Have a meal al fresco with rolling restaurants that are delicious with no clean-up needed. These awesome neighborhood food trucks around the Bay Area not only serve gourmet food of all cuisines but are a great way to get the family together and hang outside. Many are open with COVID-19 precautions and pre-ordering in place, so get ready to dine out!
San Francisco
Off the Grid Levi's Plaza
Curry Up Now
Take a break during the week and enjoy lunch outside from some of the best rolling trucks in town. Chow down on @senorsisig, @curryupnow, @bowldacai and others on a rotating schedule.
1155 Battery Street San Francisco, CA When: Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Online: offthegrid.com
SPARK Social SF
William J Simpson Photography
A community garden space in the heart of Mission Bay, this food truck park is also a beer and sangria garden as well as an event space. They work with over 150 food trucks that rotate for lunch and dinner, so there is truly something for everyone. The lineup is posted every day at 10 a.m!
601 Mission Bay Blvd. North San Francisco, CA When: Weekdays 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (with trucks rotating 3-5 p.m.), Saturdays 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Online: sparksocialsf.com
Mini golf and dinner? Head over to Parkland Gardens for tee time and food. @hooktdoughnuts is there with mini and mochi donuts if you are looking for something sweet, or make it a Taco Tuesday with @domingosinternational! Check out the bar for Happy Hour specials every day.
1379 4th St. San Francisco, CA When: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily Online: parklabgardens.com
East Bay
Off the Grid—South Shore Center, Alameda
Off the Grid
Check out this pop-up lunch event, open every Saturday with food trucks and live music! They set up shop in the parking lot of South Shore Center, a 594,000 square-foot open-air shopping destination featuring a variety of nationally known retailers and restaurants to serve the residents of Alameda. A nice food break before or after some shopping!
535 South Shore Center Alameda, CA When: Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Online: offthegrid.com
Family-owned and operated, this Oakland taco truck is your best bet for authentic tacos in the East Bay. Meat, veggie and seafood lovers can munch on tacos, burritos, quesadillas and tortas. Don't forget a seasonal agua fresca or strawberry horchata!
Follow the Kona Ice West San Jose Facebook page to get all the intel on when they'll be delivering to your neighborhood. You’ll place your order in advance and we definitely recommend you go for the color-changing cups as the kids will love them.
Tasty Mob Market A food concept with food trucks and pop-up stores, Tasty Mob Market aims to connect small business owners with the community. From tacos to momos, there is something for everyone! Be sure to stop by Calif Caracas for the Bay's best empanadas!
Serramonte is your Tuesday night dinner spot in Daly City. Enjoy street food from a rotating list of food trucks right outside Serramonte Shopping Center like @capelosbarbecue and @curveballmobile for some awesome sliders.
39 Serramonte Center Daly City, CA When: Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Online: offthegrid.com
Authentic Chinese and Nepalese food is served up including their namesake Momo, which is a delectable meat or veggie filled dumpling. Their chili chicken is to die for and quite spicy so make sure to wash it all down with the best Masala Chai you will find outside of Kathmandu!
Multiple locations (yes, they're that good):
205 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale 425 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose 81 S Main St, Milpitas 1593 Monterey Rd, San Jose 39233 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
Marin Country Mart is the place to be for Sunday lunch! Food trucks are there serving up delicious sweet and savory snacks for the whole family. Afterward, stroll over to the shopping village and support local businesses.
Looking for some healthy and delicious Mediterranean food? Casablanca's been cooking up gourmet favorites like falafel, shwarma sandwiches and kabob wraps for 17 years. Follow them on social to see what farmer's market they'll be at next!
There may not be a more ubiquitous food in San Diego than the taco! From taco trucks and beachside stands to high-end taquerias, the options to find authentic, delicious tacos around town are plentiful. So, please don’t wait for Taco Tuesday; get out today and stop by one of our top picks for places to grab one (or three) of these handheld culinary treats.
Built from the idea that food should be a celebration and fresh Mex should be “con sazón!”. City Tacos delivers a fun atmosphere and flavorful tacos consistently. They have six house favorites, including an Ahueva Breakfast Taco, a Mexicali, and a Surf and Turf. In addition to their staples, they offer a Cocito Californiano, which is a cheese-crusted spinach wrap with your choice of protein and is a dish that exemplifies their philosophy to blend the best of both Mexican and American flavors. Having just opened their seventh location (across from Petco Park) in Southern California, we'd say they nailed it.
Insider Tip: Come for the tacos, stay for the Churros! And, stop by on a Tuesday and enjoy 10% off all food.
When your little niño inhales his taco or quesadilla from Galaxy Taco and asks for another, know that the tortilla was made from scratch that very day and indulge him. Chef de Cuisine Christine Rivera feels it's her responsibility to make the tortillas served at Galaxy Taco shine, and she knows that means using non-GMO heirloom corn and serving them fresh every day. The restaurant, a spin-off concept of George's at the Cove in La Jolla, has elevated the taco by taking it back to its roots. Life doesn't get much better than spending the day at the beach and capping it off with a margarita and taco from this La Jolla gem.
2259 Avenida De La Playa La Jolla, CA 92037 Online: galaxytaco.com
We're not sure how they do it, but we're glad they do—Lola 55 and their top-notch chef Andrew Bent use the highest-quality ingredients and carefully craft their insanely delicious tacos, yet they only charge $3-$4 a pop for each hand-held delight. In addition, the kids' menu offers a healthy dinner of rice, beans, choice of protein or veggie and will leave any tiny-taco lover happy and satisfied. The pork belly Al Pastor is a standout and worth trying.
1290 F Street San Diego, Ca 92101 Online: lola55.com/
Senor Grubby's
Senor Grubby's
This North County resto serves up huge burritos and yummy tacos in a casual, beachside setting. Open all day; you can pop in for a breakfast burrito or huevos rancheros or stop by after a day at the beach and order from their extensive taco menu. Pork belly, garlic shrimp, Bubba's BBQ, carnitas — they've got it all. In addition, their kids' menu features everything from burritos and quesadillas to grilled cheese and bacon dogs.
Senor Grubby's 377 Carlsbad Village Dr. Carlsbad, Ca 92008 760-729-6040 Online: eatgrubbys.com
Puesto
Puesto
This SoCal chain has multiple locations in southern California, with its flagship in San Diego, featuring bright and colorful decor and a laid-back, hip vibe. Get a plate of chicharrones to start if your kids are adventurous or the Puesto Perfect Guacamole made with Parmigiano Reggiano. The kids' meal is a home run with a quesadilla, avocado, and taco of choice plus specialty drinks like a Puesto Frozen Horchata or Piña-Melón. It's a great spot to go with friends, and their filet mignon taco is magic.
Insider Tip: Add a frozen dessert taco for a few bucks more
Puesto 789 West Harbor Dr. San Diego, Ca 92101 619-233-8880
1026 Wall St. La Jolla, Ca 92037 858-454-1260 Online: eatpuesto.com
It's the mouth-watering, authentic birria that makes Ed Fernandez a spot that San Diego locals know and love. The restaurant has a simple menu and is only open Wed.-Sun, but If you're in the neighborhood and want to treat your family to an authentic taco experience, stop by for a visit.
This Old Town staple serves up tacos and more in a vibrant Mexican atmosphere, complete with a courtyard, folk art and even mariachi music, sure to keep your gang entertained until the food arrives. Their extensive menu can satisfy any craving and features everything from chimichangas to ceviche. They also have traditional grilled fish tacos and carne asada tacos. The kids' menu features rolled tacos or grilled chicken tacos. For dessert, try the churros or flan.
Casa Guadalajara 4105 Taylor St. San Diego, Ca 92110 619-295-5111 Online: casaguadalajara.com
Lucha Libre is a perfect venue for family date night, and it's got killer tacos. The kids will love the wrestling decor and matches play on TV while photos and gear adorn the walls. But it's what's on the inside that counts, and Lucha Libre has got you covered. Their menu includes fresh ingredients and homemade salsas. Popular tacos include the Queso, Surf & Turf, and Classic — all priced under $5.00. Kids menu and "TJ" hot dogs wrapped in bacon are also available.
Lucha Libre 1810 W. Washington St. San Diego, Ca 92103 619-296-8226
3016 University Ave. San Diego, Ca 92104 619-487-1520 Online: tacosmackdown.com
You know you're at the right place when the line is consistently out the door and down the street. That's what you'll find at any of The Taco Stand's locations. The popular spot has three locations in San Diego: the original a few blocks from the La Jolla beaches, the second in downtown San Diego, and the newest in the heart of Encinitas. Inspired by the taco stands south of the border, the owners, both originally from Tijuana, created this authentic taco stand to satisfy their cravings and share the goodness of authentic tacos. They've managed to satisfy plenty of San Diegans along the way. The menu boasts a variety of tacos from the Al Pastor to the Mushroom Taco. They also have burritos, quesadillas, and carne asada fries, as well as the kiddos' favorites all-natural paletas (Mexican popsicles).
Insider Tip: The Taco Stand caters and is a great option for a backyard birthday party.
Calling all taco lovers! If your mini me loves whipping up play creations, then they’ll love this absolutely adorable Fill & Fold Taco and Tortilla Set from Melissa and Doug.
The taco-tastic kit comes with everything kiddos need to host their own Taco Tuesday. Use the skillet, knife and wooden spoon to cook up chicken, shrimp, beef, tomato, onion, avocado, pepper, shredded cheese, pinto beans and crema before topping off with hot sauce!
photo: Courtesy of Melissa & Doug
The set comes with a foldable tortilla, hard-shelled taco and menu cards so your chef can craft fajitas, burritos or tacos to order. The set is for kids three and older and even comes with a hinged container for easy storage.
Do your New Year’s resolutions include eating more healthy family dinners? After a season of indulging in endless quarantine snacking and cookie and banana bread baking, it’s time to kick off 2021 with some healthy takeout from local restaurants. Healthy family meals are just a call or click away. Read on for how to make healthy eating at home a snap!
Flower Child
Flower Child
Eat the rainbow and capture that sunshine state-of-mind with a to-go order from Flower Child in Del Mar. This delicious and veggie-centric menu includes tasty favorites like the Glow Bowl with sweet potato noodle, Vegan Massaman Curry, Turkey Sausage & Zucchini Lasagna and fresh salads with organic ingredients. Have a hungry crew to feed? Opt for their Family Pack Bundle with family-sized protein, choice of 2 sides and a large chopped vegetable salad. Keto, gluten-free, vegetarian and a healthy kids' menu are all available.
Good to know: Download the Flower Child app and make ordering quick and easy for stress-free dinnertime.
Get your juice bar fix and make the kids happy with a pick-up order from Juice Alchemy. This family-owned business serves up juices, smoothies and Acai Bowls along with feel-good fare like the fully-loaded Power Toast and Alchemy Club Sandwich. Online ordering and pick-up is available until 2 p.m.
Trade your regular Taco Tuesday for 25% off Takeout Tuesday at The Henry in Coronado (use code Tuesday25). Opt for entrees like the Harvest Bowl with tasty ingredients like melted sweet potato, caramelized cauliflower, Marcona almond pesto and cashew harissa. Or feed the whole family with The Henry's Rotisserie Chicken Family Meal for $29 (takeout only), which includes a large Caesar salad and roasted winter vegetables.
Newly opened Our Green Affair in Pacific Beach is putting a fun spin on salads, loaded sweet potatoes and healthy bowls. Check out the Taco 'Bout Us with roasted salmon, UniCorn with soy chorizo and veggies or the Thai Me Up salad with roasted chicken, Thai-inspired toppings and a spicy cashew dressing. Have a picky eater in your crew? No problem, Our Green Affair also offers a build-your-own option. Online ordering and pick-up is available.
Authentic Middle-Eastern street food is served up fresh and tasty at Tahini. Say good-bye to bland cheese sticks and introduce your future foodie to fresh-made Halloumi Cheese stix and Tahini's coveted fresh pita bread, baked daily without preservatives. Order online and choose falafel, chicken or steak shawarma on pita, bowl or salad. Delivery available via UberEats, GrubHub and others.
Good to know: You can also feel good about their commitment to the environment. Tahini uses eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging for to-go orders.
Say adios to grocery shopping and menu planning and let Sun Basket do the heavy lifting for dinnertime! Created by chefs and filled with healthy, organic ingredients, dinner will be ready to go in 6 minutes or less with their Fresh & Ready meals. A stress-saver for busy weeknights, these meals feature a complete dinner that is pre-cooked and packaged with no additional prep required.
Have a little more time on the weekends? Get the kids in on the dinnertime action with their Classic Meal Kits, which include pre-measured ingredients for meals ready in 15-40 minutes. Sun Basket meals can be tailored to your family's nutrition needs, including vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free and Quick & Easy, perfect for busy parents.
Mealtime is served up healthy and fast from Greenspot Salad Company with three locations around San Diego. Choose between superfood salads, wraps, flatbreads and bowls. The kids' menu includes healthy options like the Turkey Cheese Roll-Up on a whole-wheat tortilla with kids' sized salad or veggie dippers. Online ordering, delivery, takeout and curbside pick-up options make healthy family meals a breeze.
Give your usual Thai takeout a vegetarian (or vegan!) spin at Plumeria Vegetarian in University Heights. Your most carnivorous family members won't miss the meat with satisfying flavors in Thai favorites like Green Curry, Pad Thai and mock "chicken" satay. Entrees are available with tofu, vegetables or vegan duck, vegan chicken or vegan beef. Plumeria Vegetarian is MSG-free and uses organic, non-GMO and gluten free tofu locally produced by San Diego Soy Company.
When choosing meat as part of your family's healthy lifestyle, opt for high-quality and humanely raised. For this farm-to-fork philosophy, look no further than local purveyor Ranch 45 in Solana Beach. Taking care to know the source of their foods, Ranch 45 sells butcher boxes of Brandt Beef as well as mouthwatering meals prepared in their restaurant. Breakfast and lunch is served daily until 4 p.m. and dinner is available Thurs.-Sat. Order online for pick-up or delivery via Door Dash.
This just in––new restaurants, chic new staycation spots and family fun experiences are all opening in San Diego! After months of hunkering down, it’s time to hit refresh on both your daily routine and vacation time while you show some local love to new businesses making it work. After all, opening a business is an uphill battle no matter the circumstances. But during a pandemic? Mount Everest. Scroll on for a list of noteworthy new spots launching in San Diego.
Town and Country Resort
Kerry Cushman
After a multi-million dollar renovation, the iconic Town and Country hotel in San Diego's Mission Valley is back with a whole new look. Capturing those sunny, Southern California vibes, the new Town and Country resort perfectly mixes chic mid-century modern style and an outdoor pool paradise.
Families will love the zero-entry pool, four-story Twister waterslide and a shallow pool perfect for little swimmers. Onsite eats include wood-fired pizzas that can be delivered poolside, grab-and-go options from The MRKT and the destination-worthy ARLO, serving up fresh and innovative Cali-Baja fare (don't miss the epic S'mores Cheesecake!).
Inside scoop: Want to spend a sunny day at Town and Country's resort style pools? The hotel offers daily pool passes on Resort Pass.
Now open at Liberty Station is The Presley, a family-friendly restaurant from San Diego-based hospitality group Good Time Design. The new restaurant boasts 2,000 square feet of outdoor dining space, swing seats and fire pits. The menu offers elevated American classics like Lobster Sliders and Wood Fired Veggie Skewers and a kids menu complete with Roast Your Own S'mores and house made Ice Cream Sandwiches for dessert.
Pacific Beach has a new spot for apre-beach tacos. California Taco Club is now open on Mission Boulevard next to sister restaurant, Breakfast Republic. The walk-up window serves a variety of tacos, burritos, ceviche and homemade horchata. A small outdoor patio with major PB beach vibes is available for outdoor seating. Check out their Instagram for specials like $2 Taco Tuesday.
Looking for a splurge for an anniversary or milestone birthday? Triton Charters has San Diego's newest (and largest!) catamaran available for private rental. This floating venue is 75-feet long and can accommodate up to 105 guests with waterslide, trampoline, dance floor and wrap around bar. Leave the driving to the Coast Guard-certificated captain and crew, while you and your crew have a night to remember.
Or, Triton Charters also offers 2.5-hour charters that will be running through the San Diego Bay Thurs.–Sun., at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Ticketed charters guests will have access to all of Triton’s amenities. Tickets are $55 for adults and $15 for children. They can be purchased here.
The Family Fun Center is newly opened in Kearny Mesa. Following the closure of Boomers! last June, the original owners of the land relaunched Family Fun Center, a business originally opened on the site in 1974 where it operated for 20 years before Boomers!. The new and improved Family Fun Center reopened in early September and offers bumper boats, go karts, miniature golf, an arcade and Bullwinkle's Restaurant.
Rise and shine at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with a new one-of-a-kind brunch and wildlife encounter. This reservation-only safari takes groups of up to four household members to Shiley's Cheetah Run to watch a cheetah hit speeds upward of 50 miles per hour. Following other up close animal encounters, guests will enjoy brunch including coffee, tea and mimosas. The Cheetah Safari Brunch is available before the park opens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Just when we could all use a refresh to our virtual learning tool belt, Birch Aquarium at Scripps has launched a new suite of virtual education programming. Based on their successful summer camp program, Birch Aquarium is now offering a Virtual After School Series for students in kindergarten through grade 8. This 6-week series will be available in the fall, winter and spring. Registration is now open.
Summer 2020 was dubbed the summer of road trips and newcomer Costa Vista is turning things up a notch with its launch in 2021. Sun RV Resorts is bringing modern style and amazing amenities to San Diego with their new upscale RV resort, Costa Vista. Located on the San Diego Bay in Chula Vista, on-site amenities include juice and breakfast bar, poolside cabanas, splashpad and fitness center. No RV? Not to worry, fully-furnished modern vacation rentals are available complete with full kitchens and bunk beds for the kiddos. Costa Vista is set to open in early 2021, reservations are now available online.
Our series, Family Tales, is an honest peek into the daily lives of families across the country who are on this crazy ride we call parenthood! From divulging childcare costs to breaking down family finances to managing a virtual school year with multiple kids, we tap into the Red Tricycle army of parents to find out how they’re making it work. This series is a judgment-free zone.
Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.
Remote Learning Works as a Band-Aid Because We Have No Choice, But For Real—What’s the Plan?
Name and occupation: Shelley Massey, Atlanta Editor at Red Tricycle My partner’s occupation: attorney City: Atlanta, GA Grades my kids are in: son in 6th, daughter in 4th, son in 1st, and daughter in preschool (age 3). They go to 3 different schools, and 3 are in a fully virtual curriculum. Our school district did not present parents with an option to choose.
Our Situation
Our school district announced that they would begin the school year in a fully virtual mode, in addition to pushing the start of school back by two weeks in order to prepare for the virtual environment. We’ve just been updated by the district that they deem the community spread still too high to return, so we are looking at a virtual environment until late October, at the very earliest. We know the district hasn’t given us a “WHEN” answer, but the lack of a “HOW” plan is what really has us rattled. Assuming it’s their goal to return children to the classroom in 2020-21, it would be helpful to hear which grades would return first, how, and with what precautions. Knowing you’re not going back until a threshold of community spread is reached is fine, but it’s the not knowing if there even is a plan—and if so, what that plan looks like—that makes this state of limbo feel a bit like being dropped in the middle of a marathon with no sense of how many miles you’ve already run, nor how many you have left to go.
The start to the school year was a scramble, because with 3 kids at very different computer literacy levels, I’ve spent entire days racing from one room to the other to troubleshoot log-ins, Zoom glitches, and schedules. My oldest son has 6 teachers, so he is constantly logging-in and out of Zoom meetings. My other son is in a Dual-Language Immersion program, so part of his day is experienced in Spanish (which he doesn’t understand), and since he’s 6, he needs a lot of hand-holding just to find the right workbook. Luckily, my oldest daughter only has 1 teacher and is able to navigate her day independently, but my youngest daughter is a toddler who doesn’t understand why she has to be quiet and patient as I help the others (or work, or manage the household). Honestly, she watches way more television than I’m ok with. We’re now in our 4th week of school, so things seem to be working into a bit more or a routine. However, I’ve hired a sitter to sit with my youngest son two mornings a week, just so I can work and take care of household tasks. It’s expensive, and I’m lucky to be able to hire someone. I know that many parents are coping with just as many kids at home with no remote option for their job and not enough disposable income to hire help. I keep telling myself that we’re the lucky ones. But luck in 2020 comes in the form of a four-leaf cactus, not clover, as we’ve all found out.
Pre-Morning
My alarm goes off at 6:15 a.m. and I go for a run. With the rise in crime in Atlanta, I’ve reconsidered my routine, but if I don’t fit in some sort of exercise I’m not my best self for my family. I should probably order some mace. Does Amazon sell that? I’ll have to look into it. The 6-year old comes downstairs as I’m pulling cereal out of the pantry (his class starts at 8 a.m.), and while he eats that, I cook a hot breakfast. My kids will eat a big breakfast, so I try and make the most of it. My 9-year old comes down next (her classes start at 8:30 a.m.), followed by my 11-year old (his class starts at 9 a.m.). While I get the 6 year-old started on his computer—we actually have to set up two, since the Chrome book provided by the school doesn’t have a working camera and I have to use an old laptop just for his Zoom meetings, while he works off the applications in the Chrome book—my 11-year old goes outside and plays basketball. I’m not sure what my 9-year old does. The 3-year old is still in her crib, possibly awake, but I don’t get her until two of the other kids have started classes. I drink a cup of coffee while my youngest eats her breakfast. My husband pops into the kitchen sometime during this production to grab some coffee and a bite to eat, then heads downstairs to his office to work. We don’t see him until around 7 p.m. most days.
Morning
By 9 a.m., my 3 school-aged kids are online, and I have dropped my 3-year old off (if it’s Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday) for the start of her 3 hour day at preschool. If it’s Wednesday or Friday, the 3-year old and I start a load of laundry, then tackle any outdoor projects together. We’re in Atlanta, so afternoons are still in the 90s in early September. If she’s at school, I’ll run a quick errand to the grocery or elsewhere after preschool drop-off. With my husband physically at home most days, I feel comfortable squeezing in a few stops on my way home. He may not be able to help someone hop back on a call if they get bumped from Zoom, as he’s on his own calls most of the day, but he can get them out of the house in case of an emergency.
Our house was built about a hundred years ago, and it has about a hundred stairs. I spend much of the morning trotting up and down stairs, helping various kids, sorting various piles, putting away various toys and clothes and emptying various trash cans. I’ve tried to be more intentional about the time I’m on my phone or checking my email, setting-up my own screen time to align when the fewest number of kids are on break. The two oldest do school in their rooms, while the 6-year old is set up just off the kitchen. He’s working on my great-grandparents’ kitchen table, which is a tiny little thing but has a perfect drawer for his pencils, charger, and math cubes. I work from the kitchen table, while my husband’s office is more of a “cloffice,” or a closet-office in the basement. It’s literally where we would go in case of a tornado. He doesn’t mind it though, but I’d love it if it weren’t off the playroom.
Afternoon
With staggered start times, my kids all break for lunch at different times (and somehow, exactly when I should be picking up my 3-year old on her mornings at preschool), so I try to make lunch around 11:45 and leave it out for them to eat as they trickle into the kitchen. I’ve found that my oldest is pretty cranky by lunchtime, so having food ready for him (he grew 6 inches and gained 30 pounds this year!) when he breaks is clutch. They don’t get a ton of time for lunch, so I’ll try to persuade them to go outside for a bit before getting back on a computer. But sometimes, they’re just tired and I am, too. I know my 6th grader pops onto video games during his breaks, which I don’t love, but my goal is to win the war, not the battle.
The school day wraps for my 6-year old first, around 2:30, and for the older two at 3. Then we’re off to the races. My 11-year old goes to tennis, followed by football on Mondays, golf on Tuesdays, and football on Wednesdays. My daughter goes to tennis on Mondays, cheerleading on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and soccer on Fridays. My 6-year old has a Spanish after-school program on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and soccer on Wednesdays. I debated whether to sign them up for youth sports this season, but figured they really needed some socialization and exercise after a long day on a computer. All activities are outdoors with Covid precautions in place, and I can’t imagine the toll this pandemic would be taking on my kids if they didn’t have some social and physical outlet after all that screen time.
Evening
With scores of activities scattered across town, my ability to get people places is yoked to the strength of carpools I can set up. I drive my “bus” every day, with multiple riders who are not my own, while some of my kids hitch a ride on another mom’s “bus.” I’m grateful for my tribe of friends who help one another make the magic happen. We do everything from haul one another’s children to practices to feed whoever lands at our kitchen table around mealtime. We also read text chains (for the 11-year old crowd) and give each other a heads-up when we see something that needs to be addressed, and reassure each other that we’ve got this whole puberty thing under control. But I digress. My fleet of friends with large cars and I ferry one another’s brood to various rec fields around town, and then crash land at home in time to make dinner and do bedtime.
Dinner is pretty basic these days, and I have a rotation that makes shopping easy, predictable, and fast. Luckily, our teachers haven’t assigned much homework (Is it lucky? Are they learning what they need to learn? These are things you can be grateful for but uncertain about, for sure.), so after dinner, they hit the showers and start the slow roll towards bedtime. We aim for 7:45 for the 3-year old, 8:30 for the 6-year old, and around 9 for the older two. Last night, I was helping my 6th grader with Spanish homework until 10 p.m. My husband is usually up from his office for dinner and bedtime, then we both get back on our computers and crank out work after we get the kids to bed. We haven’t had a date since February. It’s probably time. We still like each other a lot, but this season of life, layered by a pandemic, just doesn’t afford a lot of free time.
Hacks
When the going gets rough, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
I love to cook. Like, really, an enjoy-trying-new-recipes, putting-out-a-full-spread, changing-things-up kind of love-to-cook. That’s the first thing I jettison. I try to only order out or pick up dinner once a week, if that. The rest of the time, it’s Meatball Monday, Taco Tuesday, Whatever I Can Whip Up Wednesday, Throw Something On the Grill Thursday, etc.
I try to load my car up with golf clubs, tennis rackets, soccer shin guards and cleats, and water bottles the night before, so that we don’t hit the Wall of Panic trying to leave for our afternoon activities. I keep snacks in my car, so transitions to that part of our day are easier.
I do laundry every day, and try to fold it and deliver it to rooms for the kids to put away during bath and shower time.
I despise runs to Costco, so I outsource that every other week to Shipt.
I keep a stash of keep-her-busy activities, like tons of chalk and playdough, on-hand for my preschooler during the times when I’m occupied running tech support with the bigs.
There’s no magic bullet that makes this easier. I’m not going to lie. The only thing that works every time is giving yourself some grace when things hit the fan. Some days, if all you’ve done is kept everyone alive and not done anything that will land the kids on the psychiatrists’ couch sooner than necessary, you’ve done a good job. It would just be so much easier if we knew how our school system planned to get our kids’ educations (not even life in general) back to the classroom.
Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.
For families who may not feel comfortable grabbing a booth at a restaurant just yet, and are getting tired of swinging by the drive-thru, walk-up windows are the welcome change you need. Especially if you’re out walking around town. So pick up lunch, dinner or a dessert, then find a quiet park or nearby bench to enjoy your good meal with a view to match. Scroll down to find one of our favorites.
One of the most unique business profiles in town. Pie Bar is a restaurant, bar and take-out venue all in one, serving both savory (think: pot pies made with chicken and turkey, served by the slice) and sweet (think: classics like apple, bumble berry and coconut cream) pies. Buy a slice or pick up dinner for your crew tonight.
Gotta grab bite: If the kids are with you, you’ll have to try a slice of PB&J. It’s a peanut butter cream pie topped with marionberry compote, whipped cream and crushed peanuts.
2218 N.W. Market St. Seattle, WA 98107 206-535-8489 Online: piebarballard.com
Chef Taylor Cheney created Yalla (which means “Let’s go” in Arabic) as a celebration of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, with dishes inspired by Palestinian, Egyptian, Lebanese and Syrian cultures. If you find something here you like, you might have to keep coming back, as the menu rotates on a regular basis.
Gotta grab bite: Hummus is an easy pick for kids, but if you want something a bit more adventurous, try the Awarma. It's spiced beef confit, tomato, olive, cucumber, mint and greens wrapped up tight.
Nothing hits the spot like ice cream on a sunny day. And the soft serve flavors they're dishing up at Homer on Beacon Hill will certainly do the trick. Take yours to a nearby park or enjoy it curbside at the soon-to-be-set-up patio seating outside.
Gotta grab bite: Put the rhubarb soft serve on your to-try list. It's an unusual flavor that was made especially for sunny summer days.
In addition to Ivar’s Seafood Bars and their fancier restaurants, they also operate three Fish Bars serving limited menus on the Seattle Waterfront, Lake Union and Mukilteo Landing. Each location’s menu varies a little but you’ll find the classic Alaska True Cod and salmon, prawns, chicken, chowder and fries at all three. It's hard to go wrong with Seattle classic.
Gotta grab bite: The Salmon House’s Fish Bar offers an amazing grilled salmon dinner, and the Mukilteo location is a favorite place with the locals to get huge soft-serve ice cones.
1001 Alaskan Way (Pier 54) Seattle, WA 98104 206-624-6852
401 N.E. Northlake Way Seattle, WA 98105 206-632-0767
With a nice selection of both savory crepes filled with good things like ham, scrambled eggs and salmon, plus sweet French crepes where you'll find everything from fresh strawberries to raspberries to Nutella chocolate sauce, there is something to please even the pickiest eater of the family–even if it is you.
Gotta grab bite: Cherries Jubilee with brandied cherry compote, sliced almonds, whipped cream and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Of course we had to include Seattle's iconic chain of walk-up window restaurants. The first Dick’s Drive-In opened for business on 45th Street in 1954. Today there are seven locations with only one of them offering indoor seating (Queen Anne). Nobody seems to care. Though the line might be long, orders are filled quickly. Other than the prices, the menu here has pretty much stayed the same with great burger, shakes and freshly-made hand-cut fries. Take the kids to experience that place where it all began.
Gotta grab bite: The Dick’s Deluxe. The quarter-pound burger is made with fresh beef, cheese, lettuce, mayo and pickle relish.
111 N.E. 45th St. Seattle, WA 98105 206-632-5125 Online: ddir.com
The history of the Original Bakery goes back to 1936 offering American favorite treats. The current owners, the Alonzo family, have been running the place since 1975, keeping the tradition alive with a nice selection of breads, doughnuts, coffee cakes, pies and cookies that are baked fresh every day.
Gotta grab bite: Try the Butter Pecan cookies that are finished with a dip in dark chocolate and then dusted with powdered sugar.
Mamnoon Street has only been around since 2016, but since that time, this Lebanese/Syrian restaurant has made a name for itself thanks to the authentic wrapped sandwiches and salads served speedy quick, when time is of the essence. Choose from Middle Eastern staples like Baba Ghanoush, Quinoa Tabbouleh salad and Falafel Sandwiches when you stop by.
Gotta grab bite: The Chicken Shawarma wrap is the most popular. It includes frites, pickled pepper, romaine lettuce tomatoes and roasted garlic sauce, and can be made as a salad if you prefer.
2020 5th Ave. Seattle, WA 98121 206-327-9121 Online: Mamnoonstreet.com
Located on the side of Hotel Albatross, you’ll find a lit-up sign that reads Sexy Alley Puffy Tacos. Despite the name, we are pretty sure that these tacos are safe for the whole family. The classic comes with refried beans, white cheddar, crema, pico de gallo and cojita, and they just get fancier from there. Make it your family's new Taco Tuesday tradition.
Gotta grab bite: The Taco Kit serves four and comes with a choice of protein (carnitas, rajas, picadillo), corn tortillas, salsa roja, salsa verde, chips, guacamole, onions and cilantro. Super easy!
2319 NW Market St. Seattle, WA 98107 206-566-6181 Online: hotelalbatross.com
Boasting of offering “the best Middle Eastern food in Seattle,” Cedars of Lebanon offers an extensive menu of falafel, gyros and salads, in addition to plates of appetizers and entrees. Favorite sandwiches here include the Shish Kebob (lamb), Kafta Kebob (beef), Gyros (beef and lamb) and roasted chicken.
Gotta grab bite: There's always time to split baklava with the kids. Wash it down with Turkish coffee for moms and dads.
What Carmelo's lacks in fancy menu items, they make up for with ingredients. Their menu consists simply of tacos, burritos and quesadillas that look as good as they taste. Turns out food doesn't need to be complicated to be taste great
Gotta grab bite: Go for the quesadilla with your choice of meat or veggie. It's a true crowd-pleaser.
As an artist, Andrew says that he didn’t intend on becoming a bagel maker, but he’s done all right for himself (psst...even Tom Douglas is a fan!). His bagels are unique because they contain sourdough culture as a leavening agent, but they are not “sour” per se. Just a deeper flavor than instant yeast he says. And although they had closed the window when the pandemic first hit, they just re-opened July 6 for walk-up service.
Gotta grab bite: Try the salted rosemary. It's a little bit different than your typical bagel. Don't forget the schmear!
Some of our favorite restaurants have put together take and make family meal kits that you can whip into a meal in your own kitchen. They include all the ingredients you’ll need to create your favorite restaurant dishes at home––and you’ll be supporting local restaurants at the same time. Whether you get a brunch, dinner or dessert kit, you’ll be guaranteed a restaurant quality meal that will make you feel like a superhero in the kitchen.
Burger Lounge has elevated the basic burger to something extra special. This is one of our favorite go-to spots for take out, and now to make at home. Burger Lounge Box Kit includes: 4 grass-fed burger patties with buns, tomato, onion, pickles, lettuce, organic cheese and their proprietary lounge sauce. They’ll have an optional quinoa burger soon. For the price this is one the best take home meal kits offered at $6 a person!
What: Burger Lounge Box Kit
Serves: 4
Cost: $25.95
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up curbside, delivery
Locations: Kensington, Hillcrest, Little Italy, Gaslamp, Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Del Sur/4S Ranch, Temecula
If you’re missing out on some cultured travel to far off places, pick up a Ramen Family Meal Kit to bring the flavors home. Includes: noodles, tonkotsu broth, pork chashu, ramen egg, bok choy, bean sprouts, green onions, fried garlic, sesame seeds, spices and a side of edamame.
What: Ramen Family Meal Kit
Serves: 4 people
Cost: $43
Order: online, call in
How to get it: walk in, delivery
Locations: Convoy St., Mercury St., Hillcrest, East Village, North Park, College Heights, Tijuana
Bring Taco Tuesdays home with a DIY Taco or Quesadilla Kit! Includes: choice of barbacoa, chicken tinga or sautéed mushrooms; plus tortillas, black beans, barley, chips, guacamole and flan de la casa!
Go ahead, take the family to Italy…from your kitchen! Pick up one of these fresh pasta meal kits from favorite restaurant North Italia and you’ll be transported to another place. The Family Kit includes: choice of fresh pasta (tagliatelle, bucatini, rigatoni or strozzapreti), choice of pasta sauce (bolognese, marinara, garlic parmesan cream or basil pesto), large caesar salad and parmesan garlic bread. Add on a sweet treat with their salted caramel budino, lemon curd bambolini or my favorite dessert of all time their hazelnut torta!
What: Fresh Pasta Meal Kit
Serves: 4-5
Cost: $65
Deal: take $10 off of $40 orders when you order via DoorDash, use code “NORTH10”
Deal: get a free $10 gift card when you buy one online for $50
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up curbside, delivery
7055 Friars Rd. Fashion Valley Mall 619-343-2301
3715 Caminito Ct. One Paseo in Del Mar 858-252-7720
This is personally one of my family’s favorite pizza spots and we get cravings for their polpetta meatball pizza all the time. Looks like we’ll be making a stop here for one of their DIY Pizza Packs! Includes: small dough ball, sauce, cheese, pepperoni.
What: Pizza Kit
Serves: 3-6
Cost: $11 for cheese, $13 for pepperoni, $3 extra for gluten free crust
Order: call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
3085 University Ave. North Park 619-255-7300 Online: urbnnorthpark.com
Treat your family to brunch in your kitchen! Get the Brunch Kit from the Lazy Dog Restaurant and you’ll have everything you need to start your day off right. Includes: 1 lb. bacon, 15 eggs, breakfast potatoes, pancake mix, fresh bananas, Nutella, whipped cream, syrup, coffee and fresh OJ. Don’t forget to add on some DIY Bellinis or Mimosas!
If you prefer something for lunch or dinner, they've got you covered there too with a pizza kit or a backyard bbq kit. The Pizza Kit includes: 2 balls of pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, DIY Caesar salad kit, and fresh baked white chocolate chip brownies. The Backyard BBQ Kit includes: 2 flat iron steaks, 8 hot dogs + buns, DIY coleslaw and potatoes, plus all of the fixins to put on top like shredded cheese, relish, onions, tomatoes, jalepenos, even ketchup and housemade mustard
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home with these Family Fiesta Packs! Includes: choice of tacos, fajitas or enchiladas with either vegan, chicken, carnitas, short rib, shrimp or salmon. Side dishes are included, as well as dessert and even a roll of toilet paper. Quench your thirst with their Bloody Mary kit or the Michelada kit that you can take and make at home.
What: Tacos, Fajitas or Enchiladas Kits
Serves: 4
Cost: $55
Order: call in
How to get it: pick up curbside
4340 La Jolla Village Dr. La Jolla 858-291-8360 Online: redorestaurant.com
Get outside and grill up some burgers in the backyard with the Family Burger Box Kit. Includes: choice of burgers made from either brisket, chuck or short rib patties; Ciabatta buns, organic onions, lettuce, Heirloom tomatoes, thick cut bacon, smoked gouda cheese, chipotle aioli ingredients, Brussels sprouts and glaze. They also have a Family Brunch Box if you want to feast in the morning with gluten free options and an add-on DIY mimosa kit.
What: Family Burger Box, Family Brunch Box
Serves: 4, 6 or 8
Cost: Burger Boxes: $54 for 4, $78 for 6, $90 for 8; Brunch Box $45
Bring the family in the kitchen to help make these easy Spring Meal Kits for dinner. Includes: choice of pan-roasted chicken, salmon or ribeye with artichoke dip, sourdough bread, Caesar salad kit and roasted fingerling potatoes. Included dessert tops off these Spring Meal kits with a Butter Cake and vanilla Haagen-Dazs ice cream. They also have Taco Meal Kits, Lettuce Wrap Kits and of course a Kids Build Your Own Pizza Kit. You can add-on the butter cake separately to these if you’d like.
Cost: Spring Meals: chicken meal $40 for 2 or $70 for 4, salmon meal $45 for 2 or $80 for 4, ribeye meal $65 for 2 or $120 for 4. Taco Kit $15, Lettuce Wrap Kit $12, Kids Pizza Kit $5
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
Locations: Fashion Valley Mall, Otay Ranch, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Carmel Mountain, Temecula (Escondido location is temporarily closed)
“Eat Better” at home with natural ingredients, fresh fish and clean meats with lots of vegan options for everyone alike! Choose one of their Meal Prep Kits like Fajitas, Taco Bar, Street Corn en Fuego, or the Keto Bowl packs. They include a variety of protein options (achiote chicken, chicken tinga, beef chorizo, chicken d’arbol, carne aside, vegan chick’n, arbol tofu), cauliflower rice or cilantro lime rice, sautéed peppers, cabage, olives, sliced avocados, cheese, black beans, cilantro lime rice, chips & salsa
What: Tacos, Fajitas or Street Corn Kits, Keto Bowl Pack
Serves: 4-6
Cost: $40 for Fajita or Street Corn pack, $50 for Keto Bowl pack or $65 for Taco Bar Meal Kit
Deal: get $5 off if you order from their app
Deal: order with Postmates for a free side of guacamole with order of $20, use code “GUACISGREAT"
Order: online, call in, app
How to get it: pick up, delivery
4301 La Jolla Village Dr. La Jolla 858-333-7920 Online: tocayaorganica.com
Let the kids try their skill at tossing some dough the next time you have pizza night! Grab a Pizza Party Box Kit that includes fresh pizza dough, house marinara, mozzarella & parmesan cheeses, pepperoni, 3 mini cannolis and a bottle of house wine.
What: Pizza Party Box
Serves: 4-6
Cost: $30 for pick up, $35 for delivery, add an extra pizza kit for $10
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
8131 Broadway Lemon Grove 619-825-7112 Online: giardinosd.com
For those who savor a good piece of filet mignon, here are some Family Meal Packs from internationally acclaimed Morton’s Steakhouse. The Home Cooking Burger Pack includes: 4, 10oz prime beef patties, brioche buns, lettuce, onion, pickles, tomato, potato chips. The other Family Meal Packs include choice of meat (filet mignon, New York strip, double cut pork chops, prime ribeye) with all of these sides included: grilled asparagus, smoked gouda and bacon au gratin potatoes and creamed spinach. You can also choose from seafood options (lobster tails, shrimp boil or crab cakes) and prepared sauces, butters and pasta.
What: Burger Pack, Family Meal Packs
Serves: 4-6
Cost: $40, $60, $100 & $130 price points
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
285 J St. Downtown Gaslamp 619-696-3369 Online: mortons.com
Upgrade your Taco Tuesday with these Fish Taco Boxes! Includes: frozen mahi mahi, frozen sword fish cubes, frozen salmon, gluten free tortillas and their anti-inflammatory Healthy hot sauce. It’s a little pricey but keep in mind that this box makes 3 meals and each meal serves 4-6 people. You could go in on this one with your neighbors and drop off their portion on their door step or save the rest for later in the week.
What: Upgraded Fish Taco Boxes
Serves: makes 3 meals, each meal serves 4-6 people
Cost: $125
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up curbside, delivery
512 Via De La Valle Solana Beach 858-461-0092 Online: ranch45.com
Top off your dinner with an elegant at home treat! Yes you can make Tiramisu at home just like Chef Filippo, he’ll even show you how to make it step by step (see Instagram stories or YouTube for his demonstration from last week). This Tiramisu Kit has everything you need to feel like you belong on the cooking channel. This would be a super fun activity to get the kids involved in the kitchen to help create a family masterpiece you all won't soon forget!
What: Tiramisu Dessert Kit
Serves: 8
Cost: $28
Order: call in
How to get it: pick up
2820 Roosevelt Rd. Liberty Station in Pt. Loma 619-270-9670 Online: solarelounge.com
Note: Every effort was made for the information in this story to be current, however restaurants and businesses may change their offerings based on availability.
When you can’t pop out to the grocery store and you’re looking at an empty fridge, a pantry meal can save the day. We’ve found a bunch of easy recipes to help you turn basic ingredients into showstopping eats the whole family will love. Scroll on to discover your next go-to meal!
If getting your fave Chinese takeout isn't on the menu, you can always turn to this super easy recipe! With just three ingredients (including frozen popcorn chicken), even the kiddos can help make it. Get the recipe from Dinner Then Dessert.
When you're desperate for a magical pantry meal, the magic word is casserole. This particular casserole includes a couple of cans of condensed soup and the rice you likely have on hand. It's creamy, comforting, and totally tasty. Get the recipe from It's Always Autumn.
Psst! That canned tuna in your cupboard is calling out for this easy dinner recipe. It takes just 15 minutes to make, and if you need to sub in dried parsley instead of fresh, that'll do just fine. Get the recipe from Salt & Lavender.
If pizza is always a winner in your house, you've got to check out this recipe from Fountain Avenue Kitchen. It takes your fave pizza flavors and combines them with tortillas for a no-muss meal. And just like a traditional pie, these pizzadillas are easily customizable with what you have on hand. Get the recipe here.
Do your littles get a kick out of breakfast for dinner? This recipe takes eggs and toast to the next level and is super easy to make—all you need is eggs, bread and seasonings of your choice! For the recipe, pay a visit to Gourmandelle.
Need a simple meal ASAP? Let's taco 'bout it. This idea from Mountain Mama Cooks has great flavors and just a few ingredients. Think of it as an elevated Taco Tuesday—and don't forget the salsa. Get the recipe here.
Sometimes all you need is a quick and delicious red sauce to turn your weeknight around. Cue this recipe from Budget Bytes, which tastes amazing drenched over whatever noodles you have in the cupboard. The sauce only sports five ingredients, and it's lick-the-spoon good. Get the recipe here.
We know this dish has "breakfast" right in the title, but there's no use limiting its deliciousness to just one meal. You can scramble this up on the quick with just a few basic ingredients, then add veggies for extra oomph and you'll have a dish that's irresistible. Get the recipe from Lexi's Clean Kitchen.
When all else fails, combine two of your kids’ favorite foods: spaghetti and hot dogs! You can always add in veggies like onions and bell peppers for an extra healthy kick. Best of all: this meal only requires one pot. Get the recipe from Kitchen Simmer.
Craving some Asian flavors? Just grab the peanut butter in your pantry, plus a few other ingredients, and you can whip up noodles that are salty, spicy, and even have a kick of umami. Get the recipe from Dinner Then Dessert.
Want to class up your weeknight dinners or go-to lunch? This recipe is simple, elegant, and easy to put together. You can customize the ingredients to suit what you have on hand and even indulge your kids' preference for sandwiches sans crust. For the full how-to head over to For the Feast.
Who says you can't have Thanksgiving in April? This recipe comes to us courtesy of Sarah Olson’s cookbook, The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms,and it couldn't be easier. Simply pack the ingredients into your slow cooker and voila! For the recipe, click here.
This recipe may not be traditional, but it's definitely delicious! This version of chicken parm from Baking & Creating with Avril is off-the-charts easy—thanks to the Crock Pot—and it only has three ingredients! To snag the recipe, click here.
Be clever with your condiments! This recipe from A Southern Fairytale makes great use of mustard and low-fat mayo, and it's a great way to use some other pantry staples like cereal. Get the how-to here.
Got mild white fish in the freezer? Well, this recipe is the perfect excuse to use it! With just a little extra magic (think panko crumbs, butter and parmesan), you can have a delicious and quick meal the whole family will love. Get the recipe from !Hola! Jalapeño.
Psst! Erin at Table for Seven claims that this three-ingredient recipe is so simple, you can make it with your eyes closed. It sounds like the perfect weeknight meal to us. All you need is some brown sugar and your fave salsa, and you're set! Get the recipe here.
If there's a reason you have a reasonably stocked spice rack, this is it. This recipe, courtesy of Moms Who Think, is a cinch to pull off and all you have to do is gather basic herbs. Did we mention it also uses your handy-dandy Crock Pot? For more, click here.
You know that stockpile of juice boxes your family has been collecting? This sweet recipe, courtesy of Oatmeal With a Fork, puts them to good use! This chicken is flavorful and easy to make—and we’re willing to bet it’ll be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Get the recipe here.
When it comes to this black bean soup, the magic number is three. That’s because it only has three ingredients—but a major taste that the whole family will love. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or salsa, or dress it up with some cheese, and this is sure to be a winner. Get the recipe from Honey and Birch.
If your kiddos can’t get enough PB&Js, then you’ve got to check out this idea that gives the classic sandwich a creative twist. It works for just about any meal (hello upgraded lunchbox!), and you probably have all the ingredients already. Get the recipe from A Whisk and Two Wands.
Grab that jar of salsa in your pantry and turn Taco Tuesday into a real fiesta. Bonus: this recipe uses your slow cooker so you can set it and forget it until dinnertime. Get the recipe from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog.
You know those cans of tuna hanging out in the back of your pantry? They’re great for upgrading a standard grilled cheese! It’s hearty enough to satisfy kids and easy enough to whip up when you need a meal PDQ. Get the recipe here.
Just say no to piles of dirty dishes! This awesome pasta dish is a one-pot wonder for busy weeknights. If you’ve got pasta, canned tomatoes and veggie broth in your pantry, you’re already halfway there. Get the recipe here.
The perfect way to use up stale bread? This wow-worthy bread pudding. It’s got an awesome secret ingredient (Nutella!) and goes great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The only trick will be making sure it doesn’t get gobbled up in seconds! Get the recipe here.
This too-easy idea sports only five ingredients—and if you don’t happen to have ground turkey, ground beef works just fine! Feel free add your own toppings suited to your kiddos’ taste buds! Get the recipe from Sweet Phi.
Got hot dogs and 30 minutes? Then this simple recipe is just what you need. Thanks to a homemade sweet BBQ sauce, this dish gets a bit fancier than your average hot dog meal—but it’s sure to please little palettes. Get the recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.
Great news! This recipe from Prevention RD uses ingredients you probably have on hand. And there’s a healthy twist: low-sodium chicken broth, whole wheat pasta, and lots of ways to change it up if you want to add your fave veggies. Get the recipe here.
No one rises to the occasion in stressful times like New Yorkers. Businesses all around the city are offering classes, workshops, singalongs and more to help you and the kids have fun while you’re spending a lot of time inside. Many of these are free activities, but if you can spare the change, kick a little to one of these providers to thank them for coming through big time! (A note: things are changing quickly, so plans may have been adjusted due to circumstances and staffing.)
New York Kids Club
New York Kids Club
To help ease the burden on people who cannot work from home, New York Kids Club will be open in select locations and offering offering modified services and classes starting March 17. The company has worked in partnership with the Department of Education, the City Council and the Mayor's office. Each class environment has been adapted to ensure total compliance with all recommended and mandated recommendations by the Department of Health and other entities. In need of their services? Fill out this form here.
The Chelsea/Flatiron play space is serving up new fun content every day to families! In addition to a new "Songs for Seeds" singalong video daily, you'll find activities ranging from art projects, cooking and dance from the Apple Seeds teaching crew. Plus: a special section for parents and stuff to make you and the kids laugh. (Important!) Log on every day to the virtual classroom for a new, link, and get updates via Apple Seeds' Facebook and Instagram feeds.
The New Victory Theater is bringing an "Arts Break" to you every single day. About 20 minutes long, these videos explore a theme (for example, percussion) through videos of performances, guided sessions with New Victory Teaching Artists, and exercises.
Head to the Kidville Playground for tons of virtual free fun indoors for kids. This interactive digital playground includes curated resources, projects and classes all from Kidville play professionals. Options include gym, art, music, dance, storytime and more. We love the Livestream classes hosted by subject experts each day. the schedule is packed with all kinds of activities: Rockin’ Railroad: Unplugged with Ms. Dana & Mr. Matt, My Big Messy Art Class with Maker Morgan, Ballet Tea Party with Ms. Petra, Kidville Gymnasts with Mr. Bradley—and even morning warm-ups and evening cool-downs. Check out the schedule and register for livestream classes here!
Got a birthday coming up? Kidville is now hosting a giant online community birthday block party hosted on the 15th of every month! This virtual pop-art party is led by Maker Morgan and her messy mascot Painty. Guests get an easy-to-procure supply list and then create a craft live at the party! This reimagined Bob Ross-style interactive party provides a fun way to say "Happy Birthday" to kids celebrating the big day. The party ends with a mega birthday song singalong. Click here to party!
Always felt a little guilty because you never really explored The Met with the kids enough? Now's your chance. The Museum has launched #MetAnywhere, which draws upon the rich and deep digital resources, available through the museum's website. Visit virtually, via web-based highlights, including 360-degree views of iconic spaces, behind-the-scenes videos, and dynamic explorations of exhibitions. The Met will also continue to share weekly favorites like #TuesdayTrivia and #MetSketch on its social channels, while introducing new ways to feature unique stories from the Museum's followers.
Union Square Play is serving up amazing content for both the kids and you. Head to its website for three good things every day: one offline at-home activity, one children's class (live or recorded) and on online community event for parents. And it's all free!
Treasure Trunk Theatre is rooted in the belief in the power of imagination, and the crew there are ready to help your kids stay creative in this time. Sign up for free Facebook Live classes (consider making a donation) or book a private one-on-one class via FaceTime or Skype with a favorite teacher!
92Y Shababa is bringing interactive musical gatherings to you with Home Sweet Home Facebook Live events. Rebecca Schoffer, 92Y Director of Jewish Family Engagement, performs folk and family tunes with a focus on the concept of "home." Schoffer recently led a Shababa Saturday Morning Live that was watched by thousands, and drew viewers from all over the country, from states including Ohio, Texas, California and Florida.
So much good stuff from The Story Pirates, who know a thing or two about making learning fun. The hugely popular Story Pirates podcast will continue to roll out new episodes throughout the spring, and you can access podcast bonus content here. You can also check out the Story Pirates University library for standards-aligned writing curriculum and livestream classes on subjects ranging from creative fiction to expository writing, all hosted by expert teachers.
Tune in to Story Pirates Radio, a special limited that features fan-favorite songs, play-at-home games, hilarious bits, and listener call-in kid interviews. Finally, the group is souping up and expanding its Creators Club, which you can get for $5 a month with the first month free; join and you get full access to all-things Story Pirates! Aaarrggh! (In a good way.)
Kids' favorite Laurie Berkner is bringing a "Berkner Break" to families live from her house! These concerts will be streamed most weekday mornings at 10 a.m. ET on her Facebook page, found here. Rock out to lots of Laurie favorites (“We Are The Dinosaurs” and “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),", “Waiting For The Elevator” and “Look At All The Letters" as well as playful movement activities, stories, and more. The musician also created a 50-minute "Educational Music Videos" set on her YouTube channel (Find that here.) The compilation of over 20 music videos focuses on counting, the alphabet, telling time, emotions, and more.
Take a breather and take a disco break once a week with the Brooklyn Museum. (Where you can visit its exhibit dedicated to Studio 54 one day.) The museum partnered with Michiyaya Dance so you and the kids can learn a new dance move every week!
Perhaps it's time for the whole family to appreciate opera! The Met will be streaming encore presentations of productions nightly at 7:30, and the shows will remain on the site for 20 hours.
Miss the theater? Long on to Trusty Sidekick's site to watch videos of their past productions for free. They're kicking things off with Shadow Play for kids ages two and up, which asks "Have you ever wondered what happens to your shadow while you sleep?".
Everyone's favorite cowpoke who sings for kids is taking the show online. Hopalong Andrew promises, "a campy, retro-tinged, one-man variety show" from his apartment. "It’s gonna be fun, interesting, and sloppy. Think Mr. Rogers meets Bob Ross meets Pee Wee’s Playhouse on a train wreck." Sounds awesome! Catch him live Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., but the fun will be taped, too. Ten bucks a class via Venmo.
Got a brick-crazed kid and a bin full of LEGO at home? Kensington's Brooklyn Bricks is offering LEGO challenges, with intro video tutorials, and of course, the sharing of creations are they take form.
Baby in Tune is offering remote classes for kids--they have one for little ones seven months and younger, and one for older kids up to five. Each class encourages parents and kids to take deep breaths, sing joyfully and play together, incorporating puppets, scarves, balls, drumming, shaking and dancing. You'll also share and feel supported by other caregivers through discussion and song (something we all need right now!). Classes can be bought a la carte, in a 6-pack bundle for a reduced price or as a private group session for a further reduced price.
Lavender Blues has a lot of fans in NYC, and you don't have to go without! Online classes are taking place Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. Write lavenderbluesmusic@gmail.com for info on how to join!
Cooking school for all ages Freshmade NYC introduces Freshmade at Home its new suite of family-friendly online classes. Check out Virtual Taco Tuesday (homemade tortillas and use-what-you-have taco feast), Virtual Pizza Party (pizza faces, calzones and breadsticks), Virtual Snack Attack (energy balls and baked apple chips) and more! Each class will highlight new recipes, new teachers and open the door for Q&A to help you navigate your fridge, pantry, and freezer while cooking with your kids. Classes are $12.99 each. Want one-on-one attention? Book a private class!
Got a new baby in the house and looking for some support and guidance? We Grow Together is offering online classes helping parents learn to bond with their baby baby using hands-on techniques of touch and movement which support development. (The classes are also geared toward helping you feel supported, centered and confident as a parent.) Classes are available for babies as young as five weeks old and help with tummy-time, self-soothing, reflux, late milestones and other topics. Private online sessions are also offered for delays, torticollis, other concerns. Taught and developed by Dan Rindler, Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and music educator. New online series of eight weekly classes are beginning March 23, March 24 and April 1.
Blue Balloon has been doing group and individual "Long Distance Lessons" for over a year, so they are ready for you! Kids three and up can learn how to sing, play and record their own songs all while learning how to play an instrument.
Fight brain drain with tutoring from Bee Tutored. The company offers academic support for grades K-12 and can help your family with test prep, homeschooling & curriculum planning—all online. Contact learn@beetutored.com or call 917-482-4880 for more information
The popular cooking school for both adults and kids is hosting a free, online cooking class each week using basic pantry supplies you likely have in the house. (First up was pancake mini muffins). Not only is it free, for every signup, Taste Buds Kitchen will donate $1 to No Kid Hungry. You can also book a live online cooking class or party for kids or adults, with prices starting at $20 per family.
Need a little mindfulness right now? Check out The Rubin Museum's archive of Mindfulness Meditation talks and guided meditations with some of the leading teachers and practitioners. Want to go deep? Head to the museum's two-hour video of a Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room complete with chanting.
