The summer school holiday is upon us and, chances are parents will be ready for a rest as well. Make the most of the summer break 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, and tell their friends
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. Why not offer family picnic hampers with a variety of sandwhiches and healthy snacks for the children. You could also offer a great meal deal package with soft drinks and ice creams.
Summer drinks
Make sure you offer some exciting drinks for the kids. Milkshakes and smoothies are always a treat. Why not offer fruit cocktails served with umbrellas and fun stirrers? If you don't want to be so adventurous review your packaged soft drinks and make sure they appeal to all ages groups, including the adults who may be the nominated drivers!
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. Assign an area outside that children can run around, away from other tables,perhaps put up the classic swing ball or place other garden games in it?
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. Make sure your garden area is child friendly and safe.
Garden party
Does your garden look appealing to families? Is your garden furntiure clean and do you have sufficient parasols? Make high chairs available outside as well as inside. Make sure your garden is weed free and tidy. Keep it clear from litter and plants well cared for. Shout about your facilities if your garden is not easily visible from the front of the outlet put up adequate signs and A boards advertising your garden,play area and outdoor events.
Events
Think about hiring a bouncy castle or having a bbq. 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. beat the goalie etc.