Spray paint it.

There are some really great spray paints out there.

Sand first before you paint.

I was hoping we could paint over it. The furniture is not super expensive. Patches of the table and chairs are covered with rust, and I am uncomfortable letting the kids use it.

It depends on how bad the rust is. I've had some luck scrubbing rust off with a scouring pad, but you could also ruin the finish depending on what you have.

Our outdoor furniture has rusted. Is there any way to salvage it?