Restaurant Dramatic Play

Playing is so important in the life of a child. They are never “just” playing (adding “just” to it makes me cringe actually!) – they are learning how the world works, developing social skills, and so much more through playful activities and interactions. This restaurant dramatic play activity gives practice with reading, math, social interactions, and contains a good dose of fun too!

*Pair with our Write It! Restaurant Writing Center Activities

Restaurant Dramatic Play Activity

For ths activity I used many supplies I already had in my classroom, such as our play kitchen (that I picked up at a garage sale- score!!), play food, and more.

However, all you really need are the printables and some imagination!

Setting up the “Restaurant”

To set up this dramatic play area – first, print out the restaurant signs and menus (at the end of the post). I laminate them for extended use.

We used plain tape to hang our “OPEN” sign. This let other kids know that the restaurant is open for business, and they could come in and dine there!

They would then be seated, given a menu, and could decide if they wanted breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert!

The menus print out individually, but I chose to staple them into a book like the menus you peruse at many restaurants. You could also set out only dinner menus or only dessert, etc. if you like!

RELATED RESOURCE: Write It! Bakery Writing Center Activities

Playing “Restaurant”

One person can be the waiter (or more, depending on how many children are playing) and take the orders.

I provide scratch paper, a notepad, or I use the “ticket” in the printables to encourage the waiter to write down the orders. My students are just learning to read and write, and I love the practice this gives them with printing!

Then, a “chef” cooks the food and a lovely meal is served! You can use plain white paper as placemats, or even have kids decorate them!

We used the play food we have in our classroom, however, you can use real dishes from home, paper plates, and “imaginary food” too! It’s the playful thought that counts!

When it is time to stop playing, we put up the “CLOSED” sign. This sign has a red dot, which helps my students (who aren’t yet reading) know that the restaurant is not open!

Grab Your Free Copy

Ready to play? Grab your free signs, menus, and tickets by clicking the large, yellow download button below!

Then, be sure you request your invitation to let us help you plan all year long inside the Print and Play Club!

With monthly, themed centers, and instant access to hundreds of printables by topic and skill (no more scouring the internet!) your planning time just got easier.

Request your invitation below for more info!