You’re standing at your kitchen counter while one child asks about lunch and the other is looking for his/her shoes. Your phone is already open with too many tabs. You want to spend time together as a family today. Don’t rush through a takeaway meal in the car. Not a meal that has you double-checking your bank account before ordering dessert. You want a casual family food day that feels relaxed, affordable, and worthwhile.
Photo by Pinar Kucuk on Unsplash
Determine Your Food Budget
Decide how much money you are willing to spend on your family’s food for the entire day. This includes parking, beverages, snacks, gratuities (if applicable), small treats, and whatever your kids will ask for once you arrive at your destination. Once you know how much money you have available to spend, it becomes easier to make choices. If your budget is limited, this doesn’t mean the overall family day needs to feel limited. You can simply choose to create a fun day centered on one meal and purchase snacks and other items as needed during the day.
Plan To Spend Money On Only One Major Meal
Family days can become expensive if multiple unplanned purchases are made throughout the day. Coffee here. Snacks there. Ice creams later. In no time at all, you’ve spent more than you would have if you’d chosen to buy one great meal. Choose one major location where your family will eat properly. Before you leave, look at the menus; specifically, kids’ meals, sharing options, and portion sizes. While searching “Italian restaurants near me” can be helpful when trying to find something family-friendly, filling, and easy to share, always research the menu first rather than relying solely on pictures of food.
Use Shareable Items To Create Flexibility In The Meal Cost
Kids often order more than they consume. Adults also tend to over-order. Sharing creates a sense of generosity in the meal without increasing the total cost.
When purchasing items such as pizzas or pastas, you are usually getting enough food for two people per serving. Also, you can request additional plates at the start of the meal so the meal can flow naturally and won’t feel awkward or rushed. If you have younger children, sharing allows them to try different foods and reduces the pressure to finish an entire meal.
Another subtle expense is beverages. Bring water to the table with one special beverage of choice for each person. This small detail can make a big difference in your final bill.
Find A Low-Cost Option To Do Before and After Eating
While dining at a restaurant should be a key component of a family food day, it shouldn’t be the only Activity. Find something low-Cost to do before or after the meal. Take a leisurely walk in a nearby park, visit a local farmers market, let the kids burn off some energy in a playground, take a relaxing walk along the beach, or window shop. Adding this element to your family food day extends the experience without extending your wallet.
Allow Yourself To Enjoy At Least One Treat
Being overly restrictive regarding all extras can add undue stress to the day. Intentionally allow yourself to plan at least one small treat from the beginning. It could be a single dessert served with spoons for everyone, an ice cream on the way home from dinner, or a sweet treat from a bakery that you can bring back for later.
Planning this, one small treat at the beginning allows for a pleasant conclusion to the day. You spend your money intentionally and thoughtfully, enjoy the present moment, and head home knowing you enjoyed quality time as a family without allowing expenses to run wild.