It's uncommon to find that kind of kid radar at restaurants. At many places children are just an afterthought, says Randy Sokol, president of Tee Jaye's Country Restaurant. Pick restaurants with call-ahead seating. You may not be seated immediately, but it's half an hour you may avoid waiting. Once you're at the table, it's easier to keep your child's interest.
Music also captures kid's attention.
Along the way the McGinleys have developed other strategies when eating out with kids. If possible decide what you are going to order before you arrive at the restaurant, says Danell McGinley. On the way to the restaurant you can ask your kids if they want pizza or hamburgers. The McGinleys have a drawer full of carryout menus to help. If you don't have carryout menus, many restaurants put their menus online.