You are not alone. I get extremely irritated when there are children around who are completely out of control and the parents let them be out of control. We have asked to move even though we were already half way through the meal. Frankly, I wish there are child-free sections in restaurants, airplanes, etc. We didn't choose to have these kids, so their parents should be the only ones who endure them.

I hear you! That is one of the main reasons we don't have kids, who wants the noise? Not to mention the mess. I have two dogs and they don't bark nonstop in public or at home, are your kids harder to control then dogs?

The people who should be raising kids are usually not the ones who want to!

Yes, i have had that happen a few times too. But now we scope out restaurants that don't appeal to families, or dine later (past bedtimes!). If it still happens? Unless we are in the middle of our meal, we ask to be seated elsewhere.

Stop going to restaurants that families would go to. It's really that simple.

We live in a very nice area SW of Houston(Sugar Land) and one of the best Mexican food restaurants removed their kids sandbox play area. What a blessing. The nose level has gone down 50 decibels but the management says there business has increased by 20% or more.

All this talk about banning kids at restaurants recently has me thinking that while we would appreciate the spread of these bans, it adds a level of conflict and risk that is likely just not necessary.
I think changes like removing the sandbox per Scott's comment, having no kids meals, no high chairs, low-lit environment, etc would make it simply uncomfortable to dine there with kids. That would get most of the benefit without the risk.

Anybody else?

Some completely oblivious parents will still saunter in there with the screaming 2 yrs olds, but it would certainly minimized if you just did all you can to make it an inhospitable environment for children.

A few months ago my hubby and I went to a nice Irish place for dinner. I had just gotten back from a trip out of state so we were trying to catch up and enjoy a nice dinner together. About halfway through our meal, a group came in and sat right behind us. It wasn't too long before the piercing screams started and my husband said, 'Shut it up or I will' very loudly. This got us a few mean glares to which I replied, "We're trying to eat and that's really obnoxious."

Our poor waitress was so embarrassed she didn't come back to our table, but sent a male server to give us our check! We haven't been back, partly because of this but mostly because they changed their menu.

We have found that eating at places that serve spicy ethnic food (Thai, Vietnamese, etc.) tends to cut way down on the presence of kids. However, I don't think I should have to pick and choose where I want to eat based on whether or not some inconsiderate people will have screaming brats there. I LOVE the idea of childfree dining areas and have long wished somebody would implement the idea!!

A lot of restaurants won't do it becuase it's polically incorrect, but if more did and dollars start poring in, you'll see a change. Nobody gets pissed off because you can't bring your kid into a nightclub, it's just understood.