18 Family-Friendly NYC Food Halls for an Easy, Delicious Meal

Submitted by MommyPoppins on

You want to grab a bite out with the kids and the local pizza joint isn't going to cut it—but asking your wriggly, tired kids to sit quietly in a nice restaurant is like lighting a firecracker and then hoping it won't explode. 

Food halls are the perfect solution. In spite of their historic mall­-culture reputation, the model of a casual hall with multiple food options is enjoying a bit of a renaissance, and not just in suburbia. Right here in NYC, food halls are gaining major foodie clout with excellent vendors, artisan marketplaces, and appealing perks (and sweet treats) for families with kids. It's the perfect eatery for families: there's a food option for everyone, minimal wait times, multiple bathrooms, and no one notices if your kid tantrums or drops half their meal on the floor.

We've rounded up and sampled 18 outstanding food halls that offer top-notch eats, spacious seating, and lots to do in the surrounding neighborhoods, including Battery Park, Chelsea, Midtown, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, and more.

Check out our NYC Restaurant Guide for even more family dining options in just about every neighborhood—and every finicky palate. 

WowMoms World Play & Wellness Center Coming to Paramus

Liz Alterman's picture Submitted by Liz Alterman on

Have you ever dreamed about a place that includes opportunities for exercise, enrichment classes, and socialization for kids AND moms, all under one roof? WowMoms World, coming to Paramus in late 2019 or early 2020, strives to be that coveted one-stop spot where growing families can relax and enjoy everything from parent-child classes and swim lessons to arts and crafts and an organic lunch or snack. 

Canada-based WowMoms opened its first U.S. location on Long Island in January, and other spots have since opened in Florida and Texas. The 6,200-square-foot Paramus space will be WowMoms' first New Jersey location.

Outdoor Kids' Birthday Party Ideas for Summer Babies

Submitted by Ally Noel on

Throw an amazing kids' birthday party right in your own backyard or local park with these outdoor party ideas.

Take all the fun (and the mess) of party games for kids outside and add a little summertime twist for inspired themes, such as camping, sprinklers, outdoor movies, and lawn games. We put together a list of seven sizzling kids' birthday party themes for outdoor parties below, including activity suggestions, decoration ideas, and some memorable munchies that will make your kid's party the event of the summer season.

10 Best Hotel Pools in Los Angeles with Day Passes for Families

Submitted by Li Starr on

Hotel pools have a certain magic for kids; in fact, book a hotel without a pool at your peril. Whether you're vacationing in the City of Angels, or just looking for a staycation that puts your kids' swim lessons to good use (while waiters bring you delicious food and decadent adult beverages), there's always a good reason to take advantage of LA's bounty of hotel pools. Any of the hotels below is worth a weekend for the pool alone. Don't want to spend the night? These hotels are not only great spots to base a vacation or staycation—they all offer day passes for their pools, too. And while not all hotel pools are kid-friendly, this list of family favorites can turn any swim day into a family vacation, whether you're staying or day-playing.

What to Do on the Charles River with Boston Kids: Sailing, Kayaking, Duck Tours, and More

Elyse Andrews's picture Submitted by Elyse Andrews on

Winding through 23 towns, Boston's beloved Charles River is a great place to visit with kids, whether they're keen to cruise on the water or just play alongside it. We've rounded up our favorite family activities on the Charles, including hopping a Duck Boat, renting a canoe, picnicking on the Esplanade, and cheering on rowers at the Head of the Charles. No matter how you choose to spend your waterfront day, kids are sure to come away from their adventures with renewed appreciation for our hometown river.

50+ Ways to Keep NYC Kids Off Screens This Summer

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on

"Brain drain." "Summer slide." No matter what you call it, the phenomenon of students losing months of math and reading skills during the eight-week summer vacation scares parents and teachers alike.  

Luckily, we live in a city that offers tons of opportunities for summertime excitement and learning, many of them FREE. We've put together a list of more than 50 of our favorite NYC activities, events, and even at-home challenges that get kids to exercise their brains, and keep them (and us) off our screens!

So get out there to try some of these ideas for enriching exploration and edu-tainment around NYC with kids this summer. You can find even more ideas in our STEAM Guide, and don't forget to check out our NYC Schools Guide as September approaches.

Fun Boat Rides for Connecticut Kids and Families

Makayla O'Keefe's picture Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on

As close to a shoreline as most Connecticut families are, a fun boat ride with kids can make for a perfect day trip. Whether you’re looking for a scenic ferry cruise, an interactive sailboat adventure, or an educational marine experience, there's a boat ride to suit every kid who's looking to get out on the river or sea this summer.

We have rounded up some of the best tours and interactive sailing adventures across the state. For more fun on the water, be sure to check out our Connecticut Beaches and Water Fun Guide and the best places for canoeing and kayaking with kids in Connecticut.

Family-Friendly Hotels in the Hamptons and North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on

If you’ve ever visited the Hamptons and North Fork on Long Island, you know there is lodging to meet just about every need. There are hotels near fishing resorts, country inns near golf courses and bed-and-breakfasts within walking distance of the North Fork’s celebrated wineries. Families visiting the East End have options, too, from chain hotels near kid-favorite attractions to mom-and-pop guesthouses with private beaches and pools. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Hamptons and North Fork hotels, motels and guesthouses for families. 

13 Exciting Boat Rides for Families in New Jersey

Liz Alterman's picture Submitted by Liz Alterman on

Adventures abound on the high and low seas of New Jersey with boat rides, tours, and cruises for families throughout the summer. Young pirates can dress up for a real pirate adventure; sailors can man the rigging aboard the historic A.J. Meerwald; and young naturalists will feel at home in the Meadowland marshes aboard specially rigged pontoon boats. Whalers will enjoy riding ships in search of whales and dolphins, and adventurers can always ride the wild white waters of the Delaware River either on rafts or tubes. Who knows when you may regain your land legs?

For more warm-weather fun, check out our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide.

Co-op Preschools in Westchester: Where Parents Are Partners in Learning

Michelle Vames's picture Submitted by Michelle Vames on

If you want to play a hands-on role in your child's early education, then a cooperative preschool might be the right choice for you. Westchester is home to several co-op nursery schools, where parents help with everything from providing snacks to assisting in the classroom to serving on committees and boards.

Co-ops are tight-knit communities in which parents and educators work hand-in-hand to create a loving and creative learning environment. Because cooperative preschools are run with help from parent volunteers, tuition costs are typically lower than those of preschools operated entirely with paid staff.

Read on to learn about seven cooperative preschools in Westchester, and get more info in our School and Preschool Guide for Westchester Kids. 

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