How to Actually Enjoy Dining Out with Kids
Travel+Leisure US|September 2024
A flexible mindset-and proper preparation can help parents and children make the most of a foodfocused trip.
Stratton Lawrence
How to Actually Enjoy Dining Out with Kids

IF, LIKE ME, you're a parent who enjoys a fancy dinner out while traveling, you have no doubt faced this dilemma: either leave the kids in a hotel with a babysitter you've only just met, or schlep them along. I'm here to advocate for the schlep. And that's despite the fact that my two children aren't the best companions at a pricey multicourse meal.

My wife and I choose to live on this edge because, sometimes, we can't miss a certain restaurant. Sure, the artistry behind a perfectly plated dish may be lost on our little ones, but my five-year-old still talks about a "gelato cake with a cherry" from one of the many Roman trattorias we dined in last year. I'll admit I have no recollection of that particular dessert, but I'm grateful that she will remember it forever.

Now that our kids have met more sommeliers than the average elementary schooler, here are a few of the lessons we've learned and some tips from other parents-on making the most of eating out while traveling.

This story is from the September 2024 edition of Travel+Leisure US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2024 edition of Travel+Leisure US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TRAVEL+LEISURE USView All
Second Course - Noma chef René Redezpi found fame ingredient-focused with fine dining. His new TV show goes even further.
Travel+Leisure US

Second Course - Noma chef René Redezpi found fame ingredient-focused with fine dining. His new TV show goes even further.

This summer, chef René Redezpi and Travel + Leisure contributor Matt Goulding released their Apple TV+ docuseries, Omnivore. Each episode follows a single ingredient on its global journey, from harvesting to processing to cooking. T+L spoke to the Danish chef about the making of the series, and what's on his travel radar.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
GBASS BOTS
Travel+Leisure US

GBASS BOTS

On a road trip deep into the culinary heart of France, Rosecrans Baldwin visits the village restaurants and country hotels updating the age-old French tradition of cooking local.

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 2024
DRINKING IT ALL IN
Travel+Leisure US

DRINKING IT ALL IN

The rich, volcanic soil of central Chile has nourished a food and wine legacy that bridges cultures, from Indigenous cooks to globe-trotting vintners.

time-read
9 mins  |
September 2024
APPETITE for LIFE
Travel+Leisure US

APPETITE for LIFE

Dandelion roots and pea greens, truffles and wild mountain thyme: a meal in Slovenia is like a walk in a fairy-tale forest. Sierra Crane Murdoch falls under the country's spell.

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 2024
RAPPY VALLEY
Travel+Leisure US

RAPPY VALLEY

For more than two decades, wine expert Ray Isle has been visiting Napa to uncover the best of the region. Here's his short list.

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 2024
How to Actually Enjoy Dining Out with Kids
Travel+Leisure US

How to Actually Enjoy Dining Out with Kids

A flexible mindset-and proper preparation can help parents and children make the most of a foodfocused trip.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
Mealtime in Manila
Travel+Leisure US

Mealtime in Manila

Creative young chefs are making the Philippine capital Asia's new culinary hot spot.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
Hands On
Travel+Leisure US

Hands On

Single-malt whiskies and triple-cream cheeses are the stuff New York's Hudson Valley is made of.

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
ALL ASHORE
Travel+Leisure US

ALL ASHORE

Juneau is one of Alaska's busiest cruise ports-and it has a booming food scene.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
AMONG THE GROVES
Travel+Leisure US

AMONG THE GROVES

Two Puerto Rican hoteliers have opened their latest spot in Tuscany― and put the country's famed olive oil front and center.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024