You've ordered. The menus are gone. And now you're staring at 20 minutes of waiting with hungry, restless family members. Sound familiar?
Instead of defaulting to phones (or watching the kids slowly melt down), try these table-friendly games that turn wait time into quality family time. No equipment needed—just creativity and conversation!
Quick Guessing Games
1. I'm Thinking of Something on the Menu
Perfect use of those menus before they disappear! One person picks an item, others ask yes/no questions. "Is it an appetizer?" "Does it have cheese?" Great way to help kids learn the menu too!
2. 20 Questions
The classic works anywhere. Animal, vegetable, or mineral? Keep questions yes-or-no and see if you can guess in under 20. Simple, engaging, and infinitely replayable.
3. Celebrity Guessing
Think of a famous person. Others ask yes/no questions to figure out who. Movie star? Musician? Athlete? This one always sparks interesting conversations!
💡 Make It Easy
The Seance app handles celebrity selection and gives progressive hints—perfect for when you can't think of anyone or want fair difficulty!
Word and Story Games
4. Word Chain
Someone says a word. Next person says a word starting with the last letter of the previous word. "Pizza" → "Apple" → "Elephant" → "Tomato." Keep it restaurant-themed or go wild!
5. Two Truths and a Lie
Everyone shares three statements about themselves—two true, one false. Others guess the lie. Kids LOVE catching parents in lies, and you'll learn surprising things about each other!
6. Story Round Robin
One person starts a story with a single sentence. Go around the table, each adding one sentence. The stranger the better! "Once there was a chef who could only cook invisible food..."
Observation Games
7. Restaurant I Spy
"I spy something red..." Works great in visually interesting restaurants. Use colors, shapes, or even starting letters for older kids. Keep your voice down so other tables don't get drawn in!
8. People Story
Discreetly pick another table of diners. Take turns inventing their backstory: What are their names? What do they do? Why are they dining tonight? Keep it kind and creative!
Quick Physical Games
9. Thumb Wrestling
A classic one-on-one challenge. "1, 2, 3, 4, I declare a thumb war!" Quick rounds, perfect for restless energy. Tournament style works great for larger families.
10. Which Hand?
Hide a small object (sugar packet, coin, small ice cube) in one hand behind your back. Others guess which hand. Simple but surprisingly engaging for younger kids—and they can take turns hiding too.
Tips for Restaurant Game Success
- Start early — Begin games right after ordering, not after meltdowns start
- Keep voices down — Be mindful of nearby tables
- Let kids lead sometimes — They're more engaged when they choose the game
- Use the environment — Menus, decor, and surroundings inspire games
- Keep a few app games downloaded — Backup for long waits
- Praise participation over winning — Keep the mood light and fun
Why Restaurant Games Matter
It's tempting to hand kids a phone and enjoy quiet adult conversation. And sometimes that's okay! But making restaurants a game-playing tradition teaches kids:
- Patience and delayed gratification
- Social skills and conversation
- Creativity and quick thinking
- That family time is fun, not something to endure
Plus, you'll actually talk to each other. Wild concept in 2025!
👻 For Longer Waits
Seance is perfect for restaurants—it works offline, plays quietly, and passes easily around the table. 1600+ celebrities keep everyone guessing!
Download FreeMake Waiting the Best Part
The best family dinners aren't just about the food—they're about the conversations, laughter, and connection that happen around the table. With a few good games in your mental pocket, you'll transform "ugh, how long until our food comes?" into "wait, is it here already?"
Now put down this article and go make some memories. Your breadsticks will be there soon!