Take the stress out of the holiday this year at a local restaurant serving the best Thanksgiving dinner in Portland
Thanksgiving. It’s a holiday filled with food, family, drink, and pleasure. With a side of complete kitchen destruction and a sink full of dishes. Don’t get us wrong, that can be a fun piece of the party too. But if this year, all that clean up feels like a little much, don’t fret—these Portland restaurants are making it easy for families (but a few extra tips always help). They’re serving up the best Thanksgiving dinner in Portland so you and the kids can focus on what matters most during this time of year—each other.
These Portland restaurants are open on Thanksgiving (and they’re family-friendly too)
Situated in downtown Portland inside the Woodlark Hotel, the Bullard Tavern prides itself on its ability to bring Texas hospitality to Oregon’s wide variety of dining options. Perhaps you’d like to visit the restaurant in person on Thanksgiving this year? It's as easy as making a reservation through Tock, and then sitting down to all your favorite Thanksgiving staples (the restaurant is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.) served a la carte. Hint: The Thanksgiving Plate is stacked with traditional faves. Or perhaps you’d like to swing by and grab a meal to-go so you can eat in the comfort of your own home? You can do that at Bullard Tavern too. Be sure to place your order for the family dinner box (serves 3-4) soon and schedule your pick-up for November 23. Our tip? Don't forget to add a dessert to your order when you do.
Sophisticated and contemporary, you can expect a thoughtfully curated Thanksgiving buffet at this Portland restaurant. While there will definitely be turkey (butter and herb roasted free-range, organic) on the table, families will also find some Spanish-Mediterranean influenced dishes there too. Maple Glazed Garnet Yams and Sautéed French Beans are a sampling of the sides. And mini tarts and yogurt strudel finish up the meal. Make reservations to enjoy this no-work dinner (for you anyway) between 1 and 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Urban Farmer is a modern steakhouse located in the heart of downtown Portland. Inside the Nines Hotel, this class A restaurant offers high quality meals made from locally sourced produce and fresh butcher cuts. Did we mention that the restaurant is situated in the 8th floor atrium? But the view is not the only thing you and the kids can enjoy at this restaurant that will be open on Thanksgiving from noon to 9 p.m. Salad and flatbread start things off before the first course. Then choose from salmon, ham, NY strip, or honey and thyme roasted turkey breast for the main course. They have a veg option too. Sides and desserts mirror traditional favorites with a few unexpected twists. You'll need reservations to dine here.
Round up all your dinner companions and shuttle them down to Portland’s SE waterfront for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in Portland at Clarklewis. Clarklewis is an Italian-inspired, farm-to-table restaurant that has been serving Portland locals for 2004. Sit down to enjoy your meal anytime between 1 and 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Ham, salmon, and (of course) free-range organic turkey will be the centerpieces of this scrumptious meal. Other notable noshes include Apple Butter Spaetzle, Potato & Oregon Wild Mushroom Gratin, and Cider Braised Collard Greens. Mini tarts finish off the feast. Be sure to claim a spot on their reservation list soon so you can enjoy locally sourced dishes in their upscale converted warehouse.
It's hard to go wrong at a McMenamin's property. Whether you're staying for the weekend, stopping into one of their restaurants, or just wandering around trying to take it all in. This year, bring the kids to a casual Thanksgiving dinner at the Courtyard Restaurant at the Kennedy School. In addition to their regular pub menu, families can order Thanksgiving specials cooked to perfection. They have vegan options available too. Be sure to call for reservations soon.
Make a family date and head to the Grand Thanksgiving Buffet at Hudson's Bar & Grill for the easiest Thanksgiving meal ever. The kids will enjoy finding all their favorite fixings at the buffet table like sweet potatoes and yams, cornbread stuffing, and lots of fresh fruits and veggies too. The Chef Carving Station will include Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Relish and Smoked Prime Rib. Of course they'll be serving some sweet treats like pumpkin pie and the restaurant's croissant bread pudding for dessert. Get a reservation while you still can.
Cost: $60/adult; $25/kids, 6-12 (+ tax and 20% gratuity)
Head to Solvang, CA and have one of the best weekends with your family experiencing all things Denmark without leaving the country
Solvang (aka the “Danish Capital of America”) has a lot more going for it than windmills and waitresses in dirndls. While the town has lots of fun kitschy charm worth checking out, there are also plenty of modern, swoon-worthy restaurants, boutique hotels, tucked-away tasting rooms, along with hidden gems the kids will love uncovering. Whether you head up to Solvang for a day trip from LA or have the opportunity to spend a day or two (or more), Solvang is a must stop for any family looking for off-the-beaten-path fun.
The entrance to the park is through a fairy tale-esque “castle” archway but most notably, HCA Park has tons of great features like a nice walking trail that begins near the park’s entrance to the right (about where the Vinland Hotel is located—in fact, some of the Vinland’s rooms overlook the park). HCA Park has a newer, modern playground structure which is often way less populated than Sunny Fields Park, an awesome skate park, free municipal tennis courts that were recently resurfaced, and brand new pickleball courts. There are also secluded wooded picnic BBQ areas and loads of nature areas to explore.
Good to Know: Like all nature spots around California, mountain lions and bobcats are known to frequent the park, so it’s best to stay alert—and of course, also beware of rattlers (in season) and poison oak (always!).
Hop aboard this old-fashioned streetcar (but modernized thanks to its new electric motor) for a 25-minute tour of the town's most popular landmarks. Along the way, your guide (dressed in traditional Danish garb) will regale you with fun facts and local lore. We don't want to give too much away, but be prepared to discover the town's one authentic thatched roof and the meaning behind those wooden storks perched atop many of the local buildings.
Cost: $14/Adults; $9/Children ages 3-11; free for children under 3
Just outside of town you'll find this Danish-inspired playground complete with a Viking ship, windmill, and mini gingerbread house. Of course, there are also the requisite swings, slides, and climbing structures that kids love. Added bonus? Bathrooms are typically very clean just in case your little one needs a potty break on the way in or out of town.
There are loads of places to taste wine in town but this is the only one we found with outdoor games for the kids to play. While this tasting room opened in 2018, Dana Volk, the owner and winemaker behind the label, has been in the industry since 1996. Part of the growing movement of women winemakers (the number of women winemakers is particularly high in the Santa Barbara county region), Dana proves that you can marry your passion with your lifestyle (aka kids and family). Dana V. Wines is the direct (and delicious) result of that effort.
Owned by local dads, this adorable boutique offers unique toys, books, and gifts for babies and kids, along with gently (as in barely) worn clothes on consignment. Tucked inside one of Solvang’s most famous windmills, it's an under-the-radar local favorite featuring finds that are both whimsical, well-made, and socially conscious (like one of our fave discoveries the Women's March Puzzle). Just a warning: You won't be able to leave empty-handed.
Kids will go cuckoo for this shop featuring cuckoo clocks galore. There are traditional, hand-carved wooded clocks with elaborate scenes, along with cute, tail-wagging cat clocks. If you can't manage to time your visit on the hour (who can blame you?), not to worry. Friendly shop workers can manually adjust the clocks to chime for kids.
The tiny museum is a hidden gem, and is located upstairs in the independently-run bookstore. It's an intimate space that details the life and the legacy of Denmark's most famous author (The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea and The Little Mermaid to name a few) with knick-knacks and childhood home replicas—even your littlest ones will be delighted by all the exhibition pieces. Once you're finished with the museum portion, spend some time exploring all the wonderful used and antique books on the same floor.
For anyone with a love of housewares, home decor, and gifts, this store is a must-stop for the best in Danish design (so beautiful and functional). Kids can get in on the retail action by checking out the clever toys. Not only do they claim the largest selection of Hoptimist in the US, but there are some LEGO sets here and the cutest stuffed animals that might have you lifting any purchase bans of soft loveys. And don't miss the adorable wall of clogs made in teeny-tiny kids' sizes.
Sit outside on the large patio and enjoy food that's fresh from local farms, ranches, and coastal waters, sure to please both “big” and “little” kids. Chef/owner Michael Cherney helms the craft-food eatery, relying on his serious restaurant industry résumé—with time spent in Michelin-starred kitchens in Los Angeles, at Ortolan, and in Las Vegas, at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon—to turn out signature lunch or dinner items like seasonally-shifting grilled cheese creations, Instagram-famous sandwiches such as their Solvang Hot Chicken, or smash burgers (including a kid-sized version), straight-from-the-farm-stand salads, and family-friendly soups which utilize local, seasonal crops. Can't-miss desserts include house-made ice cream, plus freshly-baked cookies and a family-favorite frozen lime pie.
Stop by the register to order your meal before taking a seat (don't worry about the long line—it moves quickly!) at this sweet breakfast joint that offers a full breakfast menu that is sure to delight everyone in the family including gluten-free waffles that are all the rage. Other favorites? Breakfast burritos with a tater tot surprise, veggie omelets stuffed with vegetables, and for the kids? Banana Nutella pancakes of course.
Almost as famous as the windmills within the town's limits, this breakfast hotspot fills up fast. If you don't get there by 8 a.m., expect to wait for your Danish pancake fix—thin pancakes served with whip cream and fresh fruit. The kids will like the chocolate chip pancakes (what's not to love about that) and you'll love that the coffee is strong and refilled regularly.
This Solvang-staple coffee shop is the place to go for your morning joe, your afternoon pick-me-up, or honestly, everything in between. The coffee is roasted locally and the baked goods are organic with vegan and lots of gluten-free options.
Don't miss out on the superfood lattes. The turmeric was a cup of cozy with a snappy finish thanks to the ginger and cinnamon. Definitely worth the stop and be prepared to linger—the cool Nordic vibes coupled with the local staff’s warmth make it hard to leave.
Opened in September 2021, this family-owned and operated gelato shop focuses on using locally sourced ingredients and is determined to bring authentic Italian gelato to the Santa Ynez Valley. And with up to 18 flavors on display, they've made the choice between Belgian cookie gelato, dark chocolate, or salted caramel extremely difficult. Of course, now you have all the more reason to frequent this gelato shop more than once while you are in town.
From the wood-burning oven pizza to the fresh and tangy Puttanesca, the food here is everything you want rustic-Italian cuisine to be—comforting, satisfying, and delivering on all taste levels at the end of a long day. And while the restaurant is "casually elegant," the staff and the atmosphere are warm, welcoming, and accommodating—including delivering an order of plain spaghetti with no butter, no oil, and no decorative "greens."
The Danish Mill Bakery, one of Solvang’s “fab five” Danish bakeries, has fun animatronic bakers in the front window, along with a life-size animatronic baker inside the restaurant who gives this whole little speech. Trust us, it's fun and not creepy. Treat yourself to their aebleskiver (similar to doughnut holes), chocolates, pastries, breads, and one of our favorites—Napolean's Hats.
Opened in September 2021, this family-owned and operated gelato shop focuses on using locally sourced ingredients and is determined to bring authentic Italian gelato to the Santa Ynez Valley. And with up to 18 flavors on display, they've made the choice between Belgian cookie gelato, dark chocolate, or salted caramel extremely difficult. Of course, now you have all the more reason to frequent this gelato shop more than once while you are in town.
For contemporary Danish style, a stay at The Landsby is a must. Wood accents, muted colors, and tactile fabrics all layered together in that enviably effortless, hygge way that transports you directly to Denmark without ever leaving the country. The lobby sets the tone for an entirely welcoming atmosphere while the outdoor seating area, complete with fire pits, makes sitting outside a comfortable treat day or night. The 50-room hotel is in the middle of downtown Solvang. Plan to leave the car in the parking lot and easily walk everywhere from its central location. The Landsby is also dog-friendly.
Insider Tip: The Landsby’s onsite restaurant, Mad & Vin, is a great option for a family-friendly breakfast, brunch, dinner, or even Happy Hour nibbles, but it does book up in advance—meal-time reservations are recommended.
Copenhagen, meet California! This pet-friendly, modern hotel offers 82 guest rooms and is located right in the middle of town—meaning you can leave your car in the parking lot and walk to all of the must-go spots Solvang has to offer. The kids will love the hot tub and heated pool while parents will love the V Lounge which features local wine, fresh fare, and innovative cocktails.
No Solvang trip would be complete without a stop at this big bird mecca. Totally kitschy and kinda strange (birds are the descendants of dinosaurs after all), this roadside staple is everything you need and expect it to be. Little kids will probably need help holding the food and heed the warnings that the birds can bite.
With its mild weather, relatively affordable hotel rates, and minimal crowds (shhh... don't let word get out), there is really never a bad time of year to visit Solvang. That said, if you're looking for something a little "extra," here are four yearly events worth checking out:
Danish Days: Traditionally the third weekend in September, this 3-day celebration of all things Danish includes a Viking encampment (with reenactments!), live music and folk dancing, an artisan marketplace, a parade, and more.
Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch: This event occurs Sept.-Oct. and features a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and fresh-made kettle corn.
Scarecrow Fest: From Oct. 1-31, more than 100 scarecrows will populate the Santa Ynez Valley. Can you find them all?
Solvang Julefest: For more than a month each holiday season (Nov. 26, 2022-Jan. 6, 2023), Solvang turns into one of the most "Christmas-y" towns in America.
From costume parties to pumpkin carving (and catapulting!), check out more than 20 Halloween events in NYC for family-friendly, spooky fun
Hey, boo! Explore New York City’s spooky side this October. Halloween is coming, which means that New York City is about to be filled with festive events where you and the kids (ahem, you and your little superheroes, witches, monsters, and princesses) can celebrate with gusto! And by celebrate, we of course mean with creepy stories, haunted houses, ghouls, and ghosts of all kinds. Join costume parades (or have your dog join one), make Halloween-themed crafts, learn about the traditions and animals that are associated with the holiday, carve some pumpkins, and so much more!
Or, if you’re looking for something a bit different, participate in some more unconventional Halloween activities, like spooky slime making and pumpkin flinging. Whatever you decide to attend, you can be sure that the kids will get a kick out of 2022’s spooky Halloween NYC family events! Pro tip: remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint, to All Hallow’s Eve!
Halloween Festival at Bleecker Playground
The Friends of Bleecker Playground are hosting a fundraising Halloween festival, raising money to benefit the community. Join a mini-parade perfect for the little ones, that starts at Abingdon Square at 10. The playground will be decked out with entertainment for the kids, including face painting, crafting, music, and more.
Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated
Sun., Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bleeker Playground
Bleecker St. & W 11th St.
West Village Online:bleeckerplayground.org
Halloween Extravaganza at Franz Sigel Park
Get tricks and treats at the annual Halloween Extravaganza. In addition to the usual Halloween fun—cool costumes, pet parade, and creepy crafts—this park party also has slime making, Tarot readings, and an interactive Story Walk from Emit Theatre.
Cost: Free
Sat., Oct. 29, 1-5 p.m.
Franz Sigel Park
East 158th St.
Concourse Online:eventbrite.com
The Music of Halloween Spooktacular at Brooklyn Bowl Have a rocking good time with the Rock and Roll Playhouse, where the sounds of classic rock meet Halloween classics. This family-friendly concert encourages kids to dance and sing along, and is a great first introduction to classic rock.
Cost: $15, free for those 1 year old and younger
Sun., Oct. 30, 12 p.m.
61 Wythe Ave.
Williamsburg Online:brooklynbowl.com
Boo Bash at Randall’s Island Pre-party on Randall’s Island for an extra chance to show off your cool costumes. Dress up and visit the island for the annual Boo Bash, which features themed crafts, games, treats, and more.
Cost: Free
Sun., Oct. 30, 12-3 p.m.
103rd Street Footbridge
Randall’s Island Online:randallsisland.org
Halloween Harvest Festival at Socrates Sculpture Park
Heads up: This Halloween Harvest will send your pumpkin creation soaring to great heights… literally! Carve out an epic pumpkin then send it flying with the pumpkin catapult at the second annual “Flight of the Gourds.” It’s pumpkins galore, with pumpkin art workshops, a creative spin on costume creation, and face painting. Plus, bring your pooch in his best costume and join the dog costume contest—or just stand back and watch other people’s dapper doggos!
Cost: Free
Sat., Oct. 30, 12-5 p.m.
32-01 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City Online:socratessculpturepark.org
Halloween Costume Party at Westchester Square Don your favorite costumes and head over to this costume party for a fun family bash. Kids ages 2-15 are invited to participate in games, win prizes, make arts and crafts, and more. There will be vendors on site for food, drinks, and, of course, dessert and candy.
Kids Costume Party at Dazzled Art Join the Dazzled Utopia Art Studio for a pre-Halloween costume party. Kids will create art, dance, sing, chow down on pizza, and have the chance to win prizes. The party is open to kids ages 3-12 years old.
Cost: $30
Sun., Oct. 30, 3-5 p.m.
1261 Ralph Ave.
East Flatbush Online:dazzledart.com
Dumboween at the Dumbo Archway This charming Halloween mini-parade and party is, by its own admission, “sometimes spooky, always adorable.” March over to the Dumbo Archway and kick off with a children’s party, complete with a lively brass band, arts and crafts from the Creatively WILD Art Studio, a photobooth, and more. Enter costume competitions, go trick or treating among over 50 participating businesses in the area, and take spooktacular photos throughout the evening.
Cost: Free
Mon., Oct. 31, 4:30-7 p.m., march to the Archway begins at 4 p.m.
Dumbo Archway
155 Water St.
Dumbo Online:dumbo.is
Monstrous Museums, Gardens, and Centers around NYC
Halloween Costume Dog Show at Williamsbridge Oval Watch costumed pooches strut their stuff at the Pet Fashion Show at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center. Bring the family pet, or just come and watch as dogs show off their costumes, participate in obstacle courses, and pose for furry photo-ops.
Cost: Free
Fri., Oct. 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
3225 Reservoir Oval East
West Bronx Online:nycgovparks.org
Hands on History: Spooky Season at King Manor This month’s Hands on History features a spooky twist. Learn about the author Washington Irving and his famous 1820 story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Make a craft to take home inspired by the scary story: Headless Horseman paper pumpkin masks!
Monster Bash at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan CMOM has a packed October, full of creepy and fun Halloween fun and activities. Here’s just a small sample:
Oct. 22 & 23: Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun, according to MakerSpace! Create your very own monster using “junk” like socks, boxes, fabric, and other mixed media materials.
Oct. 25-28: Dress up with PlayWorks in the Monster Party Hats event, where kids can design hats and headbands, then wear them as they play and pretend.
Oct. 25-28: Make some fancy eyewear with Inside Art, at the Monster Vision Goggles workshop.
Every day has different events to explore! Plus, throughout the Monster Bash, kids can participate in scavenger hunts, listen to read-alongs of scary (but not too scary!) stories, play Halloween-themed party games, and much more.
Price: Free with admission
Tues., Oct. 18-Sun., Oct. 31
The Tisch Building
212 West 83rd St.
Upper West Side Online:cmom.org
Hallowscream at Chelsea Recreation Center This Halloween event is a scream—literally! The Chelsea Recreation Center has been spookified, turning it into a haunted house. Brave the “Fright Walk,” where scary special effects, frightening images, jump scares, spooky audio, and an eerie fog cover the path. Only bring your bravest family members for this one! Adults are urged to make sure their little ones are handling the frights fine, especially if they’re under 13 years old.
Cost: Free
Sat., Oct. 22, 1:30-6 p.m.
430 West 25th St.
Chelsea Online:eventbrite.com
Living History: Cooking Spooky Treats at the NY Historical Society Go back in time with historical interpreter Cheyney McKnight and make your own treats to enjoy this Halloween. Families will work together to create an edible cookie dough “sandpit” that hides yummy surprises. No baking required! Then, dig in while you listen to family-friendly scary stories.
Cost: Free with admission
Sun., Oct. 23, 1-3 p.m.
170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th St.)
Upper West Side Online:nyhistory.org
Haunted House at the Williamsbridge Oval Oh no! The Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center has been overtaken by ghouls, witches, ghosts, and other creepy critters that go bump in the night. Visit the space for a haunted house event that’s appropriate for all ages.
Cost: Free
Fri., Oct. 28, 7-9 p.m.
3225 Reservoir Oval East
West Bronx Online:nycgovparks.org
Irish Halloween at the Irish Arts Center Learn about Irish traditions and the annual Halloween / Oíche Shamhna festival through this interactive experience held by the Irish Arts Center. The Arts Center’s new building appears to be haunted! Kids (and their caretakers) are invited to dance, sing, and scare the ghosts away. Browse the spooky location and explore Ireland’s myths, legends, language, and history. This hour-long program is free but requires a timed entry ticket.
Halloween at the Garden at Queens Botanical Garden Wear your costume to the Queens Botanical Garden for an afternoon full of Halloween fun. Walk along the Trick-or-Treat Trail, make themed arts and crafts, learn about creepy crawlies that live in your compost pile, listen to live music, and watch a magic show. Adults can enjoy harvest beers and ciders from the Beer & Wine Garden, and purchase food and refreshments for the family from local food vendors.
Cost: $7.39/adult, $3.18/child, free for those 3 years old and under
Sun., Oct. 30, 12-5 p.m.
43-50 Main St.
Flushing Online:queensbotanical.org
Fall-O-Ween at the NY Botanical Garden The New York Botanical Garden has a packed Fall events calendar, with tons of seasonal harvest- and Halloween-themed programs and special attractions:
Oct. 15 & 16: Join the Pumpkin Carving Face-off Weekend to design your own pumpkin or watch three pumpkin carving masters face off for the most intricate—and terrifying—creation.
Oct. 22 & 23: It’s the Pumpkin Parade Weekend! Wear your best costume and participate in a festiva parade in the garden. Kids can help decorate before the parade, then check out giant pumpkins, watch a pumpkin carving demonstration, and learn about how growers get their pumpkins to grow to such enormous sizes.
Oct. 22 & 29: Stay after hours for the Spooky Pumpkin Garden Nights, and explore the gardens by flashlight, meeting giant skeletons and spooky scarecrows along the way.
In addition to these events, throughout autumn the children’s garden will be decorated with cute and scary scarecrows, and pumpkins of all shapes and colors will be on display.
Cost, date, and time varies; events throughout October
2900 Southern Boulevard
The Bronx Online:nybg.org
Spooky Crafts, Readalongs, and More at Your Local Library If you’re looking for a free Halloween- or fall-themed activity for your little ones, look no further than your local library. Various branches across all the boroughs have scheduled festive events and workshops for kids (and adults) of all ages. Make spooky crafts (either at the library or through to-go kits), listen to scary stories, watch movies, make slime, and much more!
Halloween Programs at Alley Pond Alley Pond has a full weekend of spooky events planned for kids, starting with the Not-So-Spooky Spiders and Snakes—an exploration of these amazing and often misunderstood animals and arachnids, with some live guests! Other events include chances to meet more animals considered “scary,” make Halloween-themed snacks, read spooky stories, create themed artworks and crafts, and participate in a Halloween party.
Cost, date, and time varies by program
224-65 76th Ave.
Oakland Gardens Online:alleypond.org
Halloween on the Farm at the Queens County Farm Museum Celebrate Halloween on NYC’s oldest working farm. Get lost (or rather, try not to) in the Amazing Maize Maze, a three-acre labyrinth among corn stalks. Your ticket also includes access to a spooky farmhouse, Halloween hayrides, a DJ dance party, an Adopt-a-Worm composting program, and a trick-or-treating event with the farm animals, which sends you on a hunt to find nine special stations throughout the farm. Local food vendors are on hand to feed hungry tummies and fresh produce will be available to purchase at the Farmstand.
Cost: $22.16, free for those 3 years old and younger
Sun., Oct. 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy.
Little Neck Online:eventbrite.com
Haunted Island Race at Governors Island Celebrate in style and stay in shape at the same time at the annual Haunted Island Race. The race offers both a 5K and a 10K option, and awards will be given out to the best runners by gender (male, female, non-binary) and age brackets. The race will take you all around Governors Island, giving you a chance to take in the views as you go. After the race, you’re welcome to explore the island and enjoy Halloween goodies. Your ticket nets you a ferry ride, a t-shirt, and a post-race meal. Costumes are encouraged!
Cost: Starting at $40
Sat., Oct. 29, 5K begins at 8:30 a.m., 10K begins at 9 a.m.
Governors Island, Colonels Row Online:nycruns.com
Spooky Castle Yoga at The Skyscraper Museum What do castles and yoga have in common? Both can be spooooky! At least, they can when you join this all-ages event for families. Discuss what makes up the architecture of a castle, then use what you learned to form yoga poses that draw inspiration from spooky castles and Halloween. RSVP is required and costumes are encouraged!
Cost: Free
Sat., Oct 29, 10:30 a.m.
39 Battery Pl.
Battery Park City Online:skyscraper.org
Haunted Halloween East River Dinner Cruise The National Lighthouse Museum’s Haunted boat tour will regale you with spooky stories as you enjoy a three-course dinner. The cruise will take you from Lighthouse Point, through Hell Gate, to Execution Rocks—all while sharing tales of the haunted history of key points along the way.
Cost: $97.54/adult, $54.98/child
Fri., Oct. 28, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
National Lighthouse Museum
200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point
Staten Island Online:eventbrite.com
Halloween Kids Spooky Cruise See the city from a different perspective at this Halloween-themed and kid-oriented spooky cruise. Trick or treat on the water as you enjoy incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. The ship will be decked out in seasonal decor, have plenty of candy on board to satisfy little trick-or-treaters, and will keep the kids entertained with performances from costumed characters. Food and drink will be available to purchase—or you can upgrade to the Premium experience for a complementary food and drink package that also gets you a children’s goody bag with party favors and treats.
Cost: Starting at $45/adult and $40/child
Mon., Oct. 31, 1:30 p.m.
Departs from Pier 36
299 South St.
Lower East Side Online:eventcruisesnyc.com
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor
This amazing display features over 7,000 lit Jack o-Lanterns, arranged into sculptures from architectural marvels to dinosaurs and the Statue of Liberty. Expect bright synchronized lights, jaw-dropping displays, and an original soundtrack. And yes, they’re real: The pumpkins are designed and carved by a team of artists. This year, the Blaze features an animated “Jack” Smith Shop and glowing bees.
Tickets are selling out fast, with some nights already unavailable or limited to a small number of tickets. If you’re considering attending this event, you’ll want to secure your tix sooner rather than later! The Blaze is coming to Long Island, too—buy tickets for that here.
Cost: Starting at $44/person, free for those 2 years old and younger
Select evenings, Sep. 16-Nov. 20
525 S. Riverside Ave.
Croton-on-Hudson, NY Online:hudsonvalley.org
Legoland NY
Brick-or-Treat Presents Monster Party
LEGOLANDs across the nation are partying for Halloween, but unique to the New York location is that it will be debuting the world’s first wheelchair-accessible giant LEGO pumpkin! Without stairs, all guests will be able to join in on the photo opportunities. Not only that, the Monster Party will transform the Dragon Coaster into the “Disco Dragon Coaster” complete with a groovy monster soundtrack and party lights. There’s also a ghostly scavenger hunt in MINILAND where you can wander through the Haunted Nature Maze and discover candy along the LEGO Friends Nature Trail. And, of course, grab loads of sweets at trick-or-treating stations located along dedicated paths. Don’t forget your costume!
Cost: Starting at $85
Sep. 24-Oct. 30
1 LEGOLAND Blvd.
Goshen, NY Online:legoland.com
Halloween Fest at the Liberty Science Center
The Halloween Fest is back and it’s better than ever, full to the brim with both indoor and outdoor activities. Pick out your favorite pumpkin at NJ’s largest indoor pumpkin picking patch—or just take a peek inside of one with an endoscope! Beyond the patch, you’ll learn about creepy crawlies like roaches, spiders, scorpions, and millipedes, as well as traditionally “spooky” Halloween icons like bats and skeletons. Then, head outdoors to make your way through the spider maze, dig for fossils, and find fall drinks and treats (no tricks here!).
Special events for the season are available for an additional fee. catch a spooky planetarium show that highlights the Monsters of the Night Sky, like the Witch Head Nebula and the Medusa constellation. Hop into a Halloween-inspired laser show, or watch a creepy 3D movie, “Haunted House,”and get delightfully freaked out. If you visit on Oct. 30 or 31, make sure to wear your best Halloween costume, because the Center is hosting it’s wrap up party all weekend long with trick or treating, costumes, and more excitement.
Cost: $29.99/adult, $24.99/child, $26.99/senior
Throughout October during center hours
222 Jersey City Blvd.
Jersey City, NJ Online:lsc.org
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place
A good choice for the tiniest of trick-or-treaters, Sesame Place is turned into a family-friendly Halloween haven between September 17 and November 6. Guests can trick-or-treat around the park, take in Halloween-themed shows and parades, participate in an interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and take advantage of unique photo opportunities with Sesame’s furry friends dressed up in costume on Halloween-themed floats! Kids can also meet and greet Spookley, the square pumpkin, as he makes two weekend visits from Holiday Hill Farm.
Want to please everyone? Get one of these delicious, DMV-based pizza pies for a kid-friendly dinner!
There’s a reason kid’s parties always serve pizza—it’s easy, cheap, and a universal crowd pleaser. In fact, it’s the second most popular fast food in America and a safe bet to turn to when you want to make sure everyone (and we mean, everyone, you picky eaters!) is happy with their meal. The only hurdle? Narrowing down the choices.
Washington, DC’s pizza scene has exploded over the past five years and offers a myriad of choices. From Detroit-style slices at Side Door Pizza to wood-fired Neapolitan pizza at Pupatella, we rounded up the best local pizza parlors and pizzerias for a family meal in the DMV.
We, The Pizza
You’ll find a huge assortment of pies at these pizza shops—14 to be precise—and all flavors are available by the slice. You’ll also find a huge selection of homemade sodas, including Spicy Ginger Mango Sling and Blood Orange Creamsicle Sky. They also make Italian gelato shakes for those who want their soda to float.
4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA
2100 Crystal Dr.
Arlington, VA
1301 U St. NW
U. St. Corridor
305 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Capitol Hill Online:wethepizza.com
90 Second Pizza
Kids will enjoy watching their pizza spin to perfection in the 90 second oven at this Georgetown pizza joint. You’ll find chewy, Neapolitan-style pizzas that include your choice of up to three toppings. The wait here is never long; this restaurant lives up to its name and serves up fresh, piping-hot pizzas super fast (and their pies are pretty cheap). It’s a great place to grab a quick meal off M St. when strolling through G-town.
All Purpose Shaw & All Purpose Pizzeria
The folks behind Boundary Stone and The Red Hen are the creators of All-Purpose’s artisanal, Jersey-style pizzas that feature foodie toppings like hot honey and truffle oil. You can grab a pie in Shaw or near National’s Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. This pizzeria also serves up notable brunch with bottomless mimosas and, for the kids, Nutella-topped banana bread.
Timber Pizza
Kids will clamor for the two-person swing seat at this rustic pizzeria’s Petworth location. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, but this popular spot can boast a wait. The upside? There is much to see, do, and check out in the neighborhood. Pop into near-by Loyalty Books while you wait. You can also order a pizza to grab-and-go.
Insider Tip: Follow Timber’s mobile schedule to find out when Timber Pizza is available in your neck of the woods.
Side Door Pizza
This Detroit-style pizzeria features thick crust and sauce-topped cheese. This pizza is strictly to-go, but there is a small picnic table outside the venue for those that need to immediately dive in.
Insider Tip:If you’re having trouble locating the door, look for the red neon sign.
Pupatella
The individual pizzas at this Neapolitan-style pizzeria are generous enough you can share a pie with a little eater. Fresh toppings with unique offerings, like pine nuts, make these pies foodie stand outs. The original Wilson Blvd. location boasts car benches made from a Fiat 500 and rainbow-themed outdoor dining (with fire pits!).
Andy’s Pizza
If you’re craving a slice of pizza from the Big Apple head to Andy’s for some NY-inspired pies. Andy’s is the gold-standard in pizza, taking home the World Pizza Champion title last year. There are five convenient locations scattered across the DMV with all but Shaw offering sit-down dining options.
Pizzeria Paradiso
Pizzeria Paradiso operates four restaurants in the DMV, but all eyes are on the Georgetown location if you’re dining with kids. Keep the kids occupied while you wait for your food in the game room located in the basement bar that features skee ball, shuffleboard, pin ball or an arcade game. If you have kids who like to nibble before their meal, you’ll appreciate the olives served while you wait for your wood-fired pizza.
Insider Tip: Patrons are invited to use the game room even when the bar is closed.
Comet Ping Pong
This neighborhood gem truly caters to all needs. Everyone will love the pizza (with vegan and gluten-free options), and Mom and Dad (and adventurous tykes) should save room for the wood-roasted spaghetti squash, cauliflower, and beets. Or the Tin Roof Sundae. Or both—we won’t tell.
Insider Tip: Table tennis is free, but first come, first served so get there early if you plan to play.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill
The Chicago-inspired deep dish pizza at this joint is a crowd pleaser. If you are dining on site, be sure to ask your waiter for some pizza dough for the kiddos to play with—just like Play-Doh, but not quite as eyebrow-raising if they “accidentally” eat some of that abstract dinosaur sculpture. You can even get pizza dough to go!
Insider Tip: Make-Your-Own options at this chain include table side pizza kits and DIY sundaes for kids.
Various locations in Virginia, Maryland and at Union Station in DC. Online:unos.com
Pizzeria Orso
The same folks behind upscale 2941 operate this casual, Neapolitan-style pizzeria that features wood-fired pies alongside Mediterranean comfort foods like oven-roasted olives and lamb skewers. Inside, kids can ooh and aah as they watch their pizza being fired. There is also an outdoor patio.
Pete’s New Haven Style Pizza
Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza in Friendship Heights knows how to feed a family. These oversized pizzas are a whopping 18-inches and serve up 12 slices (enough to feed your little army!). Don’t forget to ask for the namesake New Haven white pizza with fresh clams, garlic and EVOO.
&Pizza
Get your hunger pangs in check at this conveyor-belt pizza parlor, with locations across the city. The personal-size craft pizzas are made with fresh local ingredients. A popular choice is the Farmer’s Daughter, which combines a spicy tomato sauce, spinach, fennel sausage, fresh mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano… all topped with red pepper chili oil and a cracked egg. Pickier palates can mix and match crust (there’s even a gluten free option), sauce, cheese and toppings.
1400 K St. NW
Downtown
1118 H St. NE
H St. Cooridor
1005 E St. NW
Downtown
Various additional locations in MD & VA Online:&pizza.com
Wiseguys Pizza
Get ready to dish up supersized slices when you purchase a pie from Wiseguys. There is only one size here, and it’s a whopping 18′. You can build your own pizza or choose from unique offerings like Korean chicken or paneer tikka.
Emmy Squared Pizza
For those that love thick-crust pizza, head to this establishment in Shaw that serves Detroit-style in square-shapes (fun!). You’ll also find their famous burger, Le Big Matt., topping fresh pretzel rolls. Know someone who needs a square pizza in their life? Emmy Squared ships, too.
Stellina Pizzeria
Does it get better than a Michelin-rated pizza? Probably not. Inspired by Italian food carts and corner markets, Stellina restaurants feature a bottega in each store so you can buy their ingredients to make your own pizzas at home, too. If you’re dining at the restaurant, be sure to bring your pup; this place welcomes your entire family, fur babies included.
Finding games to play with grandparents is a lot easier than you might think
Spending time with grandparents is often full of laughter, love, and a little too much sugar. But even a spry and creative nana or papa could use a few ideas now and again. From card games to photo book exploration, here are some games to play with grandparents that span ages and offer mellow afternoon fun.
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1. Dealer’s choice. Your little card shark will love cleaning up at Go Fish, but she might also enjoy learning some other old-school games. Grandparents can choose from their favorites: Spoons, Crazy Eights, War, and Rummy are all winners!
2. On the record. Kids of all ages love to ask questions, so let them satisfy their curiosity by interviewing Gram and Pops. Questions might range from, “What is your favorite dinosaur?” to “Tell me about your first date.” This list is a great start!
3. Strike a chord. If either grandparent has a talent for a particular instrument, encourage them to share that skill with the kids! Whether it’s a formal piano lesson or a chance to simply explore and bang on the drums (or strum a guitar or toot a horn), they’re sure to make a joyful noise.
4. Crack open a book. A pile of picture books (or one riveting chapter book) and a comfy couch are the makings of a perfect day. Make a trip out of it by going to the library, or let the kids show off their collection and pick out books they think their grandparents will enjoy, too.
5. Freeze time. To memorialize special or long visits with grandparents, collect mementos of your time together to make a time capsule—think photographs, ticket stubs, drawings, and puzzle pieces.
6. (Grand)mother, May I? While running around outside might be a bit too exhausting for a few grandparents, several classic yard games need at least one participant who needs to stand relatively still. Some of our favorites include Mother May I; Red Light, Green Light; Simon Says; and all kinds of hand clap games.
7. Put the pieces together. Take over the dining room table, and clock in a few hours of peaceful silence (or happy chatter) by putting together a jigsaw puzzle. You can dust off something you have on hand, or grandpa and the kids can go out and choose something together.
8. Get cookin’. If both your tykes and their elders like to cook, let them team up in the kitchen and whip up a favorite family recipe. They can even read Baking Day at Grandma’s together for extra fun! We even have cooking games that are perfect games to play with grandparents.
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9. Tea for two (or three or five). Raid grandma’s closet, break out the good plates, and cut sandwiches into triangles—voilà! Grandparents will love being served a cuppa and will likely appreciate the opportunity to reinforce gracious table manners.
10. Go for a walk. Even if there’s no summer sun calling your name, nature walks are fun during any season. Have the kids put on some comfortable shoes and a hat, and they can hold grandma’s hand while exploring a new trail or give her a “tour” of the neighborhood.
11. Hunt for treasure. One part riddle, one part hide and seek, an indoor treasure or scavenger hunt will delight grandkids (and grandparents) of all ages.
12. Plant memories—in a terrarium! With a simple glass bowl, soil, rocks, a few plants, and (our favorite part) a few of those tiny plastic dinosaurs that inhabit every corner of your home, grandparents will love helping their grandkids create a habitat for their most fearsome friends.
13. Play "Guess Who?" Bust out the photo albums and play a round of "guess who?" where the grandchildren try to guess who family members are from older pictures. This is a great way to connect kids with people they haven't met and remind them we were all young once!
14. Plan an imaginary trip. Research a place you would like to go, even if it's a place like Hogwarts or a faraway country like Antarctica. Use a globe or even google maps to find the country; find books about the place or look it up together; create a packing list; plan an itinerary; and write postcards. This can be an ongoing project.
15. Speaking of scenarios... This one is great because it requires nothing other than two or more imaginations. You can sit on the couch, and if a grandparent is less mobile, they can 100% participate. All you do is create a "scenario": We're all on a baking show, the theme is [blank] and there are three rounds: cupcake, candy, and cake. What will you make? Another example: We're all on a rocketship heading to [planet name]. Talk about your astronaut names, where you went to school, how long it takes to get there, what your jobs are on the spaceship, and what you see out the window. What happens when you land? Do you discover a species? Is it cold?
When the temps dip and the trees turn all shades of orange, it’s time to hit the trails
Leaves are changing color, and there’s a fresh autumnal smell in the air—what a good excuse to explore the great outdoors! Pull on your hiking boots, grab plenty of water, and perhaps a sweater too—because fall is the perfect season for hitting the trail with your little adventurers. From mountain rambles and forested strolls to historic walks and more, you can discover them all this fall.
Teeming with natural beauty and wildlife all year, Cascade Springs is especially nice in the fall. Boardwalk trails lead you over bridges and around the artesian springs, with waterfalls tumbling down limestone terraces into pools. Aspens, maples, and oaks provide the fall color. Watch out for moose!
Insider Tip: You’ll enjoy the journey as well as the destination—it’s a scenic drive up American Fork Canyon to get to Cascade Springs.
Mt. Rainier National Park | Pierce and Lewis County, WA
This dormant volcano erupts with color in the fall. Drive to Sunrise, the highest point you can reach by vehicle, in early fall and take the Mt. Rainier Gondola (with the whole fam, including pooch) to the summit of Crystal Mountain. You can hike along the ridge for beautiful views of Mt. Rainier amid snowmelt and fall sunshine (accessible only through September). Later in the fall try the Alta Vista, Naches Peak Loop, and Moraine trails. There’s lots of wildlife to spot, including friendly mule deer.
When you first think of Breckenridge, chances are you think of it as a premier destination for skiing and other winter sports. We actually think that the fall is really the ideal time to head to Breckenridge as its elevation makes it one of the first spots in the country to welcome autumn. The town itself sits at just over 9,000 feet in elevation and there are numerous hiking options nearby. We particularly liked driving up Boreas Pass Road to the Black Powder Pass trailhead. This hike takes you above the tree line and is perfect for seeing the whole area from above. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and moose while you are there!
On a high ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park boasts amazing rock formations (called “bosses” by geologists). The best hike for families is the Castle Rock Loop which takes you through a mossy madrone forest. There’s easy bouldering for kids along the trail (no equipment needed) and you can take a short detour to Castle Rock Falls.
Insider Tip: After your hike, explore the nearby little town of Los Gatos.
Slip off your shoes, and go for a hike along one of the quietest and most beautiful beaches on the Oregon coast. Skip rocks, and explore caves, coves, and waterfalls. Be sure to come at low tide—there’s more underwater life to see, tide pools to be discovered, and you can walk further down the beach. Low tide also reveals an old stagecoach trail (stagecoaches used to “hug” the edge to avoid the tides, hence the name of the beach). In the Portland area? Check out our recommendations for where to see fall colors.
Insider Tip: Dogs can slip off their leashes too! This off-leash beach means freedom for Fido and the kids.
Palomar Mountain State Park | San Diego County, CA
A nice escape from the bustle of the city, the cool forests and meadows of Palomar Mountain have a similar climate to the Sierra Nevada Mountains many miles to the north, making it a welcome change from the hot temps of this region. Start out on the easy Doane Valley Nature Trail—there are many forks on the trail (make sure you don’t get lost) connecting to other trails and more adventures. If you take the fork to the French Valley Trail you'll wander through woodlands and meadows to a waterfall. If you want to start the littles out on something easier first, check out Best San Diego Hikes for Kids under Five.
Insider Tip: The unusual climate means that some creatures here are unique to Palomar Mountain. Look out for the Palomar Banana Slug—sure, you can find their relatives in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest but these guys are the only banana slugs to survive in SoCal!
Arizona’s red rock country is breathtaking year-round, but it explodes with color in the fall. There are some beautiful hikes around Sedona, including the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon which takes you along the canyon floor by a stream and across stepping stones, and the Broken Arrow Trail which will lead you up to the Devil’s Dining Room sinkhole, Submarine Rock, Mushroom Rock, and more gorgeous vistas.
Insider Tip: Fall is the perfect time for hitting the trails in Sedona, as temps cool down, making hiking more pleasant.
Your fam, including your four-legged kids, can hit the trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. The Solstice Canyon Loop is a cool shaded canyon hike. Populated with local deciduous trees, you’ll be sure to spot some falling yellow and red leaves through the beginning of December. You’ll see the Keller House (the oldest stone building in Malibu), and the Solstice Waterfall and creek. There's lots to explore including the ruins of a 1950's ranch. Look out for alligator lizards on the trail! For other fall color hikes in the Los Angeles area, take a look at where to see fall colors.
Insider Tip: If you scramble up the rocky trail to the top of the waterfall in Solstice Canyon you’ll find some awesome pools, but please be careful!
Bats and bison make their home in Caprock Canyons State Park. Fall brings cool temps, perfect for hiking with the family, and if you can stay up late, there's amazing stargazing too. Try the one-mile Mesa trail, or take in a small section of the Caprock Canyons Trailway, which spans 41 miles, and crosses 46 bridges and a railroad tunnel.
Insider Tip: If you visit in early fall, you can catch the Mexican Free-Tailed Bats of Clarity Tunnel before they migrate south for the winter.
Each fall, the Smokies are awash with bright colors—this mountain range is home to over 100 native species of tree, many deciduous—making the Smokies one of the best places in the country to view fall foliage. Kid-sized hikes include Baskins Creek Falls and Schoolhouse Gap. You can see the sweep of color making its way down the mountains, as fall changes come first to the higher elevations, then gradually reach the foothills.For more Georgia fall color, check out: 3 Places to See Fantastic Fall Foliage
Insider Tip: Head over to the Smokies' fall color website to find the best time to hit the trail.
Mid-September to Mid-October is a great time to visit Montana's glorious Glacier National Park—the summer rush of visitors is over, and the leaves of the larch trees are turning a beautiful shade. Rob Taylor, of 2 Travel Dads blog, recommends the Avalanche Lake trail in Lake McDonald Valley or Redrock Falls in the Many Glacier Valley. Avalanche Lake is a short hike where you'll cross over streams and walk through woods to the lake. Redrock Falls is a little more challenging, but you'll be rewarded with amazing views of the mountains.
Insider Tip: Rob says hikers may be able to paddle in some of the lower levels of Redrock Falls, but use caution, of course!
This Ohio park is full of history; the Portage Path running through it was once the western border of the United States. Today, you can follow that historic route, or take one of many other trails in the park. Look out for the plentiful wildlife (including screech, barred, and great horned owls and red, gray, and fox squirrels). You'll also spy some awesome fall colors.
Insider Tip: Take part in Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree, which will take you to some amazing parks and trails—from caves and marshes to steep valleys and waterfalls. This annual event has been going since 1964 and encourages families to explore the many trails in their community.
So named because it was chiseled through the rocks by a river—this state park has lots of activities for the whole family year-round but is especially lovely in the fall when leaves are painted with red and gold. There’s a lot of wildlife to be seen, including deer, fox, muskrat, beaver, and woodchuck (perhaps you can find out how much wood a woodchuck can chuck). There are a few easy hikes in the park including one that loops around a lake. Nearby, you’ll find the town of Rockford—the place where pioneers once forded the fast-moving Rock River in their wagons. Here are some more colorful spots for fall family strolls in the Chicago area.
Insider Tip: Your little hikers can do a spot of bird watching in this park. See if you can spot a Great Blue Heron and a Ruddy Duck. If you're REALLY lucky you may see the elusive Snow Goose!
15 miles of colorful sandstone give the towering cliffs of Pictured Rocks their name. You’ll find caves, arches, and unusual rock formations, all naturally stained by minerals from Lake Superior. This National Lakeshore has wonderful fall hikes that capture the beauty of both the cliffs and the changing of the seasons. The Chapel Trail Mosquito Falls Loop is a great hike for families with big kids; it takes you past two waterfalls and along part of the 42-mile Lakeshore Trail with spectacular scenery. It’s not recommended for the littles as the trail goes along the clifftops. Families have several nature trails and day hikes to choose from including hikes to waterfalls, shipwrecks, dunes, and the Au Sable Lighthouse.
Insider Tip: After your hike, hop on a boat cruise to get a good look at the cliffs from a different vantage point.
One of the six original state parks that opened in 1936, Staunton River has a variety of terrain—from woodlands and meadows to the sandy shoreline of Buggs Island Lake. Much of the landscape is unchanged from the times when Revolutionary and Civil War troops camped here. There are several hikes to choose from but the best one to try with mini-hikers is the easy Tutelo Trail.
Insider Tip: Staunton River State Park is certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. This means the night skies are very dark there and minimally impacted by city lights. The park hosts Star Parties throughout the year.
You’ll hike through a forest of sugar maple, American beech, and yellow birch to get to one of Maine’s highest and most spectacular waterfalls. Angel Falls gets its name from the shape the cascading water makes—some say it looks like an angel’s wings. This short hike follows mountain streams (you’ll have to scramble over boulders and do a bit of wading to cross them, but it's still family-friendly). Depending on how much water is flowing at the time you’re there, you may be able to make it to the base of the falls. If you do, look up for amazing views.
Insider Tip: “There’s gold in them thar hills” ... people used to pan for gold up here but the real gold in this forest is maple syrup‚ these sugar maples make syrup that's double the usual sweetness!
Wawayanda State Park Sussex and Passaic County, NJ
There are many easy trails along the wooded shoreline of this park (and one very challenging one—the Appalachian Trail). The Cherry Ridge Trail travels alongside Lake Wawayanda, across a stone bridge, by beaver ponds to a rare swamp of White Atlantic Cedar. The Cedar Swamp Trail will take you across the swamp on boardwalks and through rhododendron tunnels.
Insider Tip: Civil War buffs, look out for the ruins of a charcoal blast furnace used to produce iron for the Union armies. You might also spot mine shafts belonging to the abandoned Wawayanda Mine.
While the National Arboretum is a well-known favorite, this list also includes a kid-friendly winery and a Japanese garden
As trees begin to burst with the first oranges, reds, and yellows of the season, now is the time to plan a leaf-peeping adventure! Enjoy a family hike (or a visit to a kid-friendly winery) and enjoy nature’s greatest display. We rounded up the best spots to see fall foliage in Washington, DC, as well as some worth-the-drive destinations. Get out the binoculars, it’s time to peep leaves!
The "rollercoaster section" of the Appalachian Trail in Bluemont, VA is affectionally referred to as Bear's Den, after the hiker's lodge that sits perched at its peak. The main lookout on this trail is just a short walk from the parking lot. You can find visitors scrambling out onto some of the rocky overhangs for stunning images. Because of these steep drops, we do not recommend these paths for little hikers.
There are a number of ways to enjoy the views of this watershed. You can bike or walk the Anacostia River Trail, a well-paved, stroller-friendly path that offers over 20 miles of primarily waterfront trails. A particularly kid-friendly section can be found near Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens which has bridges to cross and pathways under train tracks (a hit with both young and old). You can access this section of the path from the Gardens. For those seeking a water-bound adventure, check out this guide on boat rentals, boat ramps, and the best places to kayak or row on the river.
The Potomac Heritage Trail winds its way through this VA park. There is plenty to explore beyond the trail; kids will enjoy crossing creeks and streams, walking along the Potomac River edge, discovering small waterfalls, and listening to the wildlife. This trail is notoriously not well marked, so be sure to pre-plan your route.
Since becoming one of the first federally managed parks in 1890, this 1,700-acre park in the heart of DC can make you forget all about being in a city. Take a walk with a ranger to learn about the park, hike or bike the 32-plus miles of trails, and stop by the Rock Creek Planetarium for a free show or stargazing session.
Part of West Potomac Park, this 107-acre circle isn’t just for cherry blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial. As it turns out, DC’s favorite trees look just as amazing in gold, red, and yellow as they do in green and pink in the spring.
The beautiful mountain has been designated as a registered natural landmark and its striking beauty makes it easy to see why. This fall, the rolling hills will burst with fall color. Be sure not to miss the East Overlook for an amazing view of peaceful Maryland farmland.
Insider tip: On your way down the mountain, stop by Sugarloaf Mountain Winery. It is super family-friendly and boasts the same beautiful fall views.
Head to Montgomery County for an award-winning 50-acre garden extravaganza inside Wheaton Regional Park. The Children's Garden is a mini-Maryland experience with an old farmhouse, mountain boulders, and tons of Maryland-style outdoor fun. Wander around to search for iconic state symbols and learn more about what each one means.
The historical landmark features 5.5 acres of landscaped grounds that provide visitors with a magnificent display of fall colors. Kids love the outdoor garden, which is open Thursday through Sunday and features a lily pool, boxwood eclipse, and Japanese tea garden. Admission for self-guided garden tours is free. Tudor Place does not offer a café and eating on the premises is not recommended, but Montrose Park is located nearby and offers a perfect place to picnic after viewing the gardens.
Take a ranger-led kayak tour or download a trail map to see the 18 miles of trails that run from Theodore Roosevelt Island to Mount Vernon. The island itself is 88.5 acres with a memorial to the 26th president toward the middle of the northern end. Pack a picnic and set up shop on one of the island’s small beach areas.
A peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city, this Columbia Heights park is the perfect picnic spot to peep the leaves. On Sunday afternoons, a lively drum circle fills the park with toe-tapping beats. Twelve acres of fall beauty will delight young and old visitors alike.
Want to see beautiful trees? Head here to see 446 acres of plant life. Take to the 9.5 miles of winding roadways to tour them alone on foot, in the car, or on a bicycle.
The estate includes the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia, as well as a distinguished 18th-century French decorative art collection. With its twenty-five acres of landscaped gardens and natural woodlands, it is also a great place to see fall foliage. Kids love the small walking paths that run through lush green trees and shrubbery, connecting the formal gardens that surround the mansion. Take the Friendship Walk to the four seasons sculpture and have the kids guess which sculpture represents each season. The stunning Japanese garden and the pet cemetery are also fun for little ones to explore. When little tummies need food, the Vista Terrace is the perfect resting spot, with lots of chairs, tables, and a fantastic view of fall foliage.
With 95 acres of local flora and fauna, the whole family can walk around the winding walkways and across the quaint bridge. Explore tons of fall color alongside the striking Korean Bell Garden. Your kiddos will enjoy a quick stop at the restored 18th-century log cabin. No need to leave the stroller at home. The garden is accessible to all.
Cost: Age 18-54, $6, Age 6-17 & 55 and over: $3, Age 6 & under: Free
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct. Vienna, VA Online:novaparks.com
Mount Vernon
President George Washington knew a good view when he saw it. His red-roofed 500-acre estate on the Potomac River practically glitters among the fall foliage. Fun fact: He hired his first gardener in 1762 to care for the landscape he carefully designed. Take a tour of the home to see the bed where the president died, his office, and dining room, and wander among the grounds, landing at his burial site. Or get a look at the estate from a sightseeing cruise on the river.
In late September, this gorgeous historic National Park is ablaze with all the reds, yellows, and oranges. Take a 5-minute bus ride from the Visitors Center into Lower Town. Don't forget to pick up a Junior Ranger packet. Your kiddos can answer fun and educational questions about the area, and after an adorable ceremony with a local ranger, be presented with a badge. Insider tip: the wild and natural landscape is difficult to navigate with a stroller. You might want to grab the carrier instead.
There are three tree-covered trails to choose from, all with spectacular views of the cliffs and Potomac River that make this part of the C&O Canal a destination for millions of people a year. Combined, the three trails total 8 miles, but you can do them in sections, and each trail has varying levels of difficulty. For the greatest challenge—traversing a steep climb along a cliff face, for example—go with Trail A. For the most leisurely tree-gazing, take Trail C.
This 105-mile drive runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the only public road through the park. It takes about three hours to travel the whole thing, and it’s accessible at four points. “Deer, black bear, wild turkey, and a host of other woodland animals call Shenandoah home and regularly cross Skyline Drive in their daily travels,” according to the National Park Service. Fall colors begin to show up in early October at 3,500 feet and above, while the lower elevations are in full glory closer to the third week of the month.
Stroll along the cobblestone streets and listen to the sounds of the C&O Canal while you take in all the autumn views. Your family can take a leisurely walk down O Street NW to see the rustic row homes surrounded by fall foliage. Or plan a lunch by the water so you can get a view of the leaves changing around George Washington Memorial Parkway.
For about 100 years, it served as a “lifeline for communities along the Potomac River,” according to the National Park Service’s C&O Canal website. The 184.5 miles of canal and towpath run from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD. Family favorites include hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and canal boating along the towpath.
This Maryland park has multiple scenic vistas, including Chimney Rock, which has an elevation of 1,400 feet, and Hog Rock, which rises 1,600 feet. Twenty-five miles of hiking trails crisscross the park, which also has a Children’s Discovery Room at the Visitor Center and the Catoctin Mountain Junior Ranger program, which is open to ages 6 and up.
This 218-acre park in Fairfax Station has lots of activities for kids and adults. The 4.7-mile trail around the lake is flat and easy to walk, run or bike. There’s also a mini golf course, carousel, miniature train, and playgrounds. The park also offers activities like campouts, animal talks, and boat rides.
Whether you prefer sourdough crust, deep dish, Detroit-style, or topped with Indian flavors, the Bay Area pizza scene really delivers
Fresh dough, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of sauce—pizza is a recipe for deliciousness for parents and kids alike. The Bay Area pizza scene offers lots of options for little foodies like the curry chicken masala pizza of Curry Pizza House and the potato-topped pizza from Escape from New York Pizza. We won’t say which is our ultimate favorite (because that’s like choosing a favorite child) but you’ll find top spots from Point Reyes to San Jose, perfect for a lazy night with no cooking needed.
Long Bridge Pizza Co. If thin crust sourdough pizza is your thing, Long Bridge Pizza Co. is your pizza place. Actually, if Detroit-style pizza is your thing, then Long Bridge is also your pizza place because they sell that on their popular Square Thursdays. Named for the wooden causeway that connected San Francisco to Dogpatch in the 1800s, Long Bridge is in a neighborhood that’s great to explore, and particularly good for the kind of exploration that involves food. If you still have room after your ‘za, waddle over to Neighbor Bakehouse next door or the Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous ice cream shop a block away.
Escape from New York Pizza It’s nice to have a good stand-by when you need an easy, no-frills, counter-service meal while you’re in Downtown San Francisco, and Escape from New York Pizza is that place. (There are other locations in San Francisco, but we're partial to the bright and airy Financial District one with seating on the plaza.) See if the kiddos can spot King Kong climbing the wall. You must order their famous You Say Potato! pizza covered in roasted potato slices, copious amounts of garlic (copious!), pesto, and of course mozzarella. It’s worth the stinky breath afterward and your kids are stuck with you so what are they going to do about it?
Pizzeria Delfina Pizzeria Delfina is San Francisco’s golden child and with good reason. Their pies are perfection, but the crowds and long waits could be a pain for families. There are four Bay Area locations, and we recommend the Fillmore one for its enclosed parklet where the kids can run around.
Arizmendi This local cooperative serves up some of the tastiest pie around, even if they were the target of parody in Pixar’s “Inside Out.” They only offer one type of pizza per day, and it’s never cheese and pepperoni (more like shiitake mushroom, leeks, and sesame vinaigrette) but even so, they are known as a kid fave. Order by the slice—we also suggest adding a corn cherry scone—and pull up a chair in their Mission location, or grab a spot in the parklet outside of their Inner Sunset location. They offer par-baked (or fully baked) pies for takeout, and the price is right, especially considering the top-notch ingredients.
1272 Valencia St. and 1331 9th Ave. San Francisco Online: arizmendibakery.com
Zante If you haven’t tried it yet, the thought of Indian pizza may leave you scratching your head. But one bite and you’ll be hooked. Zante’s corn-meal-dusted crusts are the perfect base for their incredibly flavorful toppings—spinach, eggplant, cauliflower, ginger, garlic, green onions, and cilantro. The no-frills restaurant at the base of Bernal Hill is spacious, works well for large parties, has high chairs, and rarely has a wait.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana Tony, an 11-time World Pizza Champion, must be doing something right. His North Beach restaurant is an ode to regionally specific pizza (he has various types of ovens for various styles of pies) and turns out spot-on New York, New Haven, Detroit, St. Louis, Romana, and Sicilian pizzas—not to mention tasty pasta and other Italian specialties. There’s a small take-out shop for quick and easy slices.
State of Mind Often you find a pizza place with an excellent crust but a so-so sauce, or a to-die-for sauce but a nothing special crust. Not so at State of Mind where both are perfection. They offer round, pan, and gluten-free pizzas, and have curated a can and bottle list showcasing their favorite craft breweries throughout California. Don’t miss their old-school pizza restaurant arcade, which is also available for private parties.
Blue Line Pizza The talented pizza lovers from SF’s beloved Little Star are behind Blue Line, which now has seven locations around the Peninsula and East and South Bay. We especially love their Burlingame location, with its spacious back patio lit by twinkling fairy lights. Blue Line is known for their deep dish, but their thin crust, salads, and sandwiches are delish, too. We love that instead of crayons, they provide kiddies with Magnadoodles with the kids’ menu printed on the back! And don’t miss out on their totally adorable heart-shaped pizzas next Valentine’s Day.
Rise Pizzeria Grab a spot outside by the fire pit and enjoy a slice of Neapolitan pizza at Rise Pizzeria in Burlingame. This spot boasts tasty pizza with a healthy twist. Gluten-free crusts and dairy-free cheese are just two of the options that make this a great spot for those who have dietary restrictions. Parents will appreciate that Rise has swapped out the traditional soda machine for options like lemonade, iced tea, and apple juice. There is also a sister restaurant, Rise Woodfire, in San Mateo.
Square Pie Guys Square Pie Guys specializes in Detroit-style pizza which means they have what they describe as a “crispy, crackly, caramelized cheese crust.” It’s like the pan pizza of your youth but done deliciously right.
499 9th St., Oakland 1077 Mission St. and 845 Beach St. San Francisco Online: squarepieguys.com
Zachary’s Deep-dish pizza lovers say Zachary’s is the winner. They do a completely balanced deep dish layered "upside-down" to keep the crust crisp. The downside? You guessed it: The wait can be unbelievably long. Because the pizzas take 30 minutes to cook anyway, they have guests order when they arrive, so that by the time you are seated, your pizza should be nearly ready.
Pizzaiolo If you like your pizza night complete with a craft cocktail, this is your spot. Kids will give the Margherita a thumbs up, while the other creative, high-quality dishes (not to mention the killer cocktail list) will elevate family pizza night to something a little more special.
Bluebird Pizzeria It’s hard to decide between the pan-baked grandma pie and the margarita pizza with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and basil—so why not get both? If there’s a wait, the kids will be happy perusing the selection of board games and books.
Patxi’s Pizza With many locations around the Bay Area, Patxi’s has become an institution for Chicago-style pizza. Their Dublin location doesn’t disappoint, with a pick-up window as well as a fantastic outdoor patio. Don’t forget the honey at the table to drizzle on the crust. Mangia!
Curry Pizza House If you have a Curry Pizza House in your neighborhood, consider yourself lucky as it's just the break from ordinary pepperoni your family is craving. We recently checked out the carry-out-only San Jose location on Union Ave. and found the staff to be friendly and the pizzas to be full of fresh ingredients with your choice of traditional or Indian flavors. We suggest going for a half-and-half of the curry chicken masala and the curry veggie delight with a side of achari wings and masala chips. They even offer vegan options.
2984 Union Ave. San Jose Find all their six Bay Area locations here.
Pizza My Heart There are dozens of new spots intent on mastering the craft of pizza making, but we have a soft spot for the ones keeping it FUN. Always incredibly family-friendly, Pizza My Heart really wins on Tuesdays, when from 4-8 p.m. they put the kids to work. Kids are given a pre-shaped pizza dough on a mini pizza pan, along with a squirt bottle of sauce, mini-containers of shredded cheese, and their choice of toppings. It’s then whisked away and baked up for a dinner they’ll love.
Click here to see all of their locations, mostly in the South Bay and Peninsula.
A Slice of New York “ASONY” for those in the know was founded by New York transplant, Kirk Vartan, who knows what New York pizza is all about. You know it’s a good pizza when a simple cheese pie is perfection. The garlic knots are sublime and their dessert menu runs the gamut from tiramisu and cheesecake to imported East Coast must-haves like Yodels and Devil Dogs. There are two locations, both covered in fun New York subway decor. The original San Jose location is takeout only so we prefer the Sunnyvale one that includes an entire subway car! Don’t miss the notices on the walls about who has been banned from the restaurant for various infractions, including stealing a Rubik’s Cube.
Giovanni’s Pizzeria No self-respecting New York-style pizza place would put chicken on pizza… would they? Any bad taste in your mouth from previous experiences elsewhere will disappear when you come to family-run Giovanni’s. They have all the usual toppings of course, but the stand-out is the Rustica with roasted chicken, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil. You’ll be licking your plate if you haven’t already eaten it directly out of the box on the ride home.
Amici’s Amici’s is a pizza juggernaut in the Bay Area for good reason. Their East Coast style pizzas with a thin chewy crust are the gold standard. Our favorites are the margarita pizza with fresh basil and tomatoes, the hearth-baked breadsticks, and the artichoke Panzanella salad. At the Mountain View location Penny the Robot sometimes delivers the pizza to your table! Amici’s also is a great location for school fundraisers as they give a big chunk of change back to the school.
Bibo’s Pizza If New York-style is your jam, then Bibo's is your spot. This Willow Glen pizza joint specializes in those giant, thin slices that are best enjoyed by folding in half. They use almost a pound of their special mozzarella on each 20-inch pie—a combo of buffalo milk and cow's milk that will send your taste buds into overdrive. Don't want a whole pie? Swing by for a slice. =
Pizzalina Pizzalina’s heated outdoor patio is a great place to dig into an app of burrata before devouring a Neapolitan-style pie cooked in a wood-burning oven. They’re serious about their salads and pasta, too, and even sell their homemade dressings. The bambini menu provides some extra kid-friendly offerings.
914 Sir Francis Drake San Anselmo Online: pizzalina.com
Cafe Reyes Make this cozy small town restaurant a stomach refueling spot on that day trip to West Marin or do like the locals and take the windy half-hour drive when you’re on the other side of Mt. Tam. Once here enjoy the authentic Neapolitan wood-fired oven pizza and fresh local oysters. (That’s so you know you’re in Point Reyes!) And don’t miss their organic salads or the apple pie.
11101 CA-1 Point Reyes Station Online: cafereyes.biz
Pizza Hacker Inside the new biergarten in Tam Junction you’ll find Pizza Hacker, the new outpost of the San Francisco pizzeria that excels at nicely charred, naturally leavened (a.k.a. sourdough) crusts. The Short Bridge pie is a winner with soppressata, housemade sausage, mushrooms, and parm. They also offer a Charles E. Cheese IV pizza which they describe affectionately as “a kid’s cheese pizza” (it’s a margarita without the basil). The salads are serious business—the Intermezzo is a burst of color and flavor and includes radicchio, rainbow carrots, little gems lettuce, chickpeas, a farm egg, and poppyseed dressing. It’s a spot where vegans can be happy, too—for $2 extra you can get Miyoko’s vegan mozzarella on your pie.
Pizzeria Picco From their perfect pies to their housemade soft serve, Pizzeria Picco wins on all counts. Just a couple blocks away from a magical redwood park so we suggest going to get your hike on and then heading over for an early dinner. Their petite pizzas make ordering multiples a must, which is a good thing because there are typically nearly a dozen choices, each featuring local, seasonal ingredients. The pies come out of the wood-fired oven perfectly blistered and can be paired with equally amazing salads, soups and sides. But the real bonus is the aforementioned soft serve. Our fave: A twist topped with housemade caramel and crunchy sea salt.
Tamalpie Pizza This place is quintessentially Marin—the name is an ode to Mt. Tam, and from the thin-crust pies to the sizable beer menu to the dogs lounging near the outdoor, family-style tables to the menu items named after local hiking trails, it oozes NorCal charm. If you visit during the “kid rush,” from 5-7 pm, you needed to be prepared for a playhouse atmosphere, as this is the go-to spot for parents and kids in the area. End on an epic note and go for the banana split.
Make homework fun by changing the way you look at it
Your kids just spent all day at school. And now you’re asking them to do what? Homework? Hey, that’s kind of like having school at home. After an entire day of paper, pencils, and books, your child may resist (and that’s putting it politely) getting down to business during the after-school hours. Don’t stress out. Whether your child has to study a vocab list, do a few zillion math equations, or finish a few extra assignments, we’re sharing seven tips that can magically transform homework from a super-struggle to some serious fun!
iStock
1. Work Together
Why not be hands-off when it comes to your kid’s homework, while still working beside one another? Return emails, answer your co-worker’s texts or work on the PTA fundraiser, modeling focused work to your child as the two of you spend QT together. If you think this seems like you’re not paying attention to your child or you’re slacking when it comes to parenting—you aren’t. Instead, you’re creating a shared workspace where the two of you can get business done together.
2. Get Creative
Sitting like a statue and calculating problem after problem on a math worksheet isn’t exciting, so consider turning a study session into an all-out artsy adventure! As your kid reads a chapter from the assigned text, use the opportunity as a chance to put on a play. If not acting, paint out math problems, sculpt letters or turn American history into a song.
Other ideas (perfect for older kiddos) include more sophisticated setups like creating a series of paintings explaining a text the child is trying to interpret or interpreting a poem using their musical notes. Kindergarten-aged kids set can get back to basics and finger paint letters, make clay characters from a story or bang on pots and pans to learn about patterns or counting.
4. Take It Outside
If there’s an outdoor space where they can spread out and study in your home, encourage it. A study showed that workers saw a 45% increase in productivity after being outside for about 30 minutes. Plus, offering up 10-minute breaks in the sun is a huge perk.
4. Make It a Group Effort
Start a study group. Have your kiddo invite classmates to read, write and do math equations together. If your student is old enough to handle organizing and delegating, take a step back and let your kid take on a leadership role. Younger kids may need more help—think of this as a mini-educational play date for them.
Danny Piassick via Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC
5. Design an Awesome Workspace
Take a page from some of the coolest places on Earth to work. Google, Apple and other tech giants all have fab workspaces for their employees. Why? To increase productivity. Create a communal workstation that all your kids (or all your family) can share instead of sending your little learners off to their room alone. Mix it up with a tall desk (by using a shelf), so your child can stand and work, or swap out desk chairs for a yoga ball or a twisty stool.
6. Engage the Senses
There is a reason those darned pop-its were suddenly in every kid’s hands. While engaging their sense of touch, smell or sight might seem like a distraction, it helps them focus. Try doing a sensory activity like making your playdough. You can also engage other senses: Stash a stress ball in the homework area to engage the sense of touch or play white noise to break the quiet distracting to your child.
7. Hold Office Hours
Your child needs some homework help. Instead of hovering (no helicopters here) or taking over and writing your very own book report, set up office hours—just like your college professors did. Make the living room couch or the dining room table into your “office.” The kids can schedule a time to ask questions or can come to your “open hours.” This lets you help your child without actually doing the work yourself
When you are on the tot clock, the earlier the better for brunch and thankfully, long-gone are the days when an early brunch spot opened at 11 a.m. We’ve pulled together our favorite local breakfasts that offer kid-friendly favorites like pancakes, waffles and scrambled eggs for families whose morning routines might begin with the sunrise. Hit up one of these and then head to a local favorite playground—or better yet—one of our favorite museum exhibits—to burn off all that good-for-you energy.
The Ferry Building Marketplace: Early birds know that the Ferry Building is full of breakfast options for early risers. With gorgeous views of the Bay and a playground right across the street, it’s a no-brainer breakfast spot when you have the kids in tow. Here are a bunch of our early morning faves located in this iconic spot:
Daily Driver: This original Dogpatch bagel shop is also at the Ferry Building serving up delicious bagels, butter and cream cheese. Their wood-fired bagel recipe isn’t NY or Montreal style, but as unique as the Bay Area. Get a bagel and schmear to-go and sit outside watching the birds greet the morning. If you happen to be in the Dogpatch area, feel free to stop by and grab a bag for the week.
Donut Farm: Founded in 2006 by local musician and activist Josh Levine, Donut Farm produces a range of handcrafted vegan and organic donuts, making it the perfect stop for a guilt-free treat. Donut Farm is dedicated to minimizing its footprint, meticulously selecting local and sustainably produced ingredients beyond a standard most any other donut shop can claim.
Open: Every day at 8 a.m.
Grande Creperie: Crepes are the perfect brunch item, and with sweet and savory crepes enjoyed outside on a beautiful Sunday morning, you might want to bookmark this spot now. Directly from Le Marais Bakery, husband and wife duo are bringing France to the Bay Area with buckwheat galettes and sweet crepes.
Open: Tues.- Sun., 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Best Brunch Spots Located Just Outside the Ferry Building
Biscuit Bender: No longer in the Ferry Building and in its new location in the Dogpatch, this bakery prides itself on bringing the Southern favorites to the Bay Area. Owner Van Dao offers a unique variety of homemade buttermilk biscuits—from sweet (peanut butter chocolate chip, lemon poppy seed, Mexican hot chocolate) to savory (wild mushroom, bacon maple, corn jalapeno). Biscuit accompaniments are also available, including flavored butter and jams.
Open: Tues.-Thurs. & Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Boogaloos: Get to this Mission favorite early to avoid crowds. No need to distract the kids until the food arrives here—artwork and colorful mosaics cover all the walls. This is also a great choice if you are a vegan or vegetarian (the Soyrizo-N-Eggs is fantastic!).
Open: Every day from 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sweet Maple: Fast service and organic ingredients are the game’s name at this Lower Pacific Heights eatery known for its spicy and sweet Millionaire’s Bacon. Kids will love the pancake with a choice of bacon, pork-lime sausage or chicken mango sausage. Parents will love the bottomless mimosas or the double kick of the espresso martini.
Open: Every day from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Beach Chalet: This spot wins for best views hands down and is also open at 9 a.m. to get your day started right. You can’t go wrong with the lemon ricotta beignets or the baked French toast. Savory fans gravitate to the corned beef hash. You can often find live music here and it’s a great spot to kick off a day exploring Golden Gate Park.
Sam’s Log Cabin: What kid wouldn’t want to eat in a quaint little log cabin? While the location is historic (the cabin has been there since 1930), the food is modern and there are many organic options. Standouts here include the Cinnamon Currant French Toast and Biscuits and Gravy. Also popular on the breakfast menu are Pork Braised Collard Greens White Corn grits and House-Made Scones.
Insider Tip: If you happen to be there on a sunny morning, grab a seat in the great back patio area.
Open: Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Café M: This spacious, airy establishment is right in the heart of the Fourth Street shopping area. It’s a great place to stop and fuel up on California-style cuisine before hitting the shops with the kids. Great items to try include Cinnamon Stuffed French Toast (complete with mascarpone filling and banana compote), Aztec Huevos Rancheros and Grapefruit Mimosas.
Insider Tip: If there is a wait, Café M can text you when your table is ready.
Open: Every day at 8:30 a.m.
Rockridge Cafe:This diner-style eatery has been serving early morning favorites since 1973. Try the Ricotta Special with ricotta cakes, eggs and bacon, or hook the kids up with the kiddie-sized challah french toast. They have plenty of high chairs and stroller parking to accommodate all the families that come.
Insider Tip: Get there before 9 a.m. to avoid crowds.
Crepevine: This Peninsula favorite packs in families for brunch and with good reason—their crepes are a treat both parents and kids will love. The menu is extensive, but a favorite is the Burlingame Sweet Crepe made with strawberries, caramelized bananas, Nutella and chocolate sauce. They also have egg scrambles, omelets, pancakes and wraps, and the kid’s menu has popular items like pancakes and eggs. The Safari Cooler (orange, carrot and apple) is a must-try.
Note: Crepevine has several locations throughout the Bay Area, there’s probably one near you, ready to serve you shortly after the sun comes up.
Open: Every day at 7:30 a.m.
Apple Fritter: Apple Fritter is a very popular San Mateo breakfast spot and its traditional American fare brings in the crowds. If you’re hungry, order the Tooth Fairy (three slices of thick egg bread dipped in house-made cinnamon vanilla batter, served with three pieces of bacon and two eggs). There’s also plenty of tyke-friendly food. The star of this place is the donuts. The Bacon Maple Bar rivals Voo Doo Donuts in Portland.
Millbrae Pancake House: The Millbrae Pancake House has been an institution since 1959. Walking in you’ll notice the vintage wallpaper, the old-fashioned booths and the classic surrounding décor. It’s so old-school that it’s hip again. The food is good, the service is fast and the Smiley Face pancakes are a hit with the kids. Bonus: there’s breakfast all day here!
Stacks: Stacks’ menu is large and varied in the classic American breakfast tradition and the pancakes are ridiculously good here. They also have great ‘Breakfast Basics’ options where you can customize your eggs, potatoes and bagel to include whatever you like—perfect for picky kiddos. Two great things about Stacks are its quick service and the fact that if you order a cup of coffee, they bring you an entire carafe full!
Good to know: If you encounter a wait here on a Sunday, put your name in and then stroll through the nearby Campbell farmer’s market.
Open: Every day at 7 a.m.
Hobee’s: Since the early 1980s, families have dined at Hobee’s for their famous blueberry coffee cake and cinnamon-orange tea. There’s the original location right across from De Anza College in Cupertino as well as five other spots in the South Bay/Peninsula. It has a super laid-back vibe that’s perfect for semi-unruly small diners.
Open: Every day at 8 a.m.
Scrambl’z: This is a restaurant to be enjoyed by kids. From the moment you walk in, everything you see will delight them—including a converted VW bus in the dining room. The space is colorful, loud and completely unique. There’s a great kid’s menu here with lots of options for little ones and an over-the-top hot chocolate. While there’s plenty of seating inside, they also have a great patio in the back with picnic tables.
Tip: You can call ahead to put your name in or to reserve the VW bus! So cool!
Open: Every day at 7 a.m.
Los Gatos Cafe:This local cafe is a mainstay on the Los Gatos main drag. It’s a fun, casual and relaxed atmosphere. The menu here is HUGE. Kids even have their own menu where they can pick how they want their pancakes—Mickey Mouse, bunny rabbit or dinosaur style!
The Half Day Cafe: The Half Day Café is a family-run business located in a historic building in Kentfield. This beautiful brick gem dates back all the way to the 1930s. They have all the brunch options-omelets, pancakes, even Green Eggs and Ham. Don’t forget to check out the weekly specials!
Open: Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m., Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m.
Barefoot Cafe: This cute neighborhood café offers a little bit of everything for breakfast—from fresh Equator coffee to organic produce to the delicious strawberry waffles. The all-fruit smoothies are a must-try. The Mickey Mouse pancakes here are a hit with the kids!
Open: Sat. & Sun., 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
Poggio: If you haven’t introduced the kids to the divinity that is the Liege waffle, now is the time. Poggio offers these breakfast treats topped with Nutella (everyone’s fave) or maple syrup. Egg lovers can indulge in the frittata for the day to get their fill of veggies.
Open: Every day at 6:30 a.m.
Comforts: Comforts is one of San Anselmo’s beloved eateries. Because it is so popular, you may have to wait for a table on the patio or in the restaurant, but the wait is worth it (and all the better reasons to show up at 8). The bunch menu changes weekly and is always filled with healthy and fresh options.
Insider Tip: Don’t leave without checking out the dessert cases and grab a cookie to go!
