At Macaroni KID Jefferson City, we believe in the power of community and the joy of celebrating the places that bring families together. This January, we’re inviting YOU to help us shine a spotlight on the businesses and organizations that make Jefferson City such a special place to live and play.
From January 16th through January 31st, voting will be open for the Inaugural Macaroni KID Jefferson City Family Favorites Awards, where you can cast your vote for your family’s favorite local businesses, activities, and destinations. Winners will be announced during the first week of February, giving us all a chance to applaud the hard work and dedication of our local community.
Why Supporting Local Matters
When you vote for your Family Favorites, you’re doing more than just sharing your opinion—you’re helping to:
- Boost Local Businesses: Small businesses are the heart of our community. Your votes and recognition provide them with well-deserved visibility and support.
- Foster Community Pride: Celebrating local gems strengthens the connection between families and their neighborhoods. When we support what’s unique about Jefferson City, we create a thriving and vibrant community.
- Encourage Others to Explore: Sharing your favorites inspires others to discover new spots, try new things, and fall even more in love with our city.
The Family Favorites Awards are designed to highlight the variety of businesses and services that Jefferson City has to offer. Categories include:
Family Fun & Entertainment
- Favorite Playground
- Favorite Park
- Favorite Pool
- Favorite Place for a playdate
- Favorite Indoor Play Space
- Favorite Animal / Nature Encounter
- Favorite Seasonal Event (e.g., festivals, holiday attractions)
- Favorite Fall Farm
Food & Dining
- Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurant
- Favorite Kids Menu
- Favorite Pizza Spot
- Favorite Breakfast Spot
- Favorite Coffee Shop
- Favorite Sweet Treat Shop
- Favorite Takeout for Busy Families
Shopping
- Favorite Toy or Game Store
- Favorite Boutique or Gift Shop
- Favorite Grocery Store
- Favorite Farmers Market Vendor
- Favorite Specialty Food purveyor (Butcher, farm stand, etc)
- Favorite Local Crafter
Services for Families
- Favorite Pediatrician or Family Doctor
- Favorite Dentist for Kids
- Favorite OB/GYN
- Favorite Doula / Birthing Coach / Center
- Favorite Breastfeeding / Lactation Support
- Favorite Chiropractor
- Favorite Family Vision Care
- Favorite Family Mental Health Professional
- Favorite Therapy Providers (Occupational, Physical, Speech)
- Favorite Kid-Friendly Salons
Local Experiences
- Best Date Night Spot for Parents
- Favorite Place for a Family Hike or Walk
- Best Place to Host a Birthday Party
- Favorite Place for Family Fitness (e.g., yoga studios, martial arts schools)
- Best Music, Art, or Dance Class
- Favorite Sports Program
- Best youth programing
- Best Activity for teens/tweens
Specialty Businesses
- Favorite Swim Lessons
- Favorite Preschool
- Favorite School
- Favorite Drivers Ed Program
- Best Summer Camp
- Favorite Local Photographer for Family Portraits
- Favorite Local Photographer for Maternity
- Favorite Local Photographer for Newborns
- Best Community or Non-Profit Organization for Families
- Best Real Estate Company
- Best Home Service Company
How to Participate
- Nominate and Vote: From January 16th to January 31st, visit this form to vote for your favorite businesses. Feel free to nominate any local gems we might have missed in the process!
- Share the Love: Encourage your friends and family to vote! Tag your favorite businesses on social media and let them know how much you appreciate them.
- Celebrate the Winners: Stay tuned the first week of February as we unveil the winners of the 2025 Family Favorites Awards. Be sure to support these businesses and organizations throughout the year—because together, we make Jefferson City a better place for families.
Let’s celebrate what makes Jefferson City shine. Cast your votes, share your stories, and help us honor the incredible local businesses that make our community thrive. Together, we’ll show the world why Jefferson City is the ultimate family-friendly destination!
