Kid Friendly NYC Restaurants by Mini Munchers

I'm often sent emails asking for advice on where to stay in NYC, where to dine, what shows to see, etc. I'm no expert, but I do my best to answer! Another popular question now that I'm a Mommy is, "I'm bringing my kids to NYC, where should (can) we eat?" I've figured this out through trial an error during my past 21 months as a Mom. Trying to get a Bugaboo into NYC restaurants is no easy feat! Don't even get me started on restaurants that don't have stroller parking, high chairs, or a kid's menu.

As a UES Mommy, my friends and I have quickly learned where we are welcome and where we are not. There is on local restaurant, that actually has a sign up front that says "no strollers." Thanks, I'll never eat there again...with or without my stroller. There is one local steakhouse where we take J regularly. The owners have kids of their own and they get it. It is so refreshing to be able to take J somewhere where the food comes out quickly and still manages to taste good.

A local NYC Mommy of 2 (with one on the way), went above and beyond and she created the ULTIMATE guide to dining out in NYC with kids. For my fellow NYC Moms and for any of you thinking about packing up your little one and heading to the city, you have to check out Mini Munchers! This website is amazing, every city should have one. You can sort by price, cuisine, neighborhood, and destinations. You can even search unique experiences or kids eat free!

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Rainy Day Activities for Toddlers in NYC

What do you do with a 16 month old  (he's 16 months today!!) when it is raining outside? You have to get CREATIVE! Here are a few of the things we have come up with in the past. Do you have any other ideas?

1) Play with toys, puzzles and read books (20 times each, a day)
2) Play in the bath tub (just for fun)
3) Take our wagon and push car in the hallway for "rides"
4) Hang out in the lobby with the doormen
5) Go to music class with our friends
6) Go over to friend's apartments
7) The train table at Barnes and Noble on 86th Street
8) Play with cooked spaghetti noodles in our highchair
9) Use a playspace pass at Kidville for the gym
10) Manhattan Children's Museum
11) Go to lunch/dinner at kid friendly restaurants like Brother Jimmys and Cilantro
12) Storytime at Barnes and Noble or Giggle
13) Finger painting
14) Coloring with crayons
15) Dance party!
16) Put the rain cover on and just GO! 

I would love to hear your ideas of what to do when you can't go outside?