Special Occasions

Candytopia: Let's Hear It for Selfies with Candy by the Beach!

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 04/16/2018 - 1:40am

The answer is yes: Yes, it is worth paying a visit to the latest in LA's series of selfie-inspired "museums"—the recently opened Candytopia in Santa Monica Place. Yes, kids of all ages love this place, and yes, you'll feel like you got your money's worth.

Top Mother's Day Brunch Restaurants on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 04/15/2018 - 3:55pm

There’s no denying breakfast in bed can be sweet on Mother’s Day. But this year, why not suggest your family go out for a delicious brunch at a restaurant on Long Island? You can sip a mimosa or bloody mary, enjoy a scrumptious meal, and best of all, you won’t have to clean any dishes.

We’ve rounded up 20 restaurants across the Island that offer brunch options, from traditional omelets and pancakes to more creative dishes that feature local produce and international flair. Some spots offer more than just a meal, with free entertainment and activities for the whole family. Call ahead for reservations since places tend to book up quickly on this special day.

For other family-friendly happenings on Mother's Day weekend, check out our Event Calendar or Spring Guide. For more dining inspiration, see our guide to family-friendly dining on Long Island.

Best Mother's Day Brunch Restaurants for Families Across NYC

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 04/15/2018 - 11:35am

Mother's Day is fast approaching, on Sunday, May 13, 2018 which means it's time to start planning a special day for the well-deserving mom or wife in your life. Speaking from experience, all moms really want is a little time off. You could choose breakfast in bed, but why not instead forgo chores altogether and hit one of NYC's many delicious brunch spots?

We've rounded up more 20 scrumptious places throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. As if that wasn't enough, we've got tons more picks in our Family-Friendly Restaurant Guide. Pinpoint your special lady's preference, make reservations, and get ready to dig in.

After brunch, head out to one of these great family events happening that Sunday. However you decide to spend the day, Happy Mother's Day from your peers at Mommy Poppins.

10 Great LA Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Fri, 04/13/2018 - 9:16pm

Whoever said that dining out with kids is an impossible task probably didn’t know that there are a few spots that make the whole experience a piece of cake. We’re not talking about pizza parlors or hot dog stands (we love those, too), but wonderful restaurants and hip cafes where parents can get delectable food while kids can go a bit wild, whether enjoying a play area, a babbling brook, or old school games. It’s a win for everyone (especially for the parents) at these very family-friendly eateries.

10 Best Next-Level Soft Serve Ice Cream Spots in Los Angeles

Submitted by Colette Herbstman on Wed, 04/11/2018 - 5:00am

No matter if you’re 5 or 85, everybody loves ice cream—especially soft-serve. Los Angeles has a new crop of soft-serve shops combining the familiar with some exciting, new flavors and textures, not to mention some very snazzy looks. We decided to take a soft-serve tour of Los Angeles to compare old classics to what's new and trendy. Check out what a long way soft serve has come since we were kids.

Beyond the Goody Bag: 10 Great Birthday Party Favor Ideas for Kids

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Thu, 04/05/2018 - 11:55am

Whether you love them or hate them, party favors are still a huge part of any child’s birthday celebration. I happen to love figuring out favors for these festive occasions, because it’s creative and challenging—something I can happily pat myself on the back for, if done successfully. For that to happen, it needs to be equal parts pleasing for the kids and their parents, and either edible, memorable, practical, shareable, or charitable.

Do yourself a favor and read on for 10 ultra unique ideas to take your little guy or girl’s goody bag from basic to brag-worthy.

For more unique ways to fete your youngsters, check out our list of free ways to celebrate and 10 sweet alternatives to birthday cake, or learn how to create a DIY photo booth for the big event. Planning to celebrate your little one's first birthday soon? We've got ideas for your soon-to-be-turning-one babes, too. Whatever you're looking for, we’ve got birthday hints in the bag.

Dragon's Breath: Liquid Nitrogen Is Cool, But Is It OK To Eat?

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 03/26/2018 - 1:26pm

What started out an obscure and edgy treat in Koreatown a year or so ago has recently become a trendy dessert sweeping many corners of LA: Dragon's Breath. That's the name given to a frozen snack made by dipping some small, sweet bite (usually a cereal-like puff) into liquid nitrogen. If it sounds more like a science experiment than a dessert, it kind of is. But K-town's Chocolate Chair turned Dragon's Breath into a must-try confection on every tween and teen's to do list (not to mention their Snapchat and Instagram feeds). As the trend works its way down from big kids to little ones, and from obscure to mainstream, parents need to be in the know—and ready to answer the question, "Is it OK for my kid to eat liquid nitrogen?"

The Bunny Museum: That Place Everyone Needs To Visit Once

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Tue, 03/20/2018 - 1:44am

Tucked away in the sleepy mountain town of Altadena lies a delightful oddity: the world's largest collection.... of bunny objects. I recently had the hare-raising joy of visiting this curious destination. And it has to be said: if you're making a list of things that are truly only in LA, somewhere between sand sledding and Angelyne you'd have to include The Bunny Museum.