Check this out - Parents Magazine lists these as the nation's 10 best family restaurants. The list is based on which cater best to families --from reservation policies to special menus to activities to free food to high chairs.
Some of these are around here and some are not. But this list can be a good way to scope out kid-friendly restaurants in the place you are traveling to.

1. Legal Seafoods.
Your classic kid menu items such as grilled cheese or chicken fingers comes with grapes and corn on the cob. Also, wood-grilled fish is made for kids there. The chain eliminated trans fat and tests all tuna and swordfish for mercury and also cooks non-seafood items on a separate grill to accommodate kids with shellfish allergies.
www.legalseafoods.com

2. Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes
It's cheap (less than $10 for adults and $5 for kids 3 and over), fast, and focused on healthy food. This buffet features a pasta station, eight soups, a 55-foot salad bar with plenty of fruits and vegetables and your pint sized picky eaters can sample plenty of items.
www.souplantation.com

3. Mimi's Cafe
A free appetizer plate filled with Cheerios, oranges and crackers keeps kids happy. Bibs and hand wipes are given to all families with young kids. Kids menu includes turkey dinner, soup, salad and spagheeti -- all come fresh veggies, fruit, mashed or apple sauce.
www.mimiscafe.com

4. Uno Chicago Grill
It offers lighter, flatbread pizzas and a kids menu that features grilled chicken, whole-grain penne and healthy sides like broccoli, apples and mandarin oranges. Kids can even put on an apron and make their own pie, using ingredients brought to your table. Some locations offer character nights and give kids an apple on their way out the door.
www.unos.com

5. Chili's Grill & Bar
The kids menu has grown -- there are more sides including corn, mandarin oranges and pineapple. Entrees range from grilled chicken to pasta to pizza.
www.chilis.com

6. Red Robin
For families with food allergies, it offers a detailed ingredient guide. An expanded kids menu includes grilled chicken with parmesan noodles, veggie burgers and side choices such as cantaloupe and apple slices. A children's birthday club and special appearances by the mascot make it a fun place for kids.
www.redrobin.com

7. The Old Spaghetti Factory
Six pasta choices, each served in the trolley-themed bowls. They come with a tossed salad or applesauce, a drink, and ice cream or a juice bar for just $5. Snag a seat inside the trolley car for extra fun.
www.osf.com

8. P.F. Chang's China Bistro
If you have a picky eater, chefs will toss noodles in butter and serve steamed veggies on the side with dip. Kids get special easier-to-use chopsticks and a toy to play with.
www.pfchangs.com

9. Denny's
While your kids are waiting for their star-shaped chicken nuggets, anti-gravity grapes, astronaut applesauce, or any of hte other space-themed fare to arrive, they get to sip their milk or juice from a rocket-shaped cup. Trans fat is out of most of the dishes and the chain says it will be trans fat free by the fall.
www.dennys.com

10. Claim Jumper
Separate menu items for kids that includes 15 entrees and 10 sides. Healthy dessert options such as frozen chocolate banana bites. Children 2 and under get a free plate with turkey, cheese, applesauce, and mandarin orange slices.
www.claimjumper.com