Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Summer thrill-seekers take note: Six Flags Great Adventure is adding an epic new ride to its collection for the 2021 season. The record-breaking Jersey Devil Coaster has topped off at the Jackson, New Jersey, park and should be ready for riders during the 2021 season.
The roller coaster is the tallest, longest, and fastest single-rail coaster in the world.
Submitted by Jessica Gorman on
Fans of the polka-dotted art of the legendary Yayoi Kusama take note: The pandemic postponed landmark exhibition of the artist's work at the New York Botanical Garden opens on Saturday, April 10, 2021. The exhibition, Kusama: Cosmic Nature, takes over the 250-acre grounds through Halloween.
And yes, the show features a pair of Kusama’s trademark, immersive infinity rooms.
Read on for the details of Kusama: Cosmic Nature, including info on how to score one of the limited-capacity, timed-entry tickets required to see this massive installation.
Submitted by Elyse Andrews on
What's one item that turns an otherwise ho-hum winter walk into an adventure? Snowshoes! Snowshoes are practical in that they allow kids to walk on top of the snow, allowing families to explore deep woods and other unshoveled trails after a big snowfall, but it only takes an inch or two of the white stuff for there to be a reason to break out this fun footgear. With dedicated winter trails or expansive meadows to tromp through, these spots are tops for snowshoeing near Boston with kids.
For other ways to get children out of the house on cold days, check out our favorite wintertime walks, family-friendly ski areas, and ice skating rinks—all in our Boston Winter Fun Guide.
Submitted by Laurie Rein on
You might feel like you've been living in a bubble during the pandemic, but now you can actually dine in one. New Jersey restaurant owners have been thinking outside the box to keep businesses afloat during the winter months, which have been especially hard on outdoor dining.
Creative outdoor dining structures—from igloos to tents, greenhouses, and fire pits—are popping up at eateries throughout the state, providing customers with warm, safe alfresco dining opportunities. These outdoor seating options are heated, private, or socially distanced and disinfected between parties. Some ultra-cool spots even feature Bluetooth speakers and outdoor TVs, so you can enjoy your favorite restaurants and plenty of creature comforts, no matter the weather, all while supporting local New Jersey restaurant.
We've found more great ways to get outside this season and plenty of seasonal, family-approved fun in our Winter Fun Guide.
Submitted by Meghan Rose on
Last year, parents were able to get away with a Zoom party and promise of “next year.” Well, next year is here, and a birthday party at a favorite indoor space still isn't in the cards. However, there are some amazing places to celebrate birthdays in LA right now—it just takes a little ingenuity. Have a birthday party with immediate family or your safe little pod at one of these spots that are outside, maintain social distance, and/or only allow one small group (or party, if you will) at a time.
Most aren’t traditional birthday parties, but all will make a birthday boy or girl feel special and celebrated. From animal encounters to balloon rides to seeing their names in lights, all that’s missing from these parties is the cake. And don’t forget to plan a virtual celebration that all their friends, family, and classmates can take part in.
Submitted by Carrie Taylor on
In what might be described as the inside of Dr. Seuss' imagination fused with Tron, with some added Bladerunner for a kick, Seismique is Houston's newest interactive museum, with enough LED lights to give Clark Griswald envy. Located in a massive former Bed Bath and Beyond space in West Houston, Seismique houses 40 state-of-the-art gallery exhibits and experiences designed by local and international artists. Even among Houston's many wonderful museums, this new addition stands out as a welcome distraction and escape from reality.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
New York City's uber-popular STEM Matters Program returns for spring break 2021, but big changes are in store. Unlike the week-long drop-off program of years past, if you want your child to participate this spring, you'll have to join them. The programs, dubbed Discovery Days, run for single-day sessions at top cultural institutions. Participants are treated to an hour-long, educator-led, hands-on discovery program and enjoy gratis admission for the rest of the day.
The programs, which are open to public, charter, and home school students, run for single-day sessions during the New York City public school spring break, which lasts from Monday, March 29-Friday, April 2, 2021. Read on for more info on the program and how to apply.
Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on
A visit to Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is a must for Long Island families, no matter the season. With more than 540 acres of freshwater wetlands, ponds, streams, the Nissequogue River, and plenty of family-friendly hiking trails, it's a beautiful destination.
Located on the North Shore, in the heart of Smithtown, it's one of only four state park nature preserves on Long Island. Originally part of the estate of Caleb Smith, the great-grandson of Smithtown founder Richard “Bull” Smith, it's a wonderful, peaceful spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Long Island.
Read on for five of our favorite things to do in Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, and find more ways to explore Long Island's all-season natural beauty, from beach walks to hiking trails and winter walks.
