Where's the Family Friendly Dining?

It seems just like yesterday when my twins were two years old and the idea of taking them out to a restaurant for lunch or dinner was not fun.  Forget about actually eating.

So, I’ve learned a few tricks.  I enjoy going out to dinner with the kids every once in a while, but you need to be prepared and pick the right family-friendly location that appeals to adults too.  

Speaking to a few parents at my Saturday morning soccer game with the kids, I found a few restaurants that we all agreed on that are family friendly and have great food.

: The thin-crust savvy pizza joint has portions that are big enough to share with your kids, coloring pages, crayons and a great outdoor patio. (Request the table in the back so your kids can actually get up and walk around if they get antsy.) Get there right at opening (11:30am) for lunch, the restaurant fills up very fast after.

Hopmonk: Great kids menu, fun coloring pages, water is always on the table  and mom or dad can have a beer. Perfect! Sitting on the patio is our favorite, but the large booths are great to keep the little ones contained.

Black Bear Diner: You can’t beat “Kids Eat Free Tuesday," and the free sundae bar that comes along with it. The newspaper and crayons are the best and are filled with so many activities to keep your kids busy. My kids also love the smiley fries. I love that everyone can get exactly what they like (even breakfast for dinner) and they never go home hungry.

Breakaway Cafe: This restaurant just loves kids and all parents love the kids menu, coloring pages and toy-box. You can’t beat a $5 Cheeseburger and the "Teddy Bear Pancake" for breakfast!

Mary’s Pizza Shack: Love the weekday happy hour from 3-6pm! My kids always get bread-sticks and the veggie plate ordered right when we sit down. We usually skip the kids menu and just order a pizza for all of us and maybe a pasta dish to share. We always have food to take home for lunch the next day.

Schellville Grill: The minute we sat down for breakfast, the waitress asked if my kids would like a pancake to start (on the house!). They loved it and so did I: The food is amazing. Schellville keeps Trivial Pursuit cards on the table, which are fun for older kids or to remind yourself how much you don’t know. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner most nights. Your dog is welcome on the patio for a whole family affair.

The second part of dining out with kids is being prepared. So, do a little prep work before you leave the house and you and your husband or wife can actually have a conversation and a glass of wine.

1. Patronize the same restaurants consistently. If you and your family are recognized as regulars, you'll be welcomed more warmly and they'll cut your more slack if your kid gets squirmy.

2. Before you go out, make sure there's something on the menu that your child will actually eat, or bring along food from home. (Make sure you are at the restaurant way before your kids are actually starving.)

3. Visit restaurants at an off-peak time (such as 4-5 on a weekday afternoon) so you beat the rush and get a great table.

4. Opt to be seated in a booth whenever possible, so it will be easier for you to keep your child contained.

5. Pack a restaurant bag! Bring pens and paper, books, or even a "for restaurant time only" toy. We have a magnetic checkers game in our bag that helps buy a little time if dinner is taking a while to arrive.

6. To keep things moving, when your server comes to take your drink orders, have your full meal order ready, too. It helps to look at the menu online before you go too.

7. Request the check when the server brings you your main course.

8. Always ask for extra napkins right away.