While New Yorkers usually dread going to the airport (thanks to the construction, traffic, and all-around charmlessness that characterize good old LGA and JFK), stepping inside the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport is like taking a well-designed trip down memory lane. As you enter the hotel, you’re greeted by classic cars and flight crew dressed in retro uniforms. Just a few steps up is a sprawling white-and-red lounge reminiscent of the 1960s. Those in the lounge have the best view of all: A brand new ice skating rink sitting on the tarmac next to a retired TWA propeller plane.

The newest ice skating option in Queens, the Runway Rink at the TWA hotel opened at the end of November, just in time for the holiday travel rush. Read on for details about the new rink and tips on visiting with kids—it's a winter wonderland worth seeing if you have to be at JFK!

Stepping into one of Yayoi Kusama’s infinity mirror rooms is both thrilling and intimidating in the same breath. Best known for her infinity rooms—Kusama has produced more than 20 of them since 1965—the Japanese contemporary artist is currently having a bit of a New York moment. She debuted a new float in the NYC Thanksgiving Parade last month and will mount a large-scale exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden in May 2020. Her “Every Day I Pray For Love” exhibition, which is on display at David Zwirne​r Gallery in Chelsea until this weekend, is FREE and open to the public on a first come, first entry basis.

After waiting close to two hours with my three children (aged 5, 9 and 13) on a winding line of excitement to see “Dancing Lights That Flew Up To the Universe,” I was ready for something transformative. Does the experience live up to the hype? The answer, like a lot of things art-related, may depend on the eye of the beholder.

Christmas at the Queen Mary is a great place to spend a chilly evening during the holiday season. The vintage ocean liner in Long Beach harbor comes alive with Christmas lights, carolers, encounters with Santa, a seasonal ice rink, a Christmas train, and several other festive and wintery activities. The annual holiday event takes place both on board and around The Queen Mary, meaning lots of twinkly photo ops against the backdrop of the floating monument, as well as exploring the art deco decks of the beloved ship. For us, it's an annual holiday tradition!

An after-dinner drive to take in one of LA's classic neighborhood holiday light displays is a treat all families should indulge in. It's an easy, cheap way to get in the Christmas spirit (or just enjoy someone else's). Of course, counting on other people to decorate their lawns is only so reliable. To be sure of a full evening of holiday lights and holiday cheer, sometimes it's worth driving to a big public light display, or even splurging on pay-to-play holiday lights. Several local destinations indulge us in our desire to see grand-scale Christmas lights, from Zoo Lights to walks in the woods. The bigger the group you can round up, the more festive; it helps to know which of LA's big public light shows are worth the ticket price this holiday season.

Are you looking for a fun day trip with your family to get in the Christmas spirit? Sometimes we need a break from all of the hustle and bustle of the month of December to just step back and enjoy the beauty of the season. Take a ride to PA Dutch Country or the Lehigh Valley to experience vintage Christmas celebrations, amazing light displays, nativity scenes, or amusement parks decked out in their holiday finest.  

Here is our list of some great holiday attractions outside Philadelphia to visit with children of any age. Many are within an hour's drive from the city, so pack the kids in the car and get ready to hit the road! In case you are up for the longer drive, our nearby Mommy Poppins sites in New Jersey and New York City also have fun-filled guides to the holidays.  And don't forget to check out the Philly holiday guide for more Christmas fun.