Going out to eat with the kids can be a bit of a challenge in Vientiane, especially if you have toddlers or pre-schoolers. When they’re babies they’ll sit in their car seat or stroller. If you’re lucky, the waiters may even take them off to visit the kitchen staff for a while. But once they’re toddlers they want to walk all over the place and grab everything in sight, which usually keeps the parents from being able to eat their food while it is still hot.

If this sounds like your family then the Nongchanh Water Park is the place for you. There are two restaurants on the water park grounds, Joma and Istanbul Restaurant. You don’t need to purchase tickets to the water park to eat at either establishment. Both restaurants have outside seating with a perfect view of a small grassy play area with two swing sets. This provides a great place for kids to run around while the parents relax and eat their meal. There is also a large open courtyard that gives children room to roam while remaining safely in sight.

So, the next time you’re planning on going out to eat with the whole family, keep Joma or Istanbul Restaurant in mind. Who knows, you might be able to eat your meal before it gets cold.