Let’s dig in! We’re sharing easy tips to making dining out enjoyable for everyone in the family. (Most of the time it’s possible with just a bit of planning!) Then, we’re looking inside the chic Andaz Mayakoba resort in Mexico, which is a perfect blend of sophistication and family friendliness, right on a private Playa del Carmen beach. And bonus, they’re offering discounted rates for near-term stays! Keep reading for all the deets…

Do you have tips we missed? Suggestions on family stays? We’d love to hear your feedback. Simply hit “reply” on this email to send a note!

How to make dining out with kids easier

Traveling with little kids is tough. But eating out with little kids, whew, that’s next level after a day on the go. As you navigate mealtime with small children - especially away from home - preparation goes a long way. We’re rounding up our best suggestions to make eating out an enjoyable activity for the entire fam:

• Speedy service strategy: Give the littlest one’s meal top priority by ordering it first, along with your beverages. This allows them to get food faster and ideally, helps to avoid your own food going cold while you cut and help feed younger kids that may need help. (A bread basket can work wonders in a pinch!)

• Pack snacks, always: But we’re eating out, you might think. Why on earth would I pack snacks? Well, if those butter noodles take too long in the kitchen, a stashed-away applesauce pouch just may save you a meltdown. Similarly, a small sucker or a few Hershey’s Kisses can be a helpful reward for a good eater while mom and dad clear their own plates.

• Seek out a family-friendly atmosphere: This one can sting, especially in a city that you’re visiting for the first time. But we find that relaxed families have the greatest success, rather than parents that walk into a five-star restaurant but are cringing each time their child’s voice raises an octave. Cafes near playgrounds or bar-and-grill style restaurants with outdoor spaces are natural fits for kids. (We love Facebook Groups specific to the area you’re visiting for word-of-mouth recommendations on kid-friendly restaurants.)

• Bring a stash of distractions: Sticker books, dry-erase coloring mats, mini magnetic tiles… all of these can serve as convenient distractions as you wait for food to be served or bills to be brought. Forgot to pack ahead? We find that watching back videos from the day or sharing photos on your phone are a great alternative and keeps even small kids interested and engaged.

Is that it? No way. You can read all of our tips, plus the dining-out-in-Rome story that completely melted our hearts.

A peek inside Mexico’s Andaz Mayakoba
and a discount, too!

A concept hotel by Hyatt, we’ve always been a fan of Andaz properties, noted for their sleek design and reliable service. Near Cancun, this one stands out for its family friendliness, with both a Kimbo kids club (for ages 4-12) as well as a Kimbo Baby service offered (for a fee, reservations recommended). In-room babysitting is also available. On site, guests will also find a spa, pools, beachfront and golfing and five restaurants.

For kids, daily activity calendars feature programming like kids yoga, Mexican candy tasting and classes on how to craft pinatas.

The best part? All-inclusive packages are available, but if that’s not your thing, no worries. You can also find non-food and beverage rates and customize your dining as you’d like. And currently, we’re seeing rates as soon as October at 15% off on Expedia… that’s as low as $264 per night. Take a look here! 

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