What Is Family Favorites
Family Favorites is not a click contest. It is the River Region's annual celebration of the local businesses that River Region families actually trust, use, and love.
Nominated by the community. Reviewed by our editorial team. Voted on by families across the River Region. Recognized in print, digital, and across the entire River Region Parents ecosystem.
“A Family Favorites badge means families chose you. That's different from any award money can buy.”
Community-Nominated
Every nomination comes from a River Region family — not a committee, not paid placement, not algorithmic selection.
Editorially Reviewed
Our team curates the finalists from all nominations, ensuring quality and fairness before voting opens.
Community-Voted
Finalists are voted on by the River Region community — one vote per family per category.
Recognized All Year
Winners carry the Family Favorites badge across listings, print, social, and the entire RRP ecosystem.
The Process
From nomination to recognition — a process designed for integrity, community, and celebration.
November
Nominate
River Region families nominate their favorite local businesses.
December
We Review
Our editorial team curates 5 finalists per category.
January
Finalists Named
Finalists are announced — a meaningful moment for every nominee.
January
Community Votes
Families vote across the region. One vote per family per category.
February
Winners Revealed
Winners announced in a community celebration moment.
Year-round
Badge Lives On
Winner badges appear on listings, in print, and across the ecosystem.
30 Award Categories
Nominations will be open in November. Browse the categories and think about who deserves recognition in your community.
Best Pediatric Practice
The pediatric practice River Region families trust most.
Best Pediatric Dentist
The dental practice families love to bring their kids to.
Best Children's Mental Health Provider
Therapists and behavioral health providers serving River Region children.
Best Mom Wellness Experience
The spa, studio, or wellness destination River Region moms return to.
Best Childcare Center
The childcare center families trust with their youngest.
Best Preschool or Pre-K Program
The early learning program where River Region children begin.
Best After-School Program
The after-school program families rely on for enrichment and care.
Best Private School
The private school River Region families recommend to every new family.
Best Tutoring or Learning Center
The tutoring service helping River Region students reach their potential.
Best Summer Day Camp
The day camp River Region families register for first every January.
Best Specialty Camp
The themed camp that becomes a family tradition — arts, sports, STEM.
Best Youth Sports Program
The league or training program where kids discover their love of the game.
Best Summer Activity
The summer destination that becomes a family highlight every year.
Best Family Restaurant
The local restaurant where River Region families gather and celebrate.
Best Birthday Cake or Custom Bakery
The baker behind River Region's most celebrated birthday cakes.
Best Family Café or Coffee Shop
The café welcoming to families — relaxed, delicious, and community-spirited.
Best Ice Cream or Treat Shop
The ice cream parlor or treat shop that makes summer sweeter.
Best Birthday Party Venue
The venue that makes River Region birthdays unforgettable.
Best Birthday Entertainment or Performer
The entertainer who transforms any birthday into a celebration.
Best Party Planner or Event Coordinator
The planner behind the most beautiful, stress-free celebrations.
Best Children's Boutique
The local children's boutique River Region families love to browse.
Best Family Photographer
The photographer who captures families' most treasured moments.
Best Family-Owned Local Business
The family-owned business that embodies River Region community values.
Best Family Home Services
The contractor or home professional River Region families trust.
Best Family Activity or Attraction
The attraction where River Region families spend weekend time.
Best Splash Pad, Pool, or Water Experience
The water destination that defines River Region summers.
Best Outdoor Family Experience
The park, trail, or outdoor adventure where families connect.
Best Fitness or Wellness Space
The gym or studio that welcomes the whole family.
Best Farmers Market or Local Food Experience
The market that connects families with local food.
Best Family-Friendly Community Event
The event River Region families look forward to all year.
Sign up and we'll notify you when Family Favorites nominations open. No spam — just the announcement and a reminder when we're close to closing.
By signing up you're joining the River Region Parents newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime.
What Makes This Different
Family Favorites is not purchased, not algorithmic, and not decided by a committee. It is the voice of River Region families — organized, celebrated, and amplified.
Not Pay-to-Win
Sponsor placements amplify the program. They never influence who wins. Winners are chosen by community votes alone.
Editorially Reviewed
Every nomination is reviewed by our team before finalists are selected. This is not an open-ballot click farm.
One Vote Per Family
Voting requires email verification. One vote per category per email. We actively monitor for suspicious patterns.
Prestige That Compounds
A Family Favorites badge in 2026 remains meaningful in 2028 and beyond. Local recognition builds over years, not clicks.
For Local Businesses
When River Region families vote for your business, they're saying: we trust you, we love you, and we want everyone else to know it.
Digital Winner Badge
Display on your website, social profiles, and email signature. Recognized by River Region families.
Guide Listing Boost
Winner status is highlighted on your River Region Parents guide listing for the full year.
Print Recognition
Featured in the annual Family Favorites print issue — the most-saved issue of the year.
Social Celebration
Your win is announced to 10,000+ River Region moms across social media and the newsletter.