Private Movie Screenings for $99 at Movie Theaters Near You—Family Movie Night Is Back!

Book a private family movie night at AMC.

Who misses seeing a movie in a movie theater? Watching new releases on an iPhone got old really fast, and even if you have a great TV for family movie nights, there is something sooo much more special about going to a real live cinema, sitting in those indulgent movie theater seats, leaning back, and watching a new movie on an enormous screen with no interruptions (preferably with a snack you would never eat under any other circumstances). Well, good news: whether or not your state is allowing movie theaters to reopen, there is a way to have that big screen cinema experience again—and without having to sit next to anyone you don't know!

Westchester's Winter Wonderland Returns as Drive-Thru for 2020 Holiday Season

The Westchester Parks Foundation again presents the popular Winter Wonderland at Kenisco Dam Plaza.

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland returns for a 2020 run, reimagined as a drive-thru holiday attraction to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines. The festive, glittering seasonal display runs for five weeks and features dazzling visuals, character appearances, and the promise of a socially distant encounter with Santa.

Read on to learn more about what to expect when Kensico Dam Plaza is transformed into Westchester's Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru, plus how to reserve your tickets.

Magic of Lights Coming to Gillette Stadium for Boston Holiday Fun

The one-mile long Magic of Lights drive-thru features glowing tunnels and digital animation.

First came animatronic dinosaurs; next, glowing reindeer! Following the success of the Jurassic Quest drive-thru experience this summer, Foxborough's Gillette Stadium will host Magic of Lights, a holiday-themed drive thru featuring hundreds of thousands of LED lights. From November 13, 2020 through January 2, 2021, Boston families can ride through and past a sparkling display featuring Christmas scenes and music—all in the safety of their own cars.

Learn more about Magic of Lights—including newly updated ticket information—here, and keep tabs on our Boston events calendar for other exciting area happenings this fall, winter, and beyond.

Brooklyn and Queens Beer Gardens Where Kids Are Welcome

Great eats and outdoor fun await at Greenwood Park. Photo courtesy the venue

When you're looking to grab a drink outside with the kids in tow, beer gardens are a great option, with plenty of space for little ones and menus packed with hearty fare that's sure to please picky palates. As it turns out, Brooklyn could give Bavaria a run for its money when it comes to kid-friendly beer gardens. So whether you have a special occasion to celebrate, or you're simply saluting the fact you've made it through another day of the pandemic, here are some of NYC's best beer gardens and halls where families can raise their glasses. We've even thrown in a couple of Queens spots, too.

For more dining options, check out our roundup of 20 restaurants in NYC offering outdoor dining and visit our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide for even more picks.

10-Minute Recess Breaks for Remote Learners

A backyard swing set becomes an obstacle course with a little creativity. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Any parent cooped up with remote learners since March can attest to how difficult it is to get through a day of on-screen schooling. Gone are the favorite subjects—lunch and recess—replaced instead by tech problems and computer crashes. But it doesn't have to be this way. While you might not have time to supervise a 45-minute midday play session, it's much easier to work a 10-minute recess break (or multiple breaks!) into a child's day.

If you're looking for more active play ideas, be sure to see our post on indoor exercise games and explore our Homeschool and Remote Learning Resources Guide for more tips and tricks to get through these unusual school days.

Clearwater Beach with Kids: Top 30 Things To Do on a Family Beach Vacation

It's fun in the sun all year at Clearwater Beach. Photo courtesy of Visit Clearwater

Known for its white sand beaches, gentle waves, and breathtaking sunsets, Clearwater Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast is one of the top beaches in the United States and makes for a great family-friendly vacation destination.  This Florida beach has a variety of seaside hotels and beach resorts for families to choose from and plenty of activities for all ages. We've listed some of our favorite things to do in Clearwater Beach below.

7 Things to Do at Minnewaska State Park Preserve With Kids

Lake Minnewaska draws you into the stunning preserve that bears its name.

Fall is a great time for a Hudson Valley day trip, yet with so many great stops in the area, there’s something to do no matter the season. One all-season spot we love is Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Located in Ulster County, it offers everything from hiking to swimming, snowshoeing, and more.

Read on for our review of this stunning greenspace, which has long made our list of favorite New York state parks for a family-friendly hike.

These Great Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC Have Reopened to the Public

Photo by Albert Ting/ Smithsonian American Art Museum

Update: Effective Monday, November 23, DC's Smithsonian Museums are closing again due to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases. No timetable has been announced for their reopening. We will share that information as soon as we have it.  

Washington, DC's most iconic museums and cultural centers are slowly, and carefully, reopening to the public. The crown jewel of these DC museums, the Smithsonian Museums, are offering timed admission (still free!) with safety measures in place.

What's open? What's on, exhibition-wise? What's worth seeing? We have all the answers you need. Read on.

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