Family-Friendly NJ Vegetarian (and Vegan) Dining

Rachel Sokol's picture Submitted by Rachel Sokol on

More and more families are going the vegetarian, and even the vegan, route, so we’ve rounded up the best NJ family-friendly options for meatless (and eggless and other-less) fare. And even if you don't necessarily identify as "veg", everyone should give these yummy places a try– your kids may surprise you and probably won't even realize they're eating "healthy." Some venues on the list are not strictly vegetarian/vegan, but offer many vegetarian or vegan options for kids, plus crayons, toys to play with, entertainment and more.

50 Things To Do in Williamsburg with Kids

Submitted by Petek on

There's more to trendy Williamsburg than dive bars, clubs and hipsters. North Williamsburg, or Northside, is now quite family-friendly as its artsy residents have welcomed children of their own, spawning many attractions for families that reflect the Brooklyn nabe's fashion-forward vibe, like funky baby boutiques, laid-back kid-friendly restaurants and cool live entertainment. Plus there's the beloved 35-acre McCarren Park featuring playgrounds, sports fields and a renovated pool. Although much of the neighborhood’s waterfront is currently being redeveloped, East River Park offers exceptional views of the Manhattan skyline and the Williamsburg Bridge.

Although South Williamsburg is sometimes lumped in with its northern neighbor, it’s really a separate area with its own vibe. Home to a diverse community that includes sizable Hispanic and Hasidic populations, it has fewer family businesses than its northern neighbor, but the area feels authentically New York and is worth exploring. East of the BQE, Williamsburg continues to Graham Avenue with tree-lined streets of family homes and small shops and restaurants, many owned by local Italian families.

For the purposes of this post, our geographical boundaries are the East River to Graham Avenue, and North 14th Street (cut short by McCarren Park) to Division Avenue, with Grand Street the divider between North and South Williamsburg. Here are our top 50 things to do with kids in Williamsburg. 

Kids at Play Indoor Play Space Review

Submitted by Lindsay Li on

A new indoor play gym launched in Philadelphia this year! East Falls is now home to Kids at Play, a bright, shiny, 7,000 foot indoor playground and seriously cool entertainment zone that is easy on the eyes (specifically designed for children with sensory issues in mind), and invites creative play and exploration. We got a chance to check it out, and let me tell you, it is worth the trip! Read on for a full review (and check out other reviews of awesome spaces in Philadelphia).

Why Painter's Tape Is Your Friend and 133 More Parent Hacks

Submitted by Anna Fader on

Do automatic-flush toilets scare your preschooler? Do you always forget to put a spare onesie in the diaper bag? Do you go crazy trying to get the crumbs out of your car’s cup holders? These are the types of real problems parents face every day. Who would know the solutions better than other parents? The just released book Parent Hacks: 134 Genius Shortcuts for Life with Kids written by Asha Dornfest, founder of the Parent Hacks website, and her community of parent hackers has the answer to these issues and, well, 131 more.

Parent Hacks is a decade of the cumulative knowledge of sleep-deprived parents. What I love about it is its down-to-earth take on everyday frustrations and issues. Because the advice comes from real parents, many of the solutions rely on clever tricks using everyday things you find around the house, rather than pricey products. It's frugal, real advice—and often hilarious, including the fun illustrations by Craighton Berman. There are a lot of hacks dealing with poop and other gross situations parents find themselves in, making it a great choice for those with babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

We love this book so much that Mommy Poppins is helping to throw it a party. Read on to find out more about probably the most useful new parenting book around and how you can join us for a fun celebration if you are in NYC.

5 Things to Do on Mother's Day in NYC that Mom Will Love

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

Sure, a tasty Mother's Day brunch is nice, but just that word, nice. C'mon mom, you know you're more fabulous than that.

This year, Sunday, May 8 is all about you, so no simple meal, not even breakfast in bed will do. Mother's Day should be a whole-day affair that's fun for everyone in the family, especially in NYC, where options are as amazing as mom herself. You could book tickets to a kid-friendly Broadway musical—in addition to stalwarts Wicked and The Lion King, there are new tuners like School of Rock and Tuck Everlasting for which tickets are more available. If the tots are too young for Broadway, there are plenty of shows for preschoolers that are shorter and less expensive. Into museums? There are engaging new exhibits about dinosaurs, kid-lit icon Mo Willems and Star Wars sure to please all ages. Or you could splurge on a special experience such as a helicopter ride or a family spa day.

But if your ideal Mother's Day features an outdoor activity that makes the most of the spring season, we've come up with five memorable itineraries that include food and alfresco family fun that won't blow your budget.

18th Century Spring Fun at the Philipsburg Manor Sheep-to-Shawl Festival

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on

Few events herald spring for our family quite like Philipsburg Manor’s Sheep-to-Shawl festival. We included this event in our AprilGo List—our top picks for events happening all month long—and Sheep-to-Shawl definitely delivers.

Part of the Historic Hudson Valley network, based largely in Westchester County’s charming Rivertowns, Philipsburg Manor is a working historic farm that dates back all the way back to the 1690s. Each year, just as us humans are getting ready to shed our winter coats in favor of spring jackets, so too are the sheep getting ready to shed their winter wool, and that is where the festival begins. Read on for all the details on this weekend-long event, including what to expect and what not to miss!

Fishing Derbies in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Clementina Verge on

Want to feed children once? Give them a fish. Want to feed children for life? Teach them how to fish. Or something like that. Confession: this sushi-loving parent has never attempted to fish, but my eldest daughter has been asking relentlessly about the opportunity to make her own "catch of the day," so this spring we will finally cast our first line. We learned that fishing derbies are great places to experience the sport, learn about our local resources, and become more environmentally aware. Whether you are a novice or a pro, here are a few fishing derbies in the Hartford area that guarantee a fun family day and a reminder that "good things come to those who bait." 

Hogwarts in Hollywood: Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios

Roberta B's picture Submitted by Roberta B on

Hollywood is the original home of Universal Studios, so it never really sat right that Orlando got not just one but two Harry Potter attractions before we did. The injustice is finally set right this week, as Southern California gets its very own Wizarding World of Harry Potter just off the Hollywood Freeway, where Hogwarts ought to be. The magical treat is included in normal theme park admission, though in the coming weeks calling admission to Universal Studios "normal" is a little optimistic. Most of opening weekend is completely sold out to potty Potter fans. Something else that isn't normal? I got to experience the entire attraction a day early with only a handful of press, a few cast members from the film, and not a single line to wait in. Not to gloat, of course: I only bring it up so I can tell you what wonderful wizardry you can expect to find at Hollywood's new Harry Potter World. And to share some cool stories of meeting the actors. And to help you to not vomit. But more of that anon.

Pages