Restaurant Waiting Games: A Pencil Beats a Phone
Waiting for food at a restaurant? A pencil and paper beat a phone. Try these quick drawing games that keep kids happy at the table.
A small drawing kit is one of the best tools for restaurant waits. Quick games like drawing silly faces, tic-tac-toe monsters and "draw what you're about to eat" keep kids happy, engaged and talking, without handing over a phone.
Waiting for food is hard for kids. Many parents reach for a phone to keep the peace. A pencil and a few drawing games can work just as well and keep the family talking.
The restaurant kit
Keep a small pouch in your bag:
- Two pencils
- A small notebook
- A pocket-size drawing book
Quick drawing games
- Silly faces. Take turns drawing faces with different expressions.
- Draw your dinner. Draw what you ordered before it arrives, then compare.
- Squiggle game. One draws a squiggle, the other turns it into something.
- Monster tic-tac-toe. Use tiny monster faces instead of X and O.
- Portraits. Draw each other in two minutes.
Faces are perfect for tables
Faces are quick, funny and need little space. How to Draw: Silly Faces is full of expressions kids can learn and remix at the table. Each face takes just a few minutes, which fits a restaurant wait perfectly.
Table manners still count
- Keep drawing supplies small and tidy.
- Put them away when food arrives.
- Use paper placemats if the restaurant offers them.
Talk while you draw
Restaurant drawing games naturally lead to conversation and laughter. That is the real win over a screen. For more travel ideas, see flying with kids? pack a drawing book.
Questions parents ask
How do I keep kids entertained at a restaurant without a phone?
Bring a small drawing kit and play quick games like silly faces, squiggles and drawing your dinner.
What should be in a restaurant activity kit?
A couple of pencils, a small notebook and a pocket-size drawing book.
Are drawing games good for restaurant waits?
Yes. They are quiet, quick, social and easy to put away when food arrives.
More in home routines and screen time, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
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