ML Interest Tag: poolside

What Did These Celeb Mamas Do Over Memorial Day Weekend?

by Erica Loop

Celebs are just like us. Sure they have nicer homes, nicer cars and bigger paychecks. But they also like to cuddle up with their kiddos and spend some serious QT together having holiday fun!

With the unofficial start of summer in the books, check out how these celeb parents spent Memorial Day weekend with their new babies, cute kids and fave family members.

Hilary Duff

The actress, her son Luca, fiancé Matthew Koma and baby daughter Banks Violet dressed in matching dino and unicorn onesies!

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi

The Jersey Shore star spent the holiday weekend poolside and pregnant with her hubby and couldn’t-be-cuter kids.

Busy Philips

Philips spent some family time together with daughter Cricket over the holiday weekend. The actress/mama snapped this pic of the dynamic duo both wearing fashionably fabulous sunglasses!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx5tsoDgk6D/

Kourtney Kardashian

Kardashian Instagrammed a super-summery pic of her three littles enjoying some aquatic awesomeness.

Chrissy Teigen

Model-cookbook author-entrepreneur-mama Teigen snapped this aww-dorable pic of daughter Luna over the holiday weekend.

Joanna Gaines

The design mogul posted this photo of baby Crew doing what babies do—making a mess!

 

—Erica Loop

Featured photo:

 

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These Matching Family Outfits at Target Are Made for Your Summer Vacay Photos

by Karly Wood

Nothing says family vacay like a coordinated family photo shoot! This year, take the guesswork out of picking out the perfect pair of bermudas for Jr. and heat to your favorite store because now you can purchase matching summer family outfits at Target.

Genuine Kids from OshKosh (sold exclusively at Target) has put together four tropics-themed ensembles for parents and toddlers so your summer vacation photos will be primed and ready to grace those upcoming Christmas cards. The brand has coordinated themes in red and blue, pink and yellow, palm print and even a swim collection!

The red and yellow collection includes a striped jumpsuit for mom (it also comes in plus-size), a button down for dad, several shirt and short options for toddler and big boys, and similar for toddler girls and big girls. There’s even a matching jumpsuit for those perfect mommy and me shots!

If pink and blue are more your colors, Target has you covered too. Pick from fun florals for mom and daughter, and several blue shirts with tropical accents for father and son. This collection offers a few options for women (the red and yellow only has one!) and a super cute romper for little girls.

The palm print collection has three options for dad (the most of any of the ensembles) as well as jackets for the kiddos. Mom gets to look simply tropical in a flirty open-back dress, while the kiddos are decked out in bright teals and blues.

Don’t forget to head to the pool in style, too! The swim collection offers the palm print in swim trunks (sorry, boys––just 1 option for you!), and two swimsuit options for mom and girls. Snag a kimono to keep covered and you’ve got your poolside photo opp covered.

As always, the best part about shopping Target and the Genuine Kids from OshKosh line is that every piece is affordable. Prices start at $9.99 and cap out at $49.99 for a women’s swimsuit.

Whether you’re heading to the Caribbean this year or just sticking around your local beaches, you’re going to look amazing in any of these new ensembles. Happy summer!

Feature Photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

––Karly Wood

 

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Target’s Newest Clothing Line Was Designed by KIDS and is AWESOME!

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15 Ways with Summer Strawberries

by Abigail Matsumoto

Strawberry fields forever! With summer in full swing, your CSA box full of berries, and the kids clamoring to go strawberry picking, now is the perfect time to bring on the strawberry recipes and get creative with this fave seasonal treat. From desserts and salads to awesome ice cream, we’ve gathered up a few ideas that will give your usual summer fare a very berry upgrade. Click through the slideshow below to discover recipes that give strawberries the spotlight.

Strawberry Agua Fresca

Raise a glass to this awesome recipe from Dolores Wiarco Dweck of Lola’s Cucina! With a whopping three ingredients and super simple instructions, this is a great summer treat that the kids can help mix up. Sip yours poolside or at your next family BBQ—it’s perfect for those days when you need a vacation in a glass. Get the recipe here.

photo: Dolores Wiarco Dweck

— Abigail Matsumoto

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LEGOLAND Beach Retreat: The Secret to the Perfect Family Vaycay

by Amber Guetebier

Sun, sand and LEGO bricks: there’s no denying that a perfect family getaway can and should include all of those things. If, after a day of exploring the LEGOLAND Florida Resort, you’d like to lounge with a poolside cocktail while the kiddos splash around with floating LEGO bricks, you should book now at the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat. We did, and we’re here to tell you, it is so cool it just might make your (LEGO) head pop off. Read on for the scoop.

photo: Amber Guetebier

Where It’s At

The LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, which opened in early April of 2017,  is located near the LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, Florida. Unlike the LEGOLAND Hotel, the Retreat is not adjacent to the LEGOLAND Resort, but is essentially across the street. While it is walkable, do yourself a favor and save the steps for exploring the park. You can either drive over to the lot and park for the day (parking fee is included with your stay) or hop on the free shuttle service. Guests of the Beach Retreat get early admission to the park, so you can beat the crowds regardless of which transport you choose.

photo courtesy by  LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort

The Lay of the Land

At the Beach Retreat’s center is the lighthouse. It lights up at night and it’s easy to see: follow it to find the pool area (which includes a big play structure and plenty of lounge chairs), Sandy’s Castle Restaurant,  Bricks Beach Bar and the gift shop, Palm Tree Traders. The bungalows are grouped around the lighthouse in horseshoe-shaped coves all with names after LEGO Minifigures, and many with water views. It’s like a little Florida village that is designed to look like it is built out of giant LEGO bricks (or to make you feel like a minifig family. You decide).

photo: Amber Guetebier

Checking In

You know what is easier than getting out of your vehicle with all the kids and luggage to check into your hotel? Cruising in through the drive-through check in. Just roll on in, give your name and you’ll get your key and a map right then and there.

Tip: If you have littles and a lot of luggage, park your car and walk to find your room first. At check in you’ll be instructed which lot to park in, but with a lot of bags and kids, it can be easier to locate the room first then relay back for bags, as the parking lots are not right next to most of the rooms (which makes it more resort-like and quieter!).

photo: Amber Guetebier

The Rooms

Each bungalow room can sleep up to 5 people: there’s one king-sized bed for parents (and let’s be real, whoever else climbs in at 3 a.m.) and a smaller nook that has bunk beds for the kids. The bottom bunk also has a trundle, so you can get three kiddos in there. You’ll have a small sitting area outside your room, but the highlight is that each cove of the Beach Retreat has bungalows all facing a central grassy area and play-structure. That means you can relax with your morning cup of coffee (or evening glass of wine) and the kids can keep the party going with their fellow Bungalow buddies.

Bonus: You’ll find lots of little amenities in the room built with kids in mind. Parents will appreciate the toilets with seats that convert to a smaller size; low hanging hooks for towels and the little signs letting kids know the room has been cleared of sea monsters.

photo: Amber Guetebier

The Pool

Ask any kid what they want in a hotel and the chances are they will say “a pool!”  and LEGOLAND Beach Retreat does not disappoint. The pool area includes floating bricks for building (a LEGOLAND exclusive), a beach volleyball court (on sand!) a large play structure and plenty of chairs for lounging.

Eat, Drink & Build

Eat breakfast and dinner buffet-style at Sandy’s Castle Restaurant. There’s also a full menu with plenty of choices for kids and grownups alike. Breakfast is included with your stay. For lunch or poolside snacks, including pizza and chicken wings, hit up Bricks Beach Bar. (Grownups 21 and up: we highly recommend the “Fish in a Bag” cocktail.) The kids will love the giant LEGO sandcastle just inside. With bins of bricks surrounding the epic castle, they can build before, during or after dinner.

photo: Amber Guetebier

Don’t Forget! LEGOLAND Florida Resort

With all the reasons to chill and play at the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, you might not want to leave. The beauty of LEGOLAND is that it is a relatively small amusement park, and you can cover it with the kids in just a couple of days. Plus the park closes relatively early, which means there’s plenty of time for dinner, pool, play and recharging for the next day’s adventure.

LEGOLAND Beach Retreat
100 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, Fl 33884
Online: legoland.com/florida/legoland-beach-retreat
Rooms start at $135/night; ticket packages are available

Will you visit LEGOLAND’s latest accomodations? Tell us about it the comments below. 

—Amber Guetebier

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9 Reasons to Take a Caribbean Vaycay with the Kids

by Amber Guetebier

Pool, ocean, beach, spa. Repeat. If this schedule sounds like one you’d be willing to give a try, and you’re in the market for a vacation that won’t feel like more work than play, the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica is for you. Read on to get the scoop on why it’s the perfect place for your next truly relaxing family getaway.

1. You can bring the kids (and still feel like you’re re-living your honeymoon).  

White sand beaches? Check. Warm tropical breezes and swaying palm trees? Total yes. But for parents, the real beauty of this resort is feeling completely welcome with your kiddos in tow. The Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall actually has an adults-only, adjoining property and beach (the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall) for those who prefer not to hear the pitter patter of little feet. This means parents can rest-assured they are not disturbing the peace, especially when the littles are getting over their jet lag. So dine, roam, swim, swing, relax and play with the gusto of a five-year-old. They’ve got you.

2. On-site amenities & activities, galore. 

When they are ready to finally get out of the pool (pool is open late but only has a lifeguard on duty until 6-7 p.m. depending on the season) the kiddos can join you in daily ping-pong and cornhole tournaments, shuffleboard, beach volleyball, bingo, fitness classes and other adventurous-but-not-that-far-from-a-frosty-drink activities. Seriously: you can make them laugh endlessly as you attempt to Zumba, Jamaican style. Each evening at turn down you will receive a print out of the next day’s schedule so you can plan accordingly.

3. The Kidz Club is where it’s at. 

Even though YOU want to do all the things, your kids want to hang out. With other kids. Enter, the Kidz Club. Open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. every day, there’s a host of rotating activities including arts and crafts, beach going and more. Evening might call for a PJ party or even a mini-disco. You’ll find warm, fun-loving staff who are all CPR trained. Unlike other resorts, the Kidz Club at Hyatt Ziva will actually take the kiddos to eat both lunch and dinner. There is a one-hour break between 5-6 p.m. so staff can change shifts, etc. The resort also offers a Teen Club which includes video games, air hockey and more. (And did we mention that the entire resort has free wi-fi?) That means you can book time at the spa or relax near the beach (cabana + novel) while the kiddos are happy and busy. The Kidz Club is designed for children ages 3-12. Kids under 3 can participate in crafts and other activities if accompanied by a parent.

Insider tip: If you have a young babe but want a little time to yourselves, visit the Kidz Club to see if they can connect you with a babysitter.

4. Buffet dining with unlimited dessert is usually every kid’s idea of a good time.

In total, the resort has 13 bars, restaurants and lounges. The family-friendly stars we think you’ll be rotating through with the kiddos are: Choicez, which features an upscale buffet ladened with fresh fruits and vegetables along with local hot and cold dishes, breads, soups and the aforementioned dessert buffet; Barefoot Jerkz—Jamaican jerk BBQ served while you squish your toes in the sand; and Bitez Deli where you can grab quick and delicious bites, sandwiches and treats for hungry kids who need to tuck in ASAP. Adjacent to the lobby parents will want to make a stop at Stirz, a coffee bar where you can get your latte fix. Naturally there’s also swim-up bars, adults-only fancy pants dining and more.

photo courtesy Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

5. The rooms. Oh, the rooms.

Every room feels like deluxe accommodations. This recently remodeled resort, formerly the spot of the Ritz, left no detail out. Balconies, sweet breezes and super comfy beds (where do they get those pillows??) are all the norm. Parents with smalls can request a suite, many of which come with a mini bar area/fridge and additional sleeping on fold-out couch. Want to take things to uber-indulgence? Upgrade to a Butler Suite, which will come with your own personal butler. You are outfitted with a phone to call your butler, for those times when you simply can’t lure “the kids” away from the beach but everyone is hungry, or you find yourself poolside and in need of a cooler of drinks. Seriously. We are not even kidding about this. There’s also pool suites, ocean views (well, all the rooms have ocean views so more direct ocean views) and more. Parents should know that the rooms on the Ziva side near the stage (the building over Choicez buffet and shops) can be loud past younger kid’s bed times so you might want to request a poolside room.

6. Jamaica, no problem

Few places on earth match Jamaica and Jamaicans for generosity of heart and spirit. Each and every person you will encounter here will not only offer you smiles and courteousness, but you and your children will make genuine connections that will become the most memorable part of your vacation. If you relax and go with the Jamaican way, you will truly have no worries.


7. Nearby excursions (including a haunted plantation).

When you want to venture off-property, there is no shortage of activities, all easily arranged by the concierge. Go in search of the legendary White Witch of Rose Hall Plantation (the night tour makes Disney’s Haunted Mansion look like a fun house) or book a family snorkeling excursion, hike the jungles, explore luminous caves and more. There are even nearby parks that include animal encounters and ziplining. You know, if you have time.

8. All inclusive, with extras.

All the food and drink, including room service, as well as on-site activities come with your stay. As an added bonus, one free round of golf is also included. Choose between two par-71 links-style course: White Witch or Cinnamon Hill. Check in with the concierge to arrange tee time (and even reserve rental clubs). Additional awesomeness (which has a fee) include upgrading your poolside chaise lounge to a cabana complete with towel swans; couple massages en plein; spa treatments like hot stone therapy and body wraps; candlelight beach-side dining and much, much more. There are also two gift shops on site so you can bring back a t-shirt for your catsitter.

photo courtesy Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

9. Getting there is easy.

From most major cities you can book a flight (with one stop) to Montego Bay, Jamaica. It’s less than 2 hours flight from Miami, about 3 from Charlotte, NC and there are even nonstop flights on American from NYC and Chicago. Check out Fun Jet Vacations to book the most direct route. Once you arrive at the aiport, proceed past baggage claim and into the main hub where the Ziva (and Zilara) have a lounge. You chill there with a cool beverage and wait for your quick shuttle to the hotel.

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall 
Rose Hall Rd.
Montego Bay, St. James
Jamaica
T: 1-876-953-2800
Online: rosehall.ziva.hyatt.com 

Have you been to Jamaica or an all-inclusive resort with your kiddos? What are your tips? 

Note: This trip was paid for by FunJet Vacations and Hyatt Ziva / Playa Resorts
but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

—all copy and photos by Amber Guetebier except where otherwise noted

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14 Clever Party Favors Perfect for Summer Fêtes

by Lauren Hill

Frozen treats, grilled grub, and splash-tastic activities are just a few of the perks surrounding summer birthday celebrations. Whether you’re hanging poolside, enjoying the waves, or having a backyard bonanza, no alfresco fete would be complete without a fantastic takeaway. From bubbles to beach balls, these unique favors are perfect for your summer baby’s birthday bash.

Make Lemonade

There’s nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer afternoon. This thirst-quenching favor can easily be recreated using your favorite mix, and the printable tags and supplies found in the Chickabug shop.

photo: Chickabug

Which is your favorite summer favor? Let us know in the comments below. 

— Lauren Hill

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Suit Up for Summer in Maternity Swimwear Even Non-Pregnant Mamas Will Love

by Jane Putnum

Whether beating the heat this summer or relaxing poolside or beachside on your babymoon, you need a maternity swimsuit you feel confident in stat. You can rock your bump in style in one-pieces, tankinis, bikinis and even flowy and flattering swim dresses. Here are nine maternity swimwear looks to love for every budget.

Tankini for the Win

This top offers the best of both worlds: lots of extra material to accommodate your bump and halter ties to provide support, which is especially necessary for many mamas-to-be, as their busts grow considerably during pregnancy. Plus, with a price tag of under $25, you really can't go wrong.

Available at target.com, $24.99.

How do you rock your bump at the beach? Tell us about your maternity style in a Comment.
—Jane Putnam

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The Ultimate Family Vacation: Party With Sponge Bob and Dora in Mexico

by Erin Feher

It’s a great time to be a parent—especially one trying to plan the perfect vacation. Resorts around the world are amping up their offerings to make sure every member of the family has an absolute dreamy time. Azul Hotels by Karisma are leading the pack with their latest partnership with Nick Jr.. From play dates and dance parties with Dora, Sponge Bob and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to the opportunity to get slimed just like the kids on TV, the new Nick Jr. Experience will give the whole family a vacation they will never forget. Read on for all the slimey details.

The Easiest Vacation Ever
Azul Hotels by Karisma is an all-inclusive resort brand with 3 different properties dotting the Riveria Maya (Azul Sensatori, Azul Fives and Azul Beach). The luxurious yet family-friendly resorts have already garnered a loyal following from parents thanks to their gourmet restaurants, spacious rooms, miles of sparkling blue pools, white sand beaches and kid-friendly perks such as kids clubs, movie nights and splash parks— and now their new partnership with Nick Jr. has them upping the ante.

From the moment you enter the resort and are handed your choice of sparlking wine or a fruity, green “Slime” smoothie, your life gets unbelievably uncomplicated. The 24-hour concierge shows you to your room, directs you to the closest pool and points out the selection of restaurants, bars, coffee stands and activity coordinators who can get you out surfing, snorkeling or paddle boarding (or doing absolutely nothing at all). And while it may seem strange at first, the “all-inclusive” aspect grows on you quickly: what it means is you can duck into any restaurant, saddle up to any bar or even order a smoothie (or cocktail) poolside and enjoy it without ever whipping out your wallet.

A Date with Dora (and More!)
Attend one of Azul’s weekly Orange Carpet events and you will immediately understand the fandom surrounding Nickelodeon’s star characters. Kids fill the picturesque terrace and line up behind the velvet rope as Dora, Boots, Sponge Bob, Patrick and all four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles walk the carpet and pose for photo ops with eager fans. Everyone gets a chance to pose with their favorite star, and a handful of Nick Jr. “helpers” are there to get the kids pumped up and make sure it all goes smoothly. Next comes a dance performance by characters, before everyone out in the audience is invited onto the dance floor to shake a leg with their TV heroes.

If wild nights aren’t your family’s thing, take in a character breakfast at one of the resort’s more intimate restaurants (This event requires a separate reservation and a $17-per-person extra charge). A fun performance and meet-and-greet comes with your omelettes and hash browns. For a hit of Nick Jr. fun any time of day, head to the Azulitos Playhouse, where a wall stocked with theme toys is waiting for little players. There’s also a weekly Slime Time party where, in addition to dancing and other fun performances, guests are invited to sit in the slime seat and get doused with the famous green goo ($175 for up to 4 people). Have those cameras ready!

And for super fans, arrange to have a Nick Knack Pack ($49) dropped off in your room: a backpack adorned with your kiddos favorite character and filled with other fun, Nick Jr.-themed surprises.

Fabulous for Families
While the kids will be wide-eyed with excitement over getting cozy with their favorite stars, parents (and grandparents) will be gaga over having all the work of traveling with kids taken care of for them, so all that’s left to do is enjoy each other’s company. Forget schlepping all the bulky necessities: the rooms can set be set up with everything from cribs to bottle warmers to strollers—even high powered monitors that work poolside. And the Azulitos Playhouse is more than just a wonderland filled with toys, My Gym equipment, crafts and video games—it’s also staffed with child care providers who can watch over and entertain your little ones whenever so you can hit the spa or simply lounge by the pool without being on constant lifeguard duty (little ones 4 and up can be dropped off at the Kids’ Club at no extra charge).

The variety of eateries includes cuisines from all over—Italy, the Carribean, Mexico and more—so everyone will be able to find a dish they love. And of course, crayons, high chairs, booster seats and even stools in the restrooms can be found at all restaurants.

Rates
Standard rates at Azul Hotels by Karisma begin at $309 per adult, per night with two children including the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience with complete a la carte dining, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, full-service concierge, and 24-hour room service.  A la carte pricing for select elements of the Nickelodeon Experience starts at $250 for private birthday parties (up to 10 people), $145 for weddings and other private group events, $49 per person for Nick Knack Packs, and $17 per person for character breakfasts. Reservations can be booked through a GI Vacation Consultant, or by calling Azul Hotels at 866-527-4762, or by visiting karismahotels.com.

Good to know: While there will be rarely any need to pull out your wallet, we recommend bringing cash (US currency is fine) to tip shuttle drivers. 

Getting There
Direct flights to Cancun are offered on more than a dozen airlines, and the resort will assist you in arranging a shuttle to the property, so no rental car is needed. If you are requesting a car seat in the shuttle, it’s best to confirm the request just before your trip.

Azul Fives
Riviera Maya, MX
Online: karismahotels.com

Azul Sensatori
Riviera Maya, MX
Online: karismahotels.com

Azul Beach
Riviera Maya, MX
Online: karismahotels.com

Have you vacationed at Azul Resorts in Mexico? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! 

—Erin Feher

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5 New Summer Kids Menus You Can’t Miss

by Meghan Rose

It’s too hot to heat up the kitchen. You’re too tired to cook. You’ve been having too much action packed fun to plan ahead for dinner. Whatever the reason, summer is a great time to eat out. Ditch your usual dining spot in favor of one of our favorite new summer menus just for kids. Each restaurant is like a vacation in and of itself, plus there’s loads of tasty options for everyone in the family. Bon appétit!

photo credit: Meghan Rose

Sushi Roku Pasadena
Almost every kid raised in LA becomes a sushi connoisseur at a very young age. But that doesn’t mean that they’re great at the behavior required for sitting at your favorite omakase bar. Or that you’re into paying big bucks for the massive amount of cucumber rolls they can devour. That’s why we’re huge fans of the new Okosama Kids’ Menu at Pasadena’s Sushi Roku. These kid bento boxes feature protein—beef, chicken, or sushi—in addition to health sides like tempura sweet potato and broccoli, edamame, and applesauce. Every meal also comes with the chance to pick a toy from a big box of options that range from sticker puzzles to building blocks that keep kids entertained (and quiet) while they wait for their meals and you sip your sake.

Prices: The kids meals range from $8-$13.

Summer bonus: Roku has a beautiful patio for summer sipping and relaxing and listening to the Saturday night August & September concerts at One Colorado, or for dinner before the concerts a few blocks away at the Levitt Pavilion.

33 Miller Alley
Pasadena
626-683-3000
Online: innovativedining.com/restaurants/sushiroku

photo courtesy of Stir Market

Stir Market
Stir Market has been our go-to spot for picking up gourmet treats on the go since opening last November. We also have become devotees of the “Re-stocking Hour” where from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. you can get bar snacks (like Porchetta Chili Cheese Fries) and on tap beers and wines for less. Perfect for a light dinner on the way home from the park… But the one thing this gourmet market and food hall didn’t have was a dedicated kids menu. That’s no longer the case, and the new-for-summer Kid’s Menu is available all day, so you can have Meyer Lemon Pancakes for dinner, After School Cinnamon Toast for an after school snack and the chicken and brown rice bowl or cheesy flatbread anytime.

Prices: The kids meals range from $5.95-$8.95. The children’s menu also features a variety of specialty drinks ($1.95) such as Coconut Water, Organic Milk, and Housemade Lemonade.

Summer bonus: When it’s your turn to be snack parent for your kid’s summer soccer league, you can stock up on a variety of healthy delicious and unique packaged take-away snacks in the marketplace. Grape coconut water and granola snack bags get gobbled and are so much better than goldfish and juice boxes! And in addition to being right across the street from the park, you’re also walking distance to Pan Pacific Park Public Pool. (Did you know you can sign your kiddo up for a $10 summer pass that’s good at all citywide swimming pools? Good through September 7, so it’s still totally worth it for the dog days of summer.)

7475 Beverly Blvd.
Mid-City
323-879-8283
Online: stirmarket.com

photo credit: Ashley W. via yelp

Simmzy’s Venice
We fell hard for Simmzy’s when we first tasted the gastro pub’s kids menu at the Burbank location that opened in January of this year. (Yes, residents of Manhattan Beach, we were late to your party!) The new location still has everything we love about the other spots: local, sustainable, organic, craft beer selection,yummy food and laid back atmosphere. But the Venice location that just opened at the end of June has summer written all over it, being just steps from the beach and the Venice Pier. The kids menu is short, but built for kids and parents alike. There’s a burger, cheeseburger, “awesome” grilled cheese (it is) and plain chicken tenders (which are even more awesome, and you will sneak some, just so you can try one of the dips that comes with it: garlic aioli, avocado buttermilk, BBQ or blue cheese). Kids also get to pick from green salad, shoestring fries or sweet potato fries. The adult menu is also very solid, but in the summer, for us, it’s all about the beer, and they’ve got a great selection of frosty summer sipables.

Prices: The kid meals are a steal at $5.25.

Summer bonus: Hello, beach. Simmzy’s is at the end of Washington Blvd, which puts you practically on the sand and super convenient for a lunch or dinner stop on a beach day or before a concert or movie at the nearby Marina.

37 W Washington Blvd.
Venice
424-835-6580
Online: simmzys.com

photo courtesy of Mr. C Beverly Hills

Mr. C Beverly Hills
Nothing says summer like a little poolside dining, and the Mr. C Hotel in Beverly Hills has a new menu just for kids available poolside from The Restaurant at Mr. C. While pool use is reserved for guests, you can pretend you’re at the Mr C in Montecarlo or Ibiza while you dine by the sparkling blue pool on seared ahi salads and sip Shred cold pressed juices. The “Little C” menu features elegant but kid appealing dishes like Baked White Tagliolini Pasta with ham (a super fancy and to-die-for mac and cheese), Mini Margherita Pizza with Buffalo mozzarella and Spaghetti alla Bolognese. Kids also get a Little C coloring book to keep them busy.

Prices: The Little C menu items range from $5.95-$11.95, Little C drinks are all $4.95.

Summer bonus: While lovely for lunch (you can order poolside from 10 a.m.-5 :30 p.m.), our favorite meal here is a weekend lazy brunch, when kids can order Belgium waffles with Nutella and sip virgin Little C Bellinis. While you drink the real deal. And we do mean real deal: the Bellini was invented by Guiseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice, great-grandfather of the owners of Mr C.

1224 Beverwil Dr.
Beverly Hills
310-277-2800
Online: mrchotels.com

photo courtesy of The Larchmont

The Larchmont
Speaking of brunch, there’s a new brunch in town this summer, and they’ve got a menu just for kids. The Larchmont (on Melrose by Larchmont Blvd.) began serving brunch in June, and it’s just where and how you want to eat in summer. The dining room is light and airy, the porch is sunny yet private and it feels like eating in someone’s charming Hamptons home. A home that serves straight from the farm veggies and where you don’t have to do the cooking or dishes. Kids items are basic but delicious: Pancakes with organic maple syrup and whipped cream, Scrambled Eggs with bacon, crispy potatoes, and toast or French Toast with berries and whipped cream. This sets the leisurely tone to a weekend, while they devour the food you didn’t feel like making and you nosh on anything from King Crab with Bearnaise, veggie hash or Peanut Butter Crunch French Toast with bacon, roasted banana and foie gras. Oh yeah. Those taste great with the house made brunch cocktails…

Prices: The kid’s brunch items are all $10.

Summer bonus: Sunday is the perfect day to visit Larchmont! The Farmer’s Market is open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sam’s Bagels stocks you up with east breakfasts for the rest of the week, and you can do a little back to school shopping at Bluebird or Flicka.

5750 Melrose Ave.
Mid-City
323-464-4277
Online: thelarchmont.com

Have you discovered a new kids menu this summer? We’d love to hear about it! Let us know in the comments!

—Meghan Rose

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Three Secrets to a Perfect Summer

by Erin Feher
Partner Content

From boating to BBQ-ing, the options for summer fun are infinite. And while we started the school-free months with a long list of anticipated adventures, after looking back at the hundreds of smile-filled photos of all the warm-weather fun we had, we soon realized all our favorite summer activities fell under three simple categories—something we dubbed the holy trinity of summer. To prove our point, we dug into the overflowing photo archives of our Bay Area editor, Erin Feher, who rarely lets a moment slip by without capturing it on her iPhone. We had a blast creating a trio of slideshows using the RealTimes app, which let us easily combine photos from not just Erin’s phone, but also the devices of her friends and family—so no angle was missed (and she actually got to appear in a few precious snaps with her family). We think the photo creations below prove that the very best summer vibes come from these three very simple pleasures. Press play to find out what they are, then create your own memories by downloading RealTimes and looking back at your own summer in a new light!

Swim!
Any body of water counts—oceans, lakes, big blue swimming pools, and even the little inflatable number you set up in the side yard. Also filed under this epic summer activity is: burying yourself in the sand, kicking around a beach ball and even snoozing on a poolside lounger.

Eat Ice Cream!
This sweet summer treat never goes out of style. Just make sure to have your camera ready (and plenty of napkins).

Hang with Friends and Family!
Our biggest discovery was that it often doesn’t matter what your doing, as long as you are surrounded by your favorite people. From long, leisurely family vacations with cousins and grandparents to “wish they lasted forever” afternoons with old friends, any old activity quickly becomes a party when friends and family are involved.

Did you get plenty of the magic three this summer? Tell us about it in the comments below! 

Download RealTimes here.

—Red Tricycle Editors

Bring your memories to life with RealTimes. Easily create montage Stories from your photos and videos. With RealTimes you can customize these Stories with your own music and titles, and share them with friends and family either privately or through social media. RealTimes also lets you safely store all of your media and Stories in a secure cloud that you can access from any device or computer, anytime – your moments are always with you. Share your moments, tell your story.

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