Finding a family-friendly Times Square restaurant that doesn't belong in a mall might be more difficult than navigating the costumed-character-crammed sidewalks of the area with a stroller. The Applebee's and Olive Garden might leave you feeling as if you're in the 'burbs, not the crossroads of the world.

But just as there are things to do with kids in Times Square beyond the tourist attractions, there are also a variety of off-the-beaten-track, family-friendly eateries that serve tasty cuisine reflecting our melting pot of a city.

So, whether you're heading to a kid-friendly Broadway show, or exploring some other enclave in the neighborhood, here are our top picks for family-friendly restaurants in Times Square.

You don’t need to be a budding astronaut to enjoy a day out at NASA Space Center Houston. Kids love the tram rides and interactive exhibits that provide visitors with a glimpse into the history, present, and future of space exploration. With over a million visitors a year, NASA Houston includes the control room of the first Moon landing and exciting developments around upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars.

NASA Houston is huge, with frequent updates, and with so much to see it can be a bit overwhelming. However, we are regular visitors, and our guide will help you make the most of your visit so the whole family has a great time.

Read lots more about Houston-area cultural institutions in our Guide to Children's Museums and Exhibits in Houston. 

Awesome ski resorts in and near New Jersey might just give your kids a lifelong love of winter sports–and the ones listed below will maximize your family's time on the mountain while minimizing time in the car.

If you're looking for winter fun that's a bit less strenuous, snow tubing might be just the thing, and for even more outdoor options, check out our Ski & Snow Guide for New Jersey Families.

Queens families have plenty of choices for indoor playgrounds on days when you need to get out of the apartment and it's too cold, rainy, or hot for a traditional playground. From the formerly industrial waterfront in Long Island City to locations deep in the borough, there are many family-friendly indoor play spaces in Queens.

These indoor play spaces are perfect for kids to jump, play, run, and get physical. Another great perk—most are much more affordable than Manhattan's top indoor playgrounds. Read on for our top indoor play spaces in Queens and find plenty more places to play citywide in our Guide to Indoor Play.

Explore CT's top free (and fun!) things to do.

Free things to do in Los Angeles are words that likely grab your attention, and there's no shortage of free activities and attractions in a city as large as LA. Save your funds for birthday gifts, Christmas presents, summer camps, and theme parks, and instead, take advantage and plan out your days with the kids with all the many free things to do in Los Angeles. 

While it's no secret that it's expensive to live in Southern California, one of the benefits is just how many free things there are to do! From museums to tours to uniquely Angeleno attractions, you can live here for years and still not check every box. But if you're up for the challenge, here are 100 free things to do in Los Angeles with kids. 

For more free things to do in Los Angeles, see restaurants where kids eat free in LA, find out when all the free Los Angeles museum days take place, and discover more free fun in our Guide to Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids. 

Find Boston's top free and fun family activities!

Enjoying FREE things to do in Atlanta just makes that fun all the much better! We've rounded up some of our favorite free Atlanta attractions, events, and outdoor spaces that not only entertain kids, but are easy on the wallet! Some of the following Atlanta spots are free all of the time; some may offer special days or rates throughout the year. Save money and explore the beauty of Atlanta and nearby Georgia with our helpful guide!