Setting up a restaurant or café is a classic pretend play activity that brings together creativity, communication, and just the right amount of chaos. Children can take on roles as chef, waiter, customer—or all three—and enjoy making menus, serving dishes, and handling orders.
Whether using play food or real (safe) snacks, this activity encourages social interaction, early maths and literacy skills, and builds confidence through imaginative play. It’s also great fun for siblings or playdates.
Materials Needed
- Play food or safe real snacks (e.g. fruit, crackers, dry cereal)
- Toy or real crockery and cutlery
- Paper and pens for menus or order pads
- Optional: apron, tray, tablecloth
Tools Needed
- None (unless including real food preparation with adult help)
Steps
- Set Up the Dining Area
Lay a table using real or toy dishes. Add decorations like a tablecloth, napkins, or flowers. - Create a Menu
Let children draw or write a menu with pictures and prices for their dishes. - Assign Roles
One child can be the waiter or chef, while others take turns as guests. - Take Orders and Serve
Guests “order” from the menu, and the chef prepares and delivers the meals. - Swap Roles
Switch roles so everyone gets a chance to be customer and server.
Variations
- Drive-Thru or Takeaway: Set up a counter and take food orders through a pretend window or phone.
- Bake and Serve: Prepare simple snacks like toast, fruit salad, or rice cakes as part of the café experience (with adult help).
- Write Receipts: Add a maths twist by having children total the order and write out receipts.
- Themed Restaurant: Try an ice cream parlour, pizza place, or fancy bistro with costumes and background music.
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