When you are hitting the road with your kids, you may need to take a break from driving to feed your family. However, eating out with kids is not always smooth sailing. So to make sure everyone is fed and that you avoid restaurant meltdowns, here are five road trip hacks for eating out and snacking on-the-go.
Check Please- If you stop to eat at a restaurant, try this hack. As soon as your food arrives, ask for the bill and for to-go containers. This way you can make a quick exit if you are in a time crunch or your kids are melting down.
Cooling Down Food - Save yourself from passing out from blowing on too hot food by asking for a separate plate to come with your child's meal. Usually the side plates aren't hot and you can cool the food faster on another plate--a few ice cubes help too. You can also do this if you are eating in the car.Â
Order Dessert- I was never a fan of having my kids' meals come before ours until I started ordering their dessert to be served the same time as the adults' entrees. Now they're happier because they get their meals sooner, and we're happier because we eat our meals in peace because they're digging into their yummy dessert. Â Â
Free or Reduce Kid's Meals - Save some money and your sanity by eating early and finding the restaurants that give you free kids meals with adult's entrees. Â Â Check out the appetizers and sides for the perfect kid-sized meal.Â
Container Trick - Before you head into the restaurant, plan ahead to keep your kids happy diners. Using a plastic container that has different compartments, bring your own goodies for entertainment. From stickers, Legos, and inexpensive toys they've never seen before, you can entertain your kids with your small box of tricks. Â Â Â
Appetizers - If you have a picky eater or you are tired of the usual children's menu items, try ordering from the appetizers or sides to make a complete meal for your tiny diner. Plus these items can often be served quickly.
