Family Events at Your Local McDonald’s #AD

Disclaimer:- This is an AD Sponsored by McDonald’s in association with BritMums, but do read on and see what fun we had and you could too.

Earlier on this week, we were invited along to our local McDonald’s in Motherwell to experience their #SmilesAllRound regional family events. Walking in you are greeted with the familiar sights of McDonald’s friendly staff, bright signs and the scent of food. But, one thing I think McDonald’s has down is that they make popping in for a bite to eat experience for families. They have colouring sheets, balloons, games and activities most of the year-round to entertain and add some fun and laughter to a family treat. We often go out together as a family and we like McDonald’s, so we pop in, have a chat over our food and Aria enjoys colouring and showing us the things she has drawn. It’s how memories are made, and McDonald’s family events do just that.

We started off watching a magic trick which had all three kids enthralled along with all the others, to be honest, I was impressed. The member of staff poured water into a cup and made it disappear. And she didn’t drink it either. Cool, huh? I did see her performing it to other customers before we left, I still have no idea. But, it was a joy to watch and she clearly loved doing it too.

Face painting is something we see getting done often at McDonald’s and the kids love it. The people they get in are super talented and patient and most of the time they are members of staff that do it. Aria loved her pumpkin facepaint and couldn’t wait to show it off. It is close to Halloween after all. Doesn’t she look fab? I spoke to a few of the members of staff who were doing the activities and facepaint and they told me how much they love doing and working there. They said it was like a family and the restaurant looks after them so well. It was really nice to hear and it comes across to the families who come back time and time again not just for the food, but for the staff and loving atmosphere they have created. One person told me it didn’t feel like work at all and she just loved coming there every day. They just loved spending time chatting to all the kids and doing a job they love.

McDonald’s in Motherwell are giving back to the community in lots of ways, through football funding and sponsorship to their charity work, but one of the things I noticed about this McDonald’s, in particular, was their little story corner. I have never seen this before. I took a little glimpse over and there was a boy being read a story from one of the McDonald’s workers. Lost in an adventure there is nothing better than seeing a kid’s eyes light up in a good book.

There is a whole selection of books for all ages. This is a great way to get kids into reading or encouraging a parent to read to their kid. It is cosy and it is accessible in the restaurant. I have loved the books that McDonald’s have been giving away at a discounted rate in their Happy Meals, it really does make reading available for all and encouraging kids to ask their parents about the books.

McDonald’s have some fab games that are simple to make and great fun for the kids. We had a go at noughts and crosses. Quite a few of the kids put a few together to make some giant games for extra fun. They have them on hand and anyone can play these games as a family.

Arts and crafts are loved by adults and kids alike and all the kids had great fun making collage-style pictures to put up on a lovely art wall we all created together. Just look at the wonderful pictures below.

Don’t they look great and the staff spoke to them all about their pictures too. McDonald’s is no longer just a quick and easy bite to eat. It’s a place for families to come together, chat and play together too.

Check with your local McDonald’s as most will offer free entertainment from face painting, balloon modelling, games and more. Let the good times roll.

And I have to say I love, love, love the colouring in table cloths. How cool is that? Plus they had some fun topical ones with Halloween. I was tempted to take some home.

Balloon modelling was one of their favourite things to watch. They got some fun swords to play and a few of the kids got dogs. It was fascinating how quickly and simply they are made.

A visit to McDonald’s, of course, includes a  Happy Meal®. I love that these have changed over the years to create more options. My younger two had chicken nuggets, fruit shoot and a fruit bag of apple and grapes. My oldest went for the chicken wrap, fruit bag and water. There are also cucumber sticks and sometimes carrot sticks on offer. You can even have one for 49p. My kids love the fruit option and so do I. They are appealing to kids. It’s an easy way to get kids to eat fruit and veg and the cute little boxes help too.

Now for the super fun part. If we didn’t think the Motherwell branch could get any better, it did. They have a make your own McFlurry section. How amazing is that? Just look at how cool it is and it has little teeny tiny aprons to go with it.

Did you know that anyone can hire out the McFlurry room? Free of charge, yes free? You can ask to hire it out for two hours and they will block off that section for you. You can purchase food and bring it up to those tables. All you pay for is the McFlurry ice creams you make. It is a fantastic idea for parents who would like to give their kids a party, but it’s an expense or maybe don’t have space. This is ideal and I was amazed they did this. It is simple to use and the staff are on hand to help. I love how much they are trying to include the community around them, but make it accessible and affordable for all families to come and enjoy.

As you can see we were all delighted with our McFlurry ice creams and of course I had a go at making one myself. I had a delicious little pot with some ice-cream and their caramel sauce is amazing. Plus they have done away with their plastic lids for these carboard ones. Delicious and fun.

I think what McDonald’s are doing in their restaurants is fantastic. There are no more bored children waiting for their food. There is entertainment or games or colouring on hand to help break-up that boredom. Not only that the parents can get involved and make it a real family event. Mealtimes are no longer a quick bite to eat on the go, they are where conversations are had and memories are made. The Motherwell branch is no exception and I was in awe at everything they are doing for their staff, customers and community as a whole. If you are looking for somewhere to go and have some family fun look no further than McDonald’s. Friendly staff, good food with lots of fun activities. We had the best time and can’t wait to go back.