CSTL Expands its Dinosaur Exhibit Adding Life-Like Animatronic Models and More

The new roaring triceratops model at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning is one of the highlights of the overhauled exhibit.

Young paleontologists no longer have to trek into the city to get a dose of dinosaurs. The Center for Science Teaching and Learning in Rockville Centre has long enchanted us with its exhibits featuring fossils, models, and live animals. New for summer 2021, it's added brand new dinosaurs—including animatronic models—and more interactive features.

Read on for more details on the exhibit and find more fun places to explore in our Guide to Museums for Long Island Kids.

Road Trip Essentials To Keep Kids Occupied, Organized, and Comfortable

These road trip hacks might just make for a saner drive.

The route is mapped out, the car is gassed (or charged) up, and endless interstate adventures are waiting for you at every toll booth. Road trips with kids can mean miles of smiles, or miles of boredom, tummy aches, and constant refrains of “are we there yet.” We much prefer the former, so we’re relying on these road trip essentials to keep the whole gang happy for hours on the highway.

In a pinch, don't forget about these old-school road trip games you probably played in the backseat, too. 'I Spy,' anyone? License Plate game?

Best Ice Cream Shops Near Houston and More Frozen Treats

Cool off with delicious ice cream in Houston this summer! Photo by Anna Fader

We know it's hot in Houston, but that just means you can indulge in ice cream year-round. Whether it's an after-school treat, weekend break, or an after-dinner outing while savoring those last rays of sunlight, these spots have the best ice cream and frozen desserts in Houston.

Need more ways to cool off? Try one of Houston's splash pads or free swimming pools when you're done with your sweet treat.

20 Great Ice Cream Shops and Treat Shops in Orlando

Enjoy 20 flavors at Orange Blossom Candies & Cream, including the namesake orange blossom.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Did you know that July is the official National Ice Cream Month in the United States? In honor of this, we’ve put together a list of the top ice cream shops in Central Florida. Whether you want traditional ice cream, soft serve, gelato, or unique options like rolled ice cream, we've got you covered.

Even if you are reading this outside of the summer months, in Florida you can can enjoy ice cream year-round. So plan a special outing to indulge in a cool treat. And if ice cream is not your thing, we’ve also included places to find other sweet treats, from pies, to donuts, to flavored marshmallows.

Sunflower Farms in Connecticut for Pick-Your-Own Flowers

Stroll a nearby sunflower farm in Connecticut. Photo by Ally Noel

Forget grocery store bouquets—by mid-summer, Connecticut fields are bursting with sunflowers and other brightly colored flowers, and many farms allow families to cut their own bouquets to bring home. Kids can enjoy selecting the most beautiful blooms to carefully arrange in vases, press into books, or weave into hair crowns. Bonus fun: One of these sunflower farms has a flower maze, too! 

For more PYO fun, see our list of Connecticut farms where kids can pick berries, summer fruit, and veggies.

12 Best Florida Keys Resorts and Hotels for Families

Does it get any dreamier than a Florida Keys resort that meets the ocean? Photo courtesy Isla Bella

The Florida Keys and Key West region of Florida is the perfect family vacation spot to get that tropical island setting without leaving the US. The islands of the Florida Keys are known for a relaxed vibe, watercolor sunsets, and endless family-friendly water activities. The local Florida Keys resorts and hotels don't skimp on all that island charm either.

Read on to discover the top resorts and hotels in the Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and the Lower Keys/Key West. 

How to Get Free Admission To Houston's Biggest Attractions for Kids

Space Center Houston is free for 4 the and under crowd! Photo courtesy of the museum

Houston has a long list of major attractions to visit with kids, but spending all that cash on admission tickets can add up fast. Luckily, many of the best places to visit offer FREE admission for kids under a certain age. This comes in super handy for families with kids of multiple ages. Whether you want to see animals up close at the zoo, head to a museum, or see a Houston-area landmark like the San Jacinto Monument or Space Center Houston, you can save some money by taking your kids to one of these amazing places.

And even if your kids are past the age when their admission is free, there are plenty of times when local museums offer FREE admission on select days.

10 Flower Farms Near Boston Where Kids Can Pick Blooms

Pick sunflowers, tulips, and more flowers at Boston-area farms! Photo by Ally Noel

With ample room to roam around, these flower farms near Boston are a great place to bring kids on a nice spring, summer, or early fall afternoon. The pretty sunflower fields, lavender farms, and rows of tulips ready for picking are also a nice backdrop for a family day trip out of the city.

Check out these top 10 flower farms near Boston for your next excursion, and don't forget to pack your own scissors! You can also likely do some strawberry picking, blueberry picking, or apple picking to add to that custom bouquet. 

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