DoorDash Releases 2020’s Biggest Food Trends in Deep Dish Report

by Jennifer SwartvagherJuly 24, 2020

Many families have been relying on takeout now more than ever. DoorDash just unveiled the DoorDash Deep Dish report. This report delves into the top takeout and cooking trends to date as we make our way past the halfway point of the year.

Using order data from Jan. 1, 2020 to Jun. 30, 2020 and a national consumer survey, DoorDash’s mid-year report checks in on popular food trends, nationally and regionally, how users ate through social distancing, cravings across the country, and more. The national consumer survey polled 2,000 Americans on what they cooked, ate, and baked the most, the top food and drink they missed while restaurants were closed, the impact the past six months have had on vacation plans and more.

Check out some highlights form the DoorDash Deep Dish Report:

Top Foods of 2020 To Date

Chicken Sandwich & French Fries
Mac and Cheese
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Make Your Own Pizza
Iced Coffee
California Roll
Breakfast Burrito
Chicken Fajitas
Spicy Tuna Roll
Fish & Chips

Top Condiments of 2020 To Date

Ranch
Sour Cream
Soy Sauce
Hot Mustard
Spicy Mayo
Ketchup
Hot Sauce
Honey Mustard
Salsa
Honey BBQ

Top 20 Food On The Rise This Year That You Should Expect To See More Of:

Oatmeal – 1,768% increase
Queso Blanco – 1,735% increase
Iced Caramel Coffee – 1,660% increase
Grilled Chicken Taco – 1,502% increase
Create Your Own Pizza – 1,501% increase
Cinnamon Rolls – 1,400% increase
Cheese Nachos – 1,130% increase
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie – 1,193% increase
Spinach and Artichoke Dip – 1,092% increase
Iced French Vanilla Coffee – 1,028% increase
Shrimp Tacos – 997% increase
New York Style Cheesecake – 843% increase
Strawberry Banana Smoothie – 822% increase
Biscuits with Gravy – 818% increase
Vegetable Samosa – 788% increase
Blueberry Muffin – 779% increase
Plant-based Burgers – 433% increase
Chicken Fajitas – 318% increase
Churros – 260% increase
Horchata – 200% increase

The State of Flavor in America – Top Items in US Cities

LA: Sushi–California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll, Rainbow Roll, and Shrimp Tempura Roll are top sushi items ordered
SF: Indian–Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan, Basmati Rice, Samosas, and Saag Paneer are top items ordered
Denver: Cheese is Supreme–Mac & Cheese, Mozzarella Sticks, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Chicken Quesadillas, and Chips & Queso are top items ordered
Chicago: Is A Hot Dog a Sandwich?–Italian Beef Sandwich, Hot Dog, Chicken Sandwich, Chili Cheese Dog, Beef Croissant Sandwich are top items ordered
Austin: Tex-Mex–Chips & Queso, Burritos, Baja Shrimp Taco, Fried Avocado Taco, and Chicken Fajitas are top items ordered
Atlanta: Sweet Tooth–Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cookies & Cream Milkshake, Brownie, Apple Pie, and Banana Bread are top items ordered
Miami: Latin American Flavors–Sweet Plantains, Fried Yuca, Jerk Chicken, Tres Leches, and Tostones are top items ordered
DC: Chicken–Roasted Chicken, Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, and Curry Chicken are top items ordered
Philadelphia: American Staples–Chicken Nuggets, Cheesesteaks, Cheeseburgers, Italian Hoagie, and Boneless Wings are top items ordered
NYC: Chicken–Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Quesadilla, Chicken Parmigiana, Crispy Chicken BLT, Buttermilk Fried Chicken are top items ordered
Seattle: Seafood–California Roll, Fish & Chips, Crab Rangoon, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Tartar Sauce are top items ordered

Top Food Items ordered this year during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night

East Coast:

Breakfast: Iced Coffee, Donuts, Steak Omelette, Belgian Waffle, Bagel with Butter

Lunch: Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Chips, Iced Tea, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Turkey Sandwich

Dinner: Chicken Quesadilla, Caesar Salad, Spicy Tuna Roll, Fried Rice, Gyoza

Late Night: Chicken Fingers, Apple Pie, Mozzarella Sticks, Strawberry Milkshake, Sugar Cookies

West Coast:

Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito, Bacon, French Toast, Latte, Pancakes

Lunch: Create Your Own Pizza, Miso Soup, Veggie Spring Rolls, Chicken Egg Roll, Orange Chicken

Dinner: Chicken Tikka Masala, Spicy Tuna Roll, Mongolian Beef, Bean Burrito, Dragon Roll

Late Night: Stuffed Jalapenos, Mini Churros, Cheesecake, Horchata, Fried Zucchini

Midwest:

Breakfast: BEC on a Biscuit, Iced French Vanilla Latte, Breakfast Sampler, Oatmeal, Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Lunch: Mac & Cheese, Potstickers, Italian Beef Sandwich, Hot Dog, Chili

Dinner: Potstickers, Chimichanga, Street Tacos, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Fettuccine Alfredo

Late Night: French Fries, Chocolate Milkshake, Cheese Sliders, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cinnamon Rolls

South:

Breakfast: Sausage Biscuit, Hash Brown Burrito, Orange Juice, Fruit Salad, Buttered Biscuit

Lunch: Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Buffalo Wings, Strawberry Lemonade, Nachos, Southwestern Eggrolls

Dinner: Fried Chicken, Sweet Iced Tea, Banana Pudding, Country Fried Steak, Ribeye

Late Night: Onion Rings, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cheesecake, Nachos, Cinnamon Rolls

DoorDash’s survey found that more time spent cooking is tiring people out. 70% of those surveyed said they are spending more time in the kitchen and 47% report that they are tired of cooking. 25% will order more food when they get takeout so that they will have leftovers for the next day.

Almost half of respondents are most tired of cooking chicken, followed by pasta and microwave meals. While tired of cooking chicken, Americans aren’t sick of ordering in chicken. Chicken Sandwich with french fries was the top food item ordered on DoorDash this year, with Chicken Fajitas also making the list as the 8th most ordered item.

While our Instagram feeds were flooded with pictures of banana bread, cookies are filling cravings for comfort food with 60% of those surveyed saying they baked chocolate chip cookies during the pandemic. Cookies also surged in order frequency, with Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookies seeing a 1,193% increase in orders compared to the first half of 2019.

People missing eating out, especially Mexican food and margaritas, and sushi. Americans made up for missing eating Mexican and Seafood out by ordering these cuisines in–the top items ordered this year on DoorDash include Spicy Shrimp Tacos (3rd most ordered item), California Roll (6th most ordered), Breakfast Burritos (7th most ordered), Chicken Fajitas (8th most ordered), Spicy Tuna Roll (9th most ordered) and Fish & Chips (10th most ordered). Top trending Mexican items ordered on DoorDash include Queso Blanco (1,735% increase), Grilled Chicken Tacos (1,502% increase), Cheese Nachos (1,130% increase), Shrimp Tacos (997% increase), and Chicken Fajitas (318% increase).

The west coast disagrees: their top response is sushi, edging Mexican food 36% to 34%. Top DoorDash orders from West Coasters support this, with Sushi and Seafood being the dominant items ordered in LA and Seattle, respectively, and West Coast top dinner items including Spicy Tuna Rolls and Dragon Rolls

The pandemic has caused food habits to change. Of those surveyed, 45% have tried at least one of three select new food habits. Intermittent fasting is especially popular with older millennials (25-34-year-olds) as 40% say they’ve tried it. Plant based eating is also on the rise. 18-24 year olds ranked plant-based as the most appetizing vegan dish and DoorDash orders for Plant-based Burgers surged 443% increase in 2020.

The largest amount spent on a single DoorDash food order this year was an order worth $2,578 that included 70 orders of Mediterranean herb chicken, 40 orders of grilled vegetables, and 20 cheese plates.

You can check out the full report here.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of DoorDash

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Limited Edition Pop Culture Razor Scooters Available Exclusively at Target

by Jennifer SwartvagherJuly 15, 2020

These scooters are definitely next level. Razor USA just launched its highly-anticipated first-ever limited-edition collaboration series. AriZona Iced Tea, Sharpie, Sriracha and Takis Snacks infused Razor scooters are available starting today at select Target locations, Target.com and Razor.com while supplies last.

Each collaboration is full of personality incorporating four hip cultural brands in a way never before seen in a Razor scooter. This limited-edition series furthers the brand’s mission to get riders from point A to point B in the most fun and coolest way possible.

From AriZona’s quintessential tallboy and famous seafoam green and pink label, to the spicy vibrancy of Sriracha’s bright green and deep red, to the bold permanence made with a Sharpie, and Takis Snacks’ bold palette, the Razor team brought themed design elements to every part of the scooter experience, from the wheels and deck, to the T-bar and handles, to even the packaging.

“We are thrilled to launch our first-ever collaboration series with AriZona Iced Tea, Sharpie, Sriracha and Takis Snacks,” said Jim Wagner, President of Razor USA. “When Razor launched twenty years ago, our goal was, and still is, to inspire joy, excitement, and fun everywhere our riders go. To be able to collaborate with such culturally influential brands that align with these values is a testament to the breadth and ability of Razor’s influence in this space of iconic brands, and we can’t wait to see where this collaboration takes Razor in the future.”

AriZona Iced Tea

Sharpie

Sriracha Hot Sauce

Takis Snacks

For more information please visit www.razor.com, @razorworldwide on Instagram and www.target.com.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Razor

Curious to Know What Your Teenage Daughter Thinks about Life at the Moment?

By Lindsay Sealey

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

April 22, 2020

Photo: http://shutterstock

Obviously, our world has changed. We are navigating an upside-down world of social distancing, self-isolation, uncertainty, and changes to our daily routines. Less obvious is how teenage girls are experiencing this pandemic, some are not talking yet and others are immersed in their digital devices.

I was wondering how teenage girls were adjusting to these changes so I asked teenage girls five questions. Their answers may not only surprise you but also give you some insight and ideas for how best to help them and for how not to hinder them. If you are like me, you assumed that our over-reliance on screens and virtual living would be their dream come true. Simply put: this is not true.

Question 1: What are the greatest changes you’ve experienced so far? Whether we are talking about school closures or how we grocery shop, girls are faced with daily interruptions in their routines, inconveniences, and scary uncertainties, change is happening. When I asked girls what the greatest of these changes were, many told me their routines have been drastically disrupted. Girls, who once woke up at 7 a.m. to hit the gym, now can’t. Girls who jumped out of bed to dash to catch the bus for school, breakfast in hand, now don’t. Girls who loved being “out and about” during the day, grabbing a Starbucks iced tea and the buzz of life around them, are forced to stay home. Each day feels like the day before and often blurry at that, they say. One teen told me that procrastination is all too real as she sits at home and has little to no motivation to do much of anything, much less her online school work. “There is just no point and it’s so hard to stay off my phone. My screen time is through the roof,” Mackenzie shuddered.

Question 2: What are you missing most? Without question, all girls are missing out on socializing. Society has often made fun of and shamed this generation for their lack of social skills and their phone addiction. Yet, at this point, human connection is exactly what these teen girls are longing for. Sophie said it this way, “I definitely want to be with people now more than ever—and I’m an introvert.” Kayla added to this insight, “I never realized how incredibly valuable human interaction is; there is nothing like a conversation with someone, face to face.” Girls remember how simple and idle chitchat in the lunch line up felt so good. Girls also miss going outside without fear, taking walks and shopping in real stores, and being outside without carefully considering how close they are to the next person.

Question 3: Can you think of any benefits or “silver linings”? It can be difficult, even ludicrous, to consider the benefits of a global disaster when you are still in the thick of it. Yet, girls were already thinking about all they’ve gained. Other than a new-found appreciation for people, many said it’s been nice to slow down, reflect, work on creative projects there was never time for, and—wait for it—spend time with their families. That’s right, every girl I spoke with said she has enjoyed family time to talk and those nightly dinners together where nobody is rushing off to a practice of work event. Everyone is home, helping each other through this, talking and listening, and being together. Des said it best when she commented, “Life is so busy and this situation has given us a gift. It has reminded us to slow down and be grateful for the amazing people we have in our lives.” 15-year old Jen said, “I have also been able to get more sleep, eat well, and wear comfortable clothes. Not worrying about what I am going to wear each day or how I am going to style my hair has been really freeing.” Elizabeth told me she has liked that she’s not spending any money on meaningless stuff and eating out.” One big silver lining, mentioned by a few girls, was the big picture perspective that the environment is appreciating the pause on production and pollution.

Question 4: What are you most looking forward to when life resumes? When life gets back to a version of normal, several girls told me they cannot wait to go back to school, to see friends. They are looking forward to working in their coffee shop and restaurant jobs. Some are keen to go to the movies. Most were looking forward to eating out at restaurants. All teens were anticipating hugs and high fives all around and an appreciation for all they took for granted.

Question 5: Right now, what or who, is helping you most and what or who, is hindering you most? This has, no doubt, been a stressful and anxiety-provoking time for everyone. Girls are finding help though, by connecting with friends online, talking to their parents, watching the news and getting accurate facts and trying to maintain some normalcy like sticking to a daily routine or focusing on gratitude, not disappointments. What hinders them is too much talk about the pandemic and obsessing with watching the news and waiting for some positive reports.

If you have a teenage girl and you are wondering how she is handling (or not handling) the COVID-19 outbreak, just ask her. Phrases such as, “I’d love to hear your thoughts on all this” or “This is such a big life adjustment for everyone, how are you finding your way” all open up the conversation to hear from your girl, who needs to talk and who also needs to feel heard and validated.

For more information about raising confident teenage girls, check out: Growing Strong Girls: Practical Tools to Cultivate Connection in the Preteen Years and Rooted, Resilient, and Ready now available on Amazon and Audible and the website Bold New Girls.

Lindsay Sealey

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a girl advocate and girls champion; the founder of Bold New Girls, teaching and coaching for girls and their parents. As well, I am the author Growing Strong Girls and Rooted, Resilient, and Ready (available on Amazon and Audible). I am an international speaker and an instructor with Udemy.

Starbucks Holiday 2019 Reusable Cup Lineup Is Finally Here

by Erica LoopNovember 11, 2019

It’s finally time to get your Starbucks holiday cup! The coffee giant has finally released its 2019 holiday reusable cup lineup and you’re going to have a difficult time choosing just one.

There are plenty of reusable cold and hot cups, tumblers and water bottles that make great gifts and are just what your holiday cup of joe needs.

Red & Pink Ombre Reusable Hot Cup Set

Starbucks' reusable hot cup set ($11.95) is great for a gift or yourself. Each cup has a unique saying including cups “Coffee,” “Hand Warmer,” “Coffee All the Way,” “Festive Cup,” “Merry Coffee” and “Roasty and Toasty.”

Hand Warmer Mug

Keep your hands toasty this winter with this mug ($9.95) that's perfectly sized to hold and enjoy your hot beverage.

Mercury Glitter Green Cold Cup

Glitter, green and gold-–the perfect holiday combo! Starbucks' Mercury Glitter Green Cold Cup ($18.95) is here to keep those iced peppermint mochas nice and chilly this season.

Glitter Gradient Gold Cup

This cold cup ($22.95) is all about glitter. The 24-oz tumbler starts out in solid gold at the top and gradually fades into a festive glitter at the bottom.

Multicolor Reusable Cold Cup Set

The brand new 5-pack of 24 oz. reusable cold cups ($11.95) are available in perfect holiday colors. The set comes with mix-and-match candy cane striped straws and holiday sayings including, “Merry Coffee,” “Cold As Ice,” “Coffee All The Way,” “Magic Cool” and “Seasonal Shine.”

Bling Platinum & Neon Pink Tumblers

Look for a 24-ounce iridescent cold cup in Bling Platinum and another in Neon Pink. These shimmering cups sparkle like the ornaments on your tree, but can still totally hold your iced tea (or any other iced beverage).

Mirror Glitter Gold Cold Cup

Along with the platinum and pink cups, Starbucks will also have a 24-ounce Mirror Glitter Gold cold cup, double-walled pink cold cup, Green Confetti Tumbler,24-ounce Gradient Pink cold cup and a 20-ounce Gold water bottle.

—Erica Loop & Karly Wood

Photos: Courtesy of Starbucks

Halloween Is Taking Over Disneyland’s Starbucks with 2 New Drinks

Swiss Miss Just Added a Touch of Magic to Hot Cocoa with Unicorn Marshmallows

Halloween Is Taking Over Disneyland’s Starbucks with 2 New Drinks

by Erica LoopSeptember 9, 2019

It’s time for some spooky Starbucks fun, courtesy of Disneyland! The magical theme park is celebrating Halloween with two new Sbucks’ menu items, and you won’t want to miss either one.

Forget about the Unicorn or Tie Dye Frappuccino. Disney has a Maleficent version that’s purple and green whipped cream-topped goodness. If you’re not into the sweet, sweet taste of this Starbucks soon-to-be fave, park-goers can cool down with the chai iced tea and lemonade layered Dr. Facilier Elixir.

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A post shared by Maile’s Disney Adventures (@mailesdisneyadventures)

Maleficent and frapp fans can sip on the vanilla bean créme-based drink and if you’re wondering where the purplish-blue color comes from, it’s the vanilla bean that’s blended with blueberry juice and diced dragronfruit. The gooey green topping is a tuft of matcha whipped cream!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2KYxgzgP2s/

The drinks are available for a limited time at Disneyland’s Market House on Main Street U.S.A. and Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure Starbucks locations.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Disneyland Food via Instagram

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6 Summertime Picks from Starbucks’ Secret Menu

by Erica LoopJuly 18, 2019

With the sweet summer addition of the Tie Dye Frappuccino, Starbucks just upped the ante on creative drinks. Even though the rainbow-filled Frap is pure awesomeness, it isn’t the only Sbucks pick fans flip over.

While the standard menu comes packed with plenty of caffeinated goodness, the Starbucks secret menu has so much more! As long as you know what to order (and how to order it) these dream drinks are totally up for grabs. Check out some of the top secret menu selections, courtesy of some pretty knowledgeable Instagrammers.

Raspberry Iced Tea

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A post shared by Samara and Adam ☕️ (@baristaxbros)

This tempting tea is perfect for a hot summer day. The green and black tea blend gets a shot of sweetness with raspberry syrup!

Tropical Guava Frappuccino

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A post shared by Samara and Adam ☕️ (@baristaxbros)

Start with a strawberry frap base and add these tropical ingredients for a vaycay-worthy pick.

Mint Chocolate Chip Frappuccino

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A post shared by Samara and Adam ☕️ (@baristaxbros)

The Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino gets a major upgrade. Get the full how-to-order steps from the IG post.

Strawberry Cheesecake Frappuccino

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzuATn4FWjw/

Get your dessert in a cup with this strawberry delight.

Twix Frappuccino

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzrDCiwHPRe/

If strawberry cheesecake isn’t your thing, then maybe a Twix-filled frap is!

Purple Drink

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzO6hv-jnYu/

This passion tea-blackberry concoction is icy purple goodness.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: _jera_ via Instagram

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Hello Kitty Cafe’s Newest Location Pops Up in Las Vegas

by Karly WoodJuly 16, 2019

Hello Kitty has arrived in Las Vegas! The Sanrio star has opened up shop in the desert and the newest spot has plenty of pink treats and sweets, all served open-air style from a Vegas-themed bright cafe.

The Hello Kitty Cafe can be found at The Park in Las Vegas, between New York, New York and Park MGM. So what can you expect to find at Nevada’s newest pop-up eatery?

photo: Hello Kitty Cafe

The cafe is stocked with plenty of refreshments like coffee, espresso, lemonade, and iced tea. You can also get your fill of Hello Kitty donuts, ice cream, cakes and cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth. Did we mention you can also nosh on Keroppi-shaped macarons?

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A post shared by Hello Kitty Cafe (@hellokittycafe)

You can visit the pop-up at 3778 S. Las Vegas Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun.-Thur. and 11 a.m. to midnight on Fri. and Sat.

––Karly Wood

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Grab Your Bestie: Starbucks Is Offering BOGO Iced Drinks Today Only

by Karly WoodJune 27, 2019

The weather is warming up so it’s the perfect time to cool off with the newest Starbucks Happy Hour offer! Starting at 3 p.m. today (Jun. 27) until close, when you purchase any grande size or larger iced drink using the Starbucks app you can get another one of equal size or smaller for free!

The offer includes any handcrafted iced drink such as iced teas, iced tea lemonades, iced espresso beverages, cold brew, iced coffee and Starbucks Refreshers beverage. (Bottled drinks and frappucinos are not included in this Happy Hour deal.)

photo: Omar Lopez via Unsplash

The offer must be redeemed using the Starbucks app, which is free to use and only requires that you set up an account (also free). Once you’re set up, you’ll find the offer in your account inbox and it’s as simple as placing your order!

Wondering what to order? Why not try one of Starbucks’ new drinks like the Cloud Macchiato, Dragon Drink or one of the drinks in the Lemonade Trio.

––Karly Wood

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Beat the Heat! 100+ Places to Stay Cool in San Diego

by Beth SheaAugust 15, 2018

photo: Frank McKenna via Unsplash

If your A/C bill has you breaking a sweat, we’ve got plenty of options outside the house for staying cool as the temps soar in San Diego. Venture out to one of our favorite ice cream shops, take a refreshing dip in a resort pool, have a blast at an indoor playground! Read on for the lowdown on the best places to chill out!

Photo: Thomas Hawk via Flickr

Bundle up like it’s winter and cool off while putting your coordination skills to the test at a local ice skating rink.

Take your baby or tot to venture beyond the living room baby gates and your big kids to blow off some steam at one of these entertaining, super fun indoor playgrounds for kids of all ages.

Experience movie-going in a whole new fashion at a Cinepolis Jr. theater where energetic kids can scale play structures before settling in to super cozy, kid-friendly seats to watch a film.

Looking for a bargain flick? Try one of these discount movie theaters to see summer blockbusters in a cool setting.

photo: Birch Aquarium

Visit Birch Aquarium’s newest exhibit Oddities: Hidden Heroes of the Scripps Collection and to watch a Kelp Forest dive show and ooh and aah at all of the amazing fish and sea creatures at this gem.

Kick back, relax and get pampered as you enjoy a mani/pedi with your mini-me at one of our fave kid-friendly nail salons.

Let your kids Om their way into a cool state of mind by taking a class at one of these kid-friendly yoga studios.

Peruse the shelves for a great summer read at one of these local indie bookstores with an inspired kids section.

Head to story time every weekday! We tell you where to hit up the best sessions from libraries to museums.

Learn something new at a free museum day. Here are 10 family-friendly museums and when you can visit them free of charge!

photo: Visit Carlsbad

Make way to the coast where temperatures are typically cooler than they are inland. Head for one of our favorite family-friendly beaches to catch a wave.

Kids climbing the walls at home? Channel their energy into a literal endeavor by taking them to scale some climbing walls that truly ‘rock.’

Or you could hone their skee ball playing arm at one of these awesome arcades.

Trampolines! Go carts! Inflatables! Batting cages! Yes––they’re all indoors!

photo: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

Sometimes the only remedy for a hot day is to just get soaked. Here are 11 of our fave places to splash around all over town.

Staycation at a gorgeous resort pool? Why yes, so glad you asked. See where you can get a day pass to live the high life.

Or dive in for a dip at one of the best public pools in San Diego. Here are our top picks.

Too hot to even swim outside? Take the plunge at an indoor swimming pool instead.

Photo: Jared Sluyter via Unsplash

What could be better than cooling down with a sweet frozen treat? We tell you where to score the best chill desserts from unicorn milkshakes to creamy, artisanal ice cream.

Step away from the stove and oven! Check out 32 restaurants where kids eat free, or say ole’ at one of our fave restaurants for taco Tuesday.

We’ve also found 15 places to sink your teeth into s’mores… no blazing campfire required.

As they say, if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen… and go have a family date night. (Okay, we added that last part). Here are some memorable family date night ideas in San Diego.

photo: Mint Studio

Strike up some serious fun at one of these 7 kid-friendly bowling alleys. Get the details on how kids can bowl free this summer at Tavern+Bowl.

Get their creative juices flowing at one of these 10 local art studios.

Pinkies up for afternoon tea time. Perhaps an iced tea? See where we love to pretend we’re royalty at 8 kid-friendly spots to enjoy high tea.

––Beth Shea

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Pinkies Up! 8 Spots to Take Your Tea-Loving Kids

by Allison SutcliffeJanuary 18, 2018

These days your kid is all about having a spot of tea. Must be all those tea parties she loves to host. The next time she asks you to put the kettle on, consider taking her out instead to try everything from traditional English high tea (white gloves and all) to loose-leaf oolongs with a side of history. Scroll down to find your perfect spot!

Cederberg Tea House

Karen G. via yelp

This traditional South African tea house sits atop Queen Anne. It’s a place to take the kiddos when you want comfort and a casual environment, when spending time together with each other or your bestie buds is the day’s priority. They specialize in brewing Rooibos tea (native to the Cederberg region) alongside other red and black teas traditionally served in South Africa. We love Rooibos for its total kid-appeal—it’s naturally caffeine free, high in antioxidants and a tad sweet. While you’re there nosh on traditional South African pastries, like koeksister and hertzog, or stick to more typical tea house faves like scones, if your tummy’s rumbling.

Sensational Sip: Order up a Rooibos latte or Rooibos vanilla when you’re there. You can thank us later!

1417 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-285-1352
Online: cederbergteahouse.com

Graham's RoyalTea

Nick A. via Yelp

Bring your princesses, knights and lovely ladies in waiting to the newly-opened Graham’s RoyalTea in Bothell to be part of their Afternoon High Tea Party. Reservations for parties of one through twenty people are required to be seated with other royal guests in the small tea lounge, and at least 24 hours notice is recommended. Once seated, you and your little tea lovers will be able to raid the Princess Dress Up Room to find the perfect costume for the day. Don’t worry parents, they have hats, boas, scarves and even a few adult-sized costumes, so you can get in on the action too. Then it’s time to sit down to tea sandwiches and cookies, served on vintage bone china. And yes, they have gluten-free options for a bit more so everyone can enjoy the experience. This experience is most enjoyed by kids ages 4 & up, but everyone is welcome. If you don’t have time to sit for a full tea service, guests can still enjoy the ambiance and a freshly brewed cup of tea in the lounge (food service isn’t available there).

Sensational Sip: Word on the street is that Paris is the top choice here, with Chocolate Mint running a close second. And for kids who had high hopes for tea, but aren’t quite sure, they can grab a pot of pink lemonade or hot chocolate (with marshmallows) instead.

10035 Main St.
Bothell, Wa 98011
425-686-7670
Online: grahamsroyaltea.com

Queen Mary Tea Room

K R. via yelp

Although you don’t need to dress your best, it sure is fun to don your fanciest prince or princess costume before heading to the Queen Mary Tea Room in Ravenna for Formal Afternoon Tea. It’s everything your royal mini-me dreams of, and then some, with lace, flowers, silver and sparkles everywhere you look. The kid-friendly tea service includes delish finger sandwiches, fresh fruits and tiny desserts to accompany a pot of tea, hot coca or juice, and tiaras are provided (one for each party).

Sensational Sip: Formal Afternoon Tea is a sure bet here. Don’t forget to make a reservation to enjoy it!

2912 N.E. 55th St.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-527-2770
Online: queenmarytea.com/pages/about-our-tea-room

Afternoon Tea at The Georgian

Lexi M. via Yelp

The Georgian Restaurant, located inside the elegant Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle, sets a standard of excellence when it comes to traditional Afternoon Tea ($39-$49/Adults; $18/Kids). They pull out all the stops to serve kidlets and their parents an array of tiered, traditional tea sandwiches, sweets and savories alongside a freshly steeped pot of tea. Expect the royal treatment here!

Sensational Sip: This is a popular spot for tea. Be sure to make a reservation to get in on their Afternoon Tea.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University St.
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-621-7889
Online: fairmont.com/seattle/dining/thegeorgiantea

Miro Tea

Elle K. via yelp

Miro Tea in downtown Ballard is a casual and contemporary tea bar that at first glance may seem intimidating. After all, they serve up over 150 different kinds of tea and herbals. But once you sit down, it becomes clear that the knowledgeable staff is there to make tea accessible to even the most novice tea lover who walks through the door. Try one of our recommended sips (below) for your crew or ask a staff member to pair you with your perfect tea match. If you head over around lunchtime, you won’t be disappointed. They serve up tasty crepes, sandwiches and salads for adult-size appetites and have three special crepes for tiny tea lovers, too. And most everything on the menu can be made gluten-free, so nosh away!

Sensational Sip: On a chilly day, nothing beats a cup of the herbal Paridiso blend or Cherry Berry Ruche. But if the sun is out, their Iced Tea Infusions are always refreshing. We recommend trying the Arnie or Hibiscus Mint Julep.

5405 Ballard Ave. N.W.
Seattle, Wa 98117
206-782-6832
Online: mirotea.com

Historic Panama Hotel, Tea & Coffee House

Warren C. via Yelp

This quiet tea house in the International District serves up a side of history with each pot of tea it brews. While you and your kidlet toast your time together, you can also check out the historic artifacts that are part of this café’s draw. Some of the most interesting finds are easily spotted through the tea house’s large picture window that overlooks the basement. Here, you’ll find all kinds of items that were stored by Japanese families living in Seattle during the WWII Internment.

Sensational Sip: Order a warm cup of Scarlet herbal tea for your kidlet and a cup of Lavender Earl Grey for yourself!

607 S. Main
Seattle, Wa 98104
206-515-4000
Online: panamahotel.net/teahouse.htm

Seattle Best Tea

Richie D. via yelp

Sit down for a traditional Taiwanese tea tasting in the heart of the International District at Seattle Best Tea. Owner Lydia Lin is a wealth of information about the different types of loose leaf oolong, jasmine, black, green—you name it, they’ve got it—teas that line the shelves. For first timers she recommends doing a tea tasting to get a feel for what you like. You’ll also learn about how to make tea the right way, how to store it and of course, how truly tasty it can be. Visitors will only find quality, organic high mountain teas here, alongside some fun kid-friendly options that will definitely get them through the door if there feeling apprehensive. We’re talking tea-flavored ice cream and quality milk bubble tea

Sensational Sip: The oolong is the way to go here. They carry both light and heavy varieties to tempt every palate around.

506 S. King St.
Seattle, Wa 98104
206-749-3565
Online: seattlebesttea.com

Vital Tea Leaf

Claire H. via Yelp

Traditional Chinese tea is served up daily at Vital Tea Leaf’s two Seattle locations. Drop in for a tasting any time at their Western Avenue Tasting Room, where they set out the day’s best flavors for everyone to try. It’s a great way to find a new favorite you might otherwise have missed. If you find one you like, you can order a pot to share in their cozy tasting room. The Jackson Street location has more of a coffee shop feel to it. Here, you can order cups or pots of traditional herbal teas to enjoy with your mini-me. And they’ve got a small café menu to choose from, too. We think a flowering tea might be just what your wee one is looking for, and you can find them here.

Sensational Sip: Try the herbal Siberian rose tea on a stormy winter day.

Western Ave. Tasting Room
2003 Western Ave., Suite 109
Seattle, Wa 98121
206-441-7476

Jackson St. Tea Lounge
651 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, Wa 98104
206-682-7486

Online: vtlseattle.com

Do you have a favorite neighborhood tea house we missed? Spill in the comments below!

— Allison Sutcliffe

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