ArtRink Brings Rooftop Ice Skating to the Brooklyn Children's Museum

You can now glide your way across the Brooklyn Children's Museum's roof thanks to the opening of its new exhibit, ArtRink. Photo by Winston Williams

If you're looking for a cool new outing, bundle up and head over to the Brooklyn Children Museum's new rooftop ArtRink, which transforms the space into an art-filled winter wonderland. The 3,200-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink is the main attraction on the museum's newly bedecked rooftop, which also features interactive art installations and plenty of places to cozy up—all under the sparkling lights of a giant rooftop canopy.

Phillipsburg's Polar Express Christmas Train Is a Charming Holiday Outing

Twinkling lights, jolly old St. Nick, and plenty of sweet treats await during a ride on The Polar Express Christmas train.

Tickets, please! It’s time for a Christmas train ride to the North Pole on The Polar Express, departing from Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Enjoy a magical journey based on the beloved holiday story, featuring familiar characters, including the conductor, pastry chefs serving hot chocolate, elves, a singing hobo, and the big man himself—Santa Claus!

If you’re looking for a Christmas train experience, this 1 hour, 45-minute tour along the Delaware River overflows with holiday spirit, and it's worthy of becoming an annual family tradition. Read on for our full review, and find more seasonal outings in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey.

20 Fun Christmas Games for the Whole Family: Start a New Holiday Tradition

First word, sounds like... Photo by Mommy Poppins

Christmas games are a great way to encourage a little fun and family teamwork (or friendly competition) at holiday gatherings. We’ve rounded up some free Christmas games you can make yourself, as well as some fun Christmas games you can buy. These games are great for Christmas at home—or any kid-friendly holiday event. Most of the games on this list are easy for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy, and when you find one your whole family adores, playing it can become a new family annual tradition. Read on below for our favorite Christmas games – family edition. Let the giggles and holiday fun begin!

Don't miss our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids for more holiday-themed family fun from the Best Christmas Movies for the Whole Family to Christmas Cookies To Bake With Kids and more.

Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy Transforms the Park into a Holiday Lights Wonderland

Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy provides a charming holiday season destination.

As the mother of a 3- and 5-year-old, we've visited Storybook Land in the past, and both our children were enamored with the little kid-friendly theme park, but a recent visit to Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights proved to be truly spectacular, and it's an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit!

The theme park is bedazzled in holiday lights annually from mid-November through the end of December and a visit is truly one of the top holiday events for little ones in New Jersey. Read on for our full review and start planning your holiday outing.

Masks & Vaccinations Policies in New York: Key to NYC and Safety Protocols for Kids and Visitors

Whether you're visiting NYC or live here, you'll need to take into account the Key to NYC vaccine requirement. Photo by author

Local families and visitors take note: New York state has reinstituted its mask mandate, while New York City's COVID vaccine requirement rules now apply to children ages 5+. Here's what you need to know about where vaccines are required and the latest on mask mandates in NYC and nearby so you can enjoy all the city has to offer during the magical holiday season and beyond.

9 Places to Have Afternoon Tea with Long Island Kids

Salon and Tea. Photo by JT Santini Photography

When the weather is cold on Long Island, enjoying a warm cup of tea with your favorite little person is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

From sampling a variety of tea flavors to tasting yummy miniature sandwiches and scones, these Long Island tea rooms offer a warm welcome in an elegant setting just in time for Hot Tea Month in January.

For more delicious fun with your little ones, check out our list of the best Long Island brunch destinations for families, or treat yourself to our roundup of the Island's most decadent dessert spots

12 Afternoon and Holiday Tea Spots Near DC for Families

Don your fancy hat and head to an afternoon or holiday tea! Photo courtesy of The Tea Cart, Facebook

With all that needs to be done during the holiday season, it's not always at the top of the list to take some time to relax. But a little break can go a long way in helping you power through that shopping and to-do list. What better way to slow down and recharge than by enjoying some holiday tea with family and friends?

We've rounded up 12 kid-friendly places to get afternoon tea or holiday tea in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia this holiday season. All of these places offer an assortment of savory and sweet treats and traditional tea fare such as scones along with tea. And if tea isn't to your liking, several of these places offer other beverages, including adult choices!

We've checked with all 12 afternoon and holiday tea spots to ensure they have availability, but they're likely to fill up quickly. So, make your reservations early to be sure you get a spot—fancy hats optional!

Splurge-worthy Holiday and Christmas Activities for Houston Families

Celebrate Christmas at the Gaylord Texan, photo courtesy of Marriott

While we love a free holiday event as much as the next person, there are some festive activities that add seasonal pizazz precisely because they are a little more extravagant. Whether you're in the mood to dress up for an afternoon holiday tea, or take in a Nutcracker performance, or road trip to the Christmas Capital of Texas to stay at the Gaylord Texan or Great Wolf Lodge, we've found some of the best splurge-worthy holiday and Christmas activities for you and your family this season. 

For even more holiday and Christmas activities and events, be sure to check out our event calendar and our holiday and Christmas event guide. We also have an entire guide dedicated to Christmas activities and holiday fun so you can bring the magic of the season into your home with ease. 

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