Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need diversions/entertainment? Why not teach your kids about the dining experience, how to read menu, order food, have conversations and behave while dining out.

Not the OP, but I would say it's because I'm not as perfect a parent as you.

Not sure where anything about being a perfect parent was mentioned. I do recall as a child and when we dined out my parents did not base where we would dine on whether or not we would be entertained. I think it's sad that this now needs to be a requirement to dine somewhere. Why not just find a McDonalds with a play room.

No kidding PP! What is it with all these crazy posters who think it's reasonable to try to plan a family outing where their children will have fun! Nonsense!

I just bring crayons and paper from home. It keeps my child busy until food comes.

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need diversions/entertainment? Why not teach your kids about the dining experience, how to read menu, order food, have conversations and behave while dining out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need diversions/entertainment? Why not teach your kids about the dining experience, how to read menu, order food, have conversations and behave while dining out.

Not the OP, but I would say it's because I'm not as perfect a parent as you.

Not sure where anything about being a perfect parent was mentioned. I do recall as a child and when we dined out my parents did not base where we would dine on whether or not we would be entertained. I think it's sad that this now needs to be a requirement to dine somewhere. Why not just find a McDonalds with a play room.

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need diversions/entertainment? Why not teach your kids about the dining experience, how to read menu, order food, have conversations and behave while dining out.

Not the OP, but I would say it's because I'm not as perfect a parent as you.

OP here - thanks very much for the suggestions - some of these restaurants we have been to, some are new to us and I am excited to try them.

Comet Ping Pong

Silver Diner
Matchbox (the one in Rockville gives kids dough to play with)

The Green Turtle has televisions in most booths. Comet ping-pong has ping-pong tables in the back.

Why do you need diversions/entertainment? Why not teach your kids about the dining experience, how to read menu, order food, have conversations and behave while dining out.

he Washingtonian Shopping Center (aka Rio) in Gaithersburg has something like this. Some of the restaurants are on the water and they have paddle boats, waterfowl, fish, etc. There's also a little "train" for rides (though it was very far away from where we were at the restaurant). Very family friendly.

Once summer comes, Rustico in Ballston is great. There is a little splash area between Rustico and Buzz Bakery. You can sit outside and have the kids play in the water until the food comes...

American City Diner has movies (not sure if they are year round or just summer) and has juke boxes in the booths.

http://www.nandos.com/

Nando's -- fancy self serve soda machine, self serve frozen yogurt

I'm looking for suggestions of restaurants good for a few families with young kids (ages 4-8) - I'm hoping for suggestions of restaurants with some form of entertainment or diversions for kids, such as a place on the water where you see boats sailing by, or a place that shows movies, or has a jukebox (like a diner), or has the tortilla machine to look at and dough to play with like at Uncle Julio's. Any suggestions for me? Thanks!