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!
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Love it! So cute. I love all the literacy opportunities in this dramatic play idea.
Thank you Sarah! Yes, so much can be learned through play! I love that they are learning and having fun at the same time! 🙂
What an awesome dramatic play center! Where do I find the printables? So excited to set up this learning center!
Hi Kelly! So glad you like the printables – they were definitely a hit with my kids! They are one of our subscriber freebies, and you can grab them by clicking the yellow “download here” button below. Enjoy! 🙂
Thank you so much for this freebie! I so appreciate it. I tallied up just how much I spent on my classroom from January 2016 to December 2016 and the total was $1,600. So this certainly will help.
Thank you Again!
I just printed your restaurant menu for our dramatic play center. My students will be so excited to see these. They are absolutely perfect!!! Thank you for sharing your talents and resources.
Yay! I am so glad you can use them Nancy!