NYC’s Best Restaurants Where You Can Let the Kids Run Wild

by Sara GramlingJune 15, 2022

It’s ok to say it out loud: going out to eat with kids, especially toddlers, can be a little stressful. Kids are kids, and they like to squirm, run around, sometimes spill things, etc. Key parent hack: a go-to list of kid-friendly restaurants where children can do their thing, and you can relax. (Either because it’s super casual or lots of other parents are there—usually both.) Bonus: many of these spots are outdoors, making them perfect for enjoying some al fresco dining with the family. For more recs on dining out with kids in NYC, check out our favorite brunch spots and our top picks for the best pancakes in NYC. And if you’re looking for more ways to keep your toddler happy and engaged, read this!

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Brooklyn Restaurants Where Your Toddler Can Run Around

Brooklyn Crab
Brooklyn Crab has three stories of open-air dining, making it a great spot to enjoy lunch or dinner and a view of the Statue of Liberty and waterway (bonus: play a game of I Spy to find water taxes, boats and more). They offer lots of seafood (see: Crab), but also have some more kid-friendly fare, including burgers and mac-and-cheese. While you’re waiting for a table, play a round of mini-golf or corn hole in their backyard.

24 Reed St.
Red Hook
Online: brooklyncrab.com

Greenwood Park
Greenwood Park has been a not-so-hidden gem of the neighborhood since opening a decade ago. The expansive outdoor area offers plenty of space for dining and running around. The menu offers up a great variety of plates (think: Beyond Burger, Mezze Plate and a Spring Salad), as well as great options for the little ones like hot dogs and mac-and-cheese. In recent years, the space has added a retractable rooftop which makes it a great spot rain or shine.

555 7th Ave. (Between 19th and 20th Streets)
Greenwood
Online: greenwoodparkbk.com

Time Out Food Hall
Time Out Market has a ton of different food and drink options, which means even the pickiest of eaters can find something to enjoy – from Jacob’s Pickles and Wayla to Ess-A-Bagel and Clinton Street Baking Company. Every family can get what they like then eat together at their outdoor dining area, filled with picnic tables and with a great view of Jane’s Carousel. Once you finish eating, you can venture to the nearby playgrounds and take in the views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge.

55 Water St.
DUMBO
Online: timeoutmarket.com

Industry City
Like Time Out Market, the beauty of Industry City is that it has something for everyone. You can stop at Sahadi’s and grab hummus, pita, cheese and olives; visit Japan Village for ramen or sushi or hit up their food hall for burgers and hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches and more. After you get your eats, wander over to the greenspace between Courtyard 5 and 6 to burn off some energy. The space is surrounded by seating so you can grab a seat while your kids run wild. Or, head to Courtyard 1 and 2 and eat while your kids play in the sandbox or catch a live show during the weekends. The space offers lots of options – both for food and play!

Sunset Park
220 36th St.
Sunset Park
Online: industrycity.com

Roberta’s
Roberta’s is known for can’t-be-beat pizza and this off-shoot of the popular Bed-Stuy spot is not an exception. What this spot does offer, though, is easy access to the beautiful Domino Park, situated right on the water and with stunning views of the Williamsburg Bridge. Enjoy some ‘za in their outdoor dining area or take them to go and sit on the turf in Domino Park before or after hitting the playground.

Domino Park
6 Grand St.
Williamsburg
Online: robertaspizza.com

Dinosaur Bar-B-Q
This beloved BBQ spot offers plenty of seating inside, as well as outdoors. A hit with families, it also means that if you go during the day or early evening, you’ll be surrounded by parents also wrangling small children. Their big menu offers small plates, salads, combo platters, sides and everything in between, including vegetarian options. You can enjoy lunch or dinner and hit the nearby Ample Hills for dessert (which also has a lovely outdoor dining area).

604 Union St. at 4th Avenue
Gowanus
Online: dinosaurbarbque.com

Popina
Popina is a neighborhood favorite. Known for delicious food and a beautiful backyard filled with picnic tables and strung lights, it makes for a great place to have dinner as a family or meet up friends. Located a short walk Brooklyn Bridge Park, you can spend the day playing by the water and then enjoy a great dinner. The menu highlights seasonal vegetables, pasta dishes and small bites, plus house-made desserts.

127 Columbia Street
Columbia Waterfront District
Online: popinanyc.com

Chilo’s
Known for delicious tacos and margarita’s Chilo’s now has two locations, both with great outdoor seating. Their original location in Bed-Stuy has a small outdoor seating area, while their Greenwood location has an expensive outdoor seating section making it perfect for families or big parties. Grab a picnic table, a slew of tacos and cheers your parent friends while you enjoy a summer evening out.

740 5th Ave. at 24th St.
Greenwood
Online: chilosbk.com

323 Franklin Ave.
Bed-Stuy
Online: chilosbk.com

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Fornino
Known for deliciously-topped pizza with perfectly crispy crusts, Fornino’s Brooklyn Bridge Park location offers stunning views along with your meal. Situated right on Pier 6, you can dig into pizza after a morning or afternoon at the nearby playgrounds and enjoy a leisurely meal in their outdoor dining area. Or, grab lunch then take the nearby ferry to Governor Island for a full city adventure. The restaurant is now open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and does take reservations here so you can plan in advance.

Pier 6
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Heights
Online: fornino.com

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Manhattan Restaurants Where Your Toddler Can Run Around

Ellington in the Park
Located right on the Hudson River, you can enjoy dinner at Ellington in the Park after a day at the nearby playgrounds. Enjoy a crisp glass of wine, a salad and some pizza while the kids nibble on chicken fingers or a quesadilla from the kid’s menu. The large outdoor seating area offers plenty of space to enjoy dinner and the stunning view.

Riverside Drive & W. 105th Street
Morningside Heights
Online: ellingtoninthepark.com

Liberty Bistro
Take in a beautiful view of the Hudson River while dining on their casual French fare (hello, Hazelnut Chocolate Tarte with French Vanilla Ice Cream!) Once you finish up your meal, you can head to one of the nearby playgrounds.

Brookfield Place
225 Liberty St.
Online: libertybistro.nyc

Refinery Rooftop
This beautiful spot offers stunning cityscape and a large outdoor area perfect for families. Grab an early bird dinner or hang out on the rooftop on Sundays (no kids after 6 pm Monday-Saturday!) and dig into a delicious dinner and enjoy the view.

63 W. 38th St.
Midtown
Online: refineryrooftop.com

Shake Shack, Madison Square Park
NYC’s original Shake Shack location is situated in the beautiful Madison Square Park, a slice of greenery in the middle of Flatiron. Grab your burgers, fries and shakes and sit in their outdoor seating area, then hit the park’s playground located on the other end of the park.

23rd and Madison Avenue
Madison Square Park
Flatiron
Online: shakeshack.com

Turnstyle Underground Market
A true urban space, Turnstyles offers you the chance to dine underground. Located at the entrance of the Columbus Circle subway stop, you can enjoy dumplings, hot dogs, empanadas and more. Grab your food and dine at one of the small tables set up for the public before jumping on the train to go on your next adventure.

59th Street
Columbus Circle
Online: turn-style.com

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Queens Restaurants Where Your Toddler Can Run Around

Pig Beach, Astoria, Queens + Gowanus, Brooklyn
Both Pig Beach locations have huge outdoor spaces – at least compared to many city spots. Filled with picnic tables and offering a slew of delicious BBQ eats, Pig Beach is a great spot to take the kiddos in the early evening or afternoons before the late-night rush. Choose from pulled pork, ribs, beef brisket, hot dogs, slaw, mac-and-cheese and more. Your kids will love the fresh-from-the-BBQ food and can play nearby once they finish while you enjoy your meal.

35-37 36th St.
Astoria
Online: pigbeachnyc.com

480 Union St.
Gowanus
Online: pigbeachnyc.com

Andy Cohen’s Baby Makes Her Bravo Debut in a Sweet Shout-Out to His Surrogate

by Karly WoodMay 11, 2022

Andy Cohen’s daughter has been filling up our Instagram feed for a few weeks now, and it’s about time she leveled up to TV. So on his first day back on set, the now dad-to-two decided to share all about Lucy Eve and cap things off with her on-screen debut.

To start his segment, Cohen gave several shout-outs to fans and, most importantly, to his surrogate. “I have to once again thank my incredible surrogate. What a partner and friend she has been to me…I am so grateful for her and so grateful she could deliver and carry Lucy in New York state, where surrogacy is now legal.”

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Cohen referenced how supportive his fans have been through his journey to become a dad, and his Instagram comments tell a similar story. In particular, he’s getting tons of love for his surrogate shout-outs.

Comments have poured in like, “Love the shout out for surrogacy in New York and the love and respect you have for your surrogate!” and “And while you’re celebrating a beautiful family moment you still take time to appreciate your surrogate and woman’s rights in general. You are and have always been a class act.”

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On his first taping back after paternity leave, Cohen went on to share all about his newest addition, including details on her name: Lucy Eve came to be as her dad honored his own parents, Louis and Evelyn.

The talk show host did point out his utmost respect for the Ashkenazi tradition, in which parents do not name their child after a living relative. Cohen did, however, speak to his Rabbi on the subject and decided to embrace the fact that Judaism is a multicultural religion filled with many honoring traditions.

Then it was finally time for sweet Lucy to hit the screen. Cohen shared a pre-recorded video with him singing a new version of his own Watch What Happens Live theme song, “Lucy Cohen’s got the 4-1-1, queen of midnight fun. LC, MC, late night, on Bravo TV.”

Mazel tov!

Amy Schumer Breaks Down the Problem with Disney’s ‘Tangled’ & It’s on Point

by Julie ScagellMay 9, 2022

Comedian and mom Amy Schumer isn’t shy about telling it like it is, and that goes double when it comes to movies her son watches. Schumer recently sat down with Seth Meyers on his late-night show and had a few words for Disney’s Tangled, among others.

Schumer talked red wine, COVID, the story behind her son, Gene’s, name, and then got into it about some of the issues she found introducing him to Disney movies, noting that most of them are “real problematic.” After talking a bit about the likes of Peter Pan and The Jungle Book, Schumer took on Tangled, and it was hard not to laugh.

“I’m sure you’ve seen they have all the warnings now,” Schumer explained to Meyers, referring to the disclaimers now shown ahead of certain films on Disney+. “Just like, ‘We’re sorry!’ You know, ‘We’re still going to show it to you!’” she joked. This includes films like Jungle Book, Dumbo, The Aristocats, Aladdin, and The Lady and the Tramp. But she had another angle altogether for Tangled.

It's disheartening to realize that this disclaimer attached to old Disney movies made during a less enlightened era, should be included at the top of all new laws and Supreme Court Decisions written by conservatives today!! pic.twitter.com/FxFLjzd0bY

— Rinkytone (@Rinkytone) May 8, 2022

After moving past some of the older films, Schumer thought the Rapunzel-based film would be more forward-thinking. Unfortunately, she said, she was wrong. “In Tangled, if she cuts her hair, it turns BROWN!” she said. “Yeah. That happens in the movie, okay? And then she has short, BROWN hair and even though she’s hideous, the prince still finds a way to love her. Isn’t that a beautiful message???”

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Schumer isn’t wrong. It does send a message that blonde is good and brown is bad. Short and brown—forget it. There is no more magic in short and brown—the magic, in the film, is literally gone. Lest we not forget that she’d also been locked in a tower for 18 years and probably doesn’t have the emotional maturity to bring to a relationship with Flynn (or need to jump into a relationship for that matter), but hey, as Schumer points out, at least he’ll have her even though she has “the deformity of brown hair.”

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Schumer always has a way of making us see things that we didn’t see before. Her advice for moviemakers and society in general? “Everybody’s got to do better.” Amen to that.

This “Unfiltered” Social Media App Shows What Your Friends Are Really Up To

by Tinybeans TeamApril 25, 2022

Move over, Instagram and TikTok. There’s a new “unfiltered” social media app in town—and we’re officially intrigued. BeReal is a one-post-per-day app that gives you a two-minute window to post a picture of what you’re doing along with one image of your face while you’re doing it. It’s been one of the top 10 most downloaded free social networking apps for iPhones nearly every day since April 1, according to SensorTower.

Translation: There’s no time to get a quick blow-out, post last week’s killer vacation photos or pretend you’ve generally got your act together (pfft). How totally refreshing.

BeReal has grown (primarily among college users) by a whopping 315% since January, according to Apptopia, and it’s not because of a kitten filter. It appears that while we’ve been wasting time figuring out our best angle and choosing between 52 nearly identical photos of our kids (we admit it), Gen Z’s been getting pretty bored with “perfectly packaged” social media content.

And where the youths lead, we tend to follow—which could be the case with the BeReal app. According to a survey by the Priory Group, an independent behavioral care network in the UK, “As many as half of parents think that social media sites like Instagram and Facebook create unrealistic and unattainable expectations of family life, fueling mental health issues like anxiety and… depression.” Twenty-two percent said that scrolling through seemingly perfect family pictures of friends and families on social media made them feel “inadequate,” while 23% also reported that social media posts of perfect lives made them feel “depressed.”

So what if we could strip away the performance aspect altogether? Can you imagine a world where we actually got a glimpse into one another’s parenting reality? Dirty dishes, witching hours, yoga pants and grilled cheeses would never have such glory. The same goes for rushing to make pick-up from a meeting that went long, walking out of the school parking lot because you got the day wrong, and getting covered in sticky hugs when you said yes to that late-night popsicle. It seems like something a mom (or dad) could get used to.

Jimmy Kimmel Thanks the Doctors Who Saved His Son on His 5th Birthday

by Karly WoodApril 22, 2022

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: Your child is born with a life-threatening congenital heart condition. And it was a terrifying reality for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel back in 2017. His son Billy was born in what seemed like a very normal birth. But three hours into life, a nurse noticed a heart murmur and that the newborn was turning purple.

He was eventually diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia, a condition that required open-heart surgery but was repaired. Now, five years later, Kimmel is thanking the doctors and nurses again who saved not only his son’s life, but continue to work on behalf of children and families every day of the year.

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“We are eternally grateful to the brilliant doctors and nurses at @childrensLA & @CedarsSinai for saving Billy’s life and to those of you whose donations, prayers and positive thoughts meant everything,” reads his Instagram post.

Back in 2017, Kimmel shared the story of Billy’s birth and surgery along with his newfound appreciation for children’s healthcare. “Before 2014, if you were born with congenital heart disease like my son was, there was a good chance you would never be able to get health insurance because you had a preexisting condition,” he said on a segment of his show. “You were born with a preexisting condition, and if your parents didn’t have medical insurance, you might not even live long enough to get denied because of a preexisting condition.”

He wrapped the video with the thought that no matter what your political views are, “we need to take care of each other… No parent should ever have to decide if they can afford to save their child’s life. It just shouldn’t happen.”

Happiest of birthdays to Billy!

Cool Birthday Gifts for 4-Year-Olds

by Andie HuberMarch 15, 2022

Shopping for a four-year-old’s birthday present is so much fun—this age is bubbling with curiosity, creativity and is full of non-stop energy. Of course, you want to gift something extra special for your little mover and shaker so whether you’re a parent, friend, aunt or uncle looking for a cool birthday gift for kids or a unique birthday gift for kids, we’ve gathered our favorite picks for four-year-olds below.

This article is sponsored by LeapFrog, a leader in electronic learning toys that’ll prepare your child for a lifetime of learning. Learn more information about LeapFrog here.

LeapFrog® LeapLand Adventures™

$35 BUY NOW

Take learning to the next level with LeapLand Adventures™, the perfect gift for a child’s first video game experience. Kids can explore a world full of letters, shapes, numbers and colors. Set up is easy so little gamers can jump right into a learning adventure. No downloads or Wi-Fi required – just plug in and play!

Pop Up Birthday Card

$11 BUY NOW

Whether you're celebrating in person or need to send a gift through the mail, this happy, colorful and adorable animals 3D pop-up birthday card will make their day extra special—becoming a keepsake they'll cherish year, after year.

World Map Coloring Tablecloth

$30 BUY NOW

Great for on-the-go kids, this creative map can tuck in your car to pull out at the park, while camping, at a restaurant or anywhere you need a fun project to engage them.

Personalized Super Hero Cape

$35 BUY NOW

For your little superhero—this personalized cape comes in 21 color combinations and an optional accessory kit.

Balsang Scooter Bag

$30 BUY NOW

For little ones that love to scoot, bike and be on the go! State's first bike and scooter bag comes in three color options and has a variety of snapped and zipper pouches that can carry a water bottle, small toys and more. It easily clips on, so kids can have everything they need on their adventures.

best birthday gift idea for a 4 year old

Cat Eye Sunglasses

$20 BUY NOW

Fashionistas and those who love to accessorize will adore these cat-inspired, two-tone sunglasses that are so on-trend, we're wondering if they make them in adult sizes to match our mini-me.

best birthday gift ideas for a 4 year old

Chalkscapes Mandala Stencils

$22 BUY NOW

Little artists will adore being able to upgrade their sidewalk chalk skills with eye-catching stencils that also inspires good vibes.

Hape Dollhouse

$171 BUY NOW

This award-winning, classic 3-story wood dollhouse comes fully furnished and all but guarantees hours of imaginative, independent play.

An ABC of Equality

$11 BUY NOW

It's never too early to introduce social justice ideas. We adore this beautifully illustrated book that teaches kids how to celebrate differences.

Space Elevator Marble Run

$60 BUY NOW

Get those engineering gears running with this infinite loop marble run that also glows in the dark for late-night play.

Super Smalls Super Stack Bracelet Set

$44 BUY NOW

Give your mini fashionista a cool stack of stretchy bracelets that add a touch of sparkle to everyday outfits. Even better, split the set for a mommy and me matchy-matchy dress up day.

Wooden Play Kitchen

$500 BUY NOW

This classic pretend toy play toy is giving us major design envy. Watch in wonder as your kids cook, put away dishes and even plan the week's menu on the chalkboard.

Mystery Center Fantasy Dough

$15 BUY NOW

This sculpting putty is so pretty in its container, you may be hesitant to play with it but let your kid at it and watch as they smoosh their way through compostable glitter and clay to create something even prettier than what showed up in the package.

Giant Inflatable Dinosaur Bowling

$40 BUY NOW

Essential for any dino-loving kid, this indoor/outdoor bowling game isn't just fun, it's hilarious watching those T-Rex's get knocked over.

HABA Doorway Puppet Theater

$60 BUY NOW

Let their imaginations go into overdrive with this puppet theater that attaches to any doorway using a tension rod. Bravo!

—Andie Huber

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

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Camping with a Toddler: Good Idea, Great Idea, or Terrible Idea?

by Allison SutcliffeMarch 5, 2022

It had been a few years since our last car camping trip when my partner and I decided to take our toddler and her older brother for a post-Labor Day weekend getaway. While we were far from camping novices, we were definitely toddler camping first-timers. If you’re wondering how it all works with wee ones in the woods, here’s my experience.

Let me start by admitting that I completely overlooked one of the tenants of toddlerhood before our first trip: practice, practice, practice. Before dentist visits or doctor’s appointments or first days of school, I was always on top of the practice principle. But for some reason I neglected prepping our toddler for this one. Setting up a tent in the living room or backyard would have done the trick, but luckily, things worked out in the end.

Imagine her surprise when we pulled into our spot, surrounded by looming Douglas fir trees and thorny blackberry bushes, and told her this is where we were staying for the night. I could see the wheels turning as she looked from the picnic table to the fire pit then back to me. Pitching the tent was clearly in order, so we got to work. As far as she was concerned oversized family tents were as exciting to put up as they were to play in.

Turns out, so was the parked car. Sitting in the driver’s seat of the family truck, turning dials and pushing buttons that were normally off limits, was a freedom she had only dreamed of. But hey, at least we could get lunch ready! In fact, most of the toys I had packed to keep her entertained at the campsite never made it out of the bag. With so much new stuff to do, she didn’t need old favorites. (Side note, toddler camping chairs are almost as cool as exploring cars and tents.)

After lunch I experienced my first Elsa moment of the trip—you know, one where you have to let it go. I hadn’t thought too much about diaper changes. When the first one came I realized two things. First: I was oh so glad we weren’t potty training. Second: there are no good campsite diaper changing spots. It’s either the picnic table where you eat, the tent where you sleep or the far away campsite restrooms that are barely a step up from the forest floor. And let’s be honest, that’s a trek no one wants to make in the late night hours, flashlight or not. (Recommendation: the back of the car is likely your best option if you have a minivan or something similar.)

This was followed by another important realization. Bears live in the woods. So our diaper went straight to the bear-proof trash can because I’m pretty sure bears are attracted to smells of all kinds.

Lunched, changed and ready to go, we set out to explore the area. This is the easy part of camping with tots because there’s so much to do. At most campgrounds, you’ll find all sorts of short hikes, beach walks, nature scavenger hunts and spots for kids to scooter. For our two-year-old, keeping it simple worked best. We threw rocks into the ocean, flew kites on the beach and let her wear herself out on the trails (no backpack needed). Before I knew it, we had missed her nap time and were headed into dinner.

One unexpected camping bonus? Kids power down when the sun does. So it was still pretty early when I pulled out the PJs and realized I was flying blind—without bedtime routine basics. No bath. No books. No rocking chair. No white noise machine. In an effort to make like Steve Winwood, I rolled with it. Picture it: me trying to calmly recite Goodnight Moon from memory while my overtired toddler bounced off the tent walls. It was as exhausting as it sounds. But eventually we all got some rest.

Bottom line, camping with toddlers may require a little extra prep and planning, but it’s totally worth it. If a camping trip is in your future, here’s a short list of must-pack items to help:

diapers (more than you think)
wipes, wipes, and more wipes
spare socks and shoes, plus extra clothes
gear for any weather—sunscreen, hat, fleece, rain gear, etc.
sleeping bag (wearable sleeping bags are amazing)
collapsible toddler chair

15 REAL (Not Fake) Presidential Facts

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyFebruary 15, 2022

If you ask a kid who has the hardest job on the planet, they might say something like, “Fireman, Wonder Woman, and the president.” Touché. Being the president isn’t for the faint of heart; only those with superhero qualities need apply. The fun facts below prove that presiding over the Oval Office takes a special (and sometimes quirky) kind of person. Read on to check them out!

1. Barack Obama: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream?
Who doesn't love a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day? Our 44th president, that's who. He worked in a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop as a teenager and now can't stand ice cream.

2. Bill Clinton: You've Got Mail
While sending and receiving email is now a run-of-the-mill thing in most households, Bill Clinton was the first person ever to send an email from the White House.

3. Gerald Ford: Paging Frank Underwood?
Seemingly out of a Hollywood (or NetFlix) script, Gerald Ford was the first person to be both vice president and president without ever being elected by the public. How? He was appointed vice president when Spiro Agnew resigned from his post, and then he succeeded to the presidency when Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal.

4. Martin Van Buren: Born in the USA
While it is currently a law that you have to be born in the U.S. (or a US Territory) to become the President, Martin Van Buren was the first President who was actually a US Citizen. All previous presidents were born British subjects.

5. James Garfield: America's Got Talent
Most people only speak or write one or two languages at a time. James Garfield could write Latin with one hand and Greek with the other hand simultaneously. #coolpartytrick

fun facts about George Washington, the person in this picture — unsplash

6. George Washington: Party of 1?
George Washington was the only president that wasn't affiliated with a political party? Washington was neither a Republican nor a Democrat.

7. Thomas Jefferson: Lights, Camera...
Today, the president is on television or making a speech almost daily, but did you know that Thomas Jefferson had such stage fright that he only gave two speeches during his entire presidency?

8. John Tyler: Big Poppa
John Tyler was the father of 15 (!!!) kids, more than any other president.

9. Teddy Roosevelt: That's Going to Sting a Little in the Morning
An excellent hunter and athlete, Roosevelt was notorious for having a tough guy image. Once, while giving a speech, he was shot in the chest during an assassination attempt. He continued AND FINISHED the speech with the bullet still lodged in his chest.

10. James Madison: Hey, Down Here!
For some reason, presidents are characteristically tall figures. James Madison was definitely an exception. He only stood 5 feet 4 inches and never weighed more than 100 pounds.

11. Abraham Lincoln: Try, Try, and Try Again
Lincoln lost five separate elections before he became President of the U.S. (Never, ever, ever give up!)

12. Herbert Hoover: Hide and Seek Champion
Herbert Hoover gave all the White House servers strict instructions to hide from him whenever he passed by. Those who failed to do so were fired. Yikes.

13. Chester Arthur: Night Owl
We all know that being the president means you probably have a lot on your mind. Arthur always went for late-night walks and rarely was in the bed before 2 a.m.

14. Dwight D. Eisenhower: Pancakes, Dave?
One of the most important positions in the White House now is being the official White House chef. However, Eisenhower was a skilled chef himself and was known for cooking delicious vegetable soup, steaks and cornmeal pancakes.

15. Harry S. Truman: Is it Sean? Stillman?
Harry S. Truman's name is very distinguished. Mainly because of the 'S.' that is included with his name. Did you know Truman doesn't actually have a middle name? It's just the letter 'S'.

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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21 Small Toys to Bring on the Airplane (for Under $10)

by Oz SpiesFebruary 14, 2022

The number one rule when traveling with kids is to be prepared. In order to help you out, we’ve rounded up loads of our favorite small travel toys ready to pack into your carry on and bring on board—all affordable, and some for as little as $4. You’ll find toddler toys, picks perfect for bigger kids, and cheap fidget toys, all made for on-the-go fun. Now, put your tray table up and prepare for take off!

Foil Art Sticker Pack

$8 BUY NOW

These foil art pictures will be a blast to make and a fun memory to hang up when you get home from your travels.

Dinosaur Crayons

$10 BUY NOW

Bring along these dual-purpose dinosaur crayons on your next trip! They can color their next masterpiece and play with the dinos too.

Polly Pocket Micro Compact Playset

$10 BUY NOW

This Polly Pocket Compact Playset is the perfect compact set to bring along on a flight. Your kiddo won't lose the pieces to this toy!

Glow in the Dark Tic Tac Toe Set

$10 BUY NOW

This Glow in the Dark Tic Tac Toe game will entertain for hours! It is such a fun game to play with others, and the glow means they can keep playing even if you have a late night flight.

Lite Brite Mini

$9.99 BUY NOW

Make all sorts of wonderful designs with this Lite Brite Mini! Your little one can use inspiration from their travels for endless designs.

Scratch Art Color Reveal Pad

$7 BUY NOW

This On the Go Scratch Art notebook is a fun way to bring art supplies on a plane. By scratching away at the black-coated pages with a wooden stylus, kids uncover pictures full of sea life. The bright colors and the addition of facts on each page makes it an artsy and educational choice.

Globbles

$9 BUY NOW

Think of Crayola's new Globbles as a combination between a sticky hand and a stress ball - but without the icky residue sticky hands leave behind. They'll keep kids busy with squishy, mushy fun. Bonus: you can rinse these fidget toys off, so they'll be clean and ready for the plane ride home.

LEGO Super Mario Propeller Collectible

$10 BUY NOW

This toy will entertain your child for hours in an airport. How fun to fly just like a plane!

DOS

$6 BUY NOW

This card game will keep your family entertained for hours! DOS is just like UNO, but with some fun twists. DOS will make that long layover fly by.

Handcrafted Wooden Mini Vehicles

$10 BUY NOW

These handcrafted wooden vehicles are an adorable option for the airport. Your kiddo will be seeing so many vehicles around them already, it will make this toy that much more fun.

Playfoam Squashformers Robots

$10 BUY NOW

Kids can build rad robots with the aid of the two molds that come in the Playfoam Squashformers Robots package. Playfoam is squishy, moldable, and no mess—these little magical foam bits won't stick to clothes or airplane seats. It's an on-the-go creative toy for your mini makers.

LEGO Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Minifigures

$4 BUY NOW

Even Slytherins and Gryffindors agree: LEGO's Harry Potter mini figures are magical. In surprise packs, this limited edition series includes favorite characters like Luna Lovegood, Dobby, and a couple of versions of Harry himself. It's the next best thing to a trip to Honeydukes.

Itty Bitty Rainbow Squish Ball

$7 BUY NOW

Flying can be scary and this dough-y stress ball can help calm down any stressed out kiddos on the flight. It's also super fun!

Reusable Sticker Pad

$7 BUY NOW

This sticker pad is reusable, which means they can create all sorts of fun over and over, no matter how long the flight is!

Plus Plus Mini Maker Tube Unicorn

$8 BUY NOW

Step-by-step instructions make it easy for airplane travelers to make the featured animal, or they can use the plastic bricks to make unique creations of their own.

Blaze and the Monster Machines

$9 BUY NOW

These trucks will keep your kiddo entertained whether they're buckled in their seat or not.

On the Go Color By Number

$9 BUY NOW

Coloring by numbers is a classic and fun way to spend time. Your child will love this and it will be a great activity for quiet time on the plane.

Lunar Landing Quick Sticker Kit

$9 BUY NOW

With this Lunar Landing Sticker Kit, kids can land on the moon, go on a moon walk, and explore outer space, all from the comfort of their airplane seat. The glow-in-the-dark stickers are ready to light up the night, and the fold-out moon scene makes for quick set-up and take down. If your kid has opted out of the space race, you can pick up a similar sticker kit with rainbow ponies or trains instead.

LEGO Blue Bricks Building Starter Kit

$9 BUY NOW

Your child will enjoy building and playing with this blue LEGO set. They can use their creativity and follow the instructions or build whatever they want.

Toy Boarders Skate Series

$6 BUY NOW

Pick up a pack of AJ's Toy Boarders in the Snowboard or Skate Series, and you'll have many little green riders ready to catch air off the armrest. You'll get a bunch of cool parent points, and you'll have a happy, busy travel companion for the duration of your flight.

Crayola Color Wonder Stampers & Markers

$10 BUY NOW

We love that this Crayola Color Wonder kit includes loads of artsy fun without the mess. With five fruit-scented markers, blank paper, five stampers and a chocolate-scented ink pad, little ones will be kept busy coloring and creating.

—Taylor Clifton & Oz Spies

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Target Announces Extended Hours for All Your Holiday Shopping

by Karly WoodDecember 5, 2021

Once the kids get older, it gets increasingly more difficult to shop for holiday gifts and keep them a secret. Thankfully, Target is increasing its holiday hours so you can buy and hide in a cinch.

According to USA Today, as of yesterday most stores will now open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight. Normally, most stores are open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. so these extended hours can really help out parents in a pinch.

photo: Target

Before you head out for some late night shopping, be sure to check the Target store locator. While the majority of stores will reflect the new hours, some stores will not have changed.

Don’t forget to check out the brand new Target x LEGO collab the next time you plan your Target run!

––Karly Wood

Target Has New Holiday Cookie Kits & We Can’t Wait to Decorate

Target Announces Stores Will Be Closed for Future Thanksgivings

Brooklyn Restaurants Where Your Toddler Can Run Around

Manhattan Restaurants Where Your Toddler Can Run Around

Queens Restaurants Where Your Toddler Can Run Around

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DOS

Handcrafted Wooden Mini Vehicles

Playfoam Squashformers Robots

LEGO Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Minifigures

Itty Bitty Rainbow Squish Ball

Reusable Sticker Pad

Plus Plus Mini Maker Tube Unicorn

Blaze and the Monster Machines

On the Go Color By Number

Lunar Landing Quick Sticker Kit

LEGO Blue Bricks Building Starter Kit

Toy Boarders Skate Series

Crayola Color Wonder Stampers & Markers

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