Special Occasions

The 18 Most Insane, Must-Try NYC Desserts

Submitted by Anna Fader on Thu, 03/07/2019 - 2:45pm

It's no secret that NYC is loaded with great food. Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook seem to be overflowing with incredible-looking eats, but are they just eye candy?

We headed out with a gaggle of kids to test the best, most amazingly outrageous, over-the-top desserts around New York City, and to discover which were as good as they looked and sounded. We picked the most insanely awesome treats in NYC. These delicious desserts are all perfect for a special outing with kids, or just some bonding time. So get ready to wow your kids with the most awesome sweets in NYC.

Night at the Museum: 5 NYC Museum and Zoo Sleepovers for Kids

Submitted by Allison on Thu, 02/14/2019 - 3:32pm

Sleepovers are all the rage (even Governors Island has gotten into the overnight game). And while a night chaperoning a group of small night-owls might not rank high on your to-do list, kids will get a big kick out of sleeping over at one of their favorite cultural institutions. From the Bronx Zoo to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum to the new Sharks! exhibit at Coney Island, there's a museum sleepover to fit every kid's interests. And you'll earn some serious cool parent cred—some of these overnight adventures are so extravagant, they landed on our list of NYC splurges worth doing at least once.

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 Enjoy High Tea in New Jersey with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 12/17/2018 - 12:00pm

If your little sweetie loves the finer things in life—and has the patience to make it through a sit-down meal—he or she may be ready to enjoy an afternoon at one of NJ's many local tea rooms. From the fine china and finger sandwiches to the tempting sweets, your little one will be enchanted during this special one-on-one mommy time. Many host sweet birthday parties, and several offer special holiday events.

7 Places to Have Afternoon Tea with Long Island Kids

Submitted by Felissa Allard on Tue, 12/11/2018 - 11:30am

When the weather is cold, enjoying a warm cup of tea with your favorite little person is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

From sampling a variety of tea flavors to tasting yummy miniature sandwiches and scones, these Long Island tea rooms offer a warm welcome in an elegant setting just in time for Hot Tea Month in January.

For more delicious fun with your little ones, check out our list of the best Long Island brunch destinations for families, or treat yourself to our roundup of the Island's most decadent dessert spots.

Best Hot Chocolate Spots Around Manhattan

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Fri, 11/30/2018 - 8:00am

A cup of molten chocolaty goodness is one of the best ways to thaw out and warm up—in fact, it's one of the best things about winter and the holiday season.

We took on the heinous job of running around Manhattan taste-testing hot chocolate (don't say we've never done anything for you) and narrowed it down to nearly two dozen of our favorites. These spots are definitely worth the brief trip out into the cold, so read on for our recommendations for cafes and restaurants that have turned hot cocoa sipping into an experience not to be missed.

By the way, we've also rounded up our favorite Brooklyn hot cocoa cafes and those in Queens. Find more great eats in our NYC Restaurant Guide for Families.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Houston

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Mon, 11/26/2018 - 12:06pm

Gathering around the table with family and friends to enjoy a festive meal is a hallmark of the holiday season, and one that is often enjoyed multiple times throughout the November and December months due to Thanksgiving and Christmas occurring in rapid succession. However, having two big holidays so close together can become overwhelming for even the most dedicated cook, and there's no shame in needing a break from the kitchen come Christmas Day (and no judgment on our part if you treated yourself to a Thanksgiving dinner out, too!).

We've rounded up a variety of restaurants around Houston that are opening their doors on Christmas Day, spanning everything from fancy brunches to low-key diners, so you can take a break from the kitchen and enjoy a meal out with the family. And don't forget to check out our holiday guide for more events and things to do during the season.

Best High Tea Spots in NYC to Enjoy a Cup with Kids

Submitted by Anna Fader on Thu, 11/15/2018 - 2:10pm

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a memorable experience, afternoon tea—sometimes called high tea in New York City—can be a fun outing with kids. It's an especially great winter outing and particularly fitting during the holidays.

Several places serve high tea in New York City, with varying degrees of appropriateness for children. From the fancy Eloise Tea at the Plaza Hotel to the less frilly Russian Tea Room, there are teas—and goodies—for children of all ages and parents of all budgets. Here's our take on some of the best spots for afternoon tea with kids in NYC.