Activities When Dining Out With Kids: Teach Children How to Decode a Restaurant Menu! by Amanda Heyser

A fun activity to do while eating out in a restaurant is to help your child learn how to read a menu. You can show him or her how menus are divided in categories and where to look for certain foods. Identify:

• appetizers
• dinner combinations
• dessert items 
• a la carte
• drinks
• side dishes
• healthy choices vs. unhealthy choices

Show the different ways that they can combine healthier a la carte items instead of only selecting from the kiddie menu. Lastly, build independence by having them order for themselves! Soon, they will be comparing and figuring prices and helping you calculate the tip!