Eating out at a restaurant can be so convenient and enjoyable. Of course, when you have kids, dining out does become a little more demanding. You have to keep your children quiet and entertained, and you have to be sure to order food they'll actually eat and enjoy. If you are planning a trip to a restaurant with little ones, here are some tips that will help you out.

Choose a restaurant with a kids' menu.

Plenty of restaurants welcome kids, but not all of them have an actual kids' menu. Look for a place that has a dedicated menu for kids, and check that menu over before you arrive. Make sure there is something on it that your children will eat. Common kids' menu options include burgers and fries, pizza, and chicken tenders – even if these are not things the restaurant makes for adults. A kids' menu will also save you money since it means you won't have to order a more expensive adult meal that your child may only eat a small part of.

Ask to sit in a booth.

If the restaurant you're visiting has booths, ask the host or server if you can sit in one. It is often easier to keep kids "contained" when sitting in a booth as compared to having them sit on chairs. Plus, the back and front of the booth will help keep noise contained, so your kids can talk and play a bit more without disturbing other guests.

Let them draw or color.

Many restaurants that have kids' menus also have coloring pages or placemats that kids can draw on using crayons. If you're not sure the restaurant you're visiting has these things, bring your own along. Even if your kids only color for a few minutes, it will give them something to do to distract themselves for part of the visit. Then, the food will come, and their attention will be diverted to the food.

Have them taste some of your food.

While you will likely want to order your kids something you know they like and will eat, you can also use this as an opportunity to expand their palates. Offer for them to try your food, and explain a little about the dishes you have ordered. They may not like your food, but trying it will introduce them to new things and help broaden their horizons.

With these tips, you can dine out at a restaurant with your kids and actually enjoy yourselves.