New Yorkers have proven their hardiness time and again in the 11+ months since the pandemic struck, altering nearly every aspect of city living, but perhaps nowhere is that hardiness more clearly on display than when it comes to eating out. These local restaurants have weathered the storm (literally and figuratively) with their creative outdoor dining setups, and New Yorkers have shown up day and night, in snow, rain, and under sunny skies to enjoy a night out, literally.

Though indoor dining is back on, and capacity increases again soon, these outdoor setups are sticking around, getting New Yorkers through the winter with a restaurant-quality meal, cool ambiance, and a tale for the ages—not to mention safety and comfort.

When we first published this piece, we featured 13 such spots, and now our list tops 20 family-friendly restaurants. We found creative outdoor dining setups in each of the five boroughs, where, in addition to warming up and replenishing, you may even discover a favorite new eatery to enjoy in your own backyard for years to come.

You can find more great family-friendly restaurant picks in our Restaurant Guide, and remember, these venues have faced a pandemic roller-coaster, so tip generously. If you prefer to stay in, consider ordering takeout or delivery instead from a local restaurant.

Arts and crafts are a fun way to break up the monotony of the every day for kids (and adults!) of all ages. No matter where you are in NYC, you don't have to go far to find a creative outlet. We've rounded up 20 arts and crafts spots all across the five boroughs, where you can take classes in beading, painting, pottery, drawing, textiles, slime making, paper crafts, ceramic decorating, and more.

These studios offer a mixture of in-person classes and virtual options, and some even provide the supplies. If you're an intrepid DIYer, you'll find plenty of creative inspiration in our list of 100 crafts for kids.