Little Change Creators

Little Change Creators

Dining at a restaurant is a treat for most people, but when you’re doing it with kids it’s often stressful and exhausting.  The constant battles between bored kids can turn what should be an enjoyable experience into a full-on family fiasco.  While it’s often tempting to pull out the phone or pack an iPad, we know it’s not the best option for fostering family connection, nor is it the right way to instil good table manners in our kids.

Here are ten screen-free activities to keep your kids entertained so that you can finally savour a glass of wine or some pre-dinner snacks;

  1. Reusable Colouring Mats

Kids love colouring pictures but single-use, paper colouring books are so wasteful.  These Re-FUN-able Colouring Sets are a sustainable option that can be reused again and again.  Each set includes a double-sided, silky-smooth silicone placemat with captivating illustrations to occupy your kids for hours!  These are hands-down a favourite for parents because they’re so compact and versatile.  Younger kids can use the silicone mat for playdough or games, while older kids can enjoy a moment of mindfulness.  Re-FUN-able Colouring Sets come with 12 vivid markers, a cloth for easy cleaning and a practical fabric storage pouch.  They’re also dishwasher-safe, making them ideal for mealtime mess.  There are similar products on the market but this one takes the cake for quality, value, sustainability and social impact.

  1. Books

Books are always a handy option for entertaining kids on-the-go.  They’re easy to pack and educational, plus there are countless titles for kids to choose from.  Paperbacks are a compact choice for older kids, whereas younger kids will benefit from board books or picture books that parents can read and discuss with them.  Books are a simple way to keep the boredom at bay while developing your kid’s literacy skills.

Another option is books about Origami.  Most restaurants have napkins, whether they be the fabric or paper kind, so a book with simple Origami instructions provides kids with a quiet activity that also develops their creative, fine-motor and problem-solving skills.

  1. Travel Toys

There are many compact toys on the market nowadays so finding one to suit your child should be straightforward.  For toddlers, you can’t go past interactive felt books with their numerous zips, buttons, ribbons, hooks and eyelets.  These are quiet and ideal for children’s development – a win-win!  For older kids, you may consider magnetic activity sets.  These are usually self-contained in a tin for easy transportation.  Other options include fidget toys, card decks or a mini spirograph.

  1. Pen and Napkin

As a working mum, I always have a million things on my mind.  That’s why I carry a pen in my handbag because when something comes to mind, I just have to jot it down before I forget.  But my pen is also handy when I’m out with my kids.  Restaurants always have an abundance of napkins on hand which serve as a ‘blank canvas’ for doodling or games such as Hangman and Tic-Tac-Toe.

  1. Travel Games

Many classic games are now available as miniature versions.  Favourites such as Chess, Chinese Checkers, Battleship, Draughts, Scrabble and Connect4 are all freely available in pocket-sized versions.  For added value, you may also find portable options that contain multiple games within one set.

  1. Portable puzzles

The pandemic lockdowns caused an unprecedented demand for jigsaw puzzles.  As such, there are now loads of designs and sizes available.  The best puzzles for on-the-go use are packaged in tins or boxes with handles.  To ensure pain-free pack-ups, choose designs with fewer pieces or pack a puzzle surface to hold pieces in place for transportation.

  1. Improvised games

For those moments when the kids have tired of the activity you brought (or for those times when you forgot to pack something!) you can always wing it and make up some games on the spot.  ‘I Spy’ always entertains, as do memory games.  You can devise your own memory game using the objects on your table or you can design a unique version using a pen and a napkin.

  1. Compact construction kits

If you have Lego fanatics like I do, they’re sure to behave at the dinner table if you bring along a compact construction kit.  Lego has a self-contained storybook collection based on famous Disney tales with titles including Frozen and Beauty and the Beast.  Lego also has its popular Dots range which allows kids to create their own wristbands and trinkets.  I suggest storing the pieces in a small, flat container or pencil case for portability.

Plus-Plus, LaQ and Nano Blocks are likely to be a preferred choice for boys.  These simple, yet highly creative and tactile construction toys will deliver hours of imaginative, small-space play.

  1. DIY Craft kits

One of the simplest ways to entertain your kids is to have a variety of craft supplies or haberdashery on hand.  It’s not hard to pack a small, divided container with skeins of yarn and beads.  This basic array of materials is enough for kids to weave friendship bands, thread necklaces and more.  Complement your kit with a miniature pair of scissors, some hat elastic or a child-friendly needle for practicality.

Other creative options include child-friendly long-stitch and cross-stitch kits or pre-prepared craft kits.  Just check that they’re quick and simple to do and not messy.  Sewing and papercraft kits are safe picks.

  1. Playdough

Kids and adults alike love playdough.  It’s suitable for kids of all abilities and can be used in a number of ways.  Young kids can practice letter formation and fine-motor skills while older kids can sculpt to perfection.  For a flexible, non-stick surface, try Re-FUN-able Colouring Sets.  The silicone mats that come with these sets are perfect for playdough and so convenient for entertaining kids on-the-go.  We keep a set in the glove box of our car for all those impromptu pit-stops.

 

Rediscover Family Fun without Screens

Dining out as a family provides an opportunity for bonding and connection.  However, with the constant distraction of screens, this opportunity is often missed. Using these ideas can help stimulate conversation and create fun family memories. They might even tempt the adults to put their phones away!

If you’d like to try Re-FUN-able Colouring Sets, the best-sellers are now back in stock.  Visit www.littlechangecreators.com/collections/re-fun-able-colouring-sets and subscribe for free printable activities and exclusive offers.