From tea parlors to cozy spas, you’ll find the perfect way to celebrate your new arrival

Having a baby is cause for celebration, and NYC moms-to-be get festive in various ways. New Yorkers host baby showers in NYC tea parlors, restaurants and spas, but that’s just the beginning. Check out our favorite venues for baby showers in NYC, no matter what type of mom (and babe) are being feted! (Want something really out of the ordinary? Try these unique locations for NYC baby showers! In Queens? These are our top baby shower venues for your borough!) Need a gift? We recommend these experiences.

FOR A PROPER TEA PARTY BABY SHOWER IN NYC

Alice’s Tea Cup

A reasonably priced tea can be tough to find. At Alice’s Tea Cup, your crew can enjoy a full English tea service without running up a huge bill. This local chain has three locations for a baby shower in NYC: one on the Upper East Side, one on the Upper West and one in Brooklyn Heights. Depending on your party size and preferred location, you can reserve a spot in the main dining room or rent a private room. Guests will get their fill on sweets, savory sandwiches and teas from around the world. Make a morning reservation before 11:30 a.m. on weekdays or 3 p.m. on weekends to take advantage of their Mad Morning Tea and get the best price. It includes popular breakfast foods for just $32 for one person and $44 for two people.

Two locations in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn
Online: alicesteacup.com

Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon 

If your goal is an authentic high tea with the mom-to-be, try Lady Mendl’s. Up the street from Gramercy Park, located inside The Inn at Irving Place, you’ll find a beautiful room with Victorian-style architecture and finishings. The inn offers a five-course tea with freshly baked scones and classic finger sandwiches. There is just one downside: the experience is costly. Pricing for the main tea salon, which holds up to 50 people, starts at $5000 for four hours on weekends. A more reasonable, yet still pricey, option is hosting the party in their formal library, which holds up to 20 guests. You can rent it starting at $2000 for up to 2.5 hours.

Inn At Irving Place
56 Irving Pl.
Gramercy
Online: ladymendlsteasalon.com

Parisian Tea Room: For a Tea Party with a Twist

You can hold a proper high tea at the brand new Parisian Tea Room (opens September 10), the decor of which is inspired by owner Karen E. Lozner’s visits to tea rooms in the French capital. But Lozner’s other passion (fashion) means you can also hold a tea and sewing party! Three-hour events are for 8 to 12 people, with high teas including waitstaff, finger sandwiches, sweets and more. 

347 W. 36th St.
Garment District
Online: theparisiantearoom.com

FOR A BABY BRUNCH IN NYC

SERRA by Birreria at Eataly

Escape to the Italian countryside on Eataly Flatiron’s rooftop. A dining space that changes with the seasons transitions from a “flowering greenhouse” resplendent in bright pink blooms in spring to a celebration of winter beauty dubbed “Serra Alpina.” (It’s not as traditionally “girly” as the spring/summer iteration, but it’s still gorgeous.) Look for the springtime iteration to return in mid-April or so. Reservations can be made for groups of up to 25 people for a baby shower in NYC. 

200 Fifth Avenue at 23rd St.
Flatiron
Online: eataly.com

Jane 

This Greenwich Village bistro is the spot to host a bridal or baby shower. Many happy customers leave, declaring it the best brunch in Manhattan. The Green Room, Jane’s private space, holds 40 guests for a seated, three-hour party. For $45 per person, everyone will get a starter, main course, family-style sides, coffee, tea, juice, & soda. The events coordinator will work with you to customize and personalize your menu. There is no shortage of delicious entrees; we recommend including the Farm House Popover, featuring scrambled eggs, smoked ham, Gruyère and caramelized onions or the Vanilla Bean French Toast on the menu. Note: There is no room rental for a weekend brunch event, but there is a $2,600 minimum to be met before taxes and fees.

100 West Houston St.
Greenwich Village
Online: janerestaurant.com

Maman

Suppose you want your baby shower in NYC to have that certain je ne sais quoi (in this case, effortlessly chic rustic French charm), head to Maman. The cafe/bakery has numerous NYC locations that host events. Its newest, Maman King (pictured above), is the largest Maman location yet! You’ll find others in Tribeca, Soho, Greenpoint, Nomad, Cobble Hill and the Upper East Side; Marche Maman on Centre Street has an intimate outdoor garden space. In addition to the romantically charming decor, you’ll dine on delectable French bites and pastries, which can be served family style or as finger foods. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are available. Events can be booked for 15 guests or more; brunch rates start at $35 per person, and lunch is $40 per person. More info on events here. (Look good? Get cracking! This place is popular!)

Online: mamannyc.com

The Crosby Street Hotel Sculpture Courtyard

Book The Crosby Street Hotel’s Sculpture Courtyard for a genuinely luxurious yet intimate experience with European flair. The Soho Hotel’s serene space features a tall organic tree sculpture, suspended pendant lights, and the greenery of a mix of small trees and shrubs, including magnolia, hydrangea and other native plantings. Private events, held from noon to 4 p.m., are capped at 25 guests, and there is a food and beverage minimum of $95/person. Rates are $6,000 for weekdays and $7,500 on weekends. Another stunning option at The Crosby Street Hotel is The Meadow Suite, which, as the name implies, has its very own garden terrace for a special celebration. 

79 Crosby St.
Soho
Online: firmdalehotels.com

The Bonnie

This Astoria restaurant is known for its delicious fare and unique cocktails. The restaurant’s layout includes multiple rooms and intimate spaces that can accommodate small and large groups. The three most popular areas for baby showers are The Snug Room, The Oak Room, and the outdoor Bar Garden. It has an extensive array of customizable food and drink packages, including various party platters and open bar options. Prices vary on the time and day of the party.

The Bonnie
29-12 23rd Ave.
Astoria
Online: thebonnie.com

Olmsted

This award-winning, popular Prospect Heights restaurant recently opened a chic private event space in the storefront next door. The room can host a seated affair or cocktail party for up to 30 people, featuring stylish floral wallpaper and a custom bookshelf stocked with cookbooks and collectibles. The restaurant also has a charming garden open year-round thanks to heat lamps (where some of its food is grown) that can be booked. The icing on the cake is the hallway that leads to the garden, which features an immersive, floor-to-ceiling installation of fragrant, preserved plants, moss, and lush greenery on every surface. Rates start at $95/person.

659 Vanderbilt Ave.
Prospect Heights
Online: olmstednyc.com

Sunday in Brooklyn

Home to some of our favorite pancakes (and a happening brunch scene), Sunday in Brooklyn also has several event spaces ranging from casual to refined funky, and you can host a party for as few as nine people and as many as 200. Choose from an intimate private dining room for 16 on the third floor, a second-floor sunroom (for 50 people, pictured), a second-floor rooftop covered garden (more casual) and more. Brunch is served family style, with creative takes on hearty classics, starting at $45 per person (unlimited drip coffee included); beverage packages are offered separately. And yes, you can add on the famous malted pancakes. 

348 Wythe Ave.
Williamsburg
Online: sundayinbrooklyn.com

FOR A FLORAL FUN BABY SHOWER IN NYC

Flower Girl NYC

This sweet Lower East Side flower shop will host your baby shower in NYC on-site or come to you. You can host a gathering of up to 24 people in the shop, with the option of catering from the equally chic cafe, Maman (see above). Add on an activity such as making floral crowns, terrariums, seasonal bouquets and more, as well as botanically-inspired favors and memorable decor. Showers include a staff member to assist with setup and lead the class. 

Showers are two hours, and if on-site, are $900 (outside of business hours) and $2,000 during business hours. Off-site showers are $1,250 with a 20 percent delivery fee. 

245 Eldridge St.
Lower East Side
Online: flowergirlnyc.com

FOR A SWEET ACTIVITY

Milk Bar

Moms-to-be with a sweet tooth will love learning to bake cakes and truffles at Momofuku Milk Bar. Guests learn all the steps for assembling Milk Bar’s most popular layer cake flavor combinations and will learn how to transform cake scraps into delectable bite-sized cake truffles. (This will be great practice for all the upcoming kids’ birthday parties!) Small group classes for 2-20 people last approximately 3 hours and start at $2,500.

55 Hope St.
Williamsburg
Online: milkbarstore.com

Sprinkles Cupcakes

At Sprinkles, $900 will get you two hours, four dozen full-sized cupcakes, or six dozen mini cupcakes, and you can choose to have them frosted or unfrosted. If you choose the unfrosted option, you can select up to three cakes and frostings and host a frosting party upstairs! If you’d like to add on any additional time, the rate is $100 per hour. Sprinkles doesn’t provide any food or beverages, but you can bring any outside food or drinks or even have them delivered to the store. The space holds about 35 people seated and 10-15 comfortably standing.

Sprinkles Cupcakes
780 Lexington Ave.
Upper East Side
Online: sprinkles.com

FOR SOME TIME AT THE SPA

Sundays

A salon that uses only 10-free, vegan, non-toxic, and cruelty-free products, Sundays is a logical choice for a shower event. Studios are in NoMad, Saks Fifth Avenue, and 49th Street; the newest is in Hudson Yards. Treat everyone to the 2 1 Guided Mediation Manicure, which includes a guided meditation from Inscape and an essential oil treatment. 

51 E. 25th St.
NoMad
Online: dearsundays.com

611 Fifth Ave., 2nd Fl.
Midtown
Online: dearsundays.com

SoHo Sanctuary

A little TLC might be what Mom needs before the baby arrives. This SoHo spa boasts extensive pre- and post-natal services and offers group party packages. Expecting moms will love the signature Mama Massage, which focuses on relaxing the lower back muscles and feet. The Body Buff is another blissful treatment with gentler alternatives to harsh scrubs. There are three party packages available. The Pamper and Primp program includes a group class in the fitness studio or treatment in the spa followed by mani/pedis and makeup application. If you have less time, opt for the Spa Splurge package, which includes a massage or body treatment. For larger parties, Beauty Blast is ideal: your group will get access to the lounge in the spa’s Beauty Loft and receive manicures, pedicures and makeup application — plus all the champagne they can drink.

119 Mercer St.
SoHo
Online: sohosanctuary.com

SPARTY!

This is a truly customizable experience that comes to you. Pick what spa services your guests will receive and add-ons that include monogrammed robes and slippers, tarot card readings, DJ, goodie bags and more.

Online: spa-party.com

TO GET COOKING

My Cooking Party

Want to throw a co-ed shower with an exciting twist? Get the group together for a cooking lesson at My Cooking Party. This culinary company, located in the Flatiron District and Chelsea, offers a selection of fun courses. It’s the perfect bonding experience for guests meeting for the first time. Their three-hour cooking class provides hands-on instruction and a three-course meal the staff serves. You can also make the event more competitive and split the guests into teams. Each team will invent and create hors d’oeuvres that are judged based on creativity and taste. Pricing starts at $119 per person, plus 20 percent gratuity, but varies greatly depending on your party size and package.

Online: mycookingparty.com

FOR WILLIAMSBURG CHIC

Fandi Mata

For the boho-chic baby shower of your dreams (in Williamsburg, no less), consider Fandi Mata, where “Brooklyn industrial meets the Mediterranean.” Choose to be seated on the main level, the mezzanine or in the outdoor heated pergola—you’ll be surrounded by plants, vibrant hues and maybe even some macrame. Parties can snack on creative brunch items, large and small plates like breads, pizzas and spreads (lots of varieties of hummus here), and the restaurant specializes in creative cocktails for those who wish to sip a little something. Rates for groups start at $1,000 for a party of 10. 

74 Bayard St.
Williamsburg
Online: fandimata.com

Brooklyn Winery

On first thought, wine tasting might not seem like the best activity for a baby shower. After all, the guest of honor can’t indulge in the house specialty! But before you poopoo the idea, check out Brooklyn Winery’s beautiful private space. This boutique urban winery in Williamsburg has a rustic setting decorated with antique glass candle holders and vintage china. The venue offers two packages: The Afternoon Bites menu, which is well-suited for a cocktail-style event, and the Afternoon Luncheon, which features a more traditional lunch service of salads and sandwiches. You’ll also enjoy some of Brooklyn Winery’s best reds and whites. The space holds anywhere from twenty to 160 people, and you can reserve it for up to three hours. Pricing will vary depending on the number of guests and package you choose.

213 North 8th St.
Williamsburg
Online: bkwinery.com

FOR AFFORDABLE OUTSIDE IDEAS

Throwing a baby shower doesn’t have to break the bank. These NYC spots are perfect if you want to host a casual, free outdoor event. 

Mad. Sq. Music

Is the mom-to-be a music fan? Get a small group together and spend an evening at Madison Square Park listening to some of the world’s top performers. The Oval Lawn Series is held on Wednesday evenings all summer and features a mix of genres. If you’re throwing a Fall shower, The Studio Series is held on Saturday afternoons all autumn and includes folk, blues and Americana acts. The concert is entirely free. Just make sure you arrive early so that you can snag a good spot.

Madison Ave. at 23rd St.
Online: madisonsquarepark.org/music

Hudson River Park Pier 63

This city has no shortage of parks; many are perfect for hosting a picnic lunch. This lush, grassy lawn with unique stone seating and a charming view of the Hudson is one of the best for a laid-back outdoor shower. It’s still not well-known, so it doesn’t get as crowded as the Sheep’s Meadow or other popular spots. Plus, it offers ample room for younger guests to run around. The dads will volunteer to take the kids next door to Chelsea Piers for adult-only events. If you need to create a menu, nearby Chelsea Market is full of gourmet eateries and bakeries.

C or E line to 23rd St.
Online: hudsonriverpark.org

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They don’t call NYC the city that never sleeps for nothin’! Yes, even on Christmas Day there are fun things to do in New York City together as a family. (And, you get the bonus of places being less crowded—Hallelujah!) Whether you’re looking for a special outing or show, a casual tasty, meal and a movie, or perhaps some outdoor activities, you can get off the couch and have fun in New York City on Christmas Day with the kids. Here’s how and where! (P.S. For tips on things to do in NYC with kids during the holidays, click here for our bucket list!)

Go Full On Christmas with The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular

The Rockettes, Santa, and all those animals in the manger don't just do one show on Christmas Day—they do four. (You can catch them at 1, 4, 7, and 10 p.m.!) Obviously, you must swing by the Big Tree at Rockefeller Center a few blocks away. It doesn't really get more classic New York City festive than this!

1260 Ave of the Americas
Radio City Music Hall
Midtown
1-866-858-0007
Online: rockettes.com

Go Ice Skating On a Rooftop

Adeline C. via Yelp

The Seaport's Pier 17 is home to Winterland Rink, the only rooftop ice skating rink in New York City! Lace up on Christmas Day and take a spin while taking in great views of the Brooklyn Bridge, East River and surrounding skyline. 

Click here for more info!

Check Out American Dream in New Jersey

American Dream

This mega entertainment emporium, from the minds behind the famed Mall of America in Minneapolis, has arrived on the East Coast and they're open Christmas Day! Pick your pleasure: the indoor amusement park of Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, home to more than 35 rides, rollercoasters and attractions, Nick characters and a stage for live performances; The Rink at American Dream, an NHL-regulation size ice rink, or Big SNOW, North America’s only indoor real-snow park, where you can ski and snowboard 365 days a year. (Big SNOW has slopes for guests of all skill levels, from bunny hills to more challenging slopes.  Coming soon: DreamWorks Water Park, North America’s largest indoor water park, with over 40 water slides and 15 amazing attractions, from SurfRiders to the lazy river. (P.S. you don't need a car to get there. Check out these alternatives, including the ferry!)

American Dream
1 American Dream Way
East Rutherford, NJ
Online: americandream.com

Travel the World at the Hello Panda Festival

Hello Panda Festival

Yet another spectacular light display, the Hello Panda Festival makes its New York City debut this year. This international lantern, food and arts extravaganza celebrating culture and diversity is taking over Citi Field and spans 750,000 square feet.
the multi-sensory event showcases over 120 Instagrammable Chinese lantern exhibits, 60 international food vendors curated by The World’s Fare and numerous cultural arts experiences including live performances, modern art exhibits, interactive games, cultural arts and handicrafts, and a holiday market.

Click here for more info!

Ride a Trike with Square "Wheels" at MoMath

Museum of Mathematics

The National Museum of Mathematics, or "MoMath"—the only math museum in North America—is here for you this holiday season! This Flatiron District museum, featuring unique, interactive exhibits that make math fun, accessible, and exciting is open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Its “Math Unfolded” exhibit closes January 5, and is New York's first-ever math and origami exhibit and displays beautiful patterns and designs based on geometry, computer algorithms, and math theory. Take note: MoMath is running a special one-day mini-camp for students in first through sixth grades: "MoMath Mini-Camp: Between the Dimensions", on December 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In it, kids will explore dimensions through the exotic world of fractals and experience hands-on learning.

National Museum of Mathematics
11 E. 26th St. 
Flatiron District
212-542-0566
Online: momath.org

Enjoy Art and Music at The Jewish Museum

Nefesh Mountain

Head to The Jewish Museum for Picture This!, a program for families that includes a gallery tour, interactive activities, an art project, story time and a snack, and then finishes off with a live music concert! This day's performers are the group Nefesh Mountain, led by singer Doni Zasloff and her multi-instrumentalist husband Eric Lindberg. They'll play to a vibrant blend of bluegrass, Celtic, and Appalachian tunes with a Jewish soul, as well as some Hanukah favorites. 

Click here for more info.

Visit the Empire State Building

Empire State Building Trust

Who knew? The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year and almost 24 hours a day—and yes, that includes Christmas. (You can visit until 2 a.m.!) This 88 year-old icon just wrapped up a four-year, $165 million renovation, which includes a new 102nd floor lookout (inside); a heated outdoor observation deck on the 86th floor, and an interactive experience on the 80th floor, developed in partnership with NYC & Company, the official marketing, tourism and partnership bureau for New York City. (Step up to a kiosk, answer some questions about your interests and get a personalized itinerary to explore NYC.) This floor also has an area explaining how the lights and lights shows of the ESB are created by artist Marc Brickman, and some old school binoculars that play videos of the destinations at which they are pointed. The Empire State Building experience also includes the chance to have a 360-degree photo of you taken in front of a green screen, with your image to be dropped into a few backgrounds—one of which has King Kong peeking in the window at you. Tickets are $38 to the 86th floor; pay $20 extra to go to the 102nd—as high as you can go!


20 W. 34th St.
Midtown
Online: esbnyc.com

 

Play With Some LEGOs in Westchester

Christy C via yelp

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Yonkers, New York is open for business on Christmas Day. About a 30-minute drive from the city, LEGOLAND features two rides, 10 LEGO build-and-play zones, and a 4-D cinema. There's also a store on site in case Santa forgot to bring a very important LEGO set. 

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester
39 Fitzgerald St.
Yonkers
Online: westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

See a New Show at a Classic Venue

City Parks Foundation

Start a new family tradition of seeing a show at this NYC icon every Christmas Day! (Bonus: with a ticket price of $8-$12, it's easy on the post-holiday wallet.) An original production from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Yet, Set, Snow! is the story of a young girl named Widget, and her friend, Twig, who encounter a yeti named Pascetti on the first snow day of the winter season. Unfortunately for Pascetti, who lives on a mountain top nearby,  he dislikes the snow. Through songs and snow day activities, he discovers not only that snow can be fun but also the value of friendship.

Click here for more info!

Learn to Dance Like a Modern Master

Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation

Take your tiny dancer to a class in the style of vanguard Isadora Duncan on Christmas Day! Part of an ongoing slate of classes with a drop-in option, the class, taught in the Duncan aesthetic, has children breath through floor exercises, followed by skips, runs, leaps, and tosses—all to great classical music. The beauty, grace, and athleticism of the Duncan technique builds strength, musicality and freedom on movement!

Click here for more info!

Check Out Some Holiday Trains

Patrick Cashin

Didn't get to the holiday train shows yet? No problem! Grand Central is open, and the Transit Museum's 34-foot miniature Lionel train display is chugging along on Christmas Day! 

Click here for more info!

Eat Chinese

Mimi O'Connor

Eating Chinese food on Christmas Day has been a tradition for decades. We think it's always a good time for dim sum; the famous Nom Wah Tea Parlor is pictured here, and is one of our favorite places to get dim sum with kids in New York City. But of course there are many other options for Chinese food in New York City, from Chinatown in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, to your favorite neighborhood spot.  

Catch a Movie

Krists Luhaers via Unsplash

Another old standby for a reason: Christmas Day is an awesome day to see a movie! (It's less crowded, it's cozy, etc.) Big titles this season? Frozen II and Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker are the hot tickets for kids. NYC has all kinds of options when it comes to kid-friendly movie theaters, as well as many where you can eat a full meal while you watch! Check out our favorites here! 

—Mimi O’Connor

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If you’re tired of the same old restaurants or just want to experience something different for a change, it’s time to hit up some dim sum spots. (For the uninitiated: Dim sum is a Chinese selection of small dishes like dumplings and rolls that is usually picked straight from a cart that’s wheeled around by the servers.) It’s the perfect kid’s meal: portions are small, there’s a huge variety of flavors and ingredients, and you (usually) see exactly what you’re going to get. Whether you’re looking to introduce your kids to some new flavors, or just want to experience a fun Chinese breakfast or brunch meal, we’ve picked out some of our favorite NYC dim sum spots for you!

Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Dion S. via Yelp

No dim sum list is complete without a mention of the Nom Wah Tea Parlor. Nom Wah is a classic spot that dates back to 1920, and it hasn't changed much since. It is not a typical dim sum experience as food is selected from a menu with pictures instead of a cart, but this just means a less hectic pace and a diner-like atmosphere that's welcoming to families. Be prepared to wait a bit as Nom Wah is well-known and therefore gets pretty crowded on weekends with tourists and other families; weekday mornings are much calmer if you can manage it.

13 Doyers St.
Chinatown
Online: nomwah.com
212-962-6047

Dim Sum Go-Go

Chris E. via Yelp

If you're a newcomer to dim sum, Dim Sum Go-Go is a good place to start. This two-floor spot in Chatham Square has a more laid-back feel than traditional dim sum places, with a slower-paced atmosphere and friendly staff. Unlike many other restaurants that offer dim sum in the mornings only, Dim Sum Go-Go has dim sum all day long, so you can have shrimp dumplings and fish balls for dinner if you want. The prices are a bit higher and the selection smaller than your typical dim sum fare, but it's a good place to start if traditional spaces seem too hectic or intimidating.

5 E. Broadway
Chinatown
Online: dimsumgogonyc.com
212-732-0797

Jing Fong Restaurant

Daniel S. via Yelp

You haven't truly experienced dim sum until you've been to a cart-delivered food spot. Jing Fong is not a beginner-friendly restaurant but if you've had dim sum before this is an excellent place to experience the hectic, wonderful mess that is authentic dim sum. The giant 2nd floor banquet hall holds an impressive amount of people, and food is delivered by carts wheeled around by servers. Know before you go: the earlier you arrive, the fresher the food will be; servers can be aggressive—be firm about what you want and don't want; you aren't limited to the carts, and servers will bring you specific dishes if you ask for them (if they are available). The restaurant is not friendly to babies or younger kids due to its sheer size and noise-level, but older kids will get a kick out of the bustle and the huge variety of food to choose from.

20 Elizabeth St.
Chinatown
Online: jingfongny.com
212-964-5256

Tim Ho Wan

Mike C. via Yelp

Despite being a newcomer to the area, Hong Kong-based Tim Ho Wan has a solid reputation as a dim sum spot. Space is a bit tight in this popular East Village spot so snagging a booth seat is recommended if you're visiting as a family. The space is accomodating to kids: there are plenty of high chairs to go around, as well as changing tables in the bathrooms and stroller parking. Although this spot gets crowded, you won't have to wait in a line outside: just leave your number to receive a text message when it's time to head over.

85 4th Ave.
East Village
Online: timhowanusa.com
212-228-2800

Dim Sum VIP

Rosie Q. via Yelp

If you don't quite feel ready to take on the traditional dim sum banquet, Dim Sum VIP offers a quieter experience for families to enjoy. Dishes are chosen from a menu and made to order, and the smaller space has a much calmer atmosphere. This restaurant's strength is in presentation: every dish looks beautiful and delicious before you even bite into it. Be sure to try the piggy buns, a sweet and adorable treat for the kids. The spot has also been known to hand out seasonal buns and treats, like cute pumpkin-themed buns for Halloween.

68 Mott St.
Chinatown
212-226-6889

Red Egg

Red Egg NYC

For a truly kid-friendly experience, give Red Egg a visit. Dishes here are also chosen from a menu, served by friendly staff who make you and your kids feel welcome—and helpfully work around any allergies your family might have. Plenty of high chairs are available as well, and mirrors and fun decor give the area a spacious and festive mood.

202 Centre St.
Little Italy
Online: redeggnyc.com
212-966-1123

Buddha Bodai

Buddha Bodai

"Kosher" and "vegetarian" are not typically words you'd associate with a Chinatown restaurant, so Buddha Bodai seems pretty out of place smack dab in the middle of Chinatown. But by all accounts this dim sum spot is a delicious alternative for families with certain food restrictions. Every dish is 100% vegetarian (and often vegan) and kosher, with a few gluten-free selections as well, and the taste is a close approximation to the real deal. Try the spare ribs or any of their other dim sum fare for a meal infused with vegetables, tofu, and a slightly healthier version of other favorites.

5 Mott St.
Chinatown
Online: buddha-bodai.com
212-566-8388

East Harbor Seafood Palace

Christina D. via Yelp

You don't have to head out to Chinatown to experience authentic dim sum—the East Harbor Seafood Palace has you covered right in Brooklyn. The space boasts a bustling atmosphere and cart-delivered dishes. Fresh fish is picked right out of the large tanks by the kitchen, which are also great for the kids to marvel at. Dim sum is served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (if visiting on a weekend be prepared for a wait).

714 65th St.
Dyker Heights

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

Kimberly K. via Yelp

Although Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao serves dim sum all day, they are more like a traditional restaurant than the other places on this list. Food is served off a menu, while the atmosphere is lively and family-friendly (expect many kids on weekends). Baby seats and delicious food are available aplenty, but staff is also kid-conscious, seating children by the wall to keep them safe from passing servers carrying hot food. If you visit for the dim sum, it's highly recommended that you also give the soup dumplings and scallion pancakes a go. (Our quick and dirty on eating soup dumplings: the soup is inside the dumplings. Don't get burned! Bite a small hole into the side of the dumpling and carefully suck out the soup. Enjoy the burst of deliciousness. Repeat.) This spot is cash only, so come prepared!

38-12 Prince St.
Flushing
718-321-3838

What’s your favorite spot for dim sum with the kids? Chime in in the comments!

—Yuliya Geikhman