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
S
an 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

Parklab Gardens

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

Tacos Sinaloa

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! 

2138 International Blvd
Oakland, CA
When: 9 a.m. Sun.-Mon. 
Onlinetacossinaloaoakland.com

Peninsula/South Bay

Kona Ice West San Jose—South Bay

Murissa M. via Yelp

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.

Online: facebook.com

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! 

Online: Redtri.com 

Off the Grid—Serramonte Center

Off the Grid

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

The Momo Everest

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

Online: https://everestmomo.us/find-us

Marin

Marin Country Mart

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. 

2257 Larkspur Landing Circle
Larkspur, CA
When: Sundays 11 a.m-3 p.m
Online: facebook.com/marincountrymart

Casablanca Moroccan and Mediterranean

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! 

Online: casablancamoroccanfood.com

—Sandra Lee & Kate Loweth

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One of the familiar challenges of planning a family vacation is finding a place where everyone can relax, enjoy themselves, and have fun. (Including you, the parent.) Nassau, Bahamas’ Baha Mar resort is a sophisticated tropical vacation destination that really does have something for everyone, from incredible kid’s pools and activities, to spots where parents can do grown-up things. And of course, lots of places where you can all chill out and have fun together. We checked it out—here’s our report!

photo: SLS Baha Mar

Closer Than You Think

The picture postcard tropical vacation with crystal blue waters and gorgeous beaches is not as far away as you might imagine. (From NYC, the flight is less than three hours.)

Perhaps the best news? Touch down and you’re essentially there; hop in the SLS shuttle for a 10-minute drive to the resort.

photo: SLS/Baha Mar

Many Choices, All Good

As mentioned, at Baha Mar, you’ve got options, and that includes where to stay. The resort is home to three hotels: The Grand Hyatt, luxury property Rosewood, and the contemporary and comfortable SLS Baha Mar (pictured above)—all of which have access to the resort’s amenities. We stayed at SLS, and loved its combination of chic surroundings, thoughtful design (charging ports, and lighting controls next to the bed FTW), and superior yet warm and welcoming service.

If you’re looking to have an extended stay, or one with a large group, stylish residence suites make it easy, with a spacious living room, equipped kitchens, two bathrooms, a washer/dryer, and dreamy beds. You can even have the kitchen stocked with essentials for you before your arrival.

While Baha Mar itself is large, with three hotels, numerous restaurants, shopping, and even a casino, it does not feel overwhelming. (We weren’t there during high season, but it also did not feel crowded.) The resort is also well-designed in that somehow, no matter where you are, it doesn’t take long to get somewhere else—your hotel room, the beach, a pool on the other side of the property, etc.

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Fun in the Sun, Poolside

If your idea of a vacation is relaxing by the pools, you’re in luck: there are an incredible 11 pools on site at Baha Mar, each with its own vibe and target audience.

Kids (and kids at heart) flip for “Dean’s Blue Hole”—named for the popular Bahamian snorkeling scuba diving destination—home to two “cliffs” for jumping into the pool, as well as The Grotto, where you can get an underwater view of schools of fish, sea turtles, nurse sharks and stingrays through an aquarium-style wall of glass. Also here is a very kid-friendly pool of varying depths, and bar for drinks and light bites.

But that’s really the tip of the tropical iceberg. Other options include “Drift”, with a wade-in pool that increases in depth gradually, cool platforms with rain shower walls at the touch of a button, and private cabanas available for rental. From SLS, you can roll right into “Bungalow”, a deeper pool with a Mediterranean feel; the raucous pool is “Privilege”, where the tunes are loud and the floats oversized, while other pools in the resort offer a more tranquil experience.

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Fun in the Sun, Seaside

Steps from the pools is the clean, white-sand Cable Beach, where you’ll find clear blue, temperate waters. Take a walk on the pier, relax on lounge chairs under beach umbrellas, then take advantage of the free water fun accessories such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, water hammocks, and more. (Pro tip: it’s first come, first served, so get there early.)

photo: Mimi O’Connor 

Just for the Kids

Aside from the considerable fun kids can have at the pools and the beach, Baha Mar also offers kid’s programming dubbed the “Explorers Club,” for children ages three to 12. Activities with engaged and experienced staffers include arts and crafts, wildlife encounters, games, movie nights, and more.

There are three sessions per day, morning, afternoon, and evening and cost $55. In-room babysitting services can also be booked. (Deal alert: the Explorers Club daytime sessions include a visit to the resort’s BEACH Sanctuary, home to various aquatic life, an experience that is $65 if booked separately.)

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Sea Creatures Up Close

One of the crown jewels of Baha Mar is the BEACH Sanctuary, home to nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and tropical fish. (The Grotto provides an underwater view of the habitat.) Guests can tour the facility during feeding times twice daily for free, or book a one-on-one interactive experience with the marine life.

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Feathered Friends

In addition to sea creatures, you’ll also find lots of birds at Baha Mar. Step into The Aviary and make new friends instantly as the resident birds literally come and eat out of your hand. ($10 per food serving.)

The head over to Flamingo Cay, where the Baha Mar flock of pink birds resides. Don’t miss the Flamingo Parade, a free happening held twice daily by the resort’s Chief Flamingo Officer.

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Grown-Up Time

Baha Mar is also a spot where you and your partner can have some adult fun as well.  Pick your pleasure: a treatment at spa ESPA; cocktail hour at the SLS rooftop spot Skybar (pictured), or gaming at the casino, which is not only the largest casino in the Bahamas, it’s got windows.

If you golf, there’s par-72 course designed by famed linksman Jack Nicklaus himself, and if you’d like to pick up a little something for yourself, you can swing by one of the resort’s shops, which include everything from Tiffany & Co. and Cartier to MAC, Lily Pulitzer, and local retailers.

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Food & Drink

As with everything else, there are many options for food here. While none of it is a bargain (guac and chips with a glass of wine will set you back $40), everything we ate was a cut above. And, great news: every restaurant has a kid’s menu. 

For coffee and quick bites on the go, try French spot Cafe Madeleine or Starbucks. Casual by- and on-the-beach food can be grabbed at various airstream trailers (so cute) and stands by the shore; choices include Umami Burger, beachside Mexican, poke bowls, pan-latin cuisine, and more.

In addition to a noodle bar and gastropub, Baha Mar also features numerous “destination dining” restaurants, many outposts of celebrated chefs. A sampling includes steakhouse Carna by Dario Cecchini, and Italian eatery Fi’lia (where you can book an experience with the kids to make your own pizza). Just off the lobby of the SLS hotel is Cleo Mediterraneo, which not only serves tasty Mediterranean cuisine inside and out on a patio area overlooking the pool, it’s also where you can feast on one of the best breakfast buffets we’ve ever encountered. (Be sure to sample the bread pudding.) Heads up: kids five and under eat free at all SLS restaurants this summer.

Online: bahamar.com

—Mimi O’Connor

We were guests of Baha Mar and SLS but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

Cover photo: Baha Mar/SLS

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Can’t decide between Disney World and a European vacation? Why not have both? Disney’s Riviera Resort won’t open until later this year, but you can already book your stay at this resort that promises to provide the “enchantment of the European Riviera.”

The new resort in Florida, which will be the 15th Disney Vacation Club property, is now accepting reservations for December 2019. The property blends Disney magic with Old World European elegance, featuring grand archways, towers and terraces. Throughout the resort guests will also be treated to a unique collection of artwork that celebrates Disney characters in style of the old masters.

“Disney’s Riviera Resort is inspired by Walt and Lillian Disney’s travels throughout Europe and the Mediterranean coastline — from France to Italy,” Terri Schultz, Disney Vacation Club’s senior vice president and general manager, said in a statement.

“Walt fell in love with European art, architecture, food, and stories, and his extended tours of the region continue to influence Disney storytelling and theming. We look forward to welcoming our members and guests later this year to this new resort inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney,” Schultz added.

The resort will also feature dining options inspired by authentic French and Italian cooking. Among several cafes and bars, the signature table-service restaurant situated on the rooftop of the resort will be named Topolino’s Terrace: Flavors of the Riviera—Topolino means “Mickey Mouse” in Italian! This will also be the where guests can book an exclusive Disney character dining for breakfast.

Getting in to the parks will be a breeze as the new Disney Skyliner, a state-of-the-art gondola system that will begin operating this fall, will have a dedicated station right outside the Riviera Resort. The ride will connect directly to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Guests can choose from 300 family-friendly vacation homes, including deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and grand villas that sleep up to 12 guests each. Reservations, which are being accepted online now, start at $335 per night.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Disney Parks

 

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Foodies both local and international have been flocking to the Flatiron District’s mega Italian emporium Eataly since it opened its doors in 2010. Gourmand pilgrims now have another delicious destination: Eataly NYC Downtown, which opened its doors mid-August. You’ll find many familiar Eataly features — some unique to this location — as well as five restaurants, nine take-away counters, two cafes, and one wine bar. Click through for our family-friendly guide to this sure to be hoppin’ hotspot!

Pane, Pane, Pane

The whole theme of Eataly Downtown is bread. And what kid doesn’t love it? Pane Mediterraneo (or Mediterranean bread) is made on the premises daily, and until now was made only at Eataly locations in Italy. Now it’s available at all of the restaurants at downtown Eataly, as well as for purchase at the bakery.

photo: Pablo Enriquez

Eataly NYC Downtown
Level 3 of World Trade Center Tower 4
Daily, 7a.m.-11 p.m.
Online eataly.com
212-897-2895

Have you been to the new Downtown Eataly? What did your kids eat there?

—Kim Sunshine

They can account for endless pretend-play in bathtubs and pools, but submarines have a deep (yep, we just did that) history in the U.S. and beyond. Read on for some interesting facts that should please your little skippers.

photo: Adrian Midgley via flickr

What we think of as modern submarines were not used until World War I (1914-1918) but prior to that:

Dutch inventor Cornelis Drebbel built the first operating submarine in 1620.

In 1776 a US inventor named David Bushnell built a submarine, named the Turtle, that was used in the American Revolution. This was the first known submarine used in combat. (It was not successful in its attack).

Robert Fulton built one in 1800, which he named the Nautilus.

The Alligator was a submarine built by the US Navy (intended for combat) which was lost at sea during a storm in 1863.

On April 11, 1900 the first commissioned submarine, the USS Holland, was used by the United States Navy.

The first nuclear-powered submarine, named USS Nautilus, was used for the first time in 1954.

Regardless of their size, naval tradition declares submarines be called “boats” rather than “ships.”

So deep: A nuclear submarine can dive about 800 ft. deep.

Ballast me? To stay underwater, a submarine has compartments called ballasts. They are giant tanks that fill up with water when the vessel needs to submerge. The water is let out to help the sub rise back to the surface.

Some modern submarines can stay underwater for months at a time, up to 6-months. The length of time is usually limited by the amount of food and water stored on board, which is generally enough for just 90 days.

Modern submarines do not have windows. (Bummer, right?) They do have special underwater cameras and when closer to the surface, periscopes, for seeing. Click here to learn how to make your own periscope.

Submarines have been used to find shipwrecks.
Including ancient Roman wrecks in the Mediterranean Sea, the Titanic and even the Challenger Space Shuttle.

Personal submarine: There are more than a dozen different kinds of “personal” sized submarines you can buy today, including the Scubster, a bicycle-pedal style submarine.

Poop, there it is: Submarines use seawater to flush their toilets.

Indie over national chains and a fondness for diversity are signature to this easy-going North Side hot spot. If you call this neighborhood home, you already know you’ve found a sweet spot to put down roots with its stroller-friendly sidewalks, tree-lined streets and fabulous bakeries. Read on for 12 telltale signs you’re living, loving and raising kids in Andersonville.

1. You’ve had your kid’s birthday party in the back room of George’s Ice Cream.

photo: Anthony Doudt via flickr

2. When it comes to getting Mediterranean, Mexican, Swedish, Korean, Japanese, and American food all within a three block radius you’re a total pro.

3. You know that TMLMTBGB means Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind and where you can catch that show.

4. Your kids have pretended to be Swedish Immigrants at the Swedish American Museum.

photo: JR P via flickr

5. You know what gløgg is!

6. When you see zombies having their own bar crawl down Clark Street you don’t bat an eyelash.

7. You have lots of opportunities to buy local.

photo: Charles Carper via flickr

8. Your farmers market is next to a Starbucks.

9. You know what a puppet bike is!

photo: garbagetime76 via flickr

10. On more than one occasion you’ve shopped for hours in the Galleria and lost track of time.

11. You know that it is Midsommarfest, not Mid-summer fest.

photo: Andersonville Midsommarfest by Scott Wyngarden via flickr

12. Your kids rave about the story time at Women and Children First bookstore.

What else makes Andersonville special? Share your thoughts below!

— Story written by the fun folks at NPN

Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.

On the hunt for food that’s fast, healthy, and a little different? Enter Yalla, a new fast casual Mediterranean restaurant chain for the whole family. Yalla just opened two new locations in Downtown Pleasant Hill and Ygnacio Plaza in Walnut Creek. While the restaurant itself feels nice enough to take out of town guests or meet up for a business lunch date, it’s spacious, clean and quick, making it perfect for a family meal.

Mediterranean Fare
Yalla’s mission is to serve fresh Mediterranean food using traditional spices and classic grilling techniques in an atmosphere reminiscent of an urban Mediterranean market. Guests choose between a pita wrap, a platter, or a salad, then choose various skewered meats (salmon, steak, kefta or chicken) falafel, chicken schawarma (gluten free), or shalafel. The side dishes portions are bright and fresh and the seasoned rice, potato salad, and the carrot salad were especially tasty. Some kids might be a bit unsure of new flavors and colors, but Yalla anticipated this and offers a wide variety of food that’s sure to get your kids curious. (Ours loved the pita, hummus, and steak!) If you’re not too full, or interested in dropping by for just dessert, try Yalla’s perfectly tart Greek frozen yogurt with chopped Baklava and honey syrup. (Yelp reviewers love the greek yogurt with sour cherry syrup, too.) For the adults, craft beer and locally-sourced wine is always on the menu.

Families Love Yalla
The (Pleasant Hill) restaurant has a modern design with plenty of seating—there were even round tables that could fit groups as large as six. The bathrooms were fully prepped with changing tables, and were exceptionally clean. High chairs were readily available. They also have crayons and paper for busy kids upon request. The line service was excellent and the employees aptly answered even our questions about spiciness, preparation, and preferred sides. If you prefer eating at home, Yalla also offers take-out. Yalla is “green” with 100% compostable packaging, down to the utensils and cups. The Pleasant Hill location is centered in a bustling shopping district where you can catch live music while you window shop.

Bold Modern Eats
Yalla makes a big impression design-wise. The restaurants feel sleek yet friendly with their cool color palettes, exposed light fixtures, and salvaged wood decor. There’s even two lemon trees planted in the Pleasant Hill location, paying homage to their new home in the Bay area. We loved Yalla’s nutritious menu and can’t wait to see where they expand. Three cheers for more family-friendly dining!

Downtown Pleasant Hill
55 Crescent Dr., Ste. F
Pleasant Hill, Ca
925-825-8644

Walnut Creek
1813 Ygnacio Valley Rd. (Ygnacio Plaza)
Walnut Creek, Ca
925-934-5098

Online: yallamedi.com
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. everyday

Do you love Mediterranean food too? Have you tried Yalla? What did you think?

—Koseli Cummings

Everyone needs a good pregnancy BFF, and Rosie Pope wants to fill that role for all of us. With her chic maternity line, boutiques on the coasts, a chatty guide to pregnancy called Mommy IQ and a stint as a Bravo reality star on Pregnant in Heels, Pope might as well be the Martha Stewart of modern motherhood. Now, the Brit beauty has trained her eye on little ones with Rosie Pope Baby, her new layette and toddler clothing collection.

If your baby has sweet dreams of lounging on Mediterranean mega-yachts later in life, he or she will love dressing up in Pope’s fresh, nautical-inspired prints. From bodysuits to rompers, dresses to kimono sets, many of the collection’s super-soft, all-cotton pieces are festooned with cheerful rope-and-anchor patterns based on Pope’s original sketches. (Tiny golden anchors embroidered near necklines and ankles are a luxe touch we love.)

To keep from going, well, overboard on the boat theme, you can mix in Pope’s separates printed with bold stripes, chevron patterns, delicate flowers and sweet starbursts. The flutter sleeves and smocking details on some girls’ pieces are irresistibly feminine, while boys can take jaunty first steps in comfy shorts equipped with pockets.

Pope is as glam as it gets for a mom of four, but her practical side is what sets this collection apart. Pajama feet, for instance, can be unbuttoned and folded back to grow with your baby, and there are fold-over mittens to prevent scratching. The clothing comes in sizes newborn to 24 months.

Rosie Pope Baby is sold on Amazon.com and the Rosie Pope Store, and prices range from $12.50 to $38.50. Gift sets are available for $30 to $110. If you want to know more about Rosie, click here to read our Q&A.

What do you think of the new collection? Let us know in the Comments section below!

— Amalie Drury

Get revved up and ready to romp through Ravenna with your kids. The renovated Ravenna-Eckstein park & playground (6535 Ravenna Ave. NE) is equipped with the standards, but we think you’ll be tickled by bonus features. There are now ample cement paths for tots to trike before the sunshine becomes scarce. Lure older siblings with the elaborate rock-climbing structure towering over a set of ‘big kid’ swings a few yards away from the littles’ area. Tip: Show your S.O the pix you’ve snapped on your cell while Junior plays, and you’re sure to get some “me” time while he or she takes the kids to do a little climbing of their own. When pesky fall drizzles threaten, head indoors to the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center; the entire playroom has been renovated to include a climber with slides, and oodles of ride-on cars, motorcycles and trikes—perfect for the 0-5 crowd. Starving yet? Zip over to Bagel Oasis, or grab some tasty Mediterranean fare at Vios Cafe, nestled conveniently in the back of Third Place Books.  Let the toddlers snack and then dive into the enclosed, toy-filled oasis while you sip your espresso. Vios features a Kids Meze plate with grilled chicken, hummus and fresh fruit. Visiting on Saturday? Enjoy story time at Third Place.

—Matina Fresenius