Restaurant choices with active child?

[palavra]

I am the parent of a sweet 7year old daughter who has ADHD. Although she's on a mild medication, it tends to wear off in the evening. I am looking for good restaurant choices that include activities where DD doesn't have to be seated all the time? Any suggestions?

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

Ohana does Coconut races, and Whispering Canyon does horse raises. I feel those two allow for activity. Character meals like Chef Mickey and Crystal Palace are very loud restaurants so an active child wouldn't be noticed!

 

[pumba]

While we ate our dinners at Crystal Palace....the characters did the parade around the place a few times....the kids enjoyed it ....and my gs is very active too........Hope you have a great time

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Buffets work the best.

 

[natalielongstaff]

i second the view on Ohana and Whispering canyon

 

[ktlm]

Biergarten has a German band that puts on a show, and there is a dance floor where the kids can get out and dance during part of the show. My DD loved it.

 

[PatsMom]

Have you thought about having your "big" meal of the day at lunch time when you DD might enjoy a sit down meal more? And then doing CS for the evening meal. My DD was not ADHD but she got more and more active as she got tired. Our theory was that she was afraid that if she sat still she'd fall asleep. And she always hated to sleep.

We found that it worked out better for us to eat at nicer restaurants for lunch before she was getting tired and over-active. Then at dinner we'd do a quick burger or sandwich. Worked out much better for us.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey's, Biergarten...we went to all of those and they are loud restaurants and perfect for kids, in my opinion. Also, they are buffets so you can make the meal very quick. We were out of each one in an hour or less and did not feel like we rushed it at all. Our kids loved the characters, and they do things where the kids can participate so your little one can stay active at times during the meal. Biergarten had a dance floor and there were a few kids out there dancing. It was excellent food and entertainment and we plan to go back there next summer!

You could also try non-character restaurants that are more active and loud...Ohana, Cape May Cafe (it's a buffet so you can get out quickly if necessary), Whispering Canyon Cafe. Boma is also a good buffet but less active.

 

[wilma-bride]

Not much help on the dining front, I'm afraid, but has your doctor considered methylphenidate for your DD. My DD was on Ritalin so I totally understand the 'peaks and troughs' of a medicated ADHD child. Methylphenidate has a much more balanced effect and doesn't make them 'zombified' either.

 

[Merryweather7]

Another thought might be Mickey's Back Yard BBQ...its traditional barbeque with a dance party. Just a thought

 

[Order66]

My son has ADHD and his 2 favorite places are Whispering Canyon Cafe....plenty of opportunities to not be sitting and Sci-Fi Dine In, where he sits still just fine because he's focused on watching the movies. He was also very entertained at 50's Prime Time and had no problems sitting there either with all the fun going on around.

regards

 

[flipflopmom]

ANY character meal, barring Akershus, that we did had lots of noise and activity, Ohana is WONDERFUL!