Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Philadelphia, PA

Wondering where you can take that rambunctious toddler out to eat? Every now and again (ahem), I find my sink too full of dirty dishes and my desire to be waited on so overwhelming that I simply MUST eat out. Since I prefer to visit small, locally owned restaurants, this can be a challenge with a small child. Other diners might not love the sound of chopsticks hitting the bottom of the plate while your kid plays the "drums" waiting for the food to arrive, particularly at  small ten table spot. Through trail and error, here are my favorite places locally where no one will glare at you for having a loud kid at the table.

1. Vietnam Cafe. This spot is tiny now, but is destined to move into the space abandoned by Abbracio's shortly (July, they've told us) so they will have lots of room soon. But even now it's a great spot, and if you get there at the right time you can grab the front table which will minimize your exposure to other diners. Best spring rolls in town (I prefer fried, but the veggie ones are good too). Also, this is the second spot connected to Chinatown's Vietnam Restaurant.

2. Vientiane Café. Right around the corner from the first spot, this Laotian restaurant has the very best curry I've ever had (particularly the Panang Curry). In nice weather, they have outdoor tables which are great for young kids, plus the whole block is full of nooks and crannys that can be fun to explore as you await your meal.

3. LeBus in Manayunk. This spot has some of the best bread around and offers a great selection of wines and beers as well as delicious meals. One of the only spots in Manayunk (in my opinon) you won't get the skunk eyes for having a small child with you.

4.  Marathon on the Square. This local chain offers a perfect lunch spot when you're in the city, and my daughter absolutely LOVES their mac & cheese (it's a bit pricey, though, for a kid's dish). I've had luck at several branches of this restaurant with one exception -- their West Philly location at 40th & Walnut was NOT kid friendly in any way. Very bad experience. 

5. Johnny Manañas. (no website, but here is their info: 201 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (215) 843-0499). Located in the heart of East Falls, this Mexican Restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining. My daughter loves this place; it's so bright and colorful, and they are all very tolerant of kids. On weekend nights, though, it becomes a bit of a drinking spot, so eat early.

6. Melrose Diner (also no website: located at 1501 Snyder Avenue, Philly, 215-467-6644). One of Philly's very best diners. "Everyone who knows, goes to Melrose!" Get the fries with gravy. Really.

7. Trolley Car Diner. Best diner in Mt. Airy/Germantown! Awesome breakfast. But expect to wait for a table on the weekend for breakfast. If you go during the summer months for lunch or dinner, you can also grab ice cream too! Great fun spot.

8. Tiffin. This Indian spot in Mt. Airy is divine. I especially recommend the peanut yogurt sauce.... yummy. Small spot, though, make a reservation. They were wonderfully tolerant of my daughter for such a small space.

9. Hildago Restaurant. This spot is so completely unassuming, located in Primos/Aston area in Delaware County, that you'd be likely to just drive by and ignore it. This would be a huge mistake. One of the only spots you can get AUTHENTIC Mexican food in the Philadelphia area; and if you go on the weekend, the server/owner will SING. She's AMAZING. Sometimes her children will sing with her (they are also servers, and the husband is the chef -- a real family spot). I recommend the chorizo nachos, but put out of your head all those bar nachos you get everywhere. These are completely different.

10. Sagami Japanese Restaurant (no website: 37 West Crescent Boulevard, Collingswood, NJ 08108, 856-854-9773). This tiny spot, often crowded!, offers some of the best, reasonably priced sushi available in the area. I ate here often after getting tattooed nearby (hey, I'm that kind of mom) and it was always full of kids (if your kid doesn't like sushi, no worries -- they have tempura too). Delish.