Restaurants

35 Things to Do with Kids in Soho and Little Italy

Submitted by Amy Meader on Tue, 08/14/2018 - 1:45pm

Spend the day roaming around Soho and Little Italy with kids and you'll realize just how kid-friendly NYC can be. Of course there are tons of shops and restaurants, but if you look closer you can see that the area is teeming with tons of fun activities for the whole family: You just need to know where to look! Here are 35 of the best places for families to visit, shop, and eat in Soho and the adjacent neighborhoods of Little Italy and Hudson Square, including family-friendly restaurants, must-see museums, playgrounds, and neighborhood institutions.

A Dozen New Dessert Spots for Westchester Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 11:00am

Sweet news: a host of new sweet spots have opened in Westchester recently, and we’ve rounded them up below. (We also conducted a few taste tests—strictly in the interest of research, of course.)

Our list includes several new ice-cream parlors, three spots for trendy Thai rolled ice cream, and a few eateries offering acai bowls, juices, and smoothies. There’s also new fro-yo, as well as a new bakery that hosts classes and parties.

Read on to get the skinny on these dessert destinations—and be sure you’re signed up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook to stay in the know about news (and more) of interest to Westchester families!

10 NJ Restaurants with Kid-Friendly Backyards and Outdoor Dining

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 11:00am

Lingering over a summer meal with children is always more relaxing outside, where restless kids are free to stretch their legs, explore the patio, and watch the world go by. Warm-weather dining options abound in New Jersey, 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, and our run-down of places where kids eat free.

Ice Cream Shops Near Great Playgrounds in Brooklyn and Manhattan

Submitted by Lia on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 10:00am

We're well into playground season now, and New York City parents are steeling themselves to endure hearing the Mister Softee theme playing on a loop until September. While there's nothing wrong with grabbing a cone from your friendly neighborhood ice cream truck, I admit that I prefer play spots that have really fantastic ice cream vendors nearby. Cold and sweet, a few scoops of mint chocolate chip or strawberry (my flavors of choice) make sticking out the sticky New York City weather that much more manageable. And my kids don't mind eating it either.

Here are some of my favorite spots to grab a scoop, plus fun places to play before or after.

Medieval Times: Thrilling Dinner Theater for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 08/09/2018 - 12:45pm

Hear ye, hear ye! My family recently had an AMAZING outing to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, with dinner and an exciting live show featuring knights on horseback, jousting matches, sword fights, games of skill, and more.

Medieval Times has been wowing New Jersey audiences since 1990, and this year this Medieval realm got a modern update: rather than the King ruling the castle, the Queen is now the centerpiece. In the new show, she has taken over the kingdom from her father and presides over the tournament. Love the girl-power vibe!

Whether your little prince or princess is a toddler, teen, or somewhere in between, this is truly an outing the whole family can enjoy together. Read on to find out what you can expect during a visit to the castle, and check out more themed restaurants here.

37 Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Snack Spots for Beachy Summer Eats in NYC

Submitted by Anna Fader on Sun, 08/05/2018 - 12:00pm

If anything redeems the humidity and heat of a NYC summer it’s got to be all the great summer eats. Our family can’t get enough of seafood boils, barbecue, tacos, lobster rolls, and frozen treats. Add a beachy outdoor dining vibe, and dinner out becomes a mini vacation.

New York City has so many great kid-friendly outdoor dining spots, it's hard to choose the best, but this summer foods must-eat bucket list will help you pack in some serious seasonal outdoor dining before sweater weather sets in. Read on to find my picks for the best kid-friendly restaurants in NYC to get your summer vibes on.

Kid-Friendly Wineries on Long Island's East End

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Thu, 08/02/2018 - 10:10am

With so many wineries on the East End welcoming children and even pets, Long Island wine country has become a huge destination not just for couples and bachelorette parties, but for families, too.

From picnic areas to live music and annual events, we’ve rounded up a host of vineyards—many of which are family-owned and operated—that offer the most family-friendly experiences. In addition to wine, most tasting rooms offer light snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, and some allow outside food and drink in designated picnic areas. Of course, kids must be supervised and pets must be on leashes. Be sure to check individual websites for specific rules. And be responsible if driving.

Summertime is the perfect time to visit an East End vineyard. And while you're out that way, check out some other family-friendly spots on the North Fork, including Lavender by the Bay, a family-friendly lavender farm in East Marion; Greenport village; and the Long Island Aquarium.

Jones Beach: A Family Staycation at LI's Kid-Friendly State Park

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 1:33pm

The jewel of Long Island state parks, Jones Beach is a popular beach day destination. And with a whopping 6 million visitors each year, it’s the second most-visited state park in New York State (after Niagara Falls).

Many Long Islanders have fond memories of spending time at Jones Beach with family and friends, walking the boardwalk, taking in a concert, or enjoying the surf and sand. A visit to this beach feels like being on vacation without ever leaving the Island. It’s so much more than a beach, and we’ve got the rundown on what to do, see, play, and even eat at Jones Beach to get the most out of your visit.