Family Holiday Dining in NYC

Taking the family out to eat in Manhattan during the holiday season should be a fun-filled experience. From the tree lighting in Rockefeller Center, ice skating at Bryant Park to visiting Santa at Macy’s, it really is a magical place for children (and adults) of all ages.
Exploring the restaurant scene should be just as enjoyable – and MiniMunchers is here to help you navigate the many restaurants of NYC to find the ones that are BEST for your holiday plans.

Here are five places that we have enjoyed as a family, and hope you will be able to fit into your holiday plans.

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1. Landmarc (www.landmarc-restaurant.com) – After checking out the outdoor holiday shops at Columbus Circle, head inside the Time Warner Center to Landmarc! Landmarc has one of the most extensive children’s menus that I have ever seen and really knows what kids want – from standards like macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers with fries to green eggs and ham, PB and Nutella or a petit filet mignon. Of course the views of Central Park could almost trump any meal you get. BONUS, if your kids/your tip %u263A are really good – your server might bring cotton candy to the table for dessert! After you eat, kids will be amazed by the free music and light show in the atrium of the Time Warner Center.

2. Rolf’s (www.rolfsnyc.com) – Ok they do NOT have a children’s menu, so I really have no business recommending Rolf’s but any NYer has to admit that a trip to Rolf’s is a MUST over the holidays. You have NEVER seen so many decorations in your life – your kids will go crazy (no sugar needed!) This Gramercy restaurant is small – so leave the strollers at home, and since many people make Rolf’s an annual visit, it can get crowded so do try to go at off times. They have highchairs and kids will enjoy the sides more then anything (potato pancakes, French fries, spatzle) but of course there is Bratwurst, Knockwurst and Weisswurst for more advernturous eaters. But do NOT expect your kids to be catered to – this is a real tavern type of atmosphere so kids are welcome if not welcomed.

3. Russian Tea Room (www.RussianTeaRoomNYC.com) One of the LAST remaining iconic restaurants in Manhattan, the Russian Tea Room is a treat for children and adults! Just step into this jewel-box restaurant, and your tot will know it is a special day! Conveniently located on the same block as Carnegie Hall, it is a great place to come after a concert or a carriage ride in Central Park. The children’s tea is $25 a child (under 12) and the multiple courses will be sure to please any budding foodie.

4. Macy’s Cellar Bar & Grill (www.patinagroup.com) – A hidden find in Macy’s, this bar & grill has a great children’s menu and the location CANNOT be beat when taking your minis to see Santa. I would recommend reservations, just in case the word gets out that this underground spot is great for kids (highchairs, big bathroom, etc.)

5. Moomah – (www.Moomah.com)– Moomah is a great spot to bring your tot in TriBeCa. Not only is the extensive menu local, seasonal AND organic (with dairy-free and gluten-free choices) but kids are encouraged to play while they eat with incredibly beautiful and engrossing holiday art projects! After making gifts for grandma and grandpa, if you visit on a Saturday or Sunday, children can explore and use their imaginations in the back room or “funky forest”

To check out these restaurants children’s menus and to see reviews on these and many more NYC kid-friendly spots, check out www.MiniMunchers.com. Happy Munching and Happy Holidays!

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

Summer Game Camp There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including &ndash; - Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers! - Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more! - Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch! - A digital campus! - Moderated chat hours! &nbsp; Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more! Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm &nbsp; Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons &amp; Dragons No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons &amp; Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop!&nbsp; &nbsp; Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together! &nbsp; Dungeons &amp; Dragons Junior No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our Dungeons &amp; Dragons Jr. game provides a D&amp;D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&amp;D so they can eventually move onto the main game.

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.