Play is so important in the life of a child. Kids 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 provides practice with reading, math, social interactions, and more. Plus, it contains a good dose of fun too!
*Pair with our Write It! Restaurant Writing Center Activities!
Restaurant Dramatic Play Activity
For this playful activity, I used many supplies I already had in my classroom, such as ourplay kitchen (that I picked up at a garage sale- score!) and our play food and toy dishes.
However, all you really need are the printablesand some imagination!
Setting up the “Restaurant”
To set up this dramatic play area – first, print out the restaurant signs and menus (download below). I laminate them for durability and repeated use throughout the year.
We use tape to hang our “OPEN” sign in the classroom. This lets the other kids know that the restaurant is open for business, and they can come in and dine!
Once my kiddos are seated, they are given a menu and can decide if they want breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert.
The menus print out individually, but I like 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 prefer.
Playing “Restaurant”
To play, we choose one person to be the waiter (or more, depending on how many kids are playing) and take the orders.
I provide scratch paper, a notepad, or I use the “ticket” included in the download 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!
RELATED RESOURCE: Write It! Bakery Writing Center Activities
Next, our “chef” cooks the food and a lovely meal is served!
In the classroom, we have a whole collection of play food and dishes that we use, however, you can use real dishes from home, paper plates, or even “imaginary food” too. It’s the playful thought that counts!
We also like to use plain white paper as placemats but you could even have your kids decorate them.
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 anymore.
This Restaurant Dramatic Play Activity is so versatile and so fun. Your students are sure to love it!
Grab Your FREE Copy
Ready to start playing? Get your free signs, menus, and tickets by clicking the large, yellow download button at the end of the post!
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9 Responses
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.
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Yay! I am so glad you can use them Nancy!
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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!
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What a brilliant resource for my preschool room. Thank you so much. The children will love it. Much appreciated.
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Kathy,
We’re so glad you love this activity. Have a great week! 🙂
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What an awesome dramatic play center! Where do I find the printables? So excited to set up this learning center!
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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! 🙂
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Love it! So cute. I love all the literacy opportunities in this dramatic play idea.
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Thank you Sarah! Yes, so much can be learned through play! I love that they are learning and having fun at the same time! 🙂
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