There's something about going out to a fun, kid-friendly restaurant for a birthday dinner that just feels ... special! Give your kiddo that on-top-of-the-world feeling when you treat them to a festive meal where they get to experience fun desserts, exciting themes, interactive dining experiences, and more. Whether you're looking to celebrate your best birthday boy or girl with a nice family dinner out or want to throw a birthday bash at their favorite local restaurant, we've rounded up the best Houston hot spots that are sure to be a hit.  

From fabulous fondue dinners to comfort food with a Wild West backdrop to afternoon tea, these 13 family-friendly (and birthday-friendly) Houston establishments will make the birthday kiddo the star of the show or offer bonuses like games and rides for an extra-special meal. For other eateries around town, look at our guide to Houston's kid-friendly restaurants. Or for some party planning ideas, check out these Birthday Venues Near Houston that Won't Break the Bank. 

If you’re looking for a fun and festive restaurant to celebrate your child’s birthday in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place. We have restaurants for a fancy, kid-friendly tea, train and animal lovers, and more. From over-the-top desserts to interactive experiences where kids can make their own pizza, these restaurants are great for your family or a small group of friends.

For more birthday party inspiration, check out the best indoor party spots for Chicago kids and our birthday party guides here. More fun-themed restaurants are on this list of interactive dining experiences for kids.

Birthdays are like national holidays in my house, and we love finding the best fun restaurants to go out and celebrate! Connecticut has plenty of kid-friendly spots that are ready for a party. Here are a few of our favorite go-to spots all around the Nutmeg State. Find more family-friendly eateries in our Guide to Kid-Friendly Restaurants, and make sure to check out this list of Birthday Freebies. 

The best fun restaurants for kids' birthdays in Boston combine the right mix of kid-friendly food with a fun atmosphere. Throw in some festive entertainment or proximity to top family attractions, and you've got a perfect destination for kids' birthdays in Boston.

For more of our top picks for the best fun restaurants, check out our Kid-friendly Boston Restaurants Guide. And our Birthday Party Guide for Boston Kids has tons of great ideas for planning the right celebration for your family!

If you're looking for more than just the average lunch or dinner out for your child's birthday, the DC area is full of fun restaurants that provide a truly memorable birthday meal. Whether it's games your family can play, amazing desserts you can savor, a killer birthday song, or an interactive experience, these fun restaurants near DC offer some special touches to make your kid's birthday extra festive and special. With all types of cuisines and options in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, you're sure to find a fun birthday restaurant that works for your family.

Read on for 13 fun restaurants for kids' birthdays near Washington, DC. Check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide for even more fun options for a fabulous birthday meal, from the best theme restaurants for families to restaurants where kids can play.

These budget weekend getaways are cheaper than your average getaway, while still delivering all the vacation fun. Because sometimes you really need to get out of town, pack in some family-only time, and explore something new—while leaving that vacation budget intact. You know, for that all-inclusive resort or Walt Disney World extravaganza!

With free and cheap activities, inexpensive places to stay, and gorgeous locations, these getaways are all big on family fun but come with small price tags.

For more family weekend fun, you can stay in town at our favorite Kid-Friendly Philadelphia Hotels for a Family Staycation or pack the car for a fantastic Family Road Trip from Philly. For these suggestions and more, check out our Guide to Philadelphia Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Pinkies up for high tea and tea party places in Atlanta! Treat mom like a queen with a Mother's Day high tea or spend any afternoon getting the royal treatment at these Atlanta tea party spots. (In fact, keep that royal energy going with a weekend tea party in May at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, in honor of the coronation of King Charles III!) High tea in Atlanta offers a fun way to spend time with kids— trying new drinks and foods, dressing up, and feeling like a princess or prince.

A note that almost all Atlanta high tea spots require reservations (and deposits for some) so plan accordingly. Sip hot or iced brews at our favorite Atlanta tea party spots, enjoy finger sandwiches (remind kiddos no actual fingers were used), and have a royally fun afternoon!

Even before the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation opened, the American Museum of Natural History was one of NYC's most iconic cultural institutions, so hulking in its square footage you'd be hard-pressed to see it all in one day. That statement is doubly true now that the Gilder Center is set to debut on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

A modern-looking new wing, the Gilder Center adds a whopping 230,000 square feet to AMNH and, for the first time, allows visitors to traverse the entire 10-building campus without hitting a dreaded dead end.

We got a sneak peek at the brand-new building and walked away in awe and anxious for a return visit with kids in tow. Read on for our review of the Gilder Center, which further cements AMNH's place on our list of the best museums in NYC for kids to visit, and learn about all the family-friendly attractions this brand new wing houses, including a year-round butterfly vivarium, 18 species of live insects, and an impressive, immersive exhibition backed by the science and data the American Museum of Natural History holds at the core of its mission.