion memorable for both kids and parents.
Provide Take-Home Kits
Offer activity kits for kids to take home after the meal. Whether it’s a small coloring book, crayons, or a DIY meal kit, these little extras can leave a lasting impression and encourage repeat visits.
Provide On-the-Go Options
Busy parents appreciate quick and easy takeout options. Consider offering family-sized to-go meals or kid-friendly grab-and-go options that make dining out or ordering at home convenient for families. Clearly display these options to make ordering simple.
Offer Family Discounts and Promotions
Attract families by offering discounts on kids’ meals or even a "Kids Eat Free" promotion on specific nights. These offers can bring in families on slower nights and help build customer loyalty.
Provide Free Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
Parents will appreciate free Wi-Fi, especially when they need to entertain their children with a device. You can also offer charging stations at tables or in waiting areas so parents can recharge their devices during their visit.
Conclusion
By implementing these 17 ideas, you can transform your restaurant into a family-friendly hotspot where both kids and parents enjoy dining. Whether through kid-friendly menus, interactive activities like Fishy's fish coloring game, or family-style meals, your restaurant can stand out as a place where families feel comfortable and welcome.
These thoughtful adjustments will not only improve the customer experience but also increase family loyalty, resulting in repeat business and positive word-of-mouth for your restaurant.