The Standard

“Standard” is hardly the first word that comes to mind when describing this hip Meatpacking hotel—comprised of two slabs of concrete and glass that straddle the high line at a height equivalent to 57 stories (though there are only 18, the building is on stilts). The impressive structure is much more than just a pretty façade—it’s also home to some of the area’s hottest spots, like The Standard Grill, the outdoor Biergarten and the Boom Boom Room—a throwback to ’70s-era decadence with very modern guests like Karolina Kurkova and the Olsen twins.

Doodle Doo’s

While our own mothers may have cut our hair with the kitchen shears, stylish children require trendier tresses. Enter Doodle Doo’s—a salon entirely devoted to children’s coifs. The staff is cheerful and gentle, and the chairs look like taxicabs, speedboats, and other fun modes of transportation. The kid-centric environment might take some of the fright out of baby’s first haircuts. If it doesn’t, the carefully curated assortment of toys and gifts will likely do the trick.

Pier 51 Play Area

The Hudson River Park is a prime destination for New York families, who can easily spend all day taking in the view, public art, and participating in recreational classes. On a hot summer day, a long stop at Pier 51 Playground is the best way to enjoy it. Moms will love the breeze that comes off the Hudson, and children won’t be quick to tire of the sandbox, jungle gym and pirate lookout. Bathing suits are undoubtedly the best garment for multiple runs around the motion-activated water gusher.

Photo courtesy of: Matthew Nielsen/Hudson River Park

Chelsea Market

A true shopping experience, Chelsea Market hovers somewhere between suburban shopping mall (there is, after all, an Anthropologie) and rustic farmer’s market. Whether you’re looking for an obscure Thai cooking ingredient or the finest slice of brie imaginable, the market’s specialty shops and restaurants are sure to satisfy. “We love to come here on snowy or rainy days, or after walking the nearby High Line,” says Christy Prunier. “And our friend, Mark Mennin, a remarkable artist, created all the stone sculptures throughout the premises."

Malaparte

The West Village is a trove of charming dimly lit restaurants, and Malaparte is no exception. Cornish hens stuffed with black olives and herbs, grilled polenta topped with mushrooms, pizzas drizzled in truffle oil, and other authentic Italian dishes are well enjoyed in the restaurant’s intimate interior, so much so that Malaparte almost begs for date night. If a family affair is what your after, ask what they can do for the little ones—Lisa Greenwald has the chef prepare an off-the-menu pizza for her three-year-old son.

Murray’s Bagels

Lisa Greenwald’s proclamation that Murray’s pulls “the best bagels in the world,” is a big deal in New York, where the bagel—topped with everything from cream cheese to tomatoes to smoked salmon—are as imbedded in the culture as the yellow cab. For slightly healthier fare, opt for a deli-style sandwich, fresh salad, or Murray’s Health Grain bagel with Tofutti cream cheese.