As the age-old saying goes: kids cannot live on buttered noodles alone. Well, not if you can help it. That’s why we’ve combed through oodles of kid friendly pasta recipes so you can keep your carb-loving crowd happy and mix up your dinner routine. Get the water boiling, and check out 50+ recipes that put a new twist on classic pasta. If you’re looking for something a little cozier, be sure to bookmark some of our favorite slow cooker recipes or sheet pan dinners.
Catherine McCord of Weelicious is a wealth of information when it comes to kid friendly pasta recipes. Her slow cooker 12-layer lasagna exemplifies her ability to come up with tasty dishes that will please the picky palate and the busy mom. This pasta recipe is a must-make for any parent pressed on time and with hungry stomachs lying in wait.
The secret to this kid friendly pasta recipe from Dinner at the Zoo? Creamy butternut squash sauce and a smattering of bacon. It’s a hearty dish that your family will go gaga over.
The phrase “one pot meal” is music to our ears, and this delish dish is no exception. With cheese, chicken, and mushrooms, we’re pretty sure this one will be an instant hit in your house. To grab the recipe, click here.
Mix it up on pasta night with a bowl of sesame soy noodles. 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.
Did you know that a jar of marinara sauce can turn into a comforting bowl of vegetarian soup in about 20 minutes? It’s better than any magic trick and the best way to turn a chilly weeknight into a warm and toasty good time. Even better: You probably have all the ingredients right now. Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.
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.
This one’s a winner! Courtesy of Table for Two, this recipe only takes 25 minutes and one pot to make. Plus, it’s like a cheeseburger in pasta form and guaranteed to be a kid hit.
Say cheese! Not only does this pasta bake from A Taste of Madness sneak some green stuff into your kiddo’s diet, but it also uses ingredients you probably have on hand.
Love lemon and salmon? Kitchen Sanctuary combines those divine flavors into a quick and easy meal! Tangy and refreshing, it even includes some sugar snap peas for an added health kick.
Get your hands on fresh pasta sheets (you can usually find them in the refrigerator section of your grocery store) and whip up these creative pasta rollups from The View from Great Island. Add your favorite deli meat and top everything off with a cheesy gratin!
Shrimp scampi is a favorite with kids and this easy version from Tastes Better from Scratch uses three or four basic ingredients. Our only edit is to skip the parmesan cheese at the end.
Give your pasta a buffalo twist with a little help from Honey and Birch. This dish sports tangy buffalo sauce and can easily be customized to suit your family’s tastes.
You’d better bookmark this recipe from Life Made Simple because we guarantee it’s the orzo of your dreams. Creamy, garlic-y, and made in 30 minutes, it’s gonna be your new go-to pasta.
Pressed for time? This recipe from Savory Nothings only requires a little bit of time and one pot—but the results are oh-so-tasty. It’s the perfect way to spice up Taco Tuesday!
Instead of plain buttered pasta, go for this super simple recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes. Find out how it’s done by clicking here.
Pasta with Peas and Bacon
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Go back to basics with a tried-and-true, kid-approved recipe. For those nights when the tots are fussing, and the clock is ticking, you can’t go wrong with this 30-minute meal. To see the full recipe, click here.
This yummy take on the classic jambalaya packs an extra punch of healthiness with the addition of veggie puree. Even picky kiddos will love noshing on the yummy sausage and shrimp. Click here to get the recipe.
Pasta al Pastore
This comforting dish comes together in a flash using just five ingredients. Flavorful Italian sausage and ricotta cheese are the stars of the show. Get the full recipe by clicking 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.
Our kiddos go crazy for pesto, and this yummy recipe is a weeknight savior—the addition of chicken breast makes it a filling but quick meal. To find out how it’s done, click here.
Have you ever read the list of ingredients on one of those “helper” boxes? We can honestly say that we don’t know what half of those words mean. That’s not the case here. This skillet lasagna, which comes to us from Our Family Eats, is full of wholesome, nutritious ingredients that come together to create a creamy, comforting plate of deliciousness.
Baked Ravioli
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Give your ravioli a flavor boost with a heaping of yummy meat sauce. After making the ravioli and pasta sauce like you normally would, stick everything in the oven in a baking dish. The outcome is a tasty twist on your traditional ravioli dish. Get the recipe here.
Does anything scream comfort food more than Beef Stroganoff? We don’t think so, and This Mom’s Kitchen has an easy version that you can make in both an Instant Pot or as a stovetop one-pot pasta meal.
Mac and Cheese
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You'll never go back to boxed mac and cheese again, thanks to Joy, Food, Sunshine. This kid friendly pasta recipe features sharp cheddar, but you can use a combination of cheeses for a more rich flavor. After one bite of this dish, you'll be hooked.
Baked Ziti
Shutterstock
If your kids love Italian food as much as ours do, then this baked ziti pasta recipe is sure to be a hit. Think of it like a lasagna but with more cheese and more creamy goodness. This is a great dish to make in advance and bake when needed. Get the recipe here.
Bacon, ranch, and pasta? Made in an Instant Pot? All of our favorite flavors come together in this quick and kid-friendly pasta recipe from Meatloaf and Melodrama that you’ll want to bookmark immediately.
One Pot Wonder: Tomato Basil Pasta
iStock
It’s no wonder this one-pot pasta recipe won us over. Who wouldn’t want an awesome pasta dish that only gets one pot dirty? Bonus: It's got kid-friendly ingredients and isn't too fancy. Get the details here.
Pasta Primavera
Sometimes nothing hits the spot more than a no-frills vegetable pasta dish. We like that the veggies can always be switched out for whatever you have on hand. Served hot or cold, this pasta recipe is delicious either way. Get the recipe here.
Think back to the last time you and your significant other were able to spend time together one on one—free from household chores, weekend errands, parent-teacher conferences and after-school activities. If you’re struggling to pinpoint your last parents-only getaway, it’s time to schedule a much-needed break sans the kiddos.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to head to SCP Redmond Hotel for a weekend retreat centered on rest, relaxation and new adventures (that don’t include a kids’ park). Situated in Central Oregon, SCP Redmond Hotel offers holistic amenities focused on personal wellness and is local to romantic experiences, from ice skating and winery tastings to delicious locally-sourced dinners – the perfect setting to relax and reconnect to one another.
Read on to discover swoon-worthy plans that’ll help you break your typical date night routine this Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Table For Two
Delicious food and a bottle of bubbly is just the recipe you need for great conversation and solo time. Head to Terra Kitchen just next door to SCP Redmond Hotel for a plant-forward, farm-to-fork menu. The restaurant creates delectable dishes that nourish with locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients and offers an extensive list of Pacific Northwest wines and curated cocktails (some including botanicals from SCP Redmond Hotel’s own rooftop garden). Make a reservation to explore Oregon in a whole new way through their rotating seasonal menu. And for a memorable Valentine’s Day celebration, Terra Kitchen has curated a special pre-fixe menu, featuring butternut risotto, eggplant parmesan and Persian-style baklava to name a few of the evening selections.
Cold Hands, Warm Hearts
As we’ve learned from every rom-com, nothing says romance like a stroll through the town and a night of ice skating. Head to the Ice Skate Rink in downtown Redmond for an active yet whimsical evening and enjoy catchy tunes as you take on the rink hand-in-hand. Rent ice skates for $6 and head to the area anytime from 2 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Take in the sites of the surrounding area, like the beautiful Centennial Park that’s right across the street. Top of the evening (and warm yourselves up!) with a winter sangria or hot toddy at Wayfarer Club.
Mind Over Matter
With SCP Redmond Hotel as your home base for the weekend, be sure to book the Peaceful King room to take advantage of the tranquil amenities included, from meditation pillows and sound machines to essential oil diffusers and Himalayan pink salt lamps. For an added layer of R&R, book the Wellness Package when scheduling your stay for two passes for yoga at the local Lovebird Yoga or Namaspa Yoga Community, a $20 food and beverage credit to any of the four eateries at the hotel, and early check-in and late check-out. Don’t forget to ask about the unique meditation room!
Perfect Pairing
Take in awe-inspiring views of the Cascade Mountains as you and your loved one sip on award-winning wines from Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards & Winery. The sprawling 15-acre vineyard, which grows several varieties of grapes, hosts weekly live music events and offers stunning sights of the Three Sisters (originally named Faith, Hope and Charity). Try a flight of wines and reconnect to your roots as you learn about the special grape varieties and growing techniques that make the Central Oregon wine region so uniquely bold and flavorful.
Boots Are Made For Hiking
Winter hiking is a serene experience that’ll transport you and your spouse from the typical hustle and bustle mindset and into a state of serenity. At Smith Rock State Park, one of Oregon’s most iconic destinations, tackle the Wolf Tree Trail for fresh air, stunning geologic formations and quality alone time. The mile-long trek provides majestic views of Deschutes River and wonderful photo opportunities that’ll capture the moment forever. Keep an eye out for seasonal wildlife, such as bald eagles and falcons. At the end of your adventure, fuel up at SCP Redmond Hotel’s Provisions Market with a fresh, immune-boosting smoothie.
Book your couple’s getaway at SCP Redmond Hotel here and feel good about your stay. Through SCP Hotels’ Every Stay Does Good program, every visit helps create positive and meaningful change. With each booking, SCP will plant one tree in an unnaturally deforested area, provide one adolescent with well-being tools and resources and light the home of a family caring for a critically ill child for 24 hours.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and if you don’t have time to research date night hot spots (and who does?), we’ve got the goods on some seriously swoon-worthy rendevous locales. Whether you only have a few hours or you can turn it into a weekend getaway, we’ve included some tried and true faves. Read on to find some of the most romantic spots in San Diego, then call the sitter!
Make dinner a truly grand affair at San Diego's "it" restaurant, Animae. The 5.5 million dollar pan-Asian restaurant sprawls across 9,300 square feet and the ambiance is opulent and seductive. If you go on Valentine's Day, they offer a four-course menu for $128/person. Dining here any day of the year will feel like a romantic retreat. Order up a Yin or Yang martini and let the evening unfold at this luxurious escape.
969 Pacific Hwy. San Diego CA, 92101 619-432-1225 Online: animaesd.com
With a mix of man-made and natural beauty, plus the right temps and low winds, San Diego is the perfect spot to float up, up, and away while watching the sunset over the coastline! Hot air balloon rides are a spectacular way to celebrate a special occasion or to see the city from a unique vantage point. Choose to check out the coast or the Temecula wine region and make some memories to last a lifetime!
Compass Balloons 1969 Villa Cardiff Dr. Cardiff, CA 92007 760-704-7407 Online: compassballoons.com
That's amore! If Italian cuisine is your fave, lunch or dinner at Cesarina is a must. Owner Niccolo Angius recently moved to San Diego from Rome, opened this glorious pasta haven, and named it after his wife. Here you'll find a pasta-making station where you can observe fresh pasta being crafted to perfection all day long. Select your favorite pasta shape and your favorite sauce, dig in, and you'll feel like you've just taken that jaunt to Italy you keep dreaming about.
We live in a world-class city, so why not enjoy world-class accommodations! If you have a night to yourselves, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is an old Hollywood-type resort that will take your breath away. Enjoy golf or tennis or just relax your day away at one of the four heated pools (the relaxation pool is adults only). Book a luxury suite that includes a private fireplace and incredible views of the resort. This hotel is all about the R&R, so rest, relax and recharge!
Fairmont Grand Del Mar 5300 Grand Del Mar Court San Diego, CA 92130 858-314-2000 Online: fairmont.com
Pair breathtaking ocean views with coastal cuisine and you'll be riding the wave of romance while dining at Cusp in La Jolla. Tables at this romantic eatery are designed for two and perfectly poised to take in the scenic vista while dining on ceviche, the fresh catch of the day, and their decadent Chocolate Crunch Bar dessert. Cusp gives new meaning to the phrase "table for two" with their attention to detail to create an unforgettable dinner out.
7955 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037 858-551-3620 Online: cusprestaurant.com
Feel like dressing up and listening to some great live music? Prohibition Bar can whet your whistle and bend your ear in a very 1920's fashion. You can find the bar behind an unassuming law office door and then enter the dark and cozy speakeasy for an unforgettable night out. The dress code is enforced, so leave the flip-flops at home!
Prohibition Bar 548 5th Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 619-501-1919 Online: prohibitionsd.com
Dine under the stars at the gorgeous Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant. The ambiance, complete with olive trees and expansive gardens is reminiscent of the Mediterranean coastline––but it's right here in Rancho Bernardo. Enjoy tuna tartare and Seared Diver Scallops and share the bread pudding for dessert. Arrive early to warm up your evening with a cocktail by the fire.
A horseback ride on the beach isn't just for the cover of romance novels, at Surfside Ranch, they offer beachside rides on gentle horses. Trot through the waves while watching the sunset and breathing in the fresh ocean air.
Surfside Ranch 2225 Hollister St. San Diego, CA 92154 619-443-3517 Online: surfsideranch.com
Coasterra
Found Creative Studio
This Mexican-inspired restaurant sits at the tip of Harbor Island and offers one of the best views of the San Diego skyline anywhere in the city. Modern decor inside and out, with a full menu of cocktails and special margaritas, ensure your evening gets off to the right start. For dinner, start with Ceviche Clasico, featuring local seafood, or oysters on the half shell. Top entrees include the roasted squash tamales and chili agave pork ribs. If you've saved room for dessert, indulge in the churros or brownie tres leches.
What's more romantic than sailing into the sunset? Even if the idea of rockin' & rollin' on the high seas doesn't appeal to you, the San Diego Bay offers a smooth and carefree time on the water. Private sunset sails are available on the Sail San Diego fleet of yachts, so grab your boat shoes and hop on board!
Sail San Diego 2646 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92106 619-297-7426 Online: sailsandiego.com
If white linens and valet parking aren't your thing, but you still want a romantic setting for dinner, Cordiano Winery in North County is a great option. The menu is low-key: wood-fired pizzas, salads, and breadsticks. But it's a winery, so the romance comes as soon as you pour your first glass of cabernet. Most wines are from California and can be purchased by the glass or bottle. Come at sunset for stunning views of the vineyard and surrounding San Pasqual Valley.
15732 Highland Valley Rd. Escondido, CA 92025 760-469-9463 Online: cordianowinery.com
There’s nothing that sends your vacation to the next level like an epic hotel pool. With features like water slides, underwater caves, massive lazy rivers and even actual fish, your little guppies will never forget this day at the pool—guaranteed! Scroll through and plan your next family poolside day.
The Fountains Resort—Orlando, FL
The Fountains Resort
Just one of the three pools onsite at The Fountains Resort in Orlando, the Wakoola Springs pool has everything Florida vacationers want in a family-friendly pool: splash pad for little ones, two waterslides, water volleyball net, tons of lounge chairs and cabanas, and kid programming throughout the day. You'll find poolside Bingo games, karaoke, hula hoop contests, hair braiding and snow cones to get you through a hot afternoon. Bonus: there's a restaurant and bar right there so that you can fuel up when hungry.
The Fairmont Kea Lani has two lagoon-style activity pools that are connected by a 140-foot waterslide. One pool has a swim up bar and the other has a basketball hoop and complimentary pool toys. There’s also a separate adults-only pool. Complimentary reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun lotion are available at all three pool locations. Bonus: parents can enjoy poolside pampering spa treatments while the kids swim. Read more here.
There are rooftop pools, and then there are rooftop pools in the heart of New Orleans—well, there’s at least one, and it’s well worth the trip. Just steps from the French Quarter, this hotel offers tons of perks, but the biggest one is this aquatic oasis that overlooks downtown. This is how to take it easy in the Big Easy!
Manava Suite Resort Hotel—Tahiti, French Polynesia
Kate Loweth
The hotel pool at Manava Suite Resort is the island paradise that you've been looking for. The massive pool has waterfalls in one corner, a swim-up bar in the other and an infinity edge that makes you feel like the water goes on forever. Sunset views of the neighboring island of Moorea can't be beat. You can also swim in the hotel's private lagoon—a separate area where you can snorkel or swim in the sea water.
There's no shortage of fun at this Nickelodeon-themed all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Head to Aqua Nick to enjoy winding water slides, splash pads, spray grounds and a lazy river ride. Join the fun with a Splash Mob inspired by Nickelodeon’s iconic game shows and characters. Experience Nickelodeon’s ultimate honor during daily Mass Sliming events, where everyone is welcome to join the free-flowing celebration. Or sit for a unique family photo under the Slimulator. Get ready to get messy! Read all about it here.
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate - Orlando, FL
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Home to Orlando’s only resort wave pool, measuring 7,338 square feet and holding more than 131,000 gallons of wave action, the fun never runs out at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. The zero-entry family pool allows you to skip the stairs and submerge slowly into the pool as you would the ocean. As parents ease into the pool, children can have a blast in the nearby liquid playground, cooling off under dancing water fountains and a 30-foot spilling water tower. For the ultimate Orlando thrill ride, kids can race to the top of the 125-foot corkscrew waterslide, splashing and laughing the whole way down.
The 850-foot lazy river lets kids of all ages float on bright tubes at speeds ranging from 2-8 mph, through its tunnels, gentle rapids and hidden canyons. Winding through the lushly landscaped resort playground, the lazy river channels adventurers through water surprises ranging from shooting cannons to rainbows of arched waterspouts and an exhilarating waterfall.
Dive into the high life at one of the Fairmont Grand del Mar's stunning pools, which are heated to the perfect temperature to take a dip any time. Three of the four pools are for everyone, and there's one adult-only pool. Kids will get a huge kick out of the music playing underwater. Other perks include a pool bar, a pool menu for appetizers and drinks, a kid's pool with a wading section and of course, laying on plush lounge chairs under iconic palm trees in the San Diego sunshine. Read more.
Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real - Punta Cana, Dominican Repulic
Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real
Multiple pools surround The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real. These include the all-new aqua waterpark, kids pool, main pool and several additional pools attached to the swim-up suites.
This luxury hotel in the Arizona desert really caters to families and has a pool around every corner making it easy for you to chill out and splash around. Summers bring Dive-in Movies to the Sunset Beach pool where floaties are plentiful, and foam parties are a kid hit. The Sonoran Splash pool has two water slides, games and even an ice cream cart that comes through in the afternoon. Send your crew to the kids club and chill by the adults-only pool. Read more here.
Hurtle down water slides, float along a lazy river, snorkel in a private lagoon (with actual fish!) or enjoy the tranquility at the infinity-edge pool, all at Hawaii's Aulani Resort. Pool parties happen throughout the day, and there are tons of lifeguards to watch the little swimmers. In addition to all the pool options, you'll get Disney's attention to detail, tons of character time and a luau you'll never forget. Read more here.
Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a European-inspired vacation resort located within the gates of Walt Disney World® Resort. Guests can cool off in one of the five outdoor swimming pools or cruise down one of the two lazy rivers. One of the pools is even built around a massive pirate ship pool with a water slide that runs through it! Other amenities include a playground, game room, activities program, beach volleyball and miniature golf.
You can literally spend all of your vacation time in the water at Melia Coco Beach as it offers three pools including a kids' pool. Swim up bar, in-water lounge chairs and tons of spots to relax in the shade of a palm tree are available.
If the kids want to be able to say they’ve taken a swim in the world’s largest hot springs pool, the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort will give them serious cannonball bragging rights. The resort is kid friendly, with waterslides and a 24-inch deep kiddie pool that’s open during peak summer season. Otherwise, the springs are open year-round. You can also sign the kids up for swim lessons during your stay—or just come to visit for the day.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort - Hilton Head, SC
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
The whole family will enjoy the expansive pool area at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort featuring two pools. Kids will love the new splash zone alongside our amazing new 3,600-square-foot, zero-entry family pool. You'll also find an adult pool, beachside jacuzzis and the Buoy Bar where you can order your favorite beverage and something from the extensive menu while taking in magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa - Lahaina, Maui, HI
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Pack plenty of sunscreen and multiple bathing suits because you’ll be living the high life at this resort’s swimming pools! Water slides, swim-through caves and waterfalls offer endless fun in the water. Your family can make a splash at the Napili Pool which features a lightning fast 150-foot enclosed lava tube water slide as well as Ka’anapali’s only swinging rope bridge. If your little fishies aren’t yet totally safe to swim submerged on their own, the Keiki Lagoon is a huge relief for parents and a thrill for little minnows. This water wonderland has a 25-foot water slide that ends in shallow water, leaping water fountains to splash in and floating toy dolphins and turtles to ride on and climb.
The Aqua Star Pool is the largest heated pool in Beverly Hills and the centerpiece of The Beverly Hilton. It is considered one of the most famous pools in Beverly Hills, a place where history happens. Film star Esther Williams “christened” the pool at the opening night gala in 1955. Thirty-six years later, actress Angelina Jolie jumped in after winning her second Golden Globe award. Today, the outdoor oasis is styled by celebrity designer Estee Stanley, and is the place to “see and be seen.” Guests can enjoy poolside perks such as dining service from CIRCA 55, signature Beverly Hilton pool rafts for rent and summertime entertainment.
In addition to 1,100 feet of palm-lined private beach, Cheeca Lodge features two heated swimming pools and a third salt water pool which will be completed in Spring 2019. Book a private cabana for the ultimate in pool day relaxation.
Ever wonder where the biggest pool in the world is? For about a decade, you would have found the answer in the Southern Hemisphere along the central coast of Chile. While the Chilean-based company behind the project broke its own record in 2015 with the CityStars pool in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, San Alfonso del Mar is still huge at 20 acres and maybe a little easier to get to (it’s about 60 miles west of Chile’s capital city, Santiago). Save the laps for those traditional pools, though you’re more than welcome to swim some 3,300 feet across San Alfonso del Mar. You can also row a boat (there are docks right in the pool), walk the footbridge out to a bathing deck and take in the Pacific Ocean views right across the sand.
Looking for a beach in the middle of the desert? Mandalay Bay Beach delivers just that, with tons of real sand (2,700 tons to be exact) and a legit wave pool that makes this pool famous the world over. You’ll also find three other pools, a lazy river and lifeguards on duty, making this a family-friendly retreat right in the middle of Vegas.
With cascading waterfalls, rock formations and flowering foliage all around (not to mention poolside views of Arenal Volcano), you’ll think you’ve stumbled upon a watery oasis nestled right in Mother Earth. The water in these eight hot springs is indeed from natural springs 400 feet away and is drained, cleaned and refilled every day. Four heated pools are also on hand, as is a sweet Monkey Slide (and a swim-up bar, moms and dads), giving the whole family plenty of options. And you don’t have to be a resort guest to take a dip. Two-day passes are available without a reservation and allow you to come and go as often as you like.
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort - Fernandina Beach, FL
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
At the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, the vast family-friendly pool and splash park, perfect for toddlers and small children, are located on the lower deck, providing the perfect space for carefree frolicking and playful water games. The adults-only infinity edge pool is the ideal place to relax and unwind. Located on the upper deck, it provides the most stunning views of all!
An aquatic adventure awaits on the Big Island of Hawaii. With nearly two million gallons of water and some 4,000 fish, King’s Pond is an aquarium and leisure pool in one. Because, yes, you can swim with the fish—including a spotted eagle ray that the kids are welcome to feed at designated times. Up the family fun with ray and fish feedings, snorkeling lessons, touch tank exploration, sand castle building and the popular “fish circus.”
Fancy floating in a lazy river shaped like the state of Texas? The Marriott Marquis Houston has granted your wish with a rooftop pool that will definitely have you saying, “Texas forever.” You can take the footbridge over to any of the lounge chairs spread out across this great state. The relaxing rooftop also features an infinity pool, lush landscaping and beautiful views of Discovery Green Park.
Naples Grande Beach Resort is the ultimate coastal escape and one of the three pools at Naples Grande Beach Resort, The Mangrove pool, provides fun for the whole family. Twisting 100 feet around a stone tower through landscaped waterfalls, the mangrove waterslide surges 800 gallons per minute. The Mangrove Pool also features a beach-style entry for younger children to splash around in the shallows, while older children and adults can swim and use the slide in the deeper section.
This takes “rooftop pool” to a whole new level. Indeed, the Sands SkyPark sits 57 floors high and looks like a ship at sea. Both its Observation Deck and Infinity Pool offer unparalleled views of the city. While you’ll need a hotel reservation to “swim on top of the world,” you can buy tickets to the Observation Deck (travelers under two are free).
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort - Thailand
Anantara Golden Triangle
After you’ve walked among elephants at this resort, cool off in a jungle-side pool. Take in mountain views of Laos and Myanmar from its infinity edge, seek shade (and bubble jets) under its traditional pavilion, or simply swim amongst the tropical beauty of it all.
If you’re in town to visit LEGOLAND, consider a stay and a swim at the Omni La Costa Resort. With eight pools to choose from, there’s something for everyone, but the kids will definitely pick the Splash Landing Pools. Not one, but two 100-foot waterslides will let any 48-inch-plus kiddo make quite the entrance (there’s also a toddler slide). While access is reserved for resort guests or members, check out our list of San Diego resort pools that offer day passes!
With nine family pools (including the cabana-lined Coral pool), three kids’ pools, not to mention rivers and waterslides, Atlantis is a true waterscape wonderland. The Ripples pool offers mini waterslides, Poseidon is a combo pool and play area, while Splashers sports a real deal water playground and maxes out at three feet deep. You can also dip into the cave environment of their Cenote fish habitat or luge right through a lagoon several sharks call home via the “Leap of Faith” waterslide over at the Mayan Temple pool (for 48-inch-and-over swimmers). If you’ve cruised to the Bahamas or are staying at a partner hotel, day passes are available for purchase.
Miami was made for pool hopping. There’s the largest in the continental U.S. over at the Biltmore Hotel. There’s the art deco dream Esther Williams once dove into over at the Raleigh Hotel. But it’s at the Delano, where an “Alice in Wonderland” theme adds major whimsy with an inspired garden path and floating tea table for two. (The pool was designed by none other than Philippe Starck.) A zero-entry section is also nice for shorter splashers, as is the sea breeze that passes through a perimeter of sky-scraping palm trees. While day passes aren’t available to non-guests, a cabana reservation grants you daytime access.
In Iceland, the pools are anything but. The country is in fact known for its outdoor hot pools, and Blue Lagoon also happens to be one of the 25 wonders of the world. Here, come rain or sunshine, the steam rises off the bright blue water surrounded by 800-year-old black lava rocks. Pre-booked tickets are required, and the setting may appeal to older and water-safe kiddos. You can stay on site or visit for the day. You won’t find waterslides or kiddie pools here, but you will find a waterfall, waters rich in therapeutic minerals, a truly magical setting, and possibly a display of the Northern Lights. And mom will definitely want to book an in-water massage!
The Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza has more than one pool, but we're crushing on the Eden Pool because of its unique feature: underwater sunbeds, which basically make the perfect spot for premium cocktail sipping in a rock-star status situation while the kiddies splash nearby.
The Fall Pools Oasis is a 564,000-gallon tropical complex complete with two 200-foot waterslides, a 90-foot speed slide, kids' splash park and a nightly laser light show.
No Caribbean resort would be complete without a jaw-dropping assortment of pools. Playa Paraíso Iberostar does not disappoint. There is a lazy river, a wave pool, a splash zone for kids, and the crown jewel—the main pool that can be found in the middle of the resort. Complete with an island, swim up bar, all day ice cream served above the bar and tons of water play for the whole family, it'll be hard to decide where to spend more time, at the pool, or the stretch of wide sandy beach that's only a short walk through tropical terrain away. Find out more about the resort here.
The infinity-style pool at Lighthouse Pointe offers unrivaled vistas as it blends seamlessly into the turquoise sea—guaranteed to melt your cares away in an instant. There’s also a 7.5-acre white sand beach to comb nearby.
Phone run out of juice? Forget to set the timer on your coffee pot? Attempting to actually cross stuff off your to-do list? All in a day’s work for a modern family. Take charge and calm the crazy with our roundup of some of the most innovative and stylish gear and gadgets that’ll help fuel your parenting universe.
1. Just Charge It Moms and dads alike will love these backpacks and messenger bags that serve double duty as both stylish carry-alls and convenient on-the-go chargers for mobile devices. In addition to each bag’s sporty good looks, a dedicated pocket hides a built-in lithium-ion battery that provides up to seven charges for various power-hungry mobile devices. Available in 21 styles that range from knapsack chic to executive mod, these totes are cool enough not to scream “diaper bag,” while durable enough to withstand hauling around the inevitable deluge of kiddie supplies.
2. Flip the Switch If you’ve ever had a panic attack on the way to work, wondering if you accidentally forgot to turn off an appliance at home, this handy product may help to alleviate your fears. Turn appliances and electronics on or off and monitor them from anywhere using the wi-fi enabled Belkin WeMo Insight Switch and the WeMo app on your smartphone or tablet. Now appliances such as A/C units, flat irons, lights, space heaters and more that are plugged into WeMo can be controlled remotely (WeMo also can be connected to your Amazon Echo!).
Available at belkin.com, $49.99, for Android and iOS devices.
3. The Button Dubbed as “the simplest Internet user interface in the world,” Bttn allows users to program different functions for Internet-connected homes or workplaces. For example, Bttn can be programmed to send a text message to parents whenever their kids arrive home from school. Harnessing the power of various Internet technologies, such as IFTTT, OpenHome, SmartThings, Twitter, Facebook and SMS messaging, Bttn makes performing an Internet-enabled task as simple as pushing a button.
4. Delightful Dot Amazon ups the ante on being the operating system for your connected home with the recent introduction of Echo Dot, the diminutive companion to Amazon Echo. Echo Dot might be small, but it packs all of the voice-activated functionality of its larger predecessor into an adorable hockey-puck-sized package, which includes a surprisingly powerful built-in speaker. Use Echo’s Alexa Voice Service to play music, read the news, set alarms, control smart home devices or create shopping lists that feed directly into your Amazon account.
Pro Tip: If you have a child or family member whose name sounds like Alexa (like my daughter Aleksa), you can avoid confusion by changing Echo’s default voice prompt from “Alexa” to either “Echo” or “Amazon.”
5. Clean Calls Not-so-fun fact: each square inch of your mobile phone contains roughly 25,000 germs, making it one of the filthiest things you come in contact with on a daily basis. For parents whose kids invariably put their sticky paws all over our smartphones (then into their mouths, yuck!), mobile phone hygiene is an often-neglected chore. Phone Soap 2.0 comes to the rescue with an easy-to-use, efficient UV phone sanitizer that also acts as a charger while it cleans. For those of us with phablet-sized devices, Phone Soap XL is expected to ship in late June.
6. Sunny Smiles You will make a fashion statement with these solar powered watches that also support socially responsible causes. Made with recycled materials, Q&Q SmileSolar Watches are water resistant and require only sunlight to power them. Each watch can operate for more than three months on a full charge. With every SmileSolar Watch purchase, a portion of the proceeds are donated to Table for Two, an international nonprofit that helps to deliver healthy school meals to children in Africa and Asia.
7. Chill Out
Forgot to chill that bottle of Sauv Blanc (or any other beverage) before you left for the day? No worries. By stashing this gadget in the freezer you’ll be activating the internal cooling coils, which means you’ll be able to pour yourself a chilled, freshly aerated glass anytime. Ahhh, the glory of modern technology!
8. Rad Remote With the proliferation of devices connected to your home entertainment system (i.e., digital set-top box, DVD player, Apple TV, Roku, etc.), chances are good that you’re juggling a panoply of remote controls just to watch TV. The Ray Touchscreen Super Remote hopes to end remote control clutter with its ultimate universal remote. With Ray, a simple tap seamlessly switches between any of your entertainment devices. The touchscreen interface is lovely and intuitive.
9. Put a Ring on It This collection of smart, Internet-connected jewelry is as powerful as it is pretty. Fashionistas can program their Ringly accessories, rings, or bracelets (shipping this summer) to notify them via light and vibration when they receive important appointment alerts, e-mails, phone calls, texts, or social media updates—without having to look at their smartphones.
10. May the Charge Be With You Prepping for a family road trip often means calculating how long the family stash of mobile devices will konk out before invariably hearing, “Are we there yet?” If your objective is to keep all of your kids’ mobile devices charged while on the road, this is the droid you’ve been looking for. This little BB-8 unit fits neatly into a standard cupholder and plugs into your car’s 12-volt power adapter. Little Star Wars fanatics will be captivated by how the droid’s head rotates and makes sound and you’ll like the fact that the unit comes with two USB charging ports, compatible with most USB charging cables.
11. Tech Tracker Tired of losing your keys, wallet, or phone? Misplacing important belongings becomes a thing of the past with TrackR Bravo. This coin-sized tab attaches to any possession and the TrackR smartphone app lets you quickly recover your lost or stolen item via GPS tracking. You can even set a two-way separation alert that notifies you before you’ve left an item behind. Originally started as an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, TrackR raised nearly $1.7 million in initial seed money.
12. Cool Cuffs Let’s face it: most dads have been gifted their fair share of neckties and socks, when what they really want is more tech gadgets. For dapper dads who need to carry around at least 16GB of flash storage at all times (and who doesn’t need that?), these sleek and practical silver cufflinks feature 8GB USB flash drives discretely hidden in each link, perfect for carrying important business documents or equally important family pics.
13. Cuppa Joe on the Go Your quick-pour coffee might only take five minutes, but it’s five precious minutes that you could use to rematch your toddler’s socks or looking for missing keys. Switch up your routine with this self-brewing coffee cup that lets you take your cup of joe on the go.
Between calendars filled with preschool Christmas plays and weekends double stacked with holiday parties, it’s nearly impossible to imagine giving up any precious “down time” (a.k.a. kids-to-bed-early and pajamas-on-the-couch-with-sushi-takeout) in exchange for an honest to goodness, lipstick-and-flat-iron-involved, date. But before the craziness of the season claims every spare minute, go ahead. Shimmy out of your peanut butter smeared yoga pants. Call a sitter—and hit the town with that dashing dad staring at his iPad on the couch next to you. With the following restaurants just waiting for you to come calling, you’ll both be glad you did.
The Optimist
Like a much needed trip to the coast, a visit to the Optimist will restore your equilibrium when you feel like you haven’t talked to your man about anything but travel plans and weekend obligations since before Halloween. Enjoy the live music under heaters in the courtyard, muscle into some fresh oysters at the raw bar before dinner, and dive into some of Atlanta’s finest fresh fish options in the dining room. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the next closet of Christmas decorations.
King + Duke
Cool. There are a lot of ways to describe this restaurant (savvy Southern, hip Literati, unpretentious urban), but when it comes right down to it, King + Duke is just plain cool. And good! From the kitchen of Atlanta’s reigning chef supreme Joe Schafer, King + Duke turns out dishes that make you think of your high school reunions, only in a good way: familiar, but modern, and much, much, better.
Gunshow
Head to Glenwood Park to try an adventure in eating, where dim sum (small plates circulated for you’re a la carte pleasure, for the uninitiated) meets good, local, hearty food with a Southern flair. If you’re tired of talking about the kids but can’t think of anything else for conversation, head to Gunshow and you’ll be talking about this place for weeks to come.
Gunshow, 924 Garrett Street, SE, Suite C, 404-380-1886
Cardamom Hill
Whether you love Indian food or have never tried it, Cardamom Hill will change how you think about it. Featuring food from the most Southern of Indian states, chef Asha Gomez matches her Kerala home-cooking with what she’s come to love most about the South’s home-cooking. Cozy, intimate, and something different, Cardamom Hill is one of our favorite date spots.
Tuk Tuk
Until the last few years, Atlanta’s Thai scene was polarized by the incredible Nan Thai Fine Dining and the crummy delivery options that also offer sushi on the menu (sushi ain’t Thai, folks). But give thanks this holiday season for Tuk Tuk, a beautifully decorated and deliciously planned homage to Thai street food. Situated in the loft of the Brookwood Shopping Center, you can’t beat the view from the bar or the heated patio of the midtown skyline, and the interior makes you forget you’re in Atlanta and pretend you’re somewhere much more stylish, more cosmopolitan, and more delicious.
Heirloom Market
No time to make reservations? No energy to pull off the smoke-and-mirrors effect of a date night? No worries. Just run a comb through your hair (at least get the play dough out of it, ladies), wipe your face down with a baby wipe, and slap on some lip gloss. You’re set to go. Considering how amazing the Korean-meets-real-deal-BBQ at Heirloom Market is, your hot date won’t even notice if you’re wearing a J. Lo mesh bodysuit. Amazing food, a new adventure, no maintenance? Sounds like a dream date night to us.
1 Kept
One part speakeasy with its backdoor entrance, one part gourmet with it’s devilled quail eggs amuse bouche, one part neighborhood tavern, and one part New South glam, 1 Kept is one heck of a place for a date night.
No. 246
At this Italian masterpiece in Decatur, the opportunities for romance are endless (spaghetti for two, a la Lady and the Tramp, anyone?). Whether it’s your relationship that’s re-ignited or your obsession with this eatery’s commitment to farm-fresh Italian, you’ll leave in love. Reserve the Chef’s Counter in advance and enjoy the drama of an immaculately prepared meal while chatting it up with Chef Drew Belline as he prepares a 5-course meal, just for you.
No. 246, 129 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, 678-399-8246
Where do you like to dine on date night? Tell us below!
