A picnic in Central Park makes for a lovely alfresco meal, but if you don't have time to plan, there are a handful of Central Park restaurants ready to serve you a sit-down or to-go meal, plus plenty of snack food staples at the ubiquitous hot dog carts peppering the paths that criss-cross the park.

Next time you find yourself exploring the secrets of Central Park and hunger strikes, here are our top picks for kid-friendly Central Park restaurants, plus some family-friendly restaurants just outside its gates.

Stony Brook is well known as the home of Stony Brook University, but it's definitely far more than just a college town: The walkable village is perfect for a day trip, with historic sites, museums, shopping, great restaurants, and fun recreation opportunities. 

Read on for things to do with kids on a visit to Stony Brook. For more day trip ideas, check out our Long Island Neighborhood Guides. 

Get a taste of all the family-friendly spots in Mystic, CT for dining with kids!

Constellation Field has playgrounds, ice cream, a splash pad...oh, and baseball.

Find the top things to do with preschoolers and toddlers in and around Boston!

High school and middle school kids may be too big for Chuck E. Cheese or hired princesses, but there are still plenty of exciting birthday party ideas for teens and tweens in Chicago that don't break the bank. We rounded up sporty teen birthday party ideas, sweet 16 birthday ideas, ideas for kids who love to cook, and even a few spots perfect for thrill-seeking kids. 

Some big kids may choose to just meet up with their friends at a fun place that matches the season of their birthday—and there are ideas for those too! Think beaches in the summer, ice skating rinks in the winter, or a park to hike in the spring or fall. You can also check out our favorite bowling centers and mini golf courses for more ideas. 

Here are some of the best birthday party places near Chicago for teens, tweens, and sweet 16s!

Planning an Orlando birthday party for kids can be challenging, and finding the perfect birthday cake is often at the top of the to-do list. Orlando bakeries offer numerous options to satisfy young tastes and make birthday celebrations extra special. Here’s a guide to some of the best places in Orlando to order traditional and non-traditional birthday cakes for kids.

If you and your family love to get out on the water in the summertime, there are some great options for family boating in the Philadelphia area. If you're looking for a fun way to explore on a warm day, this is it. While you're at it, you can check out some of the best family-friendly beaches in New Jersey or the best places to go swimming in a lake near Philadelphia to cool off when you're done!

For more summer fun, don't forget to check out our Ultimate Philly Summer Guide, full of activities and fun for the season.