The first school holiday of the year is upon us and, chances are parents will be ready for a rest as well. Make the most of the week and keep the kids and parents happy. If your outlet is not normally child friendly, you can use this opportunity to entice some new business. Even small touches that make parents’ lives easier when they are out, will make them want to come back for more.
Meal deals
Think about your menu during school holidays. Does it need a few specials on it to attract the young diners? Are you offering healthy kids’ food? Perhaps you could offer kids meals for free with paying adults? Is there a children’s’ attraction nearby? You could offer kids meal deals to customers who present tickets/ loyalty cards or receipts from that attraction, this is a good way of attracting new customers visiting nearby.
Are you child/baby friendly?
Even if you do not have baby changing facilities, you can make a changing mat, wipes and nappy bags available in the toilets. Think about younger children. Have you got children’s’ cutlery? Food and milk warming facilities and bowls and spoons will make a big difference to diners with babies. Keep high chairs clean and leave wipes and spray for parents to use if they need to.
Keeping kids entertained at the table
Offer activity packs with puzzles and colouring sheets, pencils and crayons, or hold a colouring competition Why not try one of the TV and film quizzes from Quizmaster and print off sheets for the family to do together. Picture quizzes would be ideal. Make your menu interesting with themed dishes and have spot the difference or similar activities on the back.
No play area? No problem!
If you have room, assign an area with baby and toddler toys and a selection of books for all ages. You could also have some classic board games for older children. Think of a character and hide pictures of the character around the pub for kids to find. Why not hold a Trivial Pursuit or Monopoly challenge afternoon and get some teams together as an alternative to a quiz night?
If you have got a play area visit the barbox.com health and safety section and read how to manage this and complete the risk assessments to make sure you are ready and safe for younger visitors at a busier time.
Events
Think about holding a kids disco, karaoke or dance competition on a midweek early evening. Alternatively, plan in some family events for the weekends during this period eg car boots, fun days with competitions and raffles, face painting, balloon modelling etc.