Outdoor Restaurants for Family-Friendly Dining in New Jersey Summer 2025

Feast on BBQ on the patio at Pineapple Express Barbecue in Montclair.

During the warmer months, outdoor restaurants in New Jersey beckon, offering a chance to relax and linger over a summer meal with your kids. Restless kids are free to stretch their legs, explore, and watch the world go by.

The outdoor restaurants in New Jersey listed below have options ranging from waterfront decks and sandy patios to tree-shaded courtyards and grassy gardens.

Read on for our top picks for kid-friendly outdoor dining, and don't miss our round-up of NJ-themed restaurants with interactive dining or our rundown of places where kids eat free. You can find tons of other great things to do in the Garden State this season in our Summer Fun Guide.

5 Fun Themed Itineraries NYC Kids Go Crazy For

The Science Playground at the New York Hall of Science makes for a fun-filled and educational trip in NYC. Photo by Diana Kim

Looking for a day in New York City that your kids will actually remember and talk about for weeks? The city is a giant playground for families. Whether you’ve got an art lover, a future scientist, a little foodie or just a kid who needs to burn off some energy, these themed itineraries take the guesswork out of planning and turn an ordinary day into something unforgettable.

If you're looking for more curated itineraries for families—whether you're a local or a visitor—be sure to bookmark our ultimate 3-day itinerary for visiting NYC and this list of preschooler itineraries for fun days with little ones.

Best Beach Eats on Long Island from Food Trucks to Frozen Treats

Navy Beach is a laid-back, family-friendly waterfront restaurant in Montauk. Photo courtesy of Navy Beach

There's a lot to pack when hitting one of Long Island's family-friendly beaches, from sunscreen to toys, and sometimes you don't want to have to worry about bringing snacks and lunch. Luckily for us all, Long Island has no shortage of beach eats, and many options are right on the beach or boardwalk itself.

Our list below showcases the best beach food Long Island has to offer, including ice cream options, burgers, tacos, and more. 

For more kid-friendly food, check out our Restaurant Guide, and take a look at our Guide to Summer Fun on Long Island for more seasonal tips. 

60 Unforgettable FREE Summer Activities for Kids in DC

Cool off at one of the area's many great splash pads this summer. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks

School's almost out, summer is unofficially here, and we're on a mission to keep kids busy and having fun all summer long without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are tons of free summer activities in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for kids, from free outdoor movies to free swimming pools.

Here is a list of 60 free kids' activities in DC to make summer 2025 the best one yet. How many of them can your family fit in before school starts again?

Our Washington, DC Kids Summer Guide and our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids are full of more ideas for summer fun. And don't forget: we are constantly updating our event calendar, so keep checking back for more summer activities!

20 Best Swimming Pools in Atlanta: From Public Pools to Hotels with Day Passes

Dive into cooling relief at Roswell Area Park pool. Photo by the author

Atlanta has great public swimming pools, in addition to Swimming Lakes and Beaches Near Atlanta, fun for families and perfect for summer temps. Many of these local swimming pools feature diving boards, water slides, and splash pads for little ones, making them more engaging than typical swim/tennis neighborhood pools. And did you know certain Atlanta hotel pools offer swimtime without requiring an overnight stay?! Several Atlanta hotels offer day passes to enjoy the posh amenities. 

Many of the public swimming pools near Atlanta listed here have set times for open swim sessions, so be sure to check the schedule and pool rules. For more ways to cool off this summer, check our awesome Atlanta Kids Summer Guide!  

50 Awesome Free Things To Do in San Francisco This Summer With Kids

Ready for free summer fun! Photo by Nora Garcia courtesy of the Habitot Mobile Museum

There are so many free things to do in San Francisco this summer that the season might not be long enough to do them all! 

The kids are out of school, the weather is warming up, and the Bay Area is sprawling with things to do every day of the week. Free outdoor movie nights and free museum days are a great way to spend an afternoon that won't cost you a penny (if you steer clear of the gift shop). Summer is also the best excuse to take a day off from work and go on a day trip to one of the many beautiful places just a short drive away. 

Whether you've got a summer filled with summer camps and travel or prefer to enjoy the days as they come, we've got 51 free things to do in San Francisco with those kiddos this summer.

Have the best summer ever in San Francisco at summer festivals and fairs, and find more summer fun in Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide.  

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