Don't hate me for saying this, but I really hate seeing kids on their tablets at restaurants, which is why I'm sharing this huge list of FUN, screen-free games to play at a restaurant.
I get it—restaurant waits can feel endless for little ones. But the good news is, mealtime can be fun and engaging without a screen. There are definitely times when screens are appropriate, and my kids definitely get their share of screen time, but there are so many important reasons why we should not be using screens at the table...
Children are naturally curious and social. Studies show that excessive screen time "lower(s) cognitive abilities and academic performance in later years. Language development is also affected by screen time, as it diminishes the quantity and quality of interactions between children and caregivers."
Giving them screen-free alternatives helps to:
If kids are using assistive technology, that is by ALL MEANS essential, and not the kind of "screens" I'm talking about! Again, no shade for the screens at the table; we are all kinda addicted to our phones, but there are some great games to play to make the time spent into quality time together.
Let’s dive into 30 screen-free and FUN games for kids and adults to enjoy at a restaurant.
1. What's Missing? My kids' favorite game that went crazy viral on Pinterest with over 10,000 saves and millions of views.
2. Would You Rather?
Take turns asking silly or serious "Would you rather" questions. It's a great conversation starter!
3. 20 Questions
One person thinks of something, and others have 20 yes/no questions to figure it out.
4. The Alphabet Game
Choose a category (food, animals, movies), and go around the table naming something in alphabetical order.
4. I Spy
A classic! One player says, “I spy with my little eye…” and gives a color or feature for others to guess.
6. Name That Tune (Hummed Version)
Hum a song and let others guess what it is. Keep it age-appropriate!
7. Tabletop Charades
Act out clues using only hand gestures and facial expressions, while seated.
8. Category Clap Game
Go around the table clapping and naming things in a category (e.g., animals). Miss a beat? You’re out!
9. 2 Truths and a Lie
Great icebreaker—each person shares three statements about themselves, and others guess which one is false.
10. Build-a-Story
One person starts a story with one sentence. Each person adds to it in turns.
11. One Word at a Time
Go around the table telling a story—but each person only adds one word at a time.
12. What If…
Pose imaginative questions: “What if animals could talk?” or “What if pizza grew on trees?”
13. Emoji Face Game
Pick an emoji and try to recreate the face. Have everyone guess which emoji it is.
14. Sound Mimic
Make an animal or object sound—others guess what it is.
15. Menu Designers
Kids invent a new restaurant and describe their dream menu.
16. Fingers Up
Our new favorite: everyone has either 1 finger up or 0 fingers up, under the table. The first person guesses how many fingers are up total, then everyone reveals in 3, 2, 1. If they were right they get a point. On round 2, the next person guesses. You can't change your finger after they guess!
17. Spoon Balancing
Try balancing a spoon on your nose for as long as possible. Hilarious for kids!
18. Draw My Monster
One person describes a monster (number of eyes, legs, etc.), others draw it on a napkin.
19. Rainbow Order
Go around the table and name something you see that is red, then orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Youngest goes first. You cannot name something that has already been said.
20. Napkin Origami
Fold napkins into fun shapes.
21. Count the… Game
Count how many red chairs, lights, or plates you can see from your seat.
22. Restaurant Bingo
Create a quick bingo card with common items (menu, waiter, glass of water, etc.) and see who spots them first.
23. Menu Hunt
Who can find the weirdest item or longest word on the menu? Most expensive/cheapest thing on the menu?
24. Games like Rock, Paper, Scissors. I've got a whole list of similar ones!
25. Pattern Making
You know your little one wants to play with the sugar packets. Start a pattern and have them complete and extend it! (Bonus for early math skills!)
26. Gratitude Round
Each person shares one thing they’re thankful for that day.
27. Rose/Thorn
Everyone shares the high point and low point of their day. A great way to build social emotional skills!
28. Who knows you best?
Pick a family member and guess their favorite food, color, hobby, etc. Get to know each other better! Award points and see who knows who best.
29. Memory Match (Verbal)
Describe something you remember from a past trip, and others guess where you were.
30. Compliment Circle
Everyone goes around saying something positive about each person at the table, including themselves! This builds confidence and positive self talk!
Even with great games, a little preparation goes a long way:
It might be a shift to focus less on phones/tablets and more on the world right in front of us, but I promise it's worth it. At first kids might be resistant, but once they start playing these silly games, they're bound to ask to play each time they're out. With these fun, interactive games to play at a restaurant, kids and adults will connect, laugh, and build lifelong memories. Plus, it's a healthy swap out you can feel really good about.
Keywords: games to play at a restaurant, screen-free restaurant games, family games at dinner, restaurant games for kids, keep kids entertained at restaurants
