There are many best-of lists when it comes to can't-miss restaurants in NYC, but in compiling this list of the must-visit, family-friendly restaurants in NYC, we decided to be tourists in our own city, revisiting some classic favorite restaurants, while exploring a few newcomers, too. All told, we've pulled together this list of 20 can't-miss, must-visit, kid-friendly restaurants in NYC. 

Follow out footsteps for a real taste of the Big Apple, which includes everything from hot dogs to cupcakes and pickles to pastrami. If this whets your appetite for an NYC vacation, you can find more must-do activities on our list of the 50 top family-friendly attractions in NYC, and find all our kid-friendly dining picks in our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants in NYC.

Play detective, CIA agent, or Indiana Jones while the whole family bonds over a fun and exciting challenge. A Connecticut escape room can accomplish all of those things and more, and we’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing, kids’ birthday party, or weatherproof indoor activity.

Most Connecticut escape rooms have rotating themes, so we recommend checking websites before arrival. Escape rooms usually cater to older kids, so if you're bringing little ones, be prepared to help them out. For more great places to have a blast inside, browse our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces.

Note: Due to Covid 19, most escape rooms have begun employing cleaning routines between groups and limit the number of participants to a group as well as require masking. Keep in mind, many themes include mature topics that are not suitable for all kids.

Philadelphia has cemented its status as a world-class foodie destination, but we’ll always be known for the Philly cheesesteak, and that’s just fine by us. It’s impossible to raise kids here without introducing them to the iconic sandwich at some point, and for visitors to the city, a cheesesteak run is usually at the top of the bucket list. So we’ve made our own list—of the best places to get a Philly cheesesteak with kids.

If there’s one thing you don’t want to get Philadelphians started on (besides the Eagles), it’s where to get the best cheesesteak in Philly, and how to order when it’s time to chow down. There’s the Cheez Whiz crowd, the chicken cheesesteak crowd, and myriad debates over the importance of fried onions and various condiments. However you choose to order (Whiz wit? witout?), here’s a rundown of cheesesteak places in Philly where families can enjoy the City of Brotherly Love’s quintessential meal.

It's been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weekday breakfast or a hearty weekend morning meal, there are plenty of healthy breakfast ideas for kids that will keep your family from falling into a rut. But sometimes, the last thing you want to do when you wake up is cook a meal (and do the necessary cleanup). Luckily, there are loads of delicious breakfast restaurants near DC to help families get a delicious start to their day.

Here are 10 kid-friendly breakfast restaurants near DC that will give your family the energy to tackle playtime, errands, and everything in between. If you're looking for a heartier meal, many of these breakfast restaurants near DC also offer buffet or sit-down brunch.

Pizza and spaghetti are perennial kid pleasers, so choosing an Italian restaurant is a good start for a delightful family meal. But let’s face it: Some Italian restaurants just aren’t suited for the younger set. Red sauce stains on white tablecloths, forks on the floor, and high-volume iPads are all a recipe for disaster, both for parents and other diners.

Luckily, these 20 family-friendly Italian restaurants welcome kids to their tables with special kids' menus and comfy accommodations so everyone can enjoy their meal. Sunday suppers are something of an Italian tradition, so why not pick one of these delicious restaurants to dine this weekend with your famiglia? And if you're looking for more dinner spots for your family in New Jersey, check out our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide. 

Once a small German farm community that was home to the first commercially grown oranges in Orange County, Anaheim was transformed in the 1950s by the visions of Walter Elias Disney. Since Disneyland opened in July of 1955, Anaheim has continued to blossom with more than just orange trees, and there are dozens of activities to enjoy with the family beyond Disneyland. With theme parks, sports, hiking, museums, art, and culture—Anaheim has it all! If all you're seeing is Mickey, you're really missing out. Let us help you find all the fabulous things to do in Anaheim, whether you're visiting from Los Angeles or you flew in for vacation.

Be sure to check out our Guide to Orange County for all our local recommendations from the Best Anaheim Restaurants for Families to the Best Anaheim Hotels near Disneyland and even where to find this hidden gem that's the Best Beachside Water Park in Orange County—and so many more things to do in Anaheim with kids.

Fork through our list of Long Island restaurants with fun entertainment options for kids and spice up your dining-out routine. If you are feeling like a slave to the kitchen while you prepare mac and cheese for the third time this week, drop the ho-hum routine and head to one of these local, family-friendly restaurants that serve up food and fun.

A number of eateries in Nassau and Suffolk counties pair kid-sized meals with giant-sized entertainment. So whether you prefer the neighborhood mom-and-pop or the local destination of a national chain, your little ones are guaranteed a fun time and healthy lunch or dinner choices.

For more inspiration, see our guide to kid-friendly dining on Long Island. And while you're at it, check out our list of LI restaurants where kids eat FREE.

Taking the kids out to dinner can feel a lot like traveling with the circus; there's usually acrobatics occuring, it's really loud, and there may even be some ill-timed magic tricks. Because of this, eating out is something that we do sparingly, but we all know that sometimes you just need someone else to cook for the night. When that happens, our default choice is Tex-Mex. Free chips, fresh tortillas, gooey queso, and a side of guacamole... Tex-Mex is food heaven for kids! But the Tex-Mex restaurants on our list don't stop there—they also have another perk: free ice cream! 

For more restaurant recommendations, check out our Houston Kid-Friendly Restaurants Guide.