How to Make a Kid's Menu Design With Examples (Free Template)
Create an engaging experience with these kid's menu design techniques.
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RESOURCE Kid's Menu Templates
Use these kid's menu templates as a starting point for your menu design or to give your menu a refresh.
Get Free DownloadHow to Create a Kid's Menu
A well-designed kid's menu is an asset for any restaurant. It represents your brand and helps entice young diners and their families. A standout kid’s food menu should appeal to kids and parents, mesh well with the restaurant’s cuisine, and maximize profits wherever possible.
Let’s explore the essential components of crafting a captivating kid's menu, both in the physical space of your restaurant and online. From menu design to pricing and descriptions, we’ll provide actionable insights to create a menu that appeals to both kiddos and your bottom line.
In short, this is everything you need to know to develop, engineer, and design your perfect kid’s menu.
The Power of Good Restaurant Menu Design
Your menu is not merely a list of dishes; it’s an extension of your brand. Your restaurant brand is an essential part of how your guests perceive your business and feel during their dining experience. Plus, when you’re a family-friendly establishment, you can really have fun and get creative with your branding.
Your kid’s menu is a powerful tool that influences customer decisions and helps drive sales. Start with menu engineering – the art of strategically designing menus to increase sales and maximize profits. The goal? Harmonize costing and pricing information with your restaurant vibes and brand.
By understanding the psychology behind menu design, you can leverage the following categories to enhance your kid's menu:
Layout and Organization: Arrange your menu items in a logical and visually appealing manner, considering the flow of information and highlighting popular choices or specials.
Visual Cues: Utilize images and symbols to provide a visual representation of menu items, making it easier for children to understand and choose their meals.
Descriptive Language: Craft compelling menu descriptions that highlight the unique features and benefits of each dish, appealing to both children and their parents.
Menu Engineering Course
Take this course to make the most of your menu. Learn about menu psychology and design, managing your menu online, and adapting your menu to increase sales.
How to Make a Kid's Menu
Creating an engaging kid's menu requires attention to several key elements. Let's explore each step in the process:
1. Write Out All Menu Items
Start by taking note of every single item that will go on your menu. Then, home in on popular dishes that cater to children's tastes. Think chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, or mini burgers.
Beyond your standard list of kid-favorite food and drinks, are there any specials or deals you can include? Certain drinks or food items that are only available for families? Be sure to also include a variety of options, like vegetarian or allergy-friendly choices.
2. Categorize Menu Items
After you’ve narrowed down what you’ll offer, it’s time to assess how to best organize everything in your menu template. Group menu items into clear categories. "Main Courses," "Sides," "Beverages," and "Desserts" are basic examples to facilitate navigation for both children and parents.
How will you make high-price items stand out to drive revenue? Will sides like fries be included with chicken tenders, or will they be separate? Will the most expensive dishes go first? A menu engineering worksheet can be super helpful in outlining categories.
Image Source: Lauren Grabau
3. Set Menu Prices
A whopping 45% of diners go out to eat multiple times a week, with another 20% going out to eat once a week. How can you stay competitive and keep your loyal customers coming back? The key is to determine pricing that strikes a balance between affordability and profitability. Consider offering meal deals or combo options to incentivize ordering.
A restaurant menu pricing strategy is critical for operators looking to be intentional about their profitability. You must keep tabs on consumer habits and wage trends, to name a few. Craft a menu strategy that ties into navigating inflation and protecting profitability.
4. Create Menu Descriptions
When deciding how to position your offerings, put yourself in your customer’s shoes and imagine what would make dishes stand out to you and your family. Figure out how to present menu items in a way that feels aligned with your overall vibe.
The best place to start? Craft concise and appealing descriptions for each item. Use language that evokes imagination and appetite. Highlight any unique features or ingredients that set your menu apart.
For example, rather than just listing a “house salad,” say “house-grown greens with spring vegetables and a tangy lemon vinaigrette.” Use descriptors that are vibrant and that diners can “taste.”
You can also be quirky with your kid’s menu. For example, “tummy tumble stoppers” and “little bites” in the example below are unique ways to show personality and avoid generic verbiage.
Image Source: UPrinting.com
5. Decide on a Menu Color Scheme
Visuals also play a major role in menu design. Choose colors that resonate with children and reflect your brand identity. Consider brand colors as a starting point, then get creative from there. Chron’s The Psychology of Colors for Restaurant Designs is a great resource for exploring design options.
Vibrant and playful tones can create an engaging and exciting atmosphere. Many children’s menus incorporate games, puzzles, coloring, or hidden pictures.
The Ultimate Guide to Restaurant Branding
Use this guide to get tips on how to create a restaurant brand that stands out, attracts customers, and drives repeat visits.
Image Source: Menu Covers
6. Design your Kid's Menu
Design a visually appealing menu layout that is easy to read and navigate. Consider using playful fonts and graphics that align with your target audience. Colors can make a huge difference and allow you to lean into your restaurant’s brand.
Not sure where to start? Check out our free kid's menu templates for inspiration. Many other tools and resources like Adobe Suite, Canva, or Pinterest can help, too.
image Source: Canva
7. Think About Photos
Allowing your young customers to put a “face” to their food can be helpful. High-quality, appetizing food photos can entice children and their parents.
Include images strategically and ensure they accurately represent the menu items. Dive into menu design best practices that can be helpful for any establishment looking to deliver a top-tier menu.
Image Source: Behance/Oscar Parada & Gonzalo Herrera Pinto
8. Choose Menu Font, Spacing, Composition and Layout
You have a color scheme, a general idea of how you want your menu items to be laid out on the page, and possibly a few photos you want to include. Now, it's time to put it all together to create a restaurant menu.
Use clear and legible fonts, appropriate spacing, and a balanced composition to enhance readability and create a cohesive visual experience. Test different menu layouts to determine the most effective one.
For example, do your diners prefer a simpler menu or one with a more vibrant personality? Or a combination of both? This sample below hits both – it’s clean and basic in black-and-white but also has a splash of color to add personality.
Image Source: Must Have Menus
Seek feedback from your staff, focus groups, or conduct A/B testing to optimize the design.
9. Proofread Your Menu
Thoroughly proofread the final menu for any errors or inconsistencies. One misplaced comma or small typo could change your guests' perception of the restaurant.
Ensure that all menu items, descriptions, and prices are accurate and up-to-date. According to data from Toast, 31% of restaurateurs update their menu on a monthly basis and 24% do it seasonally. Make sure your customers aren’t ordering from outdated menus since that can lead to disappointment and a poor customer experience.
It's Time to Make Your Kid's Menu!
Designing a captivating kid's menu goes beyond just listing food options. By incorporating effective menu engineering techniques and thoughtful design elements, you can create a menu that not only appeals to children but also represents your brand and drives profitability.
Remember to regularly evaluate and update your kid's menu based on customer feedback and changing trends. Ensure it remains fresh, exciting, and relevant to young diners and their families.
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Menu Engineering Worksheet
Use this menu engineering worksheet, complete with intricate menu engineering formulas, to determine areas of strength and weakness in your restaurant's menu.
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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Toast does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Toast does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation.
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