When Royal Caribbean launched the Symphony of the Seas in March of 2018, it officially launched the biggest cruise ship in the world. Playing host to over 6500 passengers, she’s currently cruising the Mediterranean Sea before making her way to the Caribbean in November. We had the opportunity to explore this impressive vessel and came back with plenty to report. If you’re considering a cruise soon, or just want to know what the biggest ship in the world has to offer, keep reading. Believe us when we say there’s something for everyone on board.
The Stats
Featuring over 17 floors with 2,759 staterooms (6,680 guest capacity total!), there are seven different neighborhoods to explore, including our family-friendly picks—Central Park, the Boardwalk, the Youth Zone and the Sports and Pool Zone.
Central Park has open-air access that brings in a welcomed sea breeze, along with plenty of foliage, live music and several specialty restaurants: Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian, Vintages and 150 Central Park.
The Boardwalk is filled with kid-centric fun, like the carousel, arcade, Sugar Beach candy store and Johnny Rockets diner, and it’s the home to the outdoor aquatic theater, where you can find live shows, outdoor movies and more.
The Youth Zone is where all the kids’ clubs are located. There’s even a techy-looking science lab, an art studio and a theater, all just for the kids. There’s also an indoor playground where parents can come to let their kids burn off steam, but it does require supervision at all times unless you drop your kiddos off in the kids club. The childcare staff is experienced, and the groups are divided by age: babies and toddlers (they have napping areas and will provide you an itinerary of what your tyke did all day), Aquanauts (3-5), Explorers (6-8) and Voyagers (9-11). There’s even a tweens and teens program for kids ages 12-17. The kids club is open free of charge until 10 p.m., and for anyone wanting a later evening (12 p.m.), there’s a small hourly charge.
The Sportsand Pool Zone is at the top of the ship and offers three waterslides, three pools, a splash zone, mini golf, zip lining, rock climbing, the Abyss (a 10-story dry slide), basketball court and the FlowRider wave zones.
The Food
Cruises, after all, are known for their all-you-can-eat spreads, and Symphony of the Seas doesn’t disappoint. From the three-level main dining room (the lunch salad bar is a hidden gem!) with excellent service and impressive dinner menu and the morning fare at the Solarium Bistro to Park Cafe for hot-pressed sandwiches or fresh-prep salads and El Loco Fresh, located near the Sports and Pool Zone, there’s a food type for every appetite.
Insider tip: Don’t forget to look for the soft-serve ice cream cone bars in the Pool the Sports Zone.
If you opt to purchase a specialty dining package, you can choose from nine different restaurants including breakfast at Johnny Rocket’s, raw oysters and family-style seafood dinners at Hooked Seafood, truffle pasta from Jamie’s Italian, or elegant steak dinners with good wine at Chops Grille.
Our best-bet pick for specialty dining on board the Symphony of the Seas is Wonderland: where your dinner and evening entertainment intertwine. From the moment you enter the restaurant, which is filled with mismatched furniture (one dinner chair was an upside-down sofa) nothing is what it seems. The mixologist serves up creative drinks like Chesire Cat cosmos, the menus magically appear, and there’s a continuous flow of things that engage all the senses: They serve imaginative cuisine at Wonderland, which means you’ll be tasting things like liquid lobster for starters and meringue mushrooms for dessert.
Good to know: Be sure to make a reservation as soon as your cruise begins: current waiting lists are around 60 groups.
What to Do
Whether you choose to head out on an excursion, explore the port town or just stay on board, there’s an endless array of activities for guests while cruising the Symphony of the Seas.
Take an Excursion
When you board the ship, you’ll be given a package filled with all the different excursions that are available while you’re cruising. There’s everything from hikes and bikes rides to beach transfers and foodie destinations.
Plan on taking the kids? Be sure to look for the family icon in the shore excursion booklet. For example, the European cruise offers a pizza making academy in Sorrento, Italy. You’ll get a lesson from the pros, get to eat your creations and then stroll through the alley of Sorrento—a charming seaside village in Southern Italy.
Want to leave the kids on the ship? With all the fun excursions for adults, it’s easy to leave the kids on board in kids club while you explore with your partner. Anything with long travel times, thrills or lots of walking might be better solo or only with older kids, like in the Bahamas, where you’ll have the chance to hike Mount Liamuiga.
Stay on the Ship
Each morning you’ll receive a daily planner at your door, which details the port stop for the day, the weather forecast, the big events or deals that are happening, and an hourly rundown of everything you can do aboard the Symphony of the Seas. Want to play laser tag? Head for Deck 4. Feel like climbing the walls? Head for the back of Deck 7. There are movie nights, family mini golf competitions, face painting, family bingo, sushi-making classes, family science labs, dance classes, balloon twisting, and family basketball tournaments. Plan your own family game night in the card room, enjoy the open ice skating times, or just lay low with a cruise-approved Pina Colada on of the hundreds of lounge chairs available.
Insider tip: Be sure to enter (err … ride) the Abyss, which, at 10 stories high, is the tallest slide at sea.
You can choose from a different live show every night: high-diving thrills in the AquaTheater, see the history of aviation in reverse in Flight … Dare to Dream, at the Royal Theater, or ice skating, or follow an ice-skating, time-traveling jewel thief in 1977.
I love babies. Seriously, I’m what you might call a “baby person.” I love nothing more than the feel of a newborn on my chest, their tiny body cozy in footed pajamas. I always knew I would be a mom and I always knew I wanted a bunch of kids. What I didn’t realize is that a time would come when that desire would completely end. Don’t get me wrong—I’m still the first to volunteer to hold someone’s baby. I’ll rock him to sleep, change her diaper, sing “Open Shut Them” a thousand times. But I have no desire to have that in my own house. And here’s why.
1. My Kids Can Wash Their Own Hair
Yes, bathtime is adorable. Rubber Ducks, bubbles, Barbies. But after 11 years of bathing children, I nearly threw a party the first time my daughter insisted on taking a shower and washing her own hair. The fact that all three of them can be sent upstairs—(after arguing that they really don’t need to take a shower because they took one three days ago) to bathe and get ready for bed while I finish my second glass of wine (oops!) and stalk Mormon families on Instagram—has seriously changed my life.
2. We Can Leave Our Kids Home Alone
There was a time when schlepping one kid to soccer meant dragging all three. Or running out to the grocery store for milk meant strapping everyone into their booster seats. Having a twelve-year-old in the house is like having an au pair—only better because I don’t have a stranger living in my house. Running errands or sneaking out to an adults-only happy hour hasn’t been this easy since pre-kid life. And they love that they get to hang out with the dog and watch TV and play Fortnite on the Xbox. Everybody wins!
3. The Kids Can Leave Us Home Alone
The flip side is that our kids can now venture off without us. One of the benefits to living in town is that they can walk to the local candy store– even though, ironically, the owners don’t like when kids walk in. Or they can ride their bikes with their friends to the playground. They feel independent and free, despite the fact that they’re only a few blocks away. And we can send them to pick up dinner or something from the CVS. Again, everybody wins!
4. Traveling Is So Much Easier
We were never the family who stayed home because we had kids. Our oldest was on a plane at 10 weeks. Our kids are phenomenal travelers, which is good because I have a serious problem where I’m either on a trip, planning a trip or researching destinations to travel to before I’m 50. But there was a time when the things we had to bring actually outnumbered us. Suitcases, carry-on backpacks, strollers, car seats. Insane. The first time we went to Disney without a stroller, my husband and I practically skipped down Main Street.
This summer we have three vacations where we are only flying with carry-ons. No checked luggage. All five of us. I’m almost more excited about that than the actual trips. When we share a hotel room, my husband and I used to sit in the bathroom with our wine and magazines until the kids would fall asleep. Now we say goodnight to them and head down to the hotel bar. A date night on a family vacation? Yes, please.
5. I Have Rediscovered My Marriage
My husband and I have an amazing marriage. Through the sleepless nights of newbornhood, the absurd tantrums of toddlerhood, the stress of homework and school projects and the beginnings of hormonal adolescence, we’re a good team. But that doesn’t mean that we haven’t had times when that “spark” wasn’t there or weeks where we felt like we barely had the chance to have a conversation. But over the past year (and after turning 40), I’ve felt a shift. Our kids’ independence has allowed us to reconnect.
We find ourselves talking about an interesting story we read while the kids are out riding their bikes. Or we’ll take the dog out for a walk while they’re home watching a movie. This shift isn’t one I thought we necessarily needed, but at the same time, it’s one I’m grateful for. It’s nice to remember that you really like that guy across the room who is scraping burnt eggs off a pan.
So while I get teary-eyed when I watch an old home movie, or when a Facebook memory pops up and reminds me of how delicious my kids were when they were tiny, I’m ready for this next phase. I like that my kids are actual people who have their own interests and things going on. I like that we can discuss current events as a family and that my husband and I feel like a couple again. As for the smell of a newborn, or those ridiculous baby clothes I sometimes find myself looking through at Nordstrom Rack? That’s what grandkids are for… eventually!
I'm Missy, a mother of three and a middle school drama teacher at a private school. I'm obsessed with my Vizsla (dog), traveling, and the musical Hamilton. I also enjoy writing and sharing fun parenting stories, which is what brought me here.
Celebrating Easter and Passover this year is going to be different for sure. But you can still do it, with an assist from tech and local businesses and organizations. We’ve rounded up online services, as well as restaurants delivering Passover seders, Easter dinners, and goodies like candy for Easter baskets. Read on for our NYC holiday helpers!
Passover
Creative Family Seder
92Y
On April 8, 92Y will host a kid-friendly Passover celebration at 10:30 a.m. with puppets, singing, dancing and more!
Tune in via Zoom for a family-friendly virtual seder with the Marlene Meyerson JCC. This seder that will highlight all the main parts of the haggadah through story and song with an online haggadah. If possible, each family should come with a kiddush cup of grape juice and a seder plate to use during the seder. Led by Rabbi Lori Forman-Jacobi, director of Jewish Journeys, and Megan Sass, Havurah song leader and JJP faculty member. Details sent upon registration. Free, with donation appreciated.
The Jewish Museum offers audio tours of select works relating to Passover found in the Museum's collection. Families can explore Amy Klein Reichert's "Miriam Cup"; Nicole Eisenman's painting "Seder"; and Ludwig Yehuda Wolpert's Passover set.
Russ & Daughters Bagels, Lox, Spreads & Bread
Russ & Daughters
You can't get a seder meal from Russ & Daughters, but if you're in Manhattan, you can get spectacular bagels, appetizings, fish and more, as well as a Haggadah from Tablet magazine if you need one.
The store is also holding a virtual seder via Zoom on April 9 at 7:30 p.m. The program is hosted by Andy Bachman and the Russ family, with special guests Andy Nyman, Elvis Costello & Diana Krall, friends and family, and more. Plus: musical guests Lorin Sklamberg (of The Klezmatics) and Alex Weiser (of YIVO). (Donations collected will go to furloughed Russ & Daughters employees.)
Need the whole shabang, from matzoh to babka—with brisket, latkes and everything else in between?
Katz's Delicatessen has got you covered. You can order a la carte, or the full dinner for $33.45 per person. Need a seder plate? They got you—it's $18.00
Zabar's full soup-to-nuts-dinners are sold out online—although they have a full selection of holiday food in the store and are open for pickup). However, you can get lots of treat baskets and individual items like gefilte fish, salmon, and more online.
2245 Broadway at 80th Street Upper West Side 212-787-2000 Online: zabars.com
The charming and impressively-stocked Fferins candy store in Park Slope is delivering to the surrounding area ($20 minimum) and offering curbside pickup. Its inventory includes something for everyone, big and small, from Harry Potter treats and nostalgia candy (Lemon Drops, Pop Rocks and Wax Lips) to specialty Easter candy (eggs, bunnies, etc.), UK chocolate and candy and artisanal treats for refined palates. See the full menu here.
The Smith, god bless it, is open and making food for pickup and delivery. With four locations in Manhattan (NoMad, Lincoln Square, Midtown and the East Village) if you're on the island, there's a good chance there's one near you! (They are also doing dinners for two and cocktail and beer delivery, FYI.)
Mini Boden fans can share in the magic one more time. Your little wizard-in-training will be ready for Hogwarts with the third installment of the bestselling Harry Potter x Boden Kids Collection. Boden in partnership with Warner Bros Consumer Products has just released this Wizarding World-inspired apparel for Spring/Summer 20.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Hogsmeade without a trip to Honeydukes. The Bertie Bott’s t-shirt features hand-drawn illustrations of the sweet treats.
There’s more candy store fun with the technicolor jelly bean embroidered Bertie Bott’s shorts and sequined Bertie Bott’s dress
Harry Potter’s loyal owl companion, Hedwig, is featured on dresses, skirts and pajamas.
The rugby shirts and dress will have you rooting for your favorite house at the Quidditch match. With shirts featuring the Hogwarts crest and Harry’s number 7, your little one is bound to catch the golden snitch.
The Mini Boden x Harry Potter collection is available for girls and boys ages 2–16.
On stage, JoJo Siwa sings about being a kid in a candy store, but when she is at home, she literally is surrounded by candy. In her YouTube vlog, the 16-year-old brought fans on a tour of her newly redecorated bedroom. The sugary sweet room looks like something out of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
This rainbow space is just one of many over-the-top rooms in the California mansion she and her family moved into at the end of 2019. In the video, Siwa dressed up like Wonka himself for the tour, donning a purple suit, white gloves and goggles alongside her signature bow.
“This house is literally our dream house,” Siwa said, “I wanted to redo my bedroom but I was like, ‘Hmm, what do I want to do?’ Then I got the idea to turn my bedroom into a complete candy room … Oh my gosh, I’m so excited!”
The room is now filled with 4,000 pounds of candy. Each of her doors dsiplays her signature logo. The walls are a swirl of colors and motion. Her dresser is covered in a gumball print and the drawers are even filled with a layer of actual sprinkles alongside the bows she wears every day.
Her bed’s headboard is made from clear tubes (like you’d find in a candy store) filled with all types of colorful candies from Skittles, to gumballs, to Starburst. Plus, there is a gear on the wall that when turned, releases the candy.
Sleepovers of the past included movies, popcorn and endless games of Mall Madness. Put down your credit card and take a trip to the virtual mall with your kids. The Mall Madness board game is making a comeback this fall.
Cha-ching! Hasbro is bringing back the popular game 15 years after the original version left store shelves. The game requires “shoppers’ to get all the items on their list and it coached you through the entire process. It was a thrill to swipe your pretend credit card at I.M. Coughin Drug Store and 2 Left Feet Shoes. The food court had plenty of options including Aunt Chovie’s Pizza.
The new modernized version has the same feel as the original with 22 mall locations on 2 floors including a nail salon, candy store, jewelry store, arcade, shoe store, electronics store and a toy store. The talking electronic button features fun sound effects when a player buys something. It also tells players where to move, announces surprise clearance sales and more.
The new Mall Madness board game will be available on October 1 online and at most major retailers for $24.99. It can be played by two to four people and is suitable for ages nine and up. Mark your calendar or pre-order it now on Amazon.
Are you looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Now you can savor the delicious taste of OREOs without consuming a single cookie. This OREO flavored lip balm will soon become your new favorite.
The lip balm was first seen on Instagram after being shared by Snack Betch.
According to the post, the lip balm was found at It’Sugar, a candy store with more than one hundred locations in the United States. The product is also available online, although it’s already sold out on Amazon.
The product’s description on Amazon states, “At first glance, you’d think this lip balm was an actual cookie! Our design team is happy to bring you this fun cosmetic Oreo cookie lip balm. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love that delicious Oreo flavor?”
The OREO flavored lip balm was developed and marketed by Taste Beauty, a cosmetics company that aims to “bridge the gap between fun and cosmetics!”
This isn’t the first time Taste Beauty has created a lip balm inspired by the sandwich cookie. In March 2019, OREO and Taste Beauty collaborated to create an OREO lip balm that “smells and tastes just like your favorite cookie.”
The first edition did not come in an OREO shaped container, rather it featured a traditional twist-up design imprinted with an OREO pattern. Originally, the “Stuf Lip Balm” was only available through a contest, but now it can be purchased online.
Whichever balm you choose, you will enjoy smooth lips that taste like your favorite treat.
Whether you’re trying to fill the gap between when your kiddo’s classes end and you get home from work or you just need a safe space for your child to burn off the post-school wiggles, we’ve tracked down the most exciting and engaging extracurricular activities in the DMV. From flying on a trapeze to learning how to flamenco (and everything in between), these courses will captivate and educate your little learner beyond the classroom.
Big Learners
Parlez-vous Français? (Or Chinese? Or Spanish?) Let your petit Francophile explore all things French at Big Learners. This non-profit organization offers language classes in French, Chinese and Spanish as well as instruction in the sciences. Native-speaking teachers provide an authentic learning environment for scholars to explore culture and customs while mastering fluency of a foreign language. The center also offers a Science and Engineering program that approaches problem solving hands-on. Classes start in October
Inside Ski Training Center
Your little skier can go from Pizza to French Fries at this indoor facility where you can hit the slopes year-round. The Center boasts that a one hour lesson can accomplish what a half-day group lesson can achieve on snow. You don’t have to buy lift tickets or rent equipment to participate, making this an affordable way to learn. Inside Ski also offers snowboarding lessons. In addition to group classes, the Center offers one-on-one sessions.
Ages: 3 & up
Cost: starting at $33.25/class
Where: 34-B Catoctin Cir. SE, Leesburg, VA
Online: insideski.com
Rock Creek Park Horse Center
Giddy up! If your child begs for pony rides in their sleep, it might be time to upgrade to riding lessons. Future equestrians should look no further than Rock Creek Park where classes little riders learn how to groom and care for horses while mastering walking, trotting, jumping and more.
Ages: 5 1/2 & up
Cost: starting at $55
Where: 5100 Glover Rd., Washington, DC
Online: rockcreekhorsecenter.com
The Washington Ballet
Young dancers can pirouette and plié with one of DC’s best dance companies, The Washington Ballet. Kids under 5 will be introduced to creative movement explorations using pretend play, props, and stories. Children over 6 will continue to build upon basic ballet knowledge like posture, steps, and etiquette. Children 7 and under are not required to audition for the company. Ballet is a great way to develop increased strength and motor coordination. Students can practice at either the NW or SE campus.
Ages: 3 & up
Cost: varies
Where: 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Online: washingtonballet.org
Trapeze School New York
Circus work isn’t just for clowns! Learning aerial acts not only helps strengthen a child’s core, it also builds their self-esteem. The TSNY of DC offers drop-in classes as well as 6 week workshops. Mini trapezists will swing from silks, a lyra, a Spanish web and, of course, a trapeze. If your kiddo takes to the sky with ease, there are also camps available during school holidays.
Ages: 6 & up
Cost: starting at $40
Where: 1299 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
Online: washingtondc.trapezeschool.com
Play-Well TEKnologies
Featuring LEGO-inspired engineering classes for kids in grades K-8, Play-Well TEKnologies is in schools all over the DMV—just type in your zip code on their website to find the host school nearest you. Specific course themes vary, but your kids can always expect to apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects. Let them explore their craziest ideas in a supportive environment, or work on a concrete building project such as bulldozers, hovercrafts, hot air balloons, or the Great Wall of China design. Have a Minecraft fan? Give her an outlet to build a zoo, create a medieval castle, or design a tree house village! The possibilities are truly endless.
International School of Languages ISLis a community-oriented language school dedicated to offering language education for all ages..Their main focus is on helping students who really have the will and desire to learn a foreign language. ISL offers Spanish, French, English, Chinese Mandarin, Farsi, Italian, Portuguese, German and Russian. These are funclasses where music and games are incorporated in the learning process.
Henry’s Sweet Retreat An innovative version of an old-fashioned candy store is exactly what owner Patty Craver was trying to achieve when opening this fun place, withcandy-lined walls. Henry’s Sweet Retreat is a modern take on an old world sweet shop that will satisfy anyone and everyone’s sweet tooth. And the best part: after school baking and decorating classes for kids aged 7-13 recently launched! One hour classes are being offered three days a week, with over three different sessions. Each class has a baking and decorating element and the kids will bring home their goodies at the end of class. Some of the items include back to school pencil cookies, fall and Halloween bark, spider and turkey cupcakes football rice krispie treats and more! Super fun plus, who doesn’t love sweets?!
Flamenco 4 Kids! At any age Flamenco is a lot more than just dance. But for young children it is a unique outlet for self-expression. Flamenco 4 Kids! balances discipline with fun and independence! Children ages 4-12 can learn Flamenco Rhythm, Music, and Dance. Teacher, Magdalena, uses a natural technique of ear training to build age-appropriate skills in movement and musicianship. If you stay for a class and peek through a window, don’t be surprised to see your little one standing tall and proud like royalty, or stomping her feet like a stampede of horses. Magdalena mixes rhythm and dance while traditional music from Andalucía plays in the background.
Great Adventure Lab Have a coder in your midst? The Great Adventure Lab teaches kids grades K-7 how to love science, with super-fun hands-on classes in Lego Robotics, Programming, Engineering and more! The Great Adventure Lab hosts science, engineering and programming classes, camps and birthdays in metro DC (including NOVA, MoCo, Howard County PG County, and Baltimore County). Since their founding in 2010, The Great Adventure Lab has taught over 10,000 elementary school kids how to write their first robotics or video game programs. They have an array of after school classes to choose from depending on what your Einstein loves to do.!
DC Fencers Club Why, yes, I fence! Whether you are a leading fencer or a “free-time” fencer, the DC Fencers Club is the place for you. For almost 30 years, the DCFC, has consistently produced winners both in the United States and around the world. Coaches help refine the skills of highly competitive fencers while emboldening more amateur fencers. Kids can take classes, participate in workshops, or opt for individual lessons. DCFC coaches are fencing masters and National Champions.
Paper Source Cursive Workshop Who doesn’t need to work on their cursive?! Designed to Enhance your child’s penmanship, Paper Source’s Cursive Workshop is ideal for your 7-13 year old debutante! This six week after-school session is designed for elementary school students to learn lettering basics of cursive. At each 1-hr period, participants will spend time practicing their strokes with a little added crafting fun. Ages: 7-13
Where: various locations across the DMV Cost: $150
Online: papersource.com
Creative Youth Dedicated to teaching fashion design and sewing, Creative Youth’s entire curriculum is tailored to the needs of their students with a focus on self-esteem building, creativity, and fun! Classes are offered after school and on the weekends on a rolling basis (students can begin at any time, and all skill levels are welcome). Students take home all work they’ve created in class, and all supplies and materials are included in the class fee—including New York designer patterns, couture fabrics, runway images, professional art tools, and more. Give your fashionista a chance to see what it takes to be a fashion star.
Ages: 7-18 Where: 4805 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda, MD Cost: starting at $35 Online: creative-youth.com
Rockin’ Railroad
Each week, Kidville’s live four-piece children’s band takes you and your child on a journey through tempo, rhythm, word recognition, and sound identification, exploring different instruments and musical genres and meeting special puppet friends along the way. The class makes“stops” at fun destinations including Instrumentville and Grandma’s House before heading back to Kidville Station, and is divided according to age group.
Tiny Chefs
With the philosophy of “learning through cooking,” Tiny Chefs encourages children to discover the joys of cooking while obtaining basic educational skills and culinary techniques. Instructors teach kids to follow recipes, measure and combine ingredients, and work together in a team all while promoting personal creativity. Classes strive to instill health-conscious values in kids along with the confidence to experiment with their own creations in the future.All of these skills are mixed in with delicious food and fun. Want your kids to learn to cook at home? After a two-hour lesson in your own kitchen, your entire family could be eating Vietnamese Summer Rolls, Chicken Pot Pie Bundles, and Sweet Mango Salsa with Homemade Cinnamon Tortilla Chips (!). We’ll be right over.
Ages: varies Where: locations vary (including in-home classes, local elementary schools, and community centers) Cost: varies depending on location Online: tinychefs.com
Imagination Stage Introductory Dance
From Broadway and ballet to hip hop and Hamilton, Imagination Stage offers a range of dance classes for all ability levels that help young dancers improve their performance skills, learn how to portray character, master choreographed routines, and develop a better understanding of history from a musical perspective. Some classes also incorporate singing, and many classes culminate in an end-of-semester final sharing.
Abrakadoodle Art Classes
There’s truly something for every petit artist at Abrakadoodle: toddlers can develop their sensory and fine and gross motor skills while they learn about color and texture and experiment with new, engaging materials. Preschoolers gleefully create their own masterpieces while developing school readiness skills. And elementary-age students hone their craftsmanship, build knowledge of artistic styles and art history, execute their own imaginative projects, and cultivate the power of self-expression. There are even special “themed” classes for drawing, canvas, and found art.
Ages: 20 months-upper elementary school Where: locations vary throughout Montgomery, Loudoun, and Fairfax Counties Cost: $85-195 Online: abrakadoodle.com
The First Tee More than a chance to drive a cart, the founders of The First Tee believe that playing golf helps to reinforce values like integrity, respect, and perseverance. Their programs are delivered at golf courses, in schools, and at youth centers. Kids who have never held a club work with coaches who are highly trained in positive youth development, and everyone gets great exercise: young people can burn up to 800 calories walking nine holes!
Ages: 7-18 Where: locations vary throughout the DMV Cost: varies (and chapters offer full scholarships or reduced-fee programming for those with financial need) Online: thefirsttee.org
Writopia Lab
Whether your burgeoning Pulitzer Prize-winning author is interested in playwriting, filmmaking, graphic novels, creative writing, photojournalism, essay writing, or private lessons, you can trust that the instructors at Writopia Lab will help stoke that fire. The age-based workshops pledge to foster joy, literacy, and critical thinking in children and teens from all backgrounds.
Ages: 8-18 Where:Tenleytown, Capitol Hill, Falls Church, Rockville Cost: varies based on location Online: writopialab.org
—Meghan Yudes Meyers with Guiomar Ochoa and Katie Brown
You love a good porter, and the subtleties of a fresh hop IPA aren’t lost on your palate. Luckily, with the current craft beer movement, more breweries and pubs are opening their doors to parents with kids in tow, creating fun, relaxing environments for all. Sure, this won’t replace your need for trivia night at your local bar, but now you won’t be limited on when and where you can enjoy the newest microbrew. From working farms that serve up fantastic ciders to world-famous breweries and gardens, keep reading to discover our favorite spots to grab a brew with babes in tow.
Ballast Point Brewpub - Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, CA
The "happiest place on earth" just got happier since the Ballast Point Brewpub moved into Downtown Disney. The brewery features a 4,000-square-feet, glass-enclosed bar and restaurant space, as well as a 3,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden with “cabana-style seating,” perfect for crowd watching as you relax with a meal. The 100 tap lines will offer more than fifty styles of Ballast Point’s adventurous beer including some exclusive brews. Not only is the restaurant kid-friendly, but it is also hoping to help those less fortunate by donating one dollar of every $10 kids meal sold to No Kid Hungry.
If you enjoy family game night, bring your crew to this Sterling, VA establishment for some beer and board games. Twinpanzee offers games for all ages, including Candy Land, Operation, Chutes and Ladders, Trouble, Sorry!, Clue and more. There is also a Nintendo Entertainment System with over 30 games to challenge your loved ones with. Kids 16 & under are treated to free chips and juice. The brewery frequently hosts family-friendly events like kart racing.
While anyone is allowed to take the tour of the New Glarus Brewing Co., they have a strict policy where "anyone, regardless of age, who cries, spits, screams, fights or climbs on the machinery will politely be excused from our brewery tour." All kidding aside, visiting the brewery within Wisconsin's "Little Switzerland" is definitely a "must see." Located on a hilltop, you and the kids can take your own self-guided tour of the brewery's garden with plenty of photos opps. You will want to pack a few snacks since they do not offer food, but they do make their own root beer so everyone wins!
In what used to be two mechanic shops is now Gate City Brewing's two-story, brewhouse and taproom which is, as they say, "pro-friendly." Not only are kids and dogs welcome, but so is outside food (although local food trucks also make the rounds too.) The place offers nearly 20 house-brewed beers on draft and lots of fun including live music, brewery yoga, "paint and pint nights," comedy showcases and more.
Some families boast that the Old Irving Brewery is a great place to cuddle up during a rainy day. Not only will you find a beer here, but also beer-inspired cocktails, ciders, bourbons, whiskeys, rums, tequilas and more. For the kids (and for those who don't care to drink) they also offer a variety of sodas (house-made and Coca-Cola varieties), ginger beer, lemonade and ice tea. If you can manage to pull them away from the indoor bean bag toss area, your kids will love mac and cheese with bacon of other great finds on the huge kid-friendly menu.
If you walk in the doors of Elliott Bay Brewing Company around dinnertime, there will be no doubt in your mind that this is where beer-loving parents come to enjoy a pint—and you’ll love that Elliott Bay is pretty noisy so no one will be hushing your little ones through your meal. Ask to sit upstairs or in one of the booths along the edge of the brewery. The kids’ menu is tasty and the adult fare is a step above typical brewery grub, so come hungry. And now with three locations, it’s easier than ever to make this your new Friday night hangout!
Atlantic Brewing Company was one of the first to hop (pun intended!) on the microbrew craze. Built on a 10-acre farm, the entire place was designed to create an experience where visitors could learn first-hand about small-scale beer production. There’s also a tasting room and beer garden, the very popular Mainely Meat BBQ restaurant, and a large outdoor courtyard area. The kids will love the playground in the back, and Atlantic Brewing even does flights of housemade soda tastings for the little ones! Also, check out ABC's Midtown location with Midtown Burgers (52 Cottage St.) and their sister winery, Bell Harbor Cellars (on Route 3) for their line of traditional red, whites, and local fruit wines.
When it comes to being kid friendly, Hopworks Urban Brewery (aka HUB) goes the extra mile. There are three play areas with train tables, chalkboards, books and toys, and kids are handed a ball of pizza dough upon arrival. The kid’s menu is ample with offerings like pizza strips and the Little Brewer’s Burger. There’s even organic baby food available for $2 a jar! There are two HUB locations in Portland: Powell (2944 SE Powell Blvd.), Williams (3947 N Williams Ave.) and one in Vancouver (17707 SE Mill Plain Blvd.)
Located right off the Holmes Run Trail, Port City Brewing is an ideal stop after that weekend family bike ride. It was awarded Best Small Brewery at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival, so you know the beer’s good here. There are ample picnic tables inside and out, there's a back room with seating/arcade games, and an upstairs bar area with darts, seating, and extra restrooms. There’s often live music on the weekend, and while they don’t serve food, you can usually find a food truck parked outside.
Beer-loving parents in Dallas have a friend at Oak Highlands Brewery. Not only does the brewery have an airy tasting room with large glass windows that allow guests to check out the brewing area, but in the back, there’s additional seating with cornhole sets, a ping-pong table, a foosball table, an air hockey table, a large chalkboard and even a large Jenga set. When that’s not enough, wander over to the arcade games! The brewery hosts a ton of fun events, including family night once a month, BBQ cookoffs and fundraisers for local causes. Be sure to bring hungry bellies, too. You’ll find food trucks lined up and ready to serve.
Craft beer fans know Denver as the home of the Great American Beer Festival, but it’s also home to an impressive list of breweries creating their own suds. There are several kid-friendly joints, but Station 26 is at the top of the list. There’s no restaurant, but there are pretzels for snacking, and a revolving selection of food trucks show up every day. There’s a grassy area that’s great for kids, a bunch of communal picnic tables with plenty of shade, and live music. Plus, the building was actually a real fire station in a past life. Oh, and the beer? It’s pretty awesome, too.
It's not exactly a brewery, but this awesome cidery located on the Olympic Peninsula is totally worth the drive, even with wee ones. Not only is the cider seriously legit, but space is a destination in itself. There’s a working farm, a tasting room, and family-friendly music concerts during the summer.
Head's up foodies! Finnriver takes the slow food movement seriously. During the week they offer local snacks and goodies to create your own picnic. On the weekends, the grill is open and serving tasty eats like local brats, with kraut, homemade cider mustard, and seasonal vegetables or salads. There are also food trucks serving up gourmet eats like crepes and oysters.
Check out our full list of family-friendly breweries in Seattle here!
Flossmoore Brewing Company – Flossmoor, IL
Courtesy Flossmoor Station
Stationed inside a 1906 train depot, this award-winning brewpub is located in the heart of historic Flossmoor, just 28 miles outside of Chicago. Kids love the Old Caboose Ice Cream Shoppe (open Thurs.-Sun. from Jun.-Sept.) that dishes up frozen yogurt and fun toppings like gummy bears, Snickers bar, and teddy grahams. There’s a kid’s menu with healthy options, and the adult fare is pretty tasty too. Think carving board charcuterie & cheese, burgers, baby back ribs, fish 'n' chips and more. Tiny guests also have a chance to write a story about Goober, the pub mascot (the two best stories are chosen once a month). The winner receives a free kids meal and the honor of having his or her story posted in the main entrance. There’s also a miniature train set that runs above the pub and bar area, and the brewery even does root beer tours for local second-grade classrooms!
Marin County’s original brewpub has been a family hot-spot for years. There’s a large patio with picnic tables to fit large groups, and the menu (each kid menu comes with crayons) has everything from mac ‘n’ cheese for the kids to special salads and entrees for the adults. As an added bonus, the brewpub can be found at Marin Country Mart, which, from the play area and pond in the middle of the shopping center to the ice cream and toy shops that take up other storefronts, is perfect for an entire day of fun.
If the patio overlooking the beautiful St. Croix River and the view of the famous Lift Bridge doesn’t win you over, the impressive collections of games, the free popcorn, the yoga and fun family events (cornhole tourney, anyone?) will. This family-owned brewery is located in the heart of historic Stillwater, and the community vibes are real—every Monday, $1 of every pint sold goes to a local non-profit organization. They also have menus from nearby restaurants on hand, and there’s a candy store right across the street. Grab a bite from hotspots like The Grand, Victoriano’s and Chicago Dogs and settle in for a pint.
Try this beer: I Scream (made with local Nelson’s ice cream!)
It’s pretty clear that Golden Road Brewing Company understands the perils of dining with kids in public. The hand-crafted Bavarian soft pretzel is a family favorite at the Atwater Village location (5410 W San Fernando Rd.). There are lawn games for little wiggle worms, you can catch a train going by every now and again (the brewery is housed inside a former Southern Pacific switching station), and there’s even a special patio just for dogs. And, here’s an insider tip: make use of the valet parking. It’s free and beats parking a few blocks away. Self-parking is scarce. Other locations can be found in Downtown Los Angeles (317 S Broadway) and Anaheim (2210 E Orangewood Ave.).
Check out our full list of family-friendly breweries in Los Angeles here!
Asheville Pizza and Brewing – Asheville, NC
This brewery/restaurant has been a family-friendly operation since it opened in 1998. It’s a dine-in outdoor movie theater (Tickets are only $3, but they go quickly!), a restaurant serving up classic pub fare with fun Hollywood-themed names like Jedi Jalapeno Poppers, Lord of the Onion Rings, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Salad, plus, they make great beer. There’s also an impressive game room with foosball, pool, ping-pong, and vintage pinball and arcade games!
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery is a parent’s dream. Not only do they offer cornhole in the front beer garden area, but—more importantly—there’s a 10’ x 20’ kids room on the third floor. There are games, puzzles and a custom-painted scavenger hunt on the walls (complete the hunt, get a prize!). There’s a full kids menu and, the best part? They offer s’mores for dessert—kids of all ages can roast their own marshmallows right at the table. We think it all sounds like a dream dinner date with the littles!
Stone is a popular choice in the world of craft beer, and for a good reason. Their beer is excellent, and they take quality seriously. One visit to the Bistro and Garden in Escondido and you’ll see why. The kids will love the ponds, boulders, and the open space of the one-acre organic beer garden. You’ll love the awarding winning ales and the fact that Stone is the largest purchaser of local, small-farm organic produce in San Diego County. Kids can choose from menu options like teriyaki salmon and mini mac ‘n’ cheese, and you’ll fill up on impressive bites like Stone shrimp & grits, South American ceviche and Stone-style hemp seed soft pretzels. Looking for other family-friendly beer pubs in the San Diego area? Check out our guide here.
Visitors to Terrapin Brewing Company will be able to taste fresh brews and enjoy live music in a family-and pet-friendly environment. There's an indoor tasting room, a big outdoor space with tables, lawn chairs, and yard games that are perfect for little guests. No food is served here, but food trucks show up on the regular.
There’s plenty to keep your crew busy at family-owned 3 Daughters Brewing, which is located in the arts district of St. Petersburg, Florida. Enjoy "fast casual food" with their "3D Bites" and live music Thursday through Sunday every week. Other events include Art Walks and comedy shows. The tasting room has 18 taps, and since 3 Daughters also brews their own cider, there’s something for everyone! There’s also plenty of entertainment for the kids, including life-sized Jenga, Connect Four, shuffleboard, cornhole and more.
Self-described as “the place where friends and family meet,” it comes as no surprise that Laurelwood Brewing is ideal for a family gathering. With two patios, two kids’ play areas and a warm atmosphere, you can tell that this establishment was opened by parents with young children. Order the kids’ food first (long list of entrees, plus a side, drink and dessert) and get it earlier if your hungry children are chomping at the bit. Their additional locations welcome kids as well, each offering play areas created with toddlers in mind. You can be Laurelwood in Hollywood (5115 NE Sandy Blvd.) and Sellwood (6716 SE Milwaukie Ave.).
Oh, baby! If you—or someone near and dear to you— has got one on the way, it’s time to celebrate with a baby shower. But like all kids, all moms and parents-to-be are different, with their own styles and preferences, and some like to do it up big, and bold, or just a little extra. If you’re looking for a unique spot to host a baby shower in NYC, check out this crop of venues, all extra special in their own way. (For more traditional or classic NYC baby shower venues and ideas, see our story on hosting a baby shower in NYC here!)
For the Irreverent Mom: Magic Hour
Magic Hour
Whoever said you had to have your shower in somebody’s living room on a Sunday afternoon? Break all the rules and consider being perched 18 floors above the city at Magic Hour! This venue features an ‘urban amusement park’ that boast five distinct environments, leaving you feeling whimsical, sexy, elegant, and child-like (in a good way) all at the same time. There is also an indoor lounge plus two separate outdoor areas. Although your guest will be fixated on how glowingly beautiful you are, if by chance they happen to take their eyes off of you for a moment, they will see magnificent views of the Empire State Building. Guests will also be able to take part in a little Foreplay, also known as the miniature putt-putt course designed by Tao Group. (Which, given the event, is pretty appropriate, no?) Prices vary at Magic Hour based on the number of guests, date, and time.
For the Mom Who Loves Prospect Park (And a Big Party)
J. Grassi
Admittedly, you'll have to put some work into this, but if your mom-to-be loves a singular event and a big to-do, celebrating at the Prospect Park Soiree, a benefit for the Prospect Park Alliance that's billed as "A Magical Evening of Dining and Dancing Under the Stars in Prospect Park", could be the solution. A feel-good, community event, this celebration invites New Yorkers to don festive attire (white is popular) and set their own table—including food and drink. People go all out with both decor and cuisine, but you can be as simple or elaborate as you like. After feasting, revelers hit the dance floor to get down. This year's benefit is June 22, and tickets, on sale now, are $45; blocks of 10 get you two bottles of wine. (Bring some lovely stemware and fancy seltzer for the guest of honor!)
Put a new spin on traditional baby shower games at go all in for table tennis, AKA, ping pong. Your event will be held in a private room with three ping pong tables and your own private bar. You will also have the ability to play your own music (with or without a DJ), TV capabilities and a variety of lounge seating. The private room can fit up to 50 adults and costs $1500 per hour with a two-hour minimum. The venue also has a variety of food and beverage packages for all guests at an additional fee.
SPiN New York 48 E. 23rd Street. Gramercy Park 212-982-8802 Online: newyork.wearespin.com
For the Mom with a Sweet Tooth: Sugar Factory
Sugar Factory
Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what Sugar Factory is made of. (Well, that, and lots of fodder for Instagram feeds.) This place is a real-life candyland on steroids. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night options of mouth-watering appetizers, entrees, and of course Sugar Factory’s specialty, desserts. The venue offers a variety of packages including a premium menu, deluxe menu and brunch menu. The top floor features a private “VIP’ room that can be rented out and comes complete with a personal candy store that can customized with guest’ favorites—we can finally say goodbye to the “candy table” folks, because we have arrived! In addition to the savory cuisine and sweet confections, Sugar Factory offers an out-of-this-world selection of liquid libations for your guests.
Sugar Factory 835 Washington St. Tribeca 212-414-8700 Online: sugarfactory.com
For the Badass Mom: Kick Axe Throwing
Kick Axe
Being a mom every now and then you will probably have to kick some metaphorical axe. Why not get started at Kick Axe throwing in Brooklyn. Yes, you read that right. The axe throwing venue hosts baby showers! Axperts, as they call themselves, will teach your party the basics in about 10-15 minutes and then let the games begin. You get to battle it out with your friends and loved ones over who is the best axe thrower out of the bunch. Events can be booked seven days a week, and as early as 9 a.m. There are various food and drink packages available, but you are also welcome to bring your own catering. Prices are based on the length of the party and the number of guest, but range from $350 for a 1.5 half hours for up to 10 guests.
Kick Axe Throwing 622 Degraw St. Gowanus 833-542-5293 Online: Kickaxe.com
For the Proper Mom: Lady Mendl’s
Lady Mendl's
If you’ve been dreaming of a tea party-themed baby shower, head to Lady Mendl’s Tea Room in the heart of New York’s historical Gramercy Park. At this unconventionally chic tea salon, private parties can be held for up to 50 guests in either the main dining room or library. Guests will be served a four-course meal starting with salad, followed by an assortment of tea sandwiches, scones with jam, gateau de crepes, petit fours, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Four teas will also be offered. Prices start at $59 per person, plus a room rental fee. You can also add on beverage packages to include ice tea, soda, wine, and beer also for an additional fee.
If you want to skip the big parties and just want to hang out with your closes BFF’s, Ohm Spa & Lounge is where you need to be. They offer a relaxing treatment tailored specifically to alleviate the physical discomfort related to pregnant women via a pre-natal massage. Trained therapists use special techniques to help improve circulation and diminish back and hip pain. The expectant mom will be fully supported with pillows to allow for face-up and side-lying positions. This service is only available after first trimester of pregnancy, however, there are a host of other relaxing services for mom-to-be, including facials and scrubs. The venue offers a variety of packages for parties based on services requested.
