CAMP, the NYC-based family experience store that's part play space, part children's boutique is debuting a brand new 6,500-square-foot outpost in the Garden State Plaza today. Get all the details on this fun interactive shop and plus a sneak peek at the entertainment and goodies in store for visitors, including interactive play areas, arts and crafts, and plenty of super-cool, curated toys to take home.

The NYPL is flinging open its doors and beckoning New Yorkers to come inside with a series of activations meant to remind visitors of all the free services available at its branches from local neighborhood locations to destination-worthy spots, which all offer way more than shelves and shelves of books.

The first gift of the holiday season has arrived, and it's a big one: Santa Claus is landing his sleigh on 34th Street and again taking visits in-person at Macy's Santaland in the heart of NYC at Macy's Herald Square flagship store. If you want to share your wish list with him, though, take note: Reservations are required for all Santaland visits in 2021.

Read on for details on this trademark, must-do, only-in-NYC experience and mark your calendars: Macy's Santaland opens for the season on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Nestled in the charming North Shore community of Glen Cove, the new Garvies Point Playground is destined to become a family favorite. You can’t miss the massive sail-shaped climbing tower, a nod to Long Island Sound, that acts as a backdrop. With all of the sights and sounds, you and your kids will love this place.

The playground is located on Dickson Street along the eastern side of Hempstead Bay and is part of a $1.3 billion, mixed-use development. The area has been completely revitalized from idle industrial lots to a vibrant place to live and play. 

Read on for our review, and see our guide to Long Island parks and playgrounds for more outdoor inspiration.   

Riding a bike is more than a childhood milestone. It develops a sense of balance, strengthens muscles, fosters an appreciation for the outdoors, and makes for wonderful family bonding time. Luckily for New Jersey families, there are tons of family-friendly bike paths throughout the state, from the Kittatinny Mountains to the Jersey Shore.

Read on for 15 family-friendly bike paths for a ride. If you prefer to travel on foot, check out these 12 easy hikes in NJ for families with small children.

West Adams is one of the oldest neighborhoods in LA, and as you explore you can feel how right it is in culture, diversity, and history. But it can be tricky for visitors to locate the area’s “hot spots”—which is one of the reasons why those living here love it! Knowing where to find the perfect taco, the perfect gift, or the perfect park, still feels like insider information. You are very much in the middle of a giant city here, but rarely are your favorite spots overcrowded. I love the many family-friendly surprises that this urban, creative neighborhood holds!

Here are 20 spots (and a bonus at the end!) in the greater West Adams and Mid-City area that families are sure to love. For more places to explore in Los Angeles, check out our favorite neighborhood and city guides that help families uncover every great hidden place in LA.

In the concrete jungle of NYC, it’s easy to get swept up by the towering skyscrapers, busy streets, and loud city sounds. The best medicine—and what we probably all need a bit more of—is nature. With that in mind, we culled our knowledge of NYC parks and playgrounds to find the best nature-themed playgrounds for kids to re-connect with the great outdoors.

This list will have you and your kids romping in green spaces, climbing unique structures, and exploring natural wildlife areas, all without leaving the urban jungle. Take a deep breath, dive right in, and enjoy the fresh air! Find more fun places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds for NYC Kids.

Visiting a Christmas town or a Santa's village before Christmas is a great way to experience the magic of the season. While nothing beats the joy of watching your kids’ faces light up on Christmas morning as they run toward the tree, Christmas towns offer kids the chance to post their Dear Santa letter via official North Pole mail, help Santa feed his reindeer, or sing Christmas carols on a sleigh ride. Luckily, you don’t have to wait until late December for yuletide magic. New England has some of the top Christmas towns in the world, along with cities hosting famous light displays, charming Christmas festivals, and spirited parades that offer families cherished Christmastime experiences beginning as early as Thanksgiving week. 

To plan more fun in the region, see our New England Family Travel Guide. If you just can't wait for Christmas, watch one of our picks for the best kids Christmas movies.