Let the parent who has never yearned for a drink and a cheap kids' menu cast the first stone. While Happy Hour was indeed invented as a way to sell alcoholic beverages during a restaurant’s slow period, and mostly conjures images of a not-so-kid-friendly array of inebriated partiers, it can also mean great deals on meals. Many restaurants have Happy Hours that cater to (or at least accommodate) family dining. Here on the Westside, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to late-afternoon or early-evening discounted dinners. As a rule, Happy Hour is mostly a Monday through Friday 4 to 7pm proposition, but the terms are constantly changing, so it is best to call or check a restaurant’s website before settling into a booth. And while you’re checking, it's wise to be sure that you're heading somewhere kid-friendly. Some restaurants are more about the booze than the burgers, and that’s not going to work with kids. The places we've found (and selflessly tested) below are all spots that a family can enjoy together.

Sometimes you just need to get out of the house and spend some time with cows. So we hit the road and headed to Litchfield County and Arethusa Farm. The historic Connecticut dairy farm is open for tours from the end of March through October. I admit it: we can't get enough of farm visits. From checking out the baby animals and berry picking to corn mazes and Christmas tree farms, it feels great to enjoy fresh country air.

Despite the cool temperatures, believe it or not, spring has truly sprung! If you've got little ones who are itching to get out and enjoy the season, you're in luck: we've got a list of some of the best things to do with the under-5 set this spring. When the sun makes an appearance, get outside with your kiddo for a nature walk, Earth Day celebration, and Fairy and Pirate Festival. April showers are the perfect excuse to head inside for preschool-friendly performances of Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, Sesame Street Live, Cinderella, and The Lion King Jr. If you're up for a day trip, the season openings of Sesame Place and The Land of Make Believe are worth the travel time.

Read on for our top spring event picks for NJ kids under 5. And be sure to check out our Spring Fun Guide to find even more great things to do.

Percy Jackson fans rejoice: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical has returned to the Lucille Lortel Theatre in Greenwich Village. You don't have to have read the books to enjoy this full-length musical production, though my son and I adore the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. We were disappointed we missed the Theatreworks hourlong production in 2014, so when we heard it was expanded and heading back to the stage we knew we had to check it out.

With amazing talent, catchy pop-rock songs, heaps of humor, and a storyline with themes kids can relate to, demigod or mere mortal, it's a must-see for fans, according to my 13-year-old son. Read on for our full review, or find more kid-friendly NYC theater in our spring theater picks for families. 

Got energetic kids who are bouncing off the walls at home? Head over the new Launch Trampoline Park in Deptford, where bouncing off walls is highly encouraged!

I recently went to the grand opening weekend with my 3- and 5-year-old boys and had a blast. There is a lot to do, and unlike your average bounce house or indoor playspace, adults can jump right in and participate without feeling out of place.

Here's what you need to know before you go.

Therapeutic meets functionality at the newly opened Sensory Beans children's gym in Wantagh. Designed for children with sensory and special needs, the open-play space offers a vibrant and engaging world of visual and tactile stimulation. It is a family-facilitated gym for Long Island children of all ages and abilities. 

Here’s the scoop on the latest ice cream trend: There is no scoop. If you’re looking for something other than your typical ice cream shop this spring and summer, take the kids to try ice cream rolls. Rolled ice cream started in Thailand and, lucky for us, many shops have opened right here in New York City.

Find more fun foodie options to try with the kids in our NYC Restaurant Guide.

When we heard a 12-foot high outdoor climbing wall had landed on the waterfront in Brooklyn Bridge Park, my tree-climbing, monkey-bar-swinging son had to give it a try. As longtime Brooklynites, we’ve been taking advantage of the ever-expanding Brooklyn Bridge Park and great Dumbo eats for years. The addition of Dumbo Boulders offers yet another great reason to visit the neighborhood.