American Chains You Can Find (Almost) Anywhere

Those bright, shiny, family-friendly chains you depend on at home don’t have to stay there while you travel. Some of your current, and future, favorite spots can be found almost anywhere around the world.

On your next family trip, keep an eye out for the go-to kid calmers like Chuck E. Cheese and McDonalds for a touch of home while away — even if it’s just in a pinch to feed a craving or retreat to something familiar for the kids to enjoy while they are in a new and unfamiliar place.

McDonalds in Moscow, Russia © Pablo Hidalgo | Dreamstime.com

McDonalds is essentially all around us. With more than 35,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries, chances of your family finding a spot for a quick Happy Meal or McFlurry are high. Some fries and a shake can appease the kids in a meltdown, or just have fun trying new twists on an old favorite during your next family vacation abroad. Check out the extensive location list before your trip.

For those days away when you need a little dancing, entertainment for the little ones and fun games, Chuck E Cheese is bound to be close by. While founded in California, Chuck E. Cheese is one of the family fun-focused entertainment companies that keeps everyone both entertained and full — a lifesaver for families with young kids. Kids all over the world, including Chile, Peru, United Arab Emirates, Honduras and Trinidad and Tobago, all have access to the same pizza and games your kids know and love at home. Read through the list of international locations before your family trip or find a location stateside.

With locations in 11 states and six countries, Rainforest Café isn’t the most accessible of the bunch, but it’s a great stop for entertaining the kids in a pinch. The cuisine and entertainment may be more on the wild side, but there is a Wild Bunch Kids Zone, space to play and kid-friendly food.

Rainforest Cafe in San Francisco © Rafael Ben Ari | Dreamstime.co

For the budding movie buffs in your group, Planet Hollywood is an international theme restaurant centered on all things movies and entertainment. Get the latest merchandise for the kids in Las Vegas and Orlando, or across the pond in London and Paris.

Something for the music lovers, Hard Rock Café is more than it seems. While some become live music venues at night, the Café is actually a family-friendly restaurant boasting a mix of entertainment and cuisine. With kid-centric fun and menu options, it’s an easy go-to restaurant to please picky eaters, kids, adults and then some — no matter where you are in the world.