Keep things festive and simple this year with little bites you can make on the fly

Celebrating the holidays with little ones brings its own set of challenges—like managing energy levels, non-existent bedtimes, and finding ways to keep them busy while you get ready for family—but having kid friendly appetizers can go a long way in making the season a success. Whether you want your offering to be creative and colorful or just plain delicious, we’ve got the best quick (like 30 minutes or less!) and easy finger foods to make this year. For more ideas, check out our favorite 3-ingredient appetizers

Baked Cream Cheese Rangoon

Warm cheese, crispy egg roll shell, sweet chili dip, what’s not to love? This kid friendly appetizer is so easy, you can whip up a batch right before your guests arrive. Get the recipe from Instru Pix.

Savory Chicken Bacon Wraps

If there’s a food that’s not made better with bacon, we’re not sure we want to know about it. These savory chicken bites have just enough spice for adults but are still a kid’s favorite. You’ll find the recipe in the IG post above.

Mini Grilled Cheese Bites

mini grilled cheese bites are a kid friendly appetizer
The View from Great Island

Celebrate NYE with a kid favorite: grilled cheese! These bite-sized morsels are easy to put together and guaranteed to please a crowd. Don’t forget the tomato soup shooters! To get the recipe, visit The View from Great Island.

Pull-Apart Pizza Ring

Pull apart pizza rings are good finger foods
Pinch of Yum

We love that this pull-apart pizza ring can be made with any type of toppings: cheese, veggies, sausage, or just about anything you desire! And, only requiring 20 minutes in the oven, it's an appetizer that can be made quickly. 

7-Layer Bean Dip

7 layer bean dip is a good finger food
Chelsea's Messy Apron

This seven-layer bean dip recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron is a cinch to make, can be paired with chips or veggies, and can be made in advance. What's not to love? 

Mini Stacks

mini pancake skewers are a kid friendly appetizer
iStock

There's nothing like a stack of pancakes to suggest you've made it through 'til morning! These mini stacks skewered with party picks and topped with a slice of fresh fruit are sure to go down well. Dust with confectioners sugar for a sweet touch and a hint of snowfall. Kraft Canada has the how-to.

Easy Enchilada Cups

Enchilada cups are a good finger food and a kid friendly appetizer
Gimme Some Oven

These might be one of our favorite finger food ideas! The hardest part might be shaping your mini tortilla in a muffin tin because the filling comes together quickly and is ready to be served in 30 minutes. Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

Ham and Cheese Pie

ham and cheese puff pastry is a kid friendly appetizer
The Clever Carrot

This ham and cheese pie uses pre-rolled pastry, making it an easy addition to any party platter. It calls for just four ingredients sandwiched between flaky puff pastry. After 20 minutes in the oven, you'll have a pie that can be sliced into bite-sized squares and tastes so good you'll be making it again and again.

Perfect Cheese Board

Take Two Tapas

A cheese board is an obvious snack table centerpiece—and crackers are always a big hit with kids! Layer up a tray with the help of Take Two Tapas where you'll find a tutorial to answer all your questions. You can create an appetizing feast of cooked and cured meats, fresh and dried fruit, sliced veggies, and dips that kids and adults can both enjoy.

Peppermint Bark Popcorn

Endlessly Inspired

Popcorn is one of the easiest snacks, and this recipe just adds melted chocolate and crushed candy canes to make the perfect celebratory treat. Use half regular popcorn and half kettle corn for sweet, minty popcorn with all the delicious flavors of peppermint bark. Head to Endlessly Inspired for the how-to.

Rainbow Pretzel Wands

Pretzel wands are a finger food.
Mom on Time Out

Harness the magic of New Year's Eve with these colorful rainbow wands! Get the recipe from Mom On Time Out and see how versatile they are. They can be easily made in batches and are a great combo of sweet and savory that adds pizzazz to any party platter.

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries

cinnamon sweet potato fries are a kid friendly appetizer
Weelicious

Nothing revives a flagging toddler like a fist full of fries, and these cinnamon sweet potato sticks are no exception. The best part? They take just five minutes to prep! Relish their sweet and savory flavors as you celebrate the season. Head to Weelicious for the recipe.

Caprese Skewers

caprese tortellini skewers are a kid friendly appetizer
My Fussy Eater

We’re pretty sure this appetizer idea qualifies as pure genius. Just take your family’s fave tortellini, stick ‘em on skewers, and set them on a pretty tray. You’ll get major presentation points with zero fuss. To learn more, visit My Fussy Eater.

Classy Pigs in a Blanket

Culinary Hill

Make your NYE party extra magical with an appetizer that only uses two (count ‘em, two!) ingredients. These pigs in a blanket are the definition of simple—and you can even add a touch of sesame seeds to up the wow factor. Get the recipe over at Culinary Hill.

Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

cheese stuffed meatballs are a kid friendly appetizer
The Weary Chef

Serve these delish meatballs as an NYE app or a heartier dinner—either way, we’re sure kids and grownups alike will love them. The best part is that you can use whichever cheese is a household fave! Get The Weary Chef’s recipe by clicking here.

Tater Tot Treats

tater tot treats are a good finger food
Erin Clarke of Well Plated

Homemade tater tots? Yes, please! These muffin tin tots are filled with cheese, chives, and bacon, and taste just like mini-loaded baked potatoes. ‘Nuff said, right? Get the recipe over at Well Plated.

Oven-Baked Crispy Ravioli

oven baked ravioli is a kid friendly appetizer
Food Fanatic

Cheesy, crispy warm pasta bites? Yes, please! This super simple finger food recipe uses store-bought ravioli (choose any flavor you like!), parmesan cheese, and panko bread crumbs to create a kid-friendly appetizer that's sure to be snatched up at your next holiday gathering. Get the recipe over at Food Fanatic.

 

Healdsburg, a beautiful town nestled between small wineries and green rolling hills is just an hour and a half north of San Francisco, but feels like a world away. You and your family will fall in love with the quaint and picturesque downtown, filled with farm-to-table restaurants, family-owned shop, and of course tasting rooms of locally-produced wine. Here are a few of our favorite Healdsburg destinations, hope you like them as much as we do!

Stay

Kate Loweth

Wildhaven Sonoma
This spot right on the Russian River opened last summer and you are going to love it! Safari tents with actual beds are available for families with communal BBQs on site. Walk a few steps down to the river and spend the whole day tubing, catching fish and enjoying the sun. This summer they added fun events like summer concerts and yoga. Read all about Wildhaven here.

Tip: Bring water shoes and river tubes for your day on the water!

2411 Alexander Valley Rd.
Healdsburg, CA
Onlinewildhavensonoma.com

The Dry Creek Inn
This hotel feels like a Tuscan-inspired villa, filled with lovely gardens and courtyards, two new heated pools, a large hot tub and a modern gym. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast inside the cafe or by the fire pit or courtyard, and don’t forget to check out the complimentary wine tasting after you check in. The Dry Creek Inn is not only super kid friendly, but you can also bring your pets, making it easy for all members of your family to enjoy their stay.

Tip: Bring bathing suits as their heated pools are open year round and ask about the complimentary yoga classes!

198 Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, CA
800-222-5784
Online: drycreekinn.com

Two Thirty-Five Luxury Suites
Right on the main drag, this hotel's massive suites have all the comforts of home and more. Each suite has three bedrooms each with its own bathroom. Hang out in the living room enjoying the fireplace and balcony. Families will love the full kitchen with dining table for when you want to enjoy a relaxed meal. There's even a washer/dryer for life's messes (that even happen when you are on vacation). Plan your family reunion here—they've got four suites (each with three bedrooms, three bathrooms) and gathering space available for your family shin digs. Bonus: the La Crema tasting room is downstairs!

235 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA
Online: twothirty-five.com

Kate Loweth

Hipcamp's Meadow Glampsite at Sindisa Sanctuary
Got kids who love animals? This is the glamping spot for you! Drive up to the hills above Healdsburg's vineyards and you'll find this animal sanctuary that is the perfect spot to spend a night or two under the stars. The safari tent has beds that sleep five and there's an overflow tent for two if you need it. The outdoor kitchen has literally everything you need to grill up some burgers and make some French press coffee in the morning. 

Take the ranch tour and you can meet the alpacas, pigs, donkeys, horses and cattle that make their home at this animal sanctuary. They also offer trail rides for those who want to spend more time with the horses. 

Another property highlight is the rustic pool that is yours for the duration of your stay. It's the perfect spot for cooling off after a hot day in wine country. 

Online: hipcamp.com

Play

Kate Loweth

Russian River Adventures
Looking for the perfect family activity in Healdsburg? Paddle down the Russian River and enjoy all the peaceful tranquility that the river provides. Opt for the half-day paddle if you have little ones or the full-day for older kids (full-day is 9 miles and takes you about 5-6 hours). You walk from the office in Healdsburg to the launch location and Russian River Adventures drops your car off at the final destination so you can jet when you are done. The summer of 2021 provided water levels that were totally fine for paddling with just a few short distances where you needed to push your canoe over shallow spots. Russian River Adventures does a great job of marking areas to avoid on the river. 

Insider tips: Pack more food and drinks than you think you'll need and reapply sunscreen at regular intervals so nobody gets fried.

20 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA
Online: russianriveradventures.com

Wine Country Bikes
There's no better way to see this gorgeous area of wine country than on two wheels. Wine Country Bikes can hook you up with tandems for the crew and even electric-assist bikes for when the going gets tough. Book a tour and one of their friendly guides will take you to local wineries where you can taste the area's pinots and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.

61 Front St.
Healdsburg, CA
Online: winecountrybikes.com

Spa Hotel Healdsburg
If mom is looking for an afternoon of relaxation, book her a massage at Hotel Healdsburg. Choose from wine country specials like the aromatic Meyer lemon and sage massage that will send her into total relaxation mode immediately. Treatments include access to the Jacuzzi and pool nestled out back under the olive trees.

25 Matheson St.
Healdsburg, CA
Online: hotelhealdsburg.com/spa/

Visit

Paige Green

DaVero Farms & Winery
This beautiful, certified biodynamic farm and winery is home to olive groves, a vineyard, fruit trees, an expansive vegetable garden, as well as chickens, sheep and pigs. Vero focuses exclusively on Italian grape and olive varietals that are best suited for California's Mediterranean climate and the results are delicious. Stop over for a wine and olive oil tasting and bring your kids along as they can play in the garden or check out the animals while you sip on some of the best wines of the region.

1766 Westside Road
Healdsburg, CA
Online: davero.com

Preston Farm and Winery
As the name implies, this winery is also home to animals like sheep, hens and occasionally pigs. Kids will love the many cats that roam the property (but leave Fido at home for this visit). Grab one of Preston's famed Rhône varietal wines and enjoy it with a picnic lunch on the grass. Grab some pastured eggs and ground lamb in the shop to take home with you (along with your vino, of course).

9282 West Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, CA
Onlineprestonfarmandwinery.com

Eat & Drink

Kate Loweth

The Wurst Restaurant
The Wurst has some of the best sausages in the region and there’s one (or two) for every member of the family—even the veggie-only eaters. They are served with fresh-cut fries, sweet potato fries or onion rings. They also make amazing burgers and salads if you are not in a sausage mood.

Tip: Check out their extensive mustard selection before heading to your table!

22 Matheson St
Healdsburg, CA
Online: wurstrestaurant.com

PizZando
Right in the middle of downtown, PizZando is a great option for families. Snag a spot and dine al fresco or order your wood-fired pizzas to go. We love the Pizza, Pizza, Pizza meal that comes with three pizzas, a salad and focaccia bread for $75.  

301 Healdsburg Ave. 
Healdsburg, CA
Online: pizzandohealdsburg.com

Barndiva
If you need a spot to celebrate a special occasion, head to Barndiva. This gorgeous restaurant has outdoor dining in the massive back garden as well as large tables in the restaurant. Quirky decor pairs well with the delicious options like seared king salmon and pan-roasted halibut. They are open Wednesday-Sunday for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

231 Cedar St.
Healdsburg, CA
Online: barndiva.com

Bravas Bar de Tapas
Bravas has consistently been rated as one of the best tapas restaurants in the country (even those hailing from Spain will agree). The restaurant features a stunning patio (for lunch or dinner) and a beautiful menu featuring tapas and other Spanish-typical dishes like tortilla de patata (Spanish potato omelette) and Paella.

Tip: The kids will love the jamón serrano and manchego cheese sandwich and you will fall in love with the Barcelona martini.

420 Center St
Healdsburg, CA
707-433-7700
Online: starkrestaurants.com

—Kate Loweth & Sonia Gandiaga

 

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If your next “wrong turn” lands your family in Albuquerque, you’re in store for an exceptional experience. This vibrant New Mexico city offers visiting families the opportunity to go on aerial excursions, have close encounters with native wildlife and to get a front-row seat to traditional flamenco performances. Read on for a guide to a family vacation in Albuquerque that gives your crew a chance to experience the magic of the local culture firsthand.


photo via ABQ Bio Park

PLAY

Located in the High Desert, Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest city. It was founded in 1706 as a Spanish colony, and today its vibrant history can be experienced all throughout the city.

Old Town
Families interested in experiencing Albuquerque’s rich culture can start by heading to the Historic Old Town. Considered the heart of the city, this area of town has a shopping plaza  with over 150 stores and galleries to peruse. It’s the perfect spot to pick up gifts or memorabilia with true southwestern flair.

photo by Annette Benedetti

The Albuquerque Museum can be found in the middle of old town just of Route 66. It gives families a dose of history with its massive collection of over 35,000 historical objects and permanent exhibits, as well as regular traveling exhibits. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science offers families a high-tech experience, bringing the past to life in its Dyna Theater and stunning stargazers with its planetarium. And the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center features the art, dance, and food of the 19 Pueblo tribes of New Mexico with exhibits and live entertainment.

While you are wandering around old town you’ll want to stop by the iconic Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe which is tucked away in a corner of the Patio Escondido Mall.

Flamenco
Flamenco is no small deal in Albuquerque. In fact, New Mexico is considered the center for Flamenco in the U.S., and Albuquerque is home to both the National Institute of Flamenco and the Festival Flamenco Albuquerque, which is the single largest gathering of flamenco performances in North America. Families can see incredible performances at the Hotel Albuquerque’s Tablao Flamenco where high-caliber dancers take the stage and put on an incredible show, while the audience dines on authentic Sevilla tapas and drinks regionally inspired fine wines and spirits.Best of all, Sunday nights are family nights! For an exceptional date night experience check out Casa Flamenca, where you are allowed to bring your own bites and sips and sit in an intimate setting that nearly puts you center stage with the dancers.

Trams, Zoo’s & More
For panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley, grab the kids and catch a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. It takes you 2.7 miles up over canyons to an observation deck at the top of the 10,378 foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest. Here you’ll find the soon-to-open restaurant, Ten3 where you can buy a bite before you head out to hike the peak’s wilderness trails.

If your kids love animals, plants and catching fish, then a day at the ABQ BioPark is a must. The bio park consists of a 64-acre zoo that offers an opportunity for close encounters with both exotic and local wildlife. Additionally, your kids will love visiting aquatic life at the Aquarium and wandering 1.5 miles of botanic garden paths. But the fun doesn’t stop there, Tingley Beach is located adjacent to the Rio Grand Boseque. It has three fishing ponds perfect for your young anglers and when you’ve caught all of the fish you can handle, you can rent a pedal boat and get on the pond!

STAY

There are so many wonderful places for families to stay in Albuquerque, but we’ve picked the best of the best. For an upscale stay in the city, we suggest the beautiful Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque. The fourth hotel built by Conrad Hilton in 1939, this beautifully restored building features a Spanish-inspired design that sets the tone for your cultural experience. The accommodations leave you wanting for nothing with each beautifully-appointed  room featuring luxury linens and free WiFi. The building features two restaurants and a fitness room.

For a truly unique experience, a stay at the El Vado Motel will thrill the history buffs and the fun-seekers in your family. Opened in 1937, this spot was one of the first places in New Mexico to welcome those coming off Route 66. Once a drive up motel, complete with a carports for each room and a gas pump (think Cars), these accommodations have been completely re-imagined. The mid-century, modern rooms are comfy and can fit the whole family, and right outside the door, you’ll find a pool and food and play court. Your crew can easily spend the whole day on site! Best of all, rooms are super affordable for those traveling on a budget.

Finally, if you want a break from the hustle of the city, Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm will not disappoint. This gorgeous lavender farm situates its rooms on 25 acres of lavender fields, surrounded by giant cottonwood trees. The classic New Mexican style accommodations are as beautiful as the surrounding area. With walls decorated with original artwork antique furnishing, luxury bedding and Los Poblanos’s own signature lavender spa amenities, you are guaranteed a dreamy stay. Kids have plenty of room to run with yard games available for entertainment, and the whole family will enjoy checking out the resident peacocks and lamas while taking in views of the Sandia mountains.

EAT

If your family loves fine Southwestern fare, Albuquerque will not disappoint. There are an endless number of fantastic eateries with delectable dishes. For breakfast and lunch, head to The Grove Cafe & Market where you can nosh on dishes like the Croque Madame and the Turkey Toastie all made from locally sourced food, much of which is organic. Fun fact: this cafe was a filming location for several scenes in Breaking Bad.

Even if you haven’t booked a stay at the El Vado, you can get a good dose of the fun these quirky accommodations offer in its food court. The El Vado features a changing lineup of food pods that house up-and-coming restaurants. You can enjoy a sweet treat at Rude Boy Cookies, get a taste of Costa Rican fare at Buen Provecho, enjoy some pizza at Sandia Crust Pizza or hang out in the El Vado Tap Room. Everyone gets what they want at this cool food court.

For a taste of delectable Rio Grand Valley Cuisine served in a stunning farm setting, head to Campo at Los Poblanos. Featuring a field-to-fork menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, diners get to choose from items like Forbidden Rice and handmade pasta. For an extra special experience, book the Chef’s Table where you and your young foodies can dine while enjoying a front-row seat to the chefs while in action.

Mas Tapas y Vino and the Ibiza Rooftop are located inside Hotel Andaluz. Mas tapas features the best of traditional Spanish cuisine in specialty dishes that are served for breakfast lunch and dinner. Their Latin American Power Bowl is the perfect fuel for an active day. And honey bacon wrapped dates, Iberico ribs and Manchego-Cheddar Mac & Cheese tapas make for the perfect dinner. End the evening with a cocktail at Ibiza Rooftop.

Albuquerque offers families a unique opportunity to look back in time and experience first-hand the unique cultures and traditions that combined to make New Mexico the beautiful, colorful place that it is. As you taste, dance and explore your way across the city, you’ll have a chance to expand your knowledge, tastes and you might even pick up a new hobby (think Flamenco!). You may even find yourself booking your next vacation to the area before you have even left.

— copy and photos by Annette Benedetti (except where noted)

Special thanks to Visit Albuquerque for assistance with accommodations and entertainment. All opinions here expressed are the writer’s own. 

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Union Market has catered to DC’s food-loving hipsters for several years now, and Eastern Market still sells old-school meats and meals. Now several new suburban food halls have opened up, and Maryland and Virginia diners have their own great options for family-friendly dining. Asian food—highlighted at the Spot and the Block—is often a fairly easy sell for cautious young diners; noodles, soups, and rice are universally comforting and hard to resist. The best thing about bringing little ones to a food hall? Nobody will complain if they make a little noise or even need to run around the room a bit.

Photo: William Y. via Yelp

The Spot
This charming Asian-themed mini hall sits just to the north of Rockville Town Center. Outdoor seating is available in nice weather; one corner features low tables and floor cushions for kids to crawl and sprawl, while a full bar at the other end of the space lets adults partake. Parents seeking lighter fare will love this outpost of local chain PokiDC, with offerings like salmon or spicy tuna (and even steak or chicken for the raw-fish-averse) atop brown or white rice or greens, with a multitude of toppings and dressings. Cheers Cut serves up all kinds of fried foods, accompanied by rice and steamed vegetables—sure to appeal to the chicken-tenders crowd. The staff at Mian entertain curious onlookers (of all ages) as they hand-pull noodles for ramen and other soups. And you can finish it all of with a sweet bubble tea from Gong Cha or a sculpted ice-cream creation from Alpaca Dessert.

255 N. Washington St. (Rockville, MD)
Online: thespotdmv.com

Photo: Xuannie via Yelp

The Block
The Block is NOVA’s own Asian-style space, with sky-blue picnic-style tables and an industrial-chic vibe. Balo Kitchen offers modern-inflected Vietnamese sandwiches like banh mi and French dip, along with chicken nuggets and French toast for the younger, less adventurous crowd. There’s PokeWorks, another chain serving the healthy, satisfying Hawaiian-inspired fish-on-rice-or-salad that’s so trendy right now. Munch ice cream surprises with flavors like Ash and Matcha Oreo…alongside Fruity Pebbles. SnoCream shaved ice gets extra-rich when topped with condensed milk or caramel. And—as at the Spot—Block Bar has a full bar as well as more sophisticated small plates.

4221 John Marr Drive (Annandale, VA)
703-942-7056
Online: theblockfoodhall.com

Photo: Ballston Quarter

Quarter Market
Quarter Market, in the newly rejuvenated Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, has only a few vendors open as of late March 2019, but they’re a departure from the Asian fare of the Block and the Spot. So far the two savory stalls that have opened—Copa for tapas and Hot Lola’s for fried chicken that’s a mashup of Nashville and Sichan heat—aren’t the easiest sell for fussy young eaters…unless they like their nuggets on the spicy side. But there’s Ice Cream Jubilee to (literally) cool down any cranky customer. And outposts of BarTaco and Timber Pizza are slated to join the lineup with family-friendly tacos and pies.

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Arlington, VA)
Online: quartermarket.com

—Nadya Sagner

 

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From the soccer carpool to the never-ending assortment of mismatched socks, sometimes there are days when you’ve only got a few seconds (or 140 characters) to get in a good giggle. Well, sit back and get ready to scroll because we’ve scoured the Twitterverse for moms and dads that rap about the highs and lows of parenting, and the results are hilarious.

  1. True dat.

2. Are you on it yet?

3. Sign us up!

4. Literally.

https://twitter.com/moooooog35/status/753913049434693637

5. I’m not that old… really.

6. You will never win.

https://twitter.com/philco816/status/753045038762909696

7. We totally get

8. Silence can be deadly.

9. Fail.

10. Right?

11. Cherish it while it lasts.

https://twitter.com/novicefather/status/753616929714163712

Do you have any #funnyparenting moments to share with the Red Tricycle Community? Tell us in the comments below! 

 

 

There’s a part of us that never grows up and, for some, that part is the kid who loves to play with her food. We don’t know why, but food just tastes better when you get to touch it before you chew it. So let’s face it: forks and spoons are overrated. We’ve compiled a list of exceptionally tasty restaurants where eating with your hands is not just condoned, but expected. These restaurants make for a very fun, finger-licking good family night out.

Photo: y i v a via Flickr

Brazilian Style Tapas at The Grill from IpanemaThe “Petiscos” at The Grill from Ipanema are bite-sized bits of yumminess that you and the kids will love to pop in your mouth. No utensils needed. Choose from a variety of small plates: fried cod fish croquettes, cubes of sautéed sirloin, spicy sausage slices, crispy fried chicken pieces, herb-basted shrimp, and many more. Order a few plates of small bites and you’ve got one delicious meal.

1858 Columbia Rd., NW (Adams Morgan)
202-986-0757
Online: www.thegrillfromipanema.com

Marrakesh
The first thing you do when you enter Marrakesh is wash your hands, so you’re fully prepared to use them as your main utensil. Then relax and get ready for a seven-course meal that you’ll eat entirely with your hands, while your eyes feast on talented belly dancers. Highlights of the meal include b’stella, a layered pie with chicken, parsley, eggs, nuts and onions topped with cinnamon and sugar. There’s also lamb with almonds and honey, fresh fruit and Moroccan pastries.

2147 P St., NW (Dupont Circle)
202-775-1882
Online: http://www.marrakechrestaurantdc.com

Sticky Fingers Sweets and Eats
In addition to catering local events with very beautiful specialty cakes, Sticky Fingers features some of the tastiest treats in town at its downtown café, and none of them require utensils. Take the kids on a sugar binge with some decadent fingers foods, such as red velvet whoopee pies, cinnamon and walnut sticky buns, and pecan bourbon sandwich cookies. There’s also a full menu of finger-friendly breakfast and lunch plates, including burgers, sandwiches and wraps. The only menu items you might need a fork for are the salads. You decide.

1370 Park Rd., NW (Columbia Heights)
202-299-9700
Online: www.stickyfingersbakery.com

GBD Fried Chicken and Doughnuts
You know that any place specializing in fried chicken and doughnuts is going to be finger-friendly, and GBD (Golden, Brown and Delicious) is definitely that. The chicken comes by the piece or the bucket, or on top of waffles with maple-chicken jus and buttered pecans (yum). You can choose between nine delectable dipping sauces for your chicken tenders – buttermilk ranch, jerk, chipotle bbq, and sweet and sour mumbo, to name a few. And don’t forget the doughnuts. They are baked fresh throughout the day and topped with classic and seasonal glazes.

1323 Connecticut Ave., NW (Dupont Circle)
202-524-5210
Online: www.gbdchickendoughnuts.com

Do you have a favorite restaurant where the kids can (acceptably) eat with their hands? Dish in the comments section below. 

—Jamy Bond