What's a good place to take a 2 year old.?

We've learned that our 2 year old does best when we go out to eat at a buffet. There is no looking at menus and no waiting for food, which can be really hard on a hungry, excited 2 year old. It's great that we can walk in, get our table, and go right to pick out our food, and it lets us avoid all of the problems and stress of trying to get him to sit nicely and quietly at the table while we decide what to eat and for the servers to bring it out.

It's a great experience because we get to let him make lots of choices about his food. If we were to order somewhere else and I asked him if he wanted chicken or a hamburger, that's kind of a broad decision for a 2 year old. He might pick one, get it, and then realize that it wasn't really what he wanted and then we're stuck. At the buffet he can actually *see* the food and pick what he thinks looks good (with in reason). I love being able to take him around the tables and ask him if he wants sweet and sour chicken or walnut chicken, rice or noodles, peaches or oranges, broccoli or mushrooms etc. He gets to learn a lot because he can try all sorts of foods in small amounts and there's no pressure of "you ordered it and you have to eat it". He gets to see all sorts of food and can better understand the difference between fried rice and plain rice, what that chicken on a stick tastes like with his sweet and sour sauce, and what would happen if he tried mixing his chicken and beef.

I love that when he gets bored or just needs a break from what's happening at the table, that I can take him and walk around the buffet tables and look for "fruit", or "orange foods", or count how many types of chicken they have, or to look at the ice cream we'll get after he's done with his food.

I really shy away from places that combine ridiculous play with eating. I mean, what kid is going to want to sit down at a table and eat with you when they can see arcade games and a giant jungle gym? Then you have to deal with the hassle and stress of trying to get her to sit down and eat when she really would rather play, and no one gets to enjoy their food and everyone leaves stressed. Then, when she gets older and you try to go somewhere with out toys, well, what the heck? Why are we going out to eat somewhere with out toys!?

go to a Fuddruckers. it has a American theme that's great for a family. It has video games and those ones where you get treats. if she was a few years older I would say Chuck-E-Cheese but because of her age she would get pushed around and wouldn't enjoy the full experience. anyways, you can also try Red Robin. they are good places to eat, good kids food, atmosphere, and kid friendly

good luck and God bless!

Chucky Cheese? I really don't understand what you mean by you want your daughter to eat somewhere? Are you just wanting to take her our for a fun night or what?

A safe playground is always fun for little kids. Parents take their kids there all the time.