Memorial Day Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Festivals, Day Trips, and More Things To Do

Runaway Rapids water park opens for the season this Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the park

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day weekend has arrived, ushering in the unofficial start of summer. Feel the summer vibes at the Jersey Shore's brilliant Wildwoods International Kite Festival. And spend Memorial Day Monday at commemorative events in Holmdel and Freehold, among others. 

Memorial Day Weekend 2024 on Long Island: Festivals, Day Trips, and More Things To Do

Splish Splash, Long Island's largest water park, reopens for the summer season this weekend. Photo courtesy Splish Splash

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

Slip and slide into Memorial Day weekend at Splish Splash as it opens for the season. And, be sure to keep your eye on the sky as the Bethpage Air Show jets into town. 

If you're looking to let loose, Big Bounce America continues its run at Broadway Commons in Hicksville, while the Flip Circus dazzles audiences under the big top at Walt Whitman Mall. 

Happy Memorial Day from all of us here at Mommy Poppins!

40 Awesome Things To Do in Santa Monica With Kids

Santa Monica Pier. Photo by Roberta Brown

Is there anything more iconic than the Pacific Pier, rising over the ocean with its sparkling Ferris wheel? Santa Monica is, in many ways, the most "LA" part of LA, and is number one on the list for most tourists, which is why locals tend to avoid the packed streets. 

For years I was partial to beaches north of Los Angeles, but a friend recently invited me for a beach day, and I discovered that the coastline further down the PCH is less crowded, incredibly spacious, and perfect for my little crew. After a blissful day splashing in the Pacific, I was sold on Santa Monica's shoreline and the rest of the city as well. 

Whether you are a local mom looking for adventure or an out-of-towner planning your day, here are 40 fantastic, tried-and-true recommendations for enjoying Santa Monica with kids. When you know where to look (and where to park), Santa Monica can be the perfect day out for everyone. 

Looking for more city guides? We can help you navigate around Pacific Palisades, Ventura, San Diego, Marina del Rey, and more seaside spots. Head to our day trips and weekend getaways guide for an extensive list of adventures in and around LA. 

LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta Shows Kids How Everything Is Awesome!

​You never know who you'll run into at LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta!

After undergoing a $5-million renovation, LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta continues to remind children and families of the power and beauty of imagination. Still located on the top floor of Phipps Plaza, this 35,000-square-foot, indoor play spot features fun and innovative ways to build, interact, create, climb, and even ride LEGOs. And it was the first LEGO Discovery Center in North America to earn a Certified Autism Center status!

We've got your inside look into the LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta LEGO Master Builders and Duplo newbies alike will love this Atlanta attraction sure to connect us all, brick by colorful brick.

Top Broadway School for Kids and Teens Has Select Summer Camp Spots Available

A Class Act NY serves up summer training in musical theater, on-camera acting, dramatic arts, and voice-over in Midtown Manhattan.

A Class Act NY’s musical theater and acting program offers summer camps and classes for ages 5 and up taught by Broadway stars and industry pros.

Offering 10 different week-long summer camps led by Broadway actors, LA TV Directors and Casting Directors, and other top industry professionals, A Class Act NY has options for young actors of all skill levels. From late June through August, the popular program serves up training in musical theater, on-camera acting, dramatic arts, and voice-over at Pearl Studios in Midtown Manhattan–just steps away from Times Square and the Theater District. Choose from Aladdin Kids Camp, Broadway Boot Camp, an On-Camera Intensive, and other engaging programming.

Whether you’ve got a rising kindergartener eager to play a part in their first play or an experienced teen hoping to participate in an industry showcase packed with talent reps, A Class Act NY has the camp for you. We have the answers to the most commonly asked questions about this award-winning studio and its summer programming.

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