Because Living a Movie Is Way Cooler than Watching One— Meet Ralph Breaks VR

Screenshot courtesy of ILMxLAB

Virtual Reality: it may sound like a phrase describing the half-awake state in which most parenting takes place, but in fact it's something way cooler. VR to our kids is putting on a pair of goggles and going somewhere entirely different, to experience things that aren't remotely happening. And that type of adventure is the trade of a seemingly uneventful little space in Glendale and Anaheim called The VOID, whose newest VR experience lets visitors enter the world of Ralph Breaks the Internet

Nutella Cafe Brings New Level of Chocolatey Goodness to NYC

Marvel at the Nutella treats being prepared behind the counter.

Hang out with my 5-year-old long enough, and she'll inevitably ask for a Nutella sandwich. The creamy, chocolatey spread is practically its own food group in her eyes, so the arrival of a Nutella Cafe in the Union Square neighborhood was cause for a sugar-high induced happy dance.

It took us two trips—thanks to the down-the-block line on our first visit—to get inside the sweet new eatery. Read on to find out if it deserves a spot on our list of must-try sweet spots for New York City kids.

Cherry Street Pier Just Opened: Here's Why Families Need to Go

As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, it becomes all too easy to simply hunker down and stay inside.  But Philadelphia offers a number of alluring public spaces to help you shake off those winter doldrums, helping to get you and the kids off the couch and out into the fresh air.  The recently opened Cherry Street Pier is one of the more intriguing options and makes a great destination for a quick and easy excursion for the whole family.

Cherry Street Pier is the latest product of Philadelphia’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the Delaware River Waterfront.  The nearby Spruce Street Harbor Park is already a popular summer destination, offering food, games, and a floating beach—and even sand and deck chairs.  In the winter, visitors flock by the thousands to WinterFest, coming to skate at the BlueCross River Rink or simply grab a hot chocolate and soak up some holiday charm.  The Cherry Street pier is a more modest, though perhaps a bit bolder, initiative, and it's definitely worth a wintertime visit. Read on to learn more about this latest outdoor Philly space that I recently visited with my own family.

Lincoln Center with Kids: 15 Fun & Mostly Free Things to Do

The David Rubenstein Atrium hosts a variety of free events for kids.

Lincoln Center, the grand performing arts mecca on Manhattan's Upper West Side, may seem out of reach to many. Prices for the fancy, high-culture shows are beyond most family budgets, but that shouldn't keep you away. From watching the iconic fountain dance to rooting out hidden gem performances that cost little-to-nothing, Lincoln Center is a rich cultural destination you don't need to be rich to enjoy. Here are our top 15 FREE or low-cost things to do with kids at Lincoln Center.

Polar Express 4-D: A Movie with Train Ride Thrills at the MOS

This Polar Express show has sounds, smells, and other sensory effects. Photo courtesy of Museum of Science

Each of the past five years, I've planned to bring my Polar Express-obsessed boys to a Christmas-themed train ride down the Cape or Rhode Island. But packed sports schedules and school calendars have caused me to lose steam on the idea of even a slightly far-flung locomotive journey. Luckily, I found out about a new, Polar Express-themed adventure that's right in Boston, lasts all of 20 minutes, costs just $6, and packs real charm and excitement into almost all of that time. New this year, the Museum of Science is running the Polar Express 4-D Experience in its specialty theater space through January 6, 2019. As a bonus: All Aboard! Trains at Science Park, featuring model trains and interactive train tables, is on exhibit, too. Do your kids have trains on the brain? Here's what to expect with a train-themed visit to MOS.

50+ Awesome Santa Activities in New Jersey

Liberty Hall hosts Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 16. Photo courtesy of the Liberty Hall Museum

December is here, and that means Santa is here, too! Your kids are sure to want to meet St. Nick, and you’re sure to want to snap a pic or two for a keepsake.

From photo ops to breakfasts and brunches, train rides, and even special holiday shows, we’ve rounded up more than 50 of the best places to see Santa across the state this year. They include some old classics as well as a few new favorites.

Whether you want to take in the holiday lights, have your preschooler mingle with Kris Kringle, or hear a token ho-ho-ho at a free event, there’s something for everybody.

Read on for where to catch up with the jolly jet-setter all over New Jersey this holiday season. 

You'll find even more ways to get the yuletide party started in our Holiday Fun Guide and Dozen Holiday Must-Dos.

24 Awesome Santa Claus Activities for Philly Kids

Scuba Santa returns to Adventure Aquarium!

With Thanksgiving behind us, it's time to start getting ready for Christmas. With so many holiday activities and events to choose from, figuring out which ones will actually let you catch a glimpse of the big man himself, and maybe even capture some one-on-one time, can be a daunting process. So we're making things easy for you with this list of Greater Philly ongoing and one-time events where you kids are guaranteed to see Santa. Take a break from your baking, shopping, and party planning duties, and spend fun quality time with your family this holiday season.

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