Because there’s more to life than buttered noodles
If there’s one thing parents can agree on, it’s to pick your battles—especially when it comes to picky eaters. For kids with particular palates, it can be difficult for them to eat at all, much less anything with brightly-colored veggies. That’s why we’ve rounded up simple recipes for picky eaters that will change up your usual fare but aren’t so adventurous they’ll turn their nose up at them.
Picky eaters not only prefer plain meals, but they usually want them quickly. Dash for Dinner has the ultimate compromise: simple, creamy mac and cheese that only requires five ingredients and whips up in the Instant Pot.
Air Fryer Pizza Toast
When it comes to meals for picky eaters, they can usually spy a veggie a mile away. That's why we love this air fryer pizza toast from My Fussy Eater. It's up to you whether you want to make the homemade sauce that sports carrot, bell pepper, and zucchini because it will still be fit for a picky eater thanks to the option to put whatever toppings you like.
Potatoes tend to be friendly with picky eaters, thanks to french fries. If you’re looking to put a new spud recipe into the rotation, we love this idea for mashed potato nuggets from High Chair Chronicles. They are simple and use up mashed potatoes you might have on hand. Better yet, when you dress them up in a fun container, the littles will be even more intrigued to give them a go.
Buttered noodles are common fare, but they get old quickly. This dinner idea for picky eaters slowly adds a new flavor into the mix and is a meal everyone can enjoy. Rasa Malaysia's parmesan garlic noodles come together in 20 minutes and uses simple ingredients that will hopefully fly under your picky eater's radar.
Ok hear us out: we know the idea of a black bean taco may not sit well with a picky eater, but this one is CRISPY. Pinch of Yum (which is run by a mom of two) calls these "black bean crispies" in her house, and they are perfect for kids who don't like meat. The vegetarian recipe for crispy black bean tacos can also be served with a cilantro lime sauce so the adults can dig in, too.
Getting kids to eat fish may seem impossible, but it always helps to camouflage new foods so it looks like something they already like. That's why we think this recipe for parmesan baked fish nuggets may just work, thanks to its chicken nugget vibe. There is no frying involved and everything comes together in less than 30 minutes.
We’re hoping the adorable size of these slider sandwiches will entice picky eaters to give them a try. These ham and cheese poppy seed sliders from Six Sisters Stuff are made with a sauce for extra flavor, but there’s absolutely no reason you can’t leave half the batch sauce-free so there’s something for everyone. Better yet, feel free to mix up different deli meats and cheeses to satisfy your picky eaters.
A great source of protein, but still on the plain side, these bacon and egg cups from Wondermom Wannabe may be the solution to breakfast woes. We like that you can make them ahead of time and customize them with whatever cheese and toppings you like.
Picky eaters eat dessert, too! This four-ingredient recipe for cinnamon sugar tortilla chips from Dinner Then Dessert whips up in 10 minutes and is perfect for all tastebuds. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even serve them with fruit salsa (hey, it might work), ice cream, or a fun dip.
Stop scrolling! We know this photo of a chicken quesadilla has all sorts of things a picky eater might run away from, but we have thoughts. First, Carlsbad Cravings' recipe makes them super crispy which kids tend to gravitate towards. Next, you can pack in as much or little filling as your kids will eat. That can be multiple types of cheese, different meats, veggies—or just skip them entirely. The beauty is in the ability to customize so everyone has something they can enjoy.
No rise whole wheat dough and real mozzarella will make parents actually feel good about serving this pizza. This eight-ingredient recipe for cheese pizza bites from Kristine's Kitchen works great for school lunches or dinner and can be served with a dipping sauce.
We firmly believe the magic of this casserole lies in the base layer: Dorito chips. Bake Me Some Sugar's ground beef Dorito casserole can satisfy everyone at the table—no second or third dinner required. After adding chips to your dish, then it's a matter of topping it with ground beef, beans, and cheese before baking. When it's ready, picky eaters can enjoy it as-is, while more seasoned palates can top it with lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream––or more chips.
A classic carbonara has no cream and no heavy sauce because the eggs do all the work, making it both light and decadent at the same time. This recipe, sure to delight picky eaters, is from Scrummy Lane and gives a lot of tips on how to make the perfect carbonara.
Just think of these meatballs from Kitchen Sanctuary as the secret agents of your dinner table. In addition to a veggie-full sauce, this recipe for picky eaters has a hidden dose of zucchini, onion, and mushrooms. Add it all up and your family will have a favorite new meal that’s actually healthy comfort food.
Psst! Can you keep a secret? This pretty smoothie from Simple Roots Wellness has a lot of berry flavor and a superstar veggie ingredient: cauliflower! Once blended, kids will never know about this sweet treat's mystery ingredient—it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
This delicious homemade chicken noodle soup is a win for everyone, including picky eaters. You can't go wrong with this recipe from Jennifer Tyler Lee.
Roll up some ham and cheese for a dinner that will have the little ones forgetting about their pre-boxed meat, cheese, and crackers (you know which ones we're talking about). You and your kids can whip up this recipe for picky eaters from It's Peachy Keen in less than 20 minutes for a fun, fingers-only meal.
You know that stockpile of juice boxes your family has been collecting? This sweet recipe from Oatmeal With a Fork puts them to good use! The chicken is flavorful and easy to make—and we’re willing to bet it’ll be a hit with picky kids and grown-ups alike.
How yummy does this pizza casserole look? Any picky person will love this twist on the classic meat lover's pizza from Bitz & Giggles—it’s the ultimate comfort food.
This berry smoothie recipe from Kristine's Kitchen Blog is a great way for picky kids to have more veggies and have no clue about it! The sweet smoothie will be gone before they even realize they are consuming healthy greens.
Thank goodness for stir fry! If you've got a picky kid who actually likes broccoli (it's possible!) this honey garlic chicken and broccoli stir fry not only features a good amount of the veggie, but it also has sweet and savory flavors that are better than any take-out options. And did we mention it only takes 30 minutes to make?
It’s not too late to enjoy the final weeks of fall at one of these day-trip destinations right outside of New York City
Fall snuck up on you? Us too. No worries. You can still get away from NYC for a day before the last leaves hit the ground. Whether you and your kids want to enjoy a scenic hike, snuggle farm animals, or get a dose of American history, there’s plenty of doable destinations to offer up what you’re looking for. Bonus: each of these amazing spots is just a short car or train ride away from the city, so no need to pack an overnight bag (unless, that is, you want to). Grab the family and get out of town with one of these easy fall day trips from NYC!
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park: Highland and Poughkeepsie
Enjoy the fall foliage from a bird's eye view by crossing the Walkway Over the Hudson, a remodeled railroad track (think The Highline, but over water!). The bridge connects Highland and Poughkeepsie and towers over the Hudson at 212 feet high and 1.28 miles long, which makes it the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. For an even more spectacular view, take the glass elevator to the Poughkeepsie waterfront to check out Upper Landing Park and the Wayrias Park Promenade, which runs along the river's edge. Once you're done taking in the sights, make a day out of it by exploring the many family-friendly attractions located at either end of the walkway. The area offers a bustling but quaint environment, with trails and parks, historic districts, hamlets, shops, restaurants, cafes, and even a children's museum—all reachable by bike or on foot.
Getting there: Take MetroNorth to Poughkeepsie then walk .75 miles to the Walkway entrance. Or drive about an hour and a half up either side of the Hudson River; take Route 9 to the Poughkeepsie (eastern) side, or 9W to the Highland (western) side.
61 Parker Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY Online: walkway.org
The Hudson River valley is renowned for having inspired a generation of landscape artists known as the Hudson River School. Building on that tradition is the Storm King Art Center, which brings art down from the wall or shelf and places it right in front of you—in the form of large contemporary sculptures staged in the middle of a field, nestled in a copse of trees, situated atop a mountain, or perched near the water's edge. At more than 500 acres, this open-air museum features one of the largest collections of outdoor sculpture in the U.S. Walk or rent bikes (you can't bring your own) and meander along a network of trails to see sculptures up close and personal, and often towering over you. You can also hop a tram at designated points to reach further-afield areas of the park. Bring a picnic or pick up a box lunch at the Storm King Cafe. Note: Storm King Art Center is closed on Tuesdays.
For more fun: Visit the nearby namesake mountain—Storm King State Park—where Thomas Cole, a founder of the Hudson River School, found many breathtaking vistas to paint! The 2.5-mile loop that leads up to the 1,340-foot peak is well maintained but rocky and moderately difficult in stretches.
Getting there: Storm King Art Center is about an hour's drive north of New York City. Coach USA also runs buses from Port Authority.
To see fall foliage from not one, or two, but three different states, visit High Point State Park, which boasts the highest elevation in New Jersey. The park offers more than 50 miles of relatively easy trails along with manicured lands designed by the sons of Frederick Law Olmstead of Central Park fame. In addition to the Kittatinny Mountains, the park's centerpiece is the 20-acre Marcia Lake, which is closed for swimming after Labor Day but still a lovely place to stroll along, and its pinnacle is the 220-foot High Point Monument, a stair-filled obelisk similar to the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. Opened in 1930 and dedicated to all war veterans, it offers panoramic views of the Poconos to the west, the Catskills to the north, and the Wallkill River Valley to the southeast.
For more fun: Take in a bit of Bavaria on your foray into northwest Jersey, and visit the quaint Lake Mohawk business district, about a 30-minute drive from High Point. The Tudor-style lakefront village is fringed with tall evergreens and features mountain views as a backdrop. Stroll the small boardwalk to a playground, then double back to Krogh's Restaurant and Brew Pub for hearty American fare and a good selection of fresh beers on tap.
Getting there: If you like winding country roads, then getting to High Point will be half the fun. Route 23 winds through wooded hills and farmland before arriving at the park's entrance, a trip that's less than 90 minutes from New York City.
The Franklin D Roosevelt Library and Museum: Hyde Park
A good option for history buffs and families with older kids, Hyde Park is home to the estate of one of the country's great leaders, FDR. In addition to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, you can explore other historic locations, like Eleanor Roosevelt's private house, and the Top Cottage, where FDR used to retreat for some peace away from "the mob." Take a break for lunch at Uncle Sam's Canteen, and explore the rest of the preserved history of Hyde Park before hopping back onto the free shuttle at 5 p.m., which will take you straight back to the train station. The train ride will take you a little more than two hours each way, but it's well worth the educational experience it provides.
Getting there: To leave the driving to someone else, take the Metro-North train to Poughkeepsie, and get a car service to the museum. (Budget about two hours for the trip.) Here's how to get there using mass transit once you arrive in Poughkeepsie.
4097 Albany Post Rd. Hyde Park, NY Online: nps.gov
The Bethpage Bikeway is one Long Island's most popular trails, and it's easy to see why. The trail leads bikers and hikers 12.5 miles between Massapequa and Woodbury, taking visitors through some scenic routes on a smooth ride. The trail takes you from a shady wetland area in the Massapequa Park Preserve, to the Bethpage State Park, which has some trails of its own to navigate. They lead through a nice range of scenery, from the wooded and marshy, to the delightfully suburban. Most of the path is paved with a few busy but safe intersections, making this an easy bike ride for the family. We recommend bringing along a picnic to enjoy.
Getting there: Take the Babylon-bound LIRR to Massapequa Station, or drive down Route 135 to the Bethpage State Park exit and enter where you see signs for the picnic grounds.
Manetto Hill Rd. and Woodbury Rd Woodbury, NY
Merrick Rd. and Ocean Ave. Massapequa, NY Online:traillink.com
Located two hours from the city is the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, which provides a compassionate and loving home for animals taken from bad environments, such as from hoarders or abusive or neglectful owners. Between 250 and 350 animals can be found at the sanctuary at any given time, making it a joy to explore. To visit the 148-acre sanctuary, you must take an organized tour (held on weekends from April through November), but throughout the tour, visitors can wander the grounds and interact freely with all the farm animals who make the space their home. It's worth noting that the sanctuary also has a mission to educate visitors about living a vegan lifestyle by introducing people to the animals they eat and providing free vegan snacks after each tour.
Getting there: Take the NY Trailways bus from Port Authority to the Kingston, NY stop—from here, it's a 10-minute cab ride. Alternatively, take the Amtrak train to Rhinecliff, NY, and grab a 20-minute car service. The website has detailed instructions on getting there by car. Keep an eye out for special tour dates, in which some include a bus ride straight from the city to the sanctuary.
A visit to the Kaaterskill Falls leaves the family with some amazing memories—and even more amazing photos. This 1.7-mile hike is steep but easy and short enough for the kids to manage, making it an extremely popular attraction for families and hikers. Kaaterskill is the highest waterfall in New York State, and consists of a two-tiered cascade. The first tier of the falls forms an impressive basin called the Amphitheater, which, according to legend, is where Rip Van Winkle took his fateful nap. Although the hike is relatively easy, the rocks do get slippery, so be watchful of the kids and keep away from the trail's edges. Luckily, the trail received upgrades a few years ago with better safety features, so as long as you stay on the trail and don't go beyond the yellow trail end marker, you're sure to have an enjoyable hike. (There have been several injuries and even deaths when people have deviated from the trail and ignored safety regulations.)
For an easier trek, you can view the equally beautiful Bastion Falls, located right at the foot of the Kaaterskill Falls. If you complete the trip quicker than you expected, you can make a side trip to the town of Woodstock, a nearby quaint little locale with little shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Visit on a Saturday or Sunday for the Mower's Flea Market, an eclectic collection of items and sellers that's well worth the detour.
Getting there: Take Interstate 87 to the very winding Route 23A West. Drop off passengers when you see the well-marked trailhead behind a guardrail; the parking lot is about 50 yards up the road.
There are many reasons to visit the Palisades in NJ, from the amazing views to the awesome picnic areas set up throughout the parks that line the rocky outcrops. But nature and bird lovers will want to visit in the fall for an incredible experience: hawk watching at the State Line Lookout. From September through November, the spot draws volunteer birdwatchers for the Hawk Watch, a census of the hawks and other raptors who pass through the area on their fall migration. Visitors are welcome to join in—for the chance to see the most birds, visit in the day or two following a cold front. Make sure to bring binoculars, and to really make a day of it, pack food for a picnic and some comfortable walking shoes: the State Line Lookout has a number of hiking trails for any level of experience, including a few walks that the kids will be able to take part in.
Getting there: By car, take the first exit off the upper level of the George Washington Bridge, onto the Palisades Interstate Parkway northbound. From there, continue until you see the exit for State Line Lookout. You can also take the 9W bus up, but be warned that busses don't stop directly in front of the location and will leave you to make a 45-minute walk uphill towards the State Line Lookout, so we don't recommend it with young children.
State Line Lookout and Palisades Interstate Pkwy. Alpine, NJ Online: njpalisades.org
Celebrate the fall-idays with a family leaf-peeping excursion to find fall colors around Boston
Cooler mornings and changing leaves can only mean one thing in Boston. Fall is here. And while that means a trip to the pumpkin patch and a run through the corn maze, before sitting down to enjoy a hot cup of cider and a mini donut for most families, it’s also a great time to see the city awash in ever-changing shades of red, orange and gold. There’s a reason New England is a destination for leaf-peepers from all around. The whole state puts on a serious technicolor show—but these are our favorite places to find fall colors around Boston.
When it comes to places to find fall colors around Boston, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Public Garden. Families can count on the first botanical garden in the country to be bursting with color in fall, thanks in part to the diverse tree and plant-life you’ll find here. The Japanese Maples with their brilliant reds are hard to miss and the chance to spot wildlife on the pond is another draw for families.
If you want to get away from the city, just a bit, head to this urban sanctuary in Mattapan. Its gentle trails and inviting boardwalks through wetlands and meadows are just the right speed for tots and big kids. Our suggestion? Bring your binoculars to see if you can spot any of the 150 different species of birds that call the Sanctuary home.
While there’s never a bad time to visit Boston Common, fall is definitely the right season. Is it any wonder the city’s oldest trees put on a brilliant autumn show. Maples, Oaks and Chestnut trees are dressed in their vibrant best and your kiddos are sure to find plenty of leaves to take home for their next art project on the open lawns and walkways.
An Emerald Necklace highlight, The Fens is an easy spot to spy the best colors of the season and snap a few post-worthy photos too. When you’re done drinking in the color, make a playground pit stop with your leaf-peeping crew.
From the Fens, head toward the Charles River to find more red, orange and golden hued leaves. Set against the water, this open walking space is great for parents pushing strollers and toddlers who need to run. Just remember to bundle up your kiddos as it can get a bit breezy along the waterfront in fall.
With 16 miles of tree-lined trails families can easily spend the day at this nearby nature preserve. You’ll find all the colors of fall here, plus lots of wildlife too—including migrating hawks and turtles and bullfrogs in any of the four different ponds that dot the property. If your kiddos are up to it, make your way up the 1.5 mile trail to Noanet Peak. The view on a sunny fall day is totally worth it!
Good to know: There’s a $6 parking fee for non-Trustees members.
Insider tip: Get farm-fresh fixings for dinner when you hit the nearby Powisett Farm Store on your way home. It’s open Thursdays through Saturdays.
On the west end of the Emerald Necklace is Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum, a living museum, and a sure-fire spot to find fall fully blooming. Although kids’ learning packs aren’t currently available, there are still plenty of ways kids can have fun (and learn something too!) during a visit. And a trip up Peter’s Hill is always a treat, especially when an abundance of color below awaits you at the top.
Insider tip: If you want to learn more about the plant-life around you, download the Arboretum’s mobile app, Expeditions.
Head out of the city a ways to find miles of trails and lots of colorful trees at Blue Hills Reservation. Park at the Houghton’s Pond parking lot (it’s free) and then make your way to the Skyline trail to take it all in. The views from the top of Great Blue Hill are unbeatable this time of year, and it’s slight elevation gain makes it accessible to even the tiniest trail trekkers.
Moms wipe our noses and tie our shoes. Once a year, we like to thank them with a grand gesture (or maybe a series of small acts of love). If you’re looking for a bouquet of flowers, we have a Mom-owned local shop on this list along with other traditional treats, like spa products and beautifully scented candles. We also have fun picks, like Mommy & me matching swimsuits and therapeutic socks because, let’s face it, we’re always keeping Mom on her toes! Get ready to shop for Mom while supporting some of our favorite DC businesses (bonus: they’re mostly Mom-owned, too).
Treat mom to a proper manicure (or pedicure) with polishes from Black-owned nail polish company Janet & Jo. Named as one of the top nail lacquers on the market by beauty magazines like Allure, Nylon and Cosmopolitan, this DC-based business boasts bright, vivid colors perfect for the pool or beach. You can purchase Janet & Jo at The Wharf’s Shop Made in DC shop or online.
Mother’s Day is for moms-to-be, too! Toast to her first Mother’s Day with a tasty mocktail from DC-based Mocktail Club. Bonus: kids can upgrade from juice for a celebratory toast! Mocktail Club is sold at local Whole Foods and served in some restaurants so look for it in the wild.
If mom has a couple of mini mes running around, celebrate by twinning up. You can suit up for summer fun in mommy & me matching swimwear from Tea Collection. Tea’s Family Swim collection offers something for everyone in the family, from baby rash guards to trunks to one-piece swim suits featuring bold, vibrant patterns and 40+ UPF fabrics. Mom-and-Pop shops Wee Chic in Fairfax VA and Kinder Haus Toys in Alexandria, VA carry the line.
There’s a reason a flower bouquet is a traditional Mother’s Day gift: they’re beautiful, smell amazing, and have the unique ability to make the receiver feel pretty special. J. Morris is a Leesburg, VA mom-owned flower shop with insta-worthy arrangements. For $59, get a European-styled market bouquet (an exceptional value). J Morris offers local delivery in Loudoun County.
Trey + Glo Apothocary is an artisan candle company offering delicious, unique fragrances like the “Manoja” scent which smells like a five star hotel or a fancy spa—two things not kosher with social distancing. These soy candles come in different sizes and also wax melts; ranging from $12-25, they offer a high-end experience while being inexpensive enough to pamper your favorite mom with several. Trey + Glo was founded by Arlington mom and former beauty editor, Ayren Jackson-Cannady.
Moms deserve a long, luxurious soak in the bubbliest bubble bath ever, but most don’t have time for it. A shower can still be a quick pick-me-up. Entrepreneurial mom Anusha Moodly has whipped up the perfect shower steamers for her Falls Church company, Thulisa Naturals. Anusha offers four rich fragrances for a relaxing, energizing, or refreshing shower. For $15, Shower Steamers are the perfect way to make any mom feel like she’s indulging in a spa day while standing in a tub full of kiddie toys.
Like Mary Poppins’ mythical carpet bag, a mom purse (or diaper bag) is an endless source of anything anyone could ever want. That’s probably why they weight a ton. Lighten her load this Mother’s Day with a hoodie that does it all. This unisex hoodie ($98) has room for all of the essentials (and more) for those long walk around the ‘hood. With six inside pockets and two outside, this hoodie has room for diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks and possibly even the kitchen sink.
The Aviary Girls have a ton of cool crafts your favorite mom can do with or without the kids. Our pick: this adorable DIY flower caddy that is both practical and playful. Order your kit online and let them know if you want to pick it up in Stone Ridge, VA or have it dropped off at your front door for a $5 delivery fee. They also ship (shipping fees vary). If you need a little hand-holding when completing your craft, there is a library of online tutorials. Or sign up for a live class on Facebook.
They sound like something out of a fairy tale, right? We’re living in socks these days, so why not wear a pair that’s therapeutic? Silver Spun socks are made with yarn that contains pure silver. These socks have natural antibacterial properties, are super warm and soft, and conduct energy to keep your feet nice and toasty no matter the temperatures. Silver Spun socks was founded by DC resident and mom of two, Laurie Gonyea, who sources all of the cotton and silver in the United States. Made entirely in America, socks come in three different styles – boot, crew, and footie – so you can find a sock to meet your needs perfectly.
Created and curated by two Ashburn, VA moms, Brooke King and Julie Powers, the Mom Things subscription box offers all the creature comforts a mom could ever want. From the practical to fun, you can build your own box to make moms feel pampered, special, and appreciated. Or take the guess work out of this gift by choosing an already curated box, like the One Time Reset Box because, honestly, what mom couldn’t use a reset?!
With more and more people continuing to work, study, and stay at home these days, it’s more important than ever to make your home your sanctuary–a space that invites peace and flow. Here are 6 ways to create good vibes in your space:
1. Plan It Out
Use a weekly planner to plan out your days each week. These can be store-bought planners or even bullet journals you design yourself. It should be easy and practical for you. Plan out each day’s tasks, weekly meal plan, a self care routine, and maybe even a motivational quote or theme for the week.
2. Think inside the Box
Don’t allow papers to pile up and become an unmanageable mess. Use boxes or bins that fit with your room’s aesthetic to help with paperwork storage. Make the bins easily accessible and keep documents separated within the bin if needed.
3. Bring Nature Indoors
Plants produce oxygen so it’s important to have at least one live plant in your workspace. Houseplants like philodendron or succulents are great since they don’t need to be watered regularly. They add a great pop of green and keep the room feeling fresh. You could also have fresh cut flowers in a vase, but keep in mind that they would need to be replaced every week or so. A more economical solution could be realistic faux flowers in a simple white vase or jug.
4. Create a Meditation Space
Meditation has proven health benefits, such as a reduction in anxiety. It also promotes clear thinking. Having a space to meditate, first thing in the morning if possible, is a wonderful way to start your day off on the right foot. This could be as simple as a corner near a sunny window or space in the middle of the floor.
5. A Soft Place to Land
For those days when work gets to be too much, taking a break from the computer or desk is much needed. If you have a small sofa or even a comfortable chair to move to during breaks, it will keep you from being tempted to turn back to the computer while trying to relax.
6. White Noise May Eliminate Distraction
If you are one of those people who likes to have background noise while working, consider having white noise such as birds singing, ocean waves, or even coffee shop background noise playing while you work. Sometimes having some noise can blend into the background while keeping distracting thoughts at bay.
Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.
Sometimes it’s hard enough to figure out where you’re going for family vacation this year, let alone what you’ll do once you get there. Luckily Tripadvisor just released the 2021 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Things to Do Awards and for the first time there’s a whole family-friendly category!
If you’re headed to the Smoky Mountains area, make sure to look up Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting. The company’s Upper Pigeon Smoky Mountains rafting trip is the number one ranked family activity worldwide, with 395 glowing reviews. Family members eight and up can take on Class III and Class IV rapids, but the activity is billed safe for beginners! The most recent comment? “A 10/10 experience.”
Whether you decide to whale watch, mine for gems or raft the rivers, you’re in for a real treat. For even more recommendations from Tripadvisor, check out the full Traveler’s Choice lists for 2021. Happy travels!
––Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of SMO Rafting and TripAdvisor
Toting little ones from car to place to car and back can be tricky, not to mention with a sleeping babe on your hands. You know they are going to wake up as soon as you unbuckle that car seat! We have just the trick up our sleeve…err…Maxi-Cosi® does! Their innovative Coral™ XP car seat features a lightweight carrier with a shoulder strap, so you can get on with your day with a lot more ease and a whole lot less effort—it’s like they read our minds! Read on to learn more about what makes this car seat perfect for on-the-go families.
This Brand Gets Parents
We love that Maxi-Cosi® is designed for parents, by parents. They’re out here trying to make our lives easier, and we are here for it! It’s a brand we know and trust to bring us the most innovative products like the new Coral™ XP that takes stress of our plate (and makes us look good doing it!). Maxi-Cosi® is the total package: style, quality, affordability, convenience and innovation. Wow, BFF much?
This Car Seat Is a Parent’s Dream (IRL)
The Maxi-Cosi® Coral™ XP is the first-ever integrated car seat and carrier nesting system that’s built to help parents get up and go effortlessly. What does that mean? Maxi-Cosi® came up with the brilliant idea to put a lightweight carrier inside of their car seat, so you don’t have to fuss with unbuckling and buckling your little one as you get things done! This ultra-handy carrier is removed from the car seat’s outer shell with the touch of a button for seamless transitions for your (hopefully) sleepy little one. The padded handles are retractable, and the carrier features a first-of-its-kind cross body flex-strap for comfort and control. The Coral™ XP is for babies starting at 4lbs and it’s also stroller compatible. It’s like they thought of everything!
Carry Four Different Ways
One day calls for all-hands-on-deck (your two hands, at least!), and others a stroller. Maxi-Cosi® has you covered. The Coral™ XP allows you to keep your baby close with four ways to carry. Our favorite is the the cross-body strap—the only one of its kind! The car seat insert turns into a safe and cozy portable baby sanctuary, all while keeping your two hands free. Now you can shop, type that email you’ve been meaning to send or sip that coffee that’s been sitting there so long it’s cold.
Then there’s the handle carry. Simply grab both sides of the padded handles, push the release button and pull out the lightweight inner carrier. Great for toting sleepyheads from the car to the crib.
Sometimes only the whole shebang will do, so of course, there’s the standard carry. The inner carrier with the car seat shell is a combined weight that rivals standard infant carries. When you need to travel with your Coral™ XP, Maxi-Cosi® literally has you back by not breaking it.
And finally, stroller compatibility! The Coral™ XP is also a travel system, clipping into a range of premium strollers. There’s even an inner carrier adapter, so you can leave the car seat shell in the car—genius!
Saftey
It might as well be their middle name. For 35 years, Maxi-Cosi® has been setting and then outdoing global standards for safety. Of course, the Coral™ XP falls right in line with their strict standards, meeting and exceeding all government safety standards. We guess you could say they’re overachievers when it comes to safety, and we wouldn’t want it any other way!
Birding, or birdwatching, is the type of thing that you don’t really notice if you’re not aware of it; if you are, you see it everywhere—either in the form of birds roosting and passing through, or people pointing cameras with really big lenses skyward. Believe it or not, NYC is a fantastic place for birding, and birdwatching is a great activity to do with kids. And now, on the cusp of the annual spring migration, is a superb time to start. Read on for our guide to birding with kids in NYC—where to do it, when to do it, and who can help!
The NYC Family Guide to Birding: Where to Start
Joshua Bright
Birding is an excellent way to pass the time since it can really be done from anywhere. The activity gained a lot of new fans over the past year, as people slowed down and looked outside for things to do. (It's also relatively affordable.)
NYC is home to over 200 species of birds that visit regularly, while more than 200 more species of varying levels of rarity have been spotted by birders over the years. With so many types of birds to discover, where do you even start?
We reached out to Lily Lasovick of the NYC Audubon Society for some words of wisdom for budding birders. Her first bit of advice? "Go birding as often as you can! The best way to improve your bird identification skills is through practice."
Take that first step by just heading outside and observing. You might be surprised at how many more birds you spot than the omnipresent sparrow and pigeon. In this author's Brooklyn neighborhood, for instance, it's not uncommon to see vibrant red (and a duller brown female) cardinals, hear the plaintive meowing call of the bluejay, or watch a mockingbird bomb-dive an unlucky cat who wandered too far into the bird's domain.
Another aspect of bird watching that can help you get started is to become a part of the community. According to Lasovick, "if you see another birder or a group of people birding, do not be afraid to go up to them and ask what they are looking at or what they have seen. Birders are friendly people and like to share their knowledge of birds. Learning from others is another great way to improve your birding skills."
Supplies List: What You'll Need for an Enhanced Birding Experience
Diane Helentjaris via Unsplash
To go bird watching, all you really need are your eyes and ears! You don't need any special equipment at all to enjoy birding. However, if you want to support your birding with some add-ons, consider these options:
Binoculars: To bring the tree-tops a little closer to you, a good pair of binoculars at a magnification of x8 or x10 can definitely be helpful. However, if you're birding with kids, binoculars may be more distracting than useful, says Audubon's Lasovick. "Binoculars are great, but definitely not necessary for birding, especially with young children. Young children tend to have difficulty using them and instead of looking or listening for birds, they get preoccupied or frustrated with the binoculars. Instead, I would focus on looking and listening to their surroundings using just their eyes and ears."
A field guide to Eastern North American or NYC Birds: To help you and your kids identify the birds you spot, you might want to pick up a field guide for the birds of your area. A good guide has colorful illustrations or photos of the birds and descriptions (or recordings!) of bird calls. Your field guide can take the form of a book like "The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America." Or, you can install an app like eBird or Merlin for a more portable and even social option. Lasovic notes that having a bird field guide "allows you to show [kids] close-up pictures of the birds they are seeing and provides an opportunity to discuss field marks."
Migration charts: Migration charts note when you're likely to find a certain type of bird. The NYC Audubon Society has an NYC bird migration chart that doubles as a checklist (more on this in a moment) and includes information from the time of year to how common or uncommon sightings are.
A checklist or "life list": Most birders keep a list of the birds they've seen, noting the type of bird they saw, as well as where and when they saw it. Checklists can help teach kids how to take good notes and look for patterns. Keeping a list is a great way to gamify the experience for kids — after all, who doesn't want to "catch 'em all"?
Birding 101: When, How, and Where to Birdwatch in NYC
Once you've familiarized yourself with your local birds, you can become more involved in your birding adventure and learn how to optimize the experience or even find specific birds. Become familiar with when, where, and how to bird-watch:
When to Birdwatch?
Consider these factors when choosing when to go out birding:
Time of day: Birds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so those are the best times of day to head out for a stroll.
Weather: No one likes being outside in terrible weather, not even birds. During very hot, very cold, and stormy days, birds tend to stick close to shelter. If it's a nice day for a leisurely walk, it's probably a nice day to bird-watch, too!
Time of year: While some birds live in NYC all year round, we do see many migrating birds arrive in the spring. Spring is also a good time to see young birds and nesting behaviors. Other birds, on the other hand, pass by during their fall migration and can be only briefly spotted in early or late fall. Having a migration chart will help you know what kinds of birds to look for in different seasons.
How to Birdwatch?
There are a few safety and etiquette rules you should be aware of when you begin bird watching, especially if you're birding with children. The NYC Parks birding guide recommends following their guide to safe birding:
Watch birds from a distance
Don't stress out the birds, even if it means you won't get the best photo op
Don't stray from park trails and paths, to avoid damaging the birds' habitat
It's illegal to take nests, eggs, and even feathers
Don't "adopt" birds, even if you think you're helping - often, baby birds found outside their nests are fledglings who aren't in any danger and their mother is nearby
Where to bird-watch?
While anywhere is a good place to find birds, there are a few noteworthy spots around NYC with some excellent birding opportunities. We'll go into them in more depth below!
Where to Birdwatch with Kids in NYC
Central Park Conservancy
Go local
"Do not underestimate what birds you can find in your local park," says Lasovic, especially during fall and spring migration!" Your local park or even just your neighborhood can be a treasure trove of fowl friends. Find links to birding resources at these parks below.
Visit NYC parks
Once you've gotten to know your local birds, you can expand your birding territory to the bigger NYC parks, all of which provide excellent opportunities to spot new birds. "Venturing to larger parks like Central Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and Prospect Park provide the opportunity to see a greater variety of birds," notes Lasovic. "I recommend doing this after becoming familiar with the more common birds such as House Sparrows, European Starlings, and American Robins."
If you just want to grow your checklist, you might want to head out to parks that are known to house many different types of birds. For example:
Central Park (Manhattan): NYC's iconic Central Park sees over 210 different birds every year, from wading birds like Blue Herons and Great Egrets in the park's ponds, to songbirds like warblers and different types of sparrows and finches in the ramble. The Central Park website has a guide to birding within the park, including a list of the most popular bird-watching spots.
Pelham Bay Park (Bronx): Pelham Bay Park is a popular destination for birds in mid-migration. It's also an excellent place to spot birds not as common in other parts of NYC, like Baltimore and Orchard Orioles. In the spring, the park is an excellent time to spot nesting Yellow Warblers and hear other types of warblers. You can even find a few types of owls in this park!
Great Kills Park (Staten Island): The mudflats, beaches, marshes, and woodlands of Great Kills Park make it a great place to find a variety of birds, from songbirds to raptors like Ospreys
Prospect Park (Brooklyn): Within the wooded areas of Prospect Park, you can spot smaller birds like warblers, vireos, and songbirds. Check out the many types of waterfowl, as well, from the common Mallard Duck and Mute Swan to the lesser-known Wood Duck, American Coot, and many more. Nearby Green-wood Cemetery is also a very popular spot for birders, with more than 185 species of migratory birds stopping over each year. Go on your own, or check out Green-wood's Birding in Peace walks.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Center (Queens): This bird and wildlife sanctuary boasts over 12,600 acres of varied terrain, from beaches and marshes to freshwater and brackish water ponds. It's one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern US! Stop by for a hike and to watch and listen to the many different types of birds that make their homes in the different biomes of the sanctuary. Be on the lookout for osprey nests and young ospreys in the spring!
You can find even more information about birding in NYC's biggest parks by consulting the NYC parks guide to birding, which lists some of the city's most popular parks and their birding attractions.
Are you looking for a specific bird to add to your life list? Tweet @NYCParks with your question to get some guidance! The Audubon Society's checklists and resources can also be a big help here.
Bring the Birds To You!
Mimi O'Connor
Want to continue your birding adventure at home? You can bring the birds to you by setting up a standing or hanging bird feeder in your backyard, or setting up a clear feeder at your window. It might take the birds some time to find the new feeder, but once they do you'll be able to enjoy watching birds from your own home!
How to Make Bird Watching Educational and Fun for Kids
Birding can be very fun on its own, but you can make it even more fun — and educational! — for kids with the following tips:
Make each bird-watching trip into a quest! For example, you can play bird bingo or challenge your kids to find three different kinds of birds on your walk. The Cornell Ornithology website has these and many other ideas to check out.
Encourage your kids to keep an explorer's notebook where they can write about or draw the birds and nature you come across. For a more guided experience, Cornell has an explorer's guidebook you can purchase and follow along with.
Turn each walk into a learning experience with Cornell's K-12 resources, which includes downloadables and free lesson plans, along with additional teaching material for purchase.
For a more guided experience, NYC Parks hosts birding walks with the Urban Rangers throughout the year, guiding families to the best birding spots and teaching about the different types of birds you see along the way. You can also go birding in the Bronx at Wave Hill, where birdwatching outings are held in all seasons.
• Prospect Park is home to the Prospect Park Audubon Center, which in non-pandemic times hosts bird-related programming; the center has also loaned out Discovery packs with binoculars, a magnifying glass and journal for visitors to use.
Finally, you can keep up to date with what the local birdies are up to by following some active Twitter accounts for your borough, like @BirdsBrooklyn and @BirdBrklyn for Brooklyn dwellers.
For a kid meal that’s anything but boring, give your standard spaghetti recipe a new twist! We’ve rounded up ways to revamp your noodle dish into something tasty and creative. Scroll down for our favorite variations on classic pasta recipes that are cheap, easy to make, and ready in no time.
This fun idea from Damn Delicious gets the tots involved in the cooking. Have them thread uncooked spaghetti through hot dogs before you boil the pasta, and pair it with homemade or jarred marinara sauce for a delicious meal. To get the recipe, click here.
Bacon, eggs and parmesan cheese—what more could you need? Keep things simple with a delicious bowl of pasta carbonara. Find out how it’s done by clicking here.
3. Spinach & Avocado Pesto Pasta
Give Me Lemons
This lightened-up pesto recipe swaps the traditional olive oil for avocado, making it a great option to get some extra veggies into your tot’s diet. Top with a generous sprinkling of parmesan and no one will know the difference. To get the full recipe, click here.
This easy dish subs nutritional yeast for parmesan and olive oil for butter to make a simple, dairy-free alternative to your kiddo’s favorite go-to pasta dish. Just cook spaghetti or linguine noodles according to package, toss in enough olive oil to coat and sprinkle liberally with nutritional yeast. You can add parsley, pepper and a pinch of salt if you’re a rule-breaker.
Get inspired by Sue Bee Homemaker to swap our your usual noodles for spaghetti squash. Add peas and bacon to the mix and you’ve got a tasty and balanced meal. To get the recipe, click here.
For those of you who live close to farmer’s markets and local produce, this Italian dish from Girl’s Gone Child is a must-try. Colorful, flavorful, filling, this arugula-laden dish is a nutrient-boosting, tasty reward for your hungry little market shoppers.
A perfect alternative to a big lasagna dish, you can vary the spaghetti lasagna by adding different sauce or veggie combos. Get the basic recipe here and get cooking!
Give your usual noodles a twist! Zoodles with meatballs is a great veggie-ful meal that still has all the slurpable goodness of your favorite pasta. Grab your spiralizer and get the recipe from My Flourless Kitchen.
Here’s a recipe worth tweeting about! These adorable little nests are simple to make and a fun way to play with your food. Plus, they’re filled with a delicious and hearty chicken mushroom filling. For the recipe, fly on over to Sweet and Savory Meals.
Love garlic bread? Then you’ll love the flavors of this quick 20-minute dish from Kitchen Sanctuary. With just a bit of crispy garlic breadcrumbs, lemon, chili, and parmesan, you’ll have a dinner that will be a hit with kids and grownups alike. Get the recipe here.
This retro recipe is tried and true—and a creative twist on spaghetti! Not only can you freeze and reheat this dish, you can also adapt the meat sauce to your family's tastes. Perfect for potlucks, busy weekdays and more! Get the recipe from A Spicy Perspective.
The genius of this idea from Damn Delicious is that it takes your favorite pasta dish and turns it into an irresistible creamy soup. All it takes is 20 minutes to make, and you can always use store-bought meatballs. Snag the recipe here.
It’s a bread loaf! It’s a spaghetti dish! Even better—it’s both! Yep, with this multi-tasking idea, you can surprise the kiddos with a surprise spaghetti feast that looks like regular bread before you dig in. Any way you slice it, this is a creative idea worth trying. Get the how-to over at A Taste of Madness.
You’re going to want to add this pasta to your collection of make-ahead meals. It has lots of veggies and crispy bacon, and you can even freeze it for those days when you need dinner on the quick. For the recipe, visit Kitchen Sanctuary.
The standard pasta salad gets a twist with this tasty idea from Dinner at the Zoo. It sports crunchy vegetables, Parmesan cheese and a homemade Italian dressing that will wow a crowd. Get the recipe here.
Ready for a slice of spaghetti? This idea from Playful Cooking uses spaghetti as the base for a pizza that’s as creative as it is tasty. Use your family’s favorite toppings for a truly personalized pie! Get the instructions here.
Hooray for 30-minute meals! Not only can this dish be made in a snap, but it also only calls for a few simple (but tasty) ingredients and can be served hot or cold. Plus, you’ll love the leftovers. For the recipe, head on over to Life Made Simple.
Calling all critter-loving kiddos! If animal meet-and-greets are what you’re after, these just-for-families experiences should do the trick. Kids will learn lots as they watch crocodiles eat dinner, train landmine sensing rats and frolic with otters in the great outdoors. Here’s where to take your wild bunch.
If your kids have ever wondered how a snake eats without any hands, they’ll get their questions answered on this educational experience. It’s feeding time at the Reptile Zoo, and families are invited to book a front row seat to see slithering snakes, leaping lizards and cool crocodiles eat their dinner. Along with watching these reptiles chow down on dead rats, mice and fish, you’ll learn about the animals and have a chance to ask questions too. Plan on spending 90 minutes making the rounds. Call 425-971-0435 to reserve your spot.
Dates & Times: Fri., 6:30-8 p.m. Ages: All Cost: $25/person
Reptile Zoo 22715 U.S. 2 Monroe, WA 360-805-5300 Online:thereptilezoo.org
Heroes of Unusual Size
Katie Cotterill
You know about R.O.U.S.es. Now meet the HeroRATs (a.k.a African giant pouched rats) of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium at this hands-on experience that tests your training skills. These rats are known for their detective skills—they’re used to find buried landmines and sniff out tuberculosis. Now, you’ll have a chance to help them hone their skills as you walk them through a training exercise during a private 30-minute session. You hide. They seek. And hopefully earn a reward.
Good to know: Not super keen on rats? Try booking a private goat grooming session instead.
Meet an amazing animal ambassador from Woodland Park Zoo when you and the kids book this private animal experience for up to five people. Your group will have 20 minutes to get to know hawks, owls or pot bellied pigs at the Wildlife Theater. Or choose to spend time with an armadillo, kookaburra or porcupine (to name a few) at the Broadleaf Theater. (Reptile visits are an option too, but it’s got to be at least 65 degrees.) Which animal is on your can’t-wait-to-meet list?
Date & Time: Daily, except Weds., 1-3 p.m. Ages: All Cost: $300
Woodland Park Zoo 5500 Phinney Ave. N. Seattle, WA 206-548-2500 Online:zoo.org/meetandgreet
Ready for an otter-ly adorable meet and greet? Spend one-on-one-time with the playful otters at Debbie Dolittle’s petting zoo. It’s a year’s worth of cuteness packed into 30 minutes. Kids will have the chance to watch and play with the otters before moving on to the rest of the outdoor petting zoo, where they’ll find capybaras, kangaroos, sheep and other friendly animals. We suggest adding the $5 feeding cup when you book so you definitely get to interact with the animals when you visit.
Good to know: This experience runs through February 28, so grab your spot before it’s too late.
Dates & Times: Thurs.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ages: 5 & up Cost: from $100
Debbie Dolittle Indoor Petting Zoo 120 138th St. S. Tacoma, WA 253-539-5011 Online:indoorpettingzoo.com
Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive
Ingrid Barrentine
You won’t need a bigger boat for this jaw-dropping experience. But you will need nerves of steel to cage dive with sand tiger sharks, black tip reef sharks and other creatures from the deep during this unbelievable underwater adventure. It’s a chance to see some of the ocean’s most elusive creatures up close. When you’re done, you’ll learn about sharks, the dangers they face and how to support their survival in the wild. Everything you need—from a dry suit all the way through to the keepsake video—is provided as part of the experience.
Ages: 8 & up Cost: $255/non-member household (up to 4 people); $210/member household
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium 5400 N. Pearl St. Tacoma, WA 253-404-3800 Online:pdza.org
If your kiddos have a soft spot for rescue animals, barnyard dance your way to Second Chance Ranch. Here, kids can pet and snuggle with friendly goats and adorable bunnies, or wander over to meet Amelia, the darling blind calf in her bright red barn. With four acres to roam and dozens of animals to interact with (meet the menagerie here), you and the kids will have lots to do during your two-hour visit. Don’t forget to bring cut carrots, sliced apples and lettuce snacks for your new farm friends!
Good to know: The Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is completely volunteer driven, and 100% of its donations are used to care for and feed the animals.
Dates & Times: Weds. & Tues., Fri.-Sun., times vary Ages: All Cost: Free, donations appreciated
Ready to take a Jeep safari journey Pacific Northwest style? Book a personal Keeper Tour with Northwest Trek. It’s a chance for families to drive the rarely used paths and go off-road around the 435-acre nature preserve in search of bison, moose, elk and other woodland dwellers. Along the way, your guide will dish out fun facts and figures about the animals you encounter, delivered directly to you through the wireless speaker in the back of the Jeep. It’s the 90-minute joy ride you’ve been looking for!
Good to know: Northwest Trek still offers their Wild Drive tours through the park.
Dates & Times: Fri.-Sun., 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Ages: 5 & up Cost: $400/household (up to 5 people)
Northwest Trek 11610 Trek Dr. E. Eatonville, WA 360-832-6117 Online:nwtrek.org