Best Family-Friendly Restaurants at the Jersey Shore

Families can gather around the fondue at the Melting Pot.

Looking for the best family-friendly restaurants on the Jersey Shore? Read on for more than a dozen eateries you and your kids will love. 

With the unofficial summer season approaching, many of us will be heading to the Jersey Shore soon. After a day of sun and fun, you’ll need to find food for your kiddos before they become “hangry” – luckily, Mommy Poppins can help! Read on for the Jersey Shore's best restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. 

And be sure to check out our list of frozen treats and quick eats in South Jersey, as well as all the other yummy options in our New Jersey Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide

Best Carousels in NYC: 13 Merry-Go-Rounds City Kids Love

The compact, mild Le Carrousel in Bryant Park is ideal for preschoolers. Photo courtesy of Bryant Park

A ride on one of these carousels in NYC makes for a wonderfully nostalgic outing. It's the simplest of amusement park attractions, and there are more than a dozen merry-go-rounds in New York City alone. It's easy to stumble upon them on your next park outing if you know where to look.

Each of these New York City carousels offers a unique spin on this traditional kiddie ride, from harbor views to a ride inside an iridescent fish. We've rounded up the best merry-go-rounds in all five boroughs. Find more rides, games, and entertainment in our Guide to Amusement Parks and Water Parks in NYC

50 Mother's Day Gifts Moms *Actually* Want

Moms want alone time, quiet, and the chance to relax. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Moms deserve the world, so shouldn't they get the Mother's Day gifts they really want? No scented candles, please. No scented bath soaps. (What is it with scented gifts, anyway?) And—say it with us—no robes.

So, what do moms really want for Mother's Day? We asked, and our readers answered—loud and clear. Yes, we all want a tasty Mother's Day brunch and homemade Mother's day cards. But as for Mother's Day gifts? Hold the flowers, please.

Here’s what moms really want for Mother’s Day 2024. May this list of 50 Mother's Day gift ideas provide some much-needed inspiration!

Best Places for Kids Haircuts on Long Island for Baby or Toddler's First Cut

Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids has a colorful and inviting interior for little ones. Photo courtesy of Cookie Cutters

Looking for the best spots on Long Island for your baby or toddler's first haircut? Read on for terrific options in Suffolk and Nassau counties. 

You've probably conquered many of the firsts already: the first birthday and a visit to a spot or two on our baby bucket list. Now it's time for the first haircut, and choosing the right salon is important.

Hair stylists and barbers need to have patience and experience dealing with babies and toddlers. Our list below includes both salons that specialize in haircuts for kids as well as family salons. 

Don't forget to check out our Long Island Baby Guide for more stories like this. 

Best Playgrounds in Philadelphia for All Day Play

Go beyond the standard playground fun at Franklin Square. Photo by J. Fusco

When it comes to playgrounds and play spaces, Philadelphia families are pretty lucky— with more than 10,000 acres of park and playground space in the city, getting to a playground from most urban locations isn't too much of a challenge. From carousels to playhouses and mini golf to fantasy castles, these playgrounds in the Philadelphia area are so spectacular, you can easily play at any one of them for the whole day.

Looking for more playground fun? Check out our guide to Philly Playgrounds and Parks, where we've got everything from the Top Philly Area Playgrounds for Toddlers to the Best Splash Pads in Philadelphia where kids can keep cool.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in the US

The slides at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor New Jersey keep everyone cool.

If your kids love the adventure of amusement parks but are looking for a way to cool off this summer, outdoor water parks are the way to go! There are so many family-friendly outdoor water parks in the US with relaxing pools and lazy rivers to please the grown-ups, splash pads and climbing structures to delight kids, and thrilling water slides and rides to give teens an adrenaline rush. In other words, the whole family will be happy, have fun, and stay cool.

Here are our favorite outdoor water parks in the US, from Orlando to New England and all the way to California. And if you have your heart set on a water-park vacation but don't want to risk the weather, check out our list of the best indoor water parks for kids in the US.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Houston for Family Fun

Cool off this summer at one of these Houston water parks. Photo courtesy of Big Rivers Waterpark

Heading to a water park near Houston can help us survive an entire day of the Texas summer heat. There are several water parks near Houston that will make for an easy day trip, and even more that are just a few hours away. If you are looking for something closer and quicker to help cool down, then check out our list of the many great splash pads at local parks. There are also many free pools in Houston where kids and parents can keep cool.

For more ideas on kid-friendly activities this summer, like fun summer day trips or parks with the most shade, visit our Summer Fun Guide for Houston families.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Atlanta for Family Fun

Python Plunge is a two-person water slide featuring swirling discs and adrenaline-pumping drops, at Six Flags White Water. Photo courtesy of Six Flags White Water

Outdoor water parks in Atlanta are about to open and welcome kids to seek relief from sweltering summer temperatures. Southern summers can be brutal and spending the day at one of these awesome Atlanta water parks will bring a smile to any family member. Whether thrill-seekers prefer the more intense water park slides or younger/more cautious kiddos choose a calming lazy river ride, there is the perfect aquatic attraction for everyone!

Before heading out to these outdoor water parks in Atlanta, remember to load up on sunscreen and UV swimwear. Diaper-aged children must wear appropriate swim diapers in addition to swimwear. (If you forget to pack swim diapers, many water parks sell these at gift shops.)

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