12 Family-Friendly Tree House Rentals to Delight Their Imaginations

A zip line and more await at Portland's Eagle's Nest Treehouse. Photo courtesy of julian@hipcamp

It might just be every child’s dream to sleep in a tree house, and honestly, it sounds downright magical to us as parents, too. Besides, after the year we all just had, couldn't we all use a little getaway to the woods?

We found a dozen tree house rentals to help make those dreams of sleeping in the trees come true! From Maine to California, consider these kid-friendly tree house rentals for your next family vacation.

Where The Wild Things Are...Waiting for You: at Beardsley Zoo

Where can you gaze into the eyes of Siberian tigers, watch the antics of a red panda or the graceful dance of a colorful peacock, admire the perfect stillness of a sloth or trace the movements of turtles, or be wowed by the size of a bison - all in one day? At Beardsley Zoo, of course. Listed at the top of our 120 Things to Do With Kids in Connecticut, our state's only zoological park has been harboring endangered species, promoting conservation, and delighting visitors of all ages for nearly 100 years. 

10 Great Farms Near Philly with Family Entertainment

At times Hellerick's Family Farm can resemble a thrill park. Photo courtesy of Hellerick's Family Farm

Old MacDonald might have his own song, but he could never compete with these farms near Philly that feature plenty of family-oriented entertainment right alongside the tractors and bales of hay.

The fall is an ideal time to visit these kid-friendly farms in the Philadelphia area. Visits with the animals are a must, and who doesn't love a sweet treat from the farm market to end the day? All of that and much more awaits families at these 10 farms — big on activities for parents and kids alike.

Read on to see at which places you’ll want to spend the entire day with your family.

The Houston Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Activity Date: 
Repeats every week every Sunday and every Friday and every Saturday until Wed Dec 27 2023 except Fri Dec 01 2023. Also includes Thu Dec 14 2023, Tue Dec 19 2023, Wed Dec 20 2023, Thu Dec 21 2023, Tue Dec 26 2023, Wed Dec 27 2023.
Friday, November 24, 2023 Various times
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Saturday, December 2, 2023 Various times
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Friday, December 8, 2023 Various times
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Thursday, December 14, 2023 Various times
Friday, December 15, 2023 Various times
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Friday, December 22, 2023 Various times
Saturday, December 23, 2023 Various times
Sunday, December 24, 2023 Various times
Tuesday, December 26, 2023 Various times
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 Various times
Event Info
Cost: 
Tickets start at $35
Recommended Age: 
7+
Editor's Pick: 
Activity Types: 

20 Acting Classes and Musical Theater Classes in New Jersey for Kids

The Garden State is home to a variety of local organizations offering acting classes for kids.

If you've got an aspiring actor on your hands, there are plenty of great acting classes for kids in New Jersey. These local spots offer lessons to help your star-in-the-making shine whether they're a newbie, aspiring professional, or somewhere in between. And, if your child’s schedule is already booked through the school year, don’t fret—most of these spots offer summer acting camps, too.

For more enrichment opportunities, check out our guide to Classes and Activities in New Jersey for kids.

Every Immersive Art Experience for Kids in LA: Gogh To Van Gogh and See the Sistine

Mirrors put kids right in the middle of the art at Immersive  Van Gogh. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

LA is having an immersive moment, and it's one of the few things we can thank the pandemic for: inspiring the proliferation of these amazing, touch-free, large-scale productions. They're popping up everywhere—in fact, there are two Van Gogh exhibits near LA—and these immersive art experiences will take you from the heart of Vatican City to the art on the street. Walking into one of these larger-than-life pop-up shows is like diving into an artist's palette (and mind!). Traditional museums around Southern California are a wonderful destination for you and your little art lovers, but don't miss a chance to visit at least one of these current or upcoming immersive shows, which are great for kids of all ages and a true treat for art-starved adults!

Read on for the scoop of when these art experiences are popping up, what each entails, and which ones are best to visit with kids.

Homemade Butter Recipe (3 Easy Steps)

Homemade butter always tastes a little better.

Homemade butter is easy to make and requires nothing more than some heavy cream, a tightly lidded container, and a marble. It's fun to make, and kids love this at-home, rainy (or snowy) day project. We've made this homemade butter recipe several times, but really got into it during our covid-baking days. Give it a try! Not only does the butter taste fresher, you can evoke days of old without having to figure out how to make a butter churner. Plus, kids are super proud to serve butter they made by themselves.

Find more things to cook and create in our guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.

Gymnastics Classes for Kids on Long Island

Kids can learn agility while cultivating self-esteem and confidence at a Long Island gymnastics class.  Photo by rain0975 via Flickr

Gymnastics is a multidimensional sport that improves endurance, strength, and flexibility, as well as grace and poise. Few sports challenge participants in so many areas.

Gymnastics classes on Long Island can help a shy child learn to express him or herself in a whole new way. There are many class options available, from mommy-and-me programs for younger kids to beginner and advanced gymnastics instruction for older students.

For additional class suggestions, see our Classes and Enrichment Guide for Long Island Kids.

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