This a fun game to get the entire family involved in creating you very own restaurant.

To begin, take your kids to the library or book store, and let them pick out any cookbook they’d like (dinner recipes, of course). If they see one that has some recipes that look appetizing to them, you’ve already got a head start! You can also have them print off some recipes online.

The job titles and descriptions for the Restaurant Game are as follows:

Head Chef: The head chef gets to announce to his “staff” what the dinner menu will contain. Keep in mind that it’s perfectly ok for one child to suggest chicken piccata on her night and the other to request grilled cheese and hot dogs on his night. The nice thing about this activity is that the head chef gets to be the one in charge, and the rest of the kids know they will have the opportunity next time. Plus, there are still plenty of other jobs for everyone else, including:

Interior Decorator: The interior decorator is responsible for making placemats, signs, and coming up with a name for the restaurant. All you need is some blank white paper, and a pack of crayons, though you can get as creative as you wish. This is perfect for kids of any age, but nice that kids as young as 2 can participate. In addition, if you have a child who is learning computer skills turn them loose on the computer and let them practice their skills. Many word processing programs offer clip art that is perfect for this activity.

Host or Hostess: The host or hostess will be responsible for setting the table and seating guests as they arrive. The host is also responsible for answering any calls that come in, which can be made by other family members. For example, someone can call the host and ask “Hello, hostess? Can you please tell me what is on the menu for tonight? And what is the attire?” The fun part about this job is that the hostess gets to choose what the attire is for the meal.

Cook: The cook will depend on a few things—how complicated the recipe is, and the age of your kids. Be flexible, but use common sense and always have an adult in the kitchen when kids (even teenagers) are cooking.

Server: The server or servers is responsible for making sure the food gets to the table. Let your servers get creative. For example, perhaps one night you'll have great service, and the other night, not so much! Don't forget the tips, which can be real money, fake money, marbles, etc.

Washer: If you’ve got a kid that loves to do anything having to do with water, then you’ve got your washer! Let he or she wash the veggies and potatoes, and perhaps you can trick them into washing dishes!

Finally, there’s the clean up. I suggest everyone help out, since there is not a whole lot of fun about cleaning up! But one thing’s for sure: your family will have a fun restaurant experience with the best seat in the house—your home!