Cafe Survival Guide: Engaging Kids on Family Outings (Without Relying on Screens)
I’m sitting at a long table in a cozy café, surrounded by the hum of family chatter and the clinking of cutlery. It’s a celebration, one of those moments when everyone’s gathered. I’m just settling into my seat when I feel a bump against my leg. I glance down, and sure enough, the littlest ones have already made their way under the table. It starts as a giggle-filled game of hide-and-seek, but within minutes, tiny hands are tugging at legs, bumping knees, and bidding for connection in the only ways they know how.
Sometimes it’s playful and harmless. Other times, it’s a scramble - kids darting around the table, needing to go outside, or asking for a screen just to stay seated. I watch the parents of these little ones juggling distractions and safety checks, barely getting a bite of their meal or a moment to join the conversation. They’re doing their best to keep their kids engaged and connected, all while trying to enjoy the event themselves.
As an occupational therapist, I’ve seen this scene play out many times, not just in my work, but in my own family. It got me wondering: could the same strategies I use in therapy support kids in these everyday moments too? I started experimenting gently, offering small tools and ideas to help kids regulate, stay engaged, and feel part of the family experience, without needing a screen. The difference was quiet but powerful. Kids were more present, parents felt less stressed, and the whole outing became more enjoyable. I'm on a mission to share these tips with as many families as possible, so let's dive in!
What to Pack for Café Play
Not all toys travel well. For outings like cafés or restaurants, I recommend play items that are:
Compact + easy to clean (so you’re not lugging a giant toy bag)
Quiet where possible (toys like pop tubes or light-up/sound toys can be distracting in public spaces)
Open-ended (so they can be used in multiple ways—more on that below)
Safe + simple (no tiny parts to lose—or launch across the café)
Novel to your child (toys kept exclusively for outings tend to hold their attention longer)
That said, if your little one has a comfort toy they love and it’s travel-friendly, bring it! A mix of familiar and fresh is often the sweet spot.
My Go-To Café Play Items
Here are a few tried-and-true tools I’ve used successfully in café settings:
Mini whiteboard + marker: Great for drawing, simple games, or even writing out the menu together. Easy to wipe clean and reuse.
Magnetic blocks: Travel-sized sets are perfect for tabletop play and less likely to scatter or fall. Quiet, creative, and endlessly engaging.
All-in-one busy books: I love the My Backpack Buddy Busy Book (so much so that I am an ambassador!) - compact and full of activities. A true “grab and go” option. Link: https://www.mybackpackbuddy.com/products/backpack-buddy
Character toys / teddies: Think animal figurines, toy cars, or a favorite teddy. You only need one or two pieces to spark endless pretend play scenes.
Storage Tips That Make a Difference
How you pack matters just as much as what you pack. I recommend using a small bag with compartments so kids can:
Choose one activity at a time
Avoid overwhelm from too many options
Set up and pack away easily: perfect for the “grab and go” rhythm of outings
OT Insights (Why This Works)
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes when kids engage in sensory-rich, open-ended play during outings:
Sensory play helps regulate the nervous system and prevents overstimulation.
Open-ended play supports executive functioning, problem-solving, and emotional resilience.
Novelty activates dopamine pathways, boosting motivation and focus.
Social play often invites connection - grandparents, aunties, and uncles might join in, creating beautiful moments of shared engagement.
So while kids are regulating, they’re also engaging in developmentally rich experiences and building relationships at the same time.
Coming Soon: My OT-Designed Café Kit
I’ve been quietly working on something special to support these everyday moments—a play kit designed exclusively for outings like cafés, restaurants, and waiting rooms. It’s:
Compact and easy to grab on the way out the door
Organized with compartments for simple, independent play
Filled with novel, open-ended tools that rotate easily
Free of tiny parts and overwhelming choices
This kit is built to help kids stay regulated, engaged, and connected—so parents can enjoy their coffee, their meal, and their moment.
Stay tuned—it’s coming soon, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Join the Travel Kit Waitlist
If you’d love a grab-and-go play kit designed for travel and outings like cafés and waiting rooms, join the waitlist here. I’ll let you know when it’s ready—and you’ll get first dibs.
