Waiting for food at a restaurant with young children can feel like an exercise in patience — especially when the question “Is it here yet?” starts to repeat on loop.
But with a little creativity, that wait time can turn into a chance for connection and laughter. Simple, screen-free games can help keep kids engaged, reduce restlessness, and create fun family memories — all before the first slice of pizza even hits the table.
What’s Missing?
This game requires just a little prep, but it’s well worth it. Start by gathering 10–20 random items and placing them in the center of the table. Once the pile is set, give everyone about 30 seconds to study and memorize the objects. Then, have all players close their eyes or look away while one person secretly removes an item.
When everyone looks back, the challenge is to figure out what’s missing. Great items to use include spare change, credit cards, salt and pepper shakers — even a few things from mom’s purse. For an extra challenge, rearrange the remaining items before revealing the missing one to make the guessing even trickier.
Seated Simon Says
A calm, table-friendly twist on the classic game. One person acts as the commander and gives simple instructions like “touch your nose” or “clap your hands.” The catch? Everyone should only follow the command if it starts with “Simon says.” If the commander leaves out “Simon says,” anyone who follows the action is out (or just gets a friendly giggle). It’s a great way to keep little ones engaged without leaving their seats.
Pits and Cherries
This reflective game is perfect for winding down a busy day or passing time while waiting for food. Each person shares their “pit” (the toughest part of the day) and their “cherry” (the best moment). It encourages open conversation, emotional awareness, and gives everyone a chance to be heard — even the youngest family members.
Storytelling
A collaborative game that fuels creativity and connection. One person begins with a sentence like, “Once upon a time, a purple dinosaur went shopping.” Then, each person around the table adds their own sentence to continue the story. The sillier it gets, the better — and it’s a guaranteed recipe for laughter.
Mouth It
This quiet but hilarious game is ideal for restaurants or other public places. One person silently mouths a word or phrase (like “ice cream” or “I’m hungry”) while others try to guess what they’re saying by reading their lips. It’s simple, screen-free fun that gets everyone thinking — and squinting — a little harder.
Let’s make the most of every moment we get to share together!
