Restaurants

15 Awesome Houston-Area Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 10:41pm

Houston's craft beer scene is top-notch, which we probably don't have to tell you. But what might come as a surprise is that it's also very kid-friendly; some of the area's best brews are housed in stellar spaces with outdoor games and room to play. Here are some spots we love to go as a family because there is room for the kids to run around, they are unpretentious, they don't make my husband and I feel bad if our toddler starts malfunctioning during our visit, and the beer is delicious.

For our favorite kid-friendly eateries, check out our roundup of restaurants with plenty of playing room.

Westchester Play Cafes with Fun for Kids and Perks for Parents

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 02/10/2019 - 9:00am

While it’s fun to take the kids to a dedicated play space—and trust us, there are lots of those to choose from in Westchester—there are times when you want to go somewhere that has something for both you (read: coffee, brownies, both) and the kids. You’re in luck: There are a few spots in our area where you can meet a friend for tea or linger over lunch with your spouse while your kids have fun—whether it’s reading a good book, drawing on a chalkboard wall, going down slides, or building with blocks and construction sets.

Looking for even more places to take the whole family? Check out our kid-friendly restaurant guide.

Play Cafes in Brooklyn and Queens: Play Spaces for Kids, Coffee for Grownups

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Sun, 02/03/2019 - 11:05am

If you're looking for a new spot to grab your morning coffee or merely want to enjoy brunch in peace, these kid-friendly play cafes can't be beat. At these Brooklyn and Queens cafes you will find a welcoming environment, great food, and a caffeine jolt, as well as dedicated and safe play areas for your kids. Several of them are actually play spaces first, and cafes second.

So turn your meal into a play date with a friend, or just sit back and take some well-deserved breathing space. Either way, both you and your kids are sure to have a good time.

Check out our NYC Restaurant Guide for more great eateries, or our Play Spaces Guide for more romper rooms.

Birthday Freebies for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Fri, 02/01/2019 - 8:00pm

Birthdays are great when you're a kid. There's the endless countdown to the big day, and finally waking up to the much-anticipated morning. So what could possibly make all this even more exhilarating? How about a whole bunch of free stuff? If you know where to look, there are some pretty sweet freebies to be had on your kid's birthday (or on yours, for that matter) across Connecticut. A lot of these places are big companies that require sign up to a club or mailing list, and many of them require a minimum age for membership, so parents may want to be the primary member and just hand off the goodies. Others, though, are smaller, local businesses that genuinely want to offer something lovely to the people who support them. Whether your kid might like a free birthday ice cream cone or a trip back in time, here are some fun free finds for your little's next birthday.

Where to Eat With Kids in East Harlem Now

Submitted by Suzy Q on Thu, 01/31/2019 - 10:00am

You can easily spot Upper East Siders and locals headed to East River Plaza on the bus and train. They have cumbersome foldable shopping trolleys, oversized backpacks, a child or two in tow, and a look of determination. However, experience has taught me that shopping can work up an appetite. When you are out and about in East Harlem with kids and hunger strikes, here are a few newer restaurant options to have in your back pocket.

8 Family-Friendly Places to Watch the Super Bowl Around Boston

Submitted by Jon Gorey on Wed, 01/30/2019 - 11:00am

The Patriots are in the Super Bowl (again!) this Sunday, and if you have children, they're probably just as stoked as you to watch it. But while your toy-strewn living room might have sufficed for an early season matchup, it may not inspire the appropriate excitement now that the team is playing in the biggest game of the year, with a chance to make history. Then again, you don't want to take the kids to a crowded, testosterone- and beer-soaked bar, either. So, to kick off a fabulous February of fun events with kids, we've compiled a number of family-friendly venues around Boston where you can take the whole clan to cheer on the Pats with fellow fans.

Long Island Destinations for Delicious Hot Chocolate

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 01/29/2019 - 10:00am

When the snow starts to fly during a Long Island winter, a tasty hot chocolate can help to take the chill away.

Adults and kids across Long Island enjoy hot chocolate, especially when it’s topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, or both. And while you can make it at home, isn't it nice to get out of the house with the kids? It squashes cabin fever, and there’s no cleanup for you. With that in mind. here are 18 places across Long Island that serve up delicious hot chocolate and other tasty treats.

If hot chocolate isn’t your thing, why not try one of these spots for afternoon tea with the kids? See our guide to family-friendly restaurants for even more dining ideas on Long Island. And for more seasonal possibilities, check out our Winter Fun Guide and Long Island events calendar.

25 Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Tue, 01/22/2019 - 8:37pm

Letting a restaurant take care of family dinner is the dream—until the kids find "nothing good" on the menu, everyone is antsy before drinks are even served, and a fat check arrives anyway. Luckily, Boston and the surrounding 'burbs are home to some fantastic, family-oriented restaurants. Some feature play areas where children can get their energy out while you linger over your meal. Others, listed here, allow kids to eat for free. At these local eateries, children dine gratis on certain days or times, allowing you to enjoy family time without stressing about the bill. We know what you'll be making for dinner tonight: reservations.