Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Manhattan

Little ones love the sand box at the East 72nd Street Playground in Central Park, one of our favorite toddler playgrounds in Manhattan. Photo by Jody Mercier

Finding a playground in New York City is not a difficult task. My toddler is always yelling, “keep your eyes peeled for a playground,” when we are out running errands, and she finds one in every neighborhood. But, finding a just-right playground or tot lot where she can play safely is another story. These 15+ toddler playgrounds in Manhattan are all made for little ones to explore.

These toddler playgrounds are almost guaranteed to leave little ones speechless and provide hours of entertainment. These tot lots are destination-worthy, so build an outing around them! Find more fun places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds in New York City and plan a Brooklyn daycation with your tot in tow to check out one of these top toddler playgrounds in the borough.

13 Kid-Friendly Barbecue Restaurants in Houston

Kids eat Free at Dickey's on Sundays with each adult purchase of $10 or more. Photo courtesy of Dickey's

There's no shortage of good, finger-licking barbecue restaurants in Houston. And because most barbecue restaurants are loud and casual, they make for great family outings. Loud music and loud patrons mean no one will hear my toddler yell in protest when his barbecue sauce drifts too close to his many pieces of white bread. Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly barbecue restaurants in Houston.

For more Houston restaurant recommendations, check out our Houston Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

Atlanta Restaurants with Outdoor Seating and Great Patios

Restaurants with outdoor seating like Nina & Rafi offer delicious food and great ambience. Photo by Atlys Media

Dining out in Atlanta is truly "dining out" at these fabulous restaurants with outdoor seating! Eating al fresco with the fam has so many fun benefits besides tasty food—enjoy nature, allow kids to get their wiggles out, play games (like cornhole and Jenga), and jam out to live music if available.

Patios at restaurants with outdoor seating are awesome family dining options almost the whole of the year (winter might be a tough season to sell to the kids). Depending on which restaurant with outdoor seating your family selects, there may be some entertaining people-watching options or musical acts to catch. If your family loves a good restaurant patio, check out this great group of Atlanta restaurants with outdoor seating.

10 Family-Friendly Washington, DC Vegan Restaurants

Beefsteak has both meat and vegan options that will make kids smile. Photo courtesy of Beefsteak, Facebook

These days, more and more families are embracing plant-based diets. That trend is evident in the multitude of DC vegan restaurants that have been popping up in the District, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. From Ethiopian to classic soul food to delectable treats, DC restaurants offer lots of tasty options for vegan and vegetarian food that kids would be happy to chow down on.

Here are 10 family-friendly DC vegan restaurants that prove vegan food can be not only healthy, but delicious as well. Whether your family is full-on vegan or you just want to incorporate more meatless foods into your diets, visit these spots to chow down on a delicious plant-based meal.

For more restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to kid-friendly DC restaurants.

Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers

Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.

There ain’t no party like a preschool party! Once your child reaches toddlerhood, they may have a more swinging social life than you do. Yes, your weekends might be filled with parties, but thankfully there are some pretty entertaining birthday party places in Connecticut for preschoolers. From ball pits to painting, and sundaes to splash pads, this list has all of our favorite spots for toddler birthday party places in CT that bring out the party animal in every guest.  

Whether you're looking for the best Indoor Birthday Party Spaces in Connecticut for Kids or want the scoop on the best Birthday Freebies for Connecticut Kids, browse our Connecticut Kids' Birthday Party Guide.

Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Boston

Bring out the smiles by visiting Boston's best tot lots and toddler playgrounds. Photo courtesy of the Friends of Ringgold Park, Facebook

When the weather turns warm and sunny, it's time to get your little ones to the best tot lots and toddler playgrounds in Boston. Toddlers can't wait to get out and explore, and last fall's newborns are just about ready for a bucket swing! But not all playgrounds cater to the sub-preschool set. Luckily, there are several in and around Boston that do have sandboxes, swings, and smaller play structures built with the littlest kids in mind. Here are some of our favorite local "tot lots" with special features that are perfect for older babies and toddlers.

Explore our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Boston to find the right spot for kids of any age. Our list of 12 Awesome Boston Area Playgrounds Worthy of Getting in the Car is full of ideas for family excursions. And if the weather isn't helping play time, check out our guide to the Best Free Indoor Play Spaces.

Top Skate Parks in Connecticut

Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook

It seems like nearly every kid goes through a skateboarding phase, even if they don't see it through to Tony Hawk levels of expertise. Kicking, pushing, and gliding down the block is cool, but heading out to one of these local skate parks in Connecticut to practice tricks and catch some air is even better. Skateboarding may well be the most fun on four wheels that kids can have until they drive, so here are several well-kept skate parks in Connecticut for daredevil kiddos to explore. 

Looking for more outdoor spaces to have a blast? Don't miss our Outdoor Adventures Guide and our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Connecticut.

Where to Play Indoor Mini Golf Near DC with Kids

What color ball will you choose for your next game of mini golf?

Mini golf is the perfect springtime activity, and there are plenty of family-friendly mini golf courses near DC. But spring in the DC area can mean rainy days and unpredictable temps. Still, that doesn't have to ruin your putt-putt plans. Here are four places to play indoor mini golf near DC with kids. These indoor mini golf courses in the District, Maryland, and Northern Virginia will give your family a unique, interactive, and often glow-in-the-dark activity to enjoy when the weather is not so nice.

For more indoor family fun on rainy or colder days this spring and all year long, check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for Kids in DC.

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