Dreaming of the perfect family outing that everyone will remember?
Sunset dining is one of those things.
The light, the breeze, delicious food and spending time with your family all together… Makes dinnertime magical.
But.
Chasing sunsets doesn’t come without its challenges.
Figuring out where to go, when to go, what to order for kids… Most families completely miss these details. Before you know it you’re stuck with cranky kids, frazzled parents and stressed out spouses.
Planning a family dinner that won’t end in tears is possible though.
Sunset dining your whole family will love is actually easier than you think.
Here’s what you’re going to learn:
- Why Sunset Dining Is Worth the Effort
- How To Pick the Perfect Location
- Timing is Everything
- Keep The Kids Entertained
- Don’t Forget To Make Unforgettable Memories
Why Sunset Dining Is Worth The Effort
Family dining is more popular than ever.
A recent national study discovered that 74% of families dine out more now than they did last year. Families are busier than ever and that means less time to cook at home and more desire to eat out as a family.
But not all dining is created equal.
Sunset dining gives families a unique experience that they can’t get with just any meal. Picture this: world-class food while the sky puts on a FREE show just for you. If your family is looking to do something special… Start chasing sunsets.
Sunset dining is great for families for a few reasons…
Kids love it. Let’s be honest, kids can be difficult to keep entertained. But watching the sunset, especially over water, is something that even your littlest family member can appreciate. No screens needed. Find a Miami waterfront restaurant with family-friendly food and stunning views of the water and you’ve got the best of both worlds.
Memorable experiences. Whenever someone talks about their favorite dining experience, you can bet they spent it with family during a sunset. There’s something about eating dinner as the sun disappears behind the water that creates memories.
How To Pick the Perfect Location
Picking where to have dinner is step number one.
You can have the best timing and meal prepped kids in the world but if you don’t have the right place to dine it’s all for nothing. Look for these three things when choosing your sunset dining location:
- Outdoor or waterfront seating. You obviously need a view of the sunset. Nobody likes dining with their view blocked by a wall or another building.
- Kid-friendly menu. Having a beautiful view of the water doesn’t matter if your kids won’t eat the food. Find a menu that everyone will enjoy.
- It’s family-friendly. Waterfront restaurants can get somewhat romantic. Make sure the restaurant you pick isn’t stepping into relationship territory. Find a place with lots of room for kids to run around.
There are great websites to help figure out when and where to find sunset dining in your area.
Over half of Americans prefer outdoor dining when weather permits. Which means that restaurants with outdoor seating book up quick. If your family is set on dining outdoors during sunset, make a reservation far in advance.
Timing is Everything
This is where most families fail.
They arrive too late and miss the actual sunset. They arrive WAY too early and the kids start fighting before their food even arrives.
Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before the sun sets. Give everyone enough time to get seated and order drinks and appetizers. That way once the sun starts to set your whole family can enjoy it together.
Don’t forget to look up what time the sun sets that day. Weather.com and most weather apps have this handy feature that tell you the exact time sunset will occur.
Pro-tip: weekday sunsets are typically less crowded than weekends.
If your family’s schedule allows, plan your sunset dinner on a Tuesday or Wednesday. You’ll avoid the large weekend crowds and it’ll feel more special.
Keep The Kids Entertained
Alright, let’s get real for a minute.
You can have the most beautiful view in the world but if your kids are bored and screaming at the table you won’t enjoy it. Here are some simple ways to keep your kids entertained during your family sunset dining experience:
- Snack before you go. Make sure your kids have a small snack before dinner. Being hangry is no fun and kids will act out if they’re hungry.
- Pick your seating wisely. Ask for a table where your kids can see the water and the sunset. If they’re seated with their back to it, they might as well be at home.
- Bring coloring books. Yes, you read that right. A simple pack of crayons and a coloring book can be all you need to keep your kids occupied while you wait for the food. No screens!
When your kids are happy, everyone’s happy. Spend a little extra time prepping your kids for dinner and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy it too.
Don’t Forget To Make Unforgettable Memories
The reality checks aren’t done just yet.
Dinner won’t last forever.
Once the food arrives and the family is full of food and laughter, head outside and take a stroll. Let the kids run around and chase each other while the sun disappears. Grab a group photo and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Want some other ideas to take the family’s outing up a notch?
- Dress nice. Doesn’t have to be fancy, but dressing up a little makes the night special.
- Put the phones away. Take this time to enjoy the family. Watch the sunset with your children’s eyes, not through a screen.
- Make it a tradition. Whether it’s every month or just once a season, chasing sunsets with your family is something they’ll look forward to all year long.
Sunset dining doesn’t have to be expensive. Sure, some places are on the higher-end but like anything else, you get what you pay for. Find a great place with killer views that your kids will love and your family is all set.
Wrapping It Up
Chasing sunsets doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. Planning a sunset dining experience your whole family will love is simple when you know what to do.
Find a waterfront restaurant with outdoor seating that has a menu your kids will love. Time your arrival so you’re settled before the sun starts to go down. And keep your kids entertained with these quick tips.
Oh, and one more thing…
Have fun!
Sunset dining is the perfect opportunity to create memories with your kids. Spending an evening chasing sunsets is something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
So get out there and plan that family dinner. The sunset awaits!