Griffith Observatory: 10 Reasons To Visit Real Stars in Los Angeles

Submitted by Lindsay Halladay on

Feeling a little "been there, done that" with some of SoCal's popular tourist stops? Can't say we blame you. But the famous Griffith Park Observatory is one iconic destination not to be overlooked. The most-visited public observatory in the world, Griffith is also a familiar sight from the many films in which it has (ahem) guest starred. If you or anyone in your family loves space exploration, stargazing, science, or even hiking it's a must-go. Here are 10 reasons why.

Blast Off Into Nature at Challenger Seven Memorial Park

Ashley Jones's picture Submitted by Ashley Jones on

Looking for a serene spot to connect with nature that's large enough to take your entire extended family? Look no further than Challenger Seven Memorial Park in Webster. Known for it's miles of winding trails, lush green spaces, stellar playground equipment, and plenty of picnic tables and pavilions, this park is a hot spot for family fun. 

Great Outdoor Dining Spots for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Kailyn Champlin on

What could be nicer during the warm-weather months than taking the kids to a family restaurant with an open-air atmosphere? There's just something about a warm breeze that makes a tasty meal even more delectable.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to eat with kids in Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End. These family-friendly menus, locations, and attractions make them ideal choices for parents with hungry kids. It's just part of our comprehensive guide to Long Island family-friendly restaurants.

If, after dinner, your kids crave some sweets, why not check out our list of old-time ice cream parlors, or for more outdoor inspiration, see our guide to summer fun on Long Island.

Say Hello to Japan at Please Touch Museum's Latest Intercultural Exhibit

Submitted by Lindsay Li on

The newest traveling exhibit to come to the Please Touch Museum has come a long way to enrich the educational experience with a trilingual space that explores the cultural experience of traditional and contemporary Japan. Hello from Japan! features tons of hands-on activities and is one of the most digital exhibits to travel to the museum so far. I had a chance to check it out with my two kids (aged 5 and 1). Hello from Japan! invites visitors to explore how traditional Japanese aesthetics co-exists harmoniously with the contemporary.

Best Brooklyn Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds for Summer Fun

Submitted by Sara F on

When the sticky NYC summer heat sets in, kids need fun things to do to keep cool (bonus points if the kiddos also get a chance to burn off some energy). There’s no better solution than water playgrounds—get cool in the water, dry off to hit the other playground equipment, rinse and repeat. All afternoon.

And best of all, hitting a water playground is a FREE summer activity you can do every day. We’ve rounded up the best water features and playgrounds around Brooklyn so that you and the little ones can try a new place to spray and play every day of the week. 

It's a long summer! Find more ways to keep cool with our NYC Beaches, Pools, and Water Parks Guide, which includes splash pads in other boroughs too!

Pelham Bay Park with Kids: Bike, Hike, Play in the Sand

Sonia Gonzalez's picture Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on

Pelham Bay Park is the crown jewel of the Bronx. At nearly 3,000 acres, Pelham Bay Park is three times the size of Central Park, and packed with awesome family attractions including Orchard Beach, four playgrounds, miles of paths to bike or hike, tennis courts, mini golf, two nature centers, a horseback riding stable, and a historic 19th-century mansion-turned-museum. How many other NYC parks boast all that? None!

My family and I are lucky enough to live nearby, but even though we've been to Pelham Bay Park countless times, we never tire of visiting. There's so much to do here, you can't possibly cover it all in one day. We've highlighted the best activities and attractions in the park for families in our top 12 ways to enjoy Pelham Bay Park with kids.

4th of July Fireworks Cruises for Families in LA and OC

Submitted by Martha Hall on

We landlubbers love our fireworks, don't we? Well, if you think the view from the shore is stunning, try witnessing the spectacle from a boat. That's a holiday memory your kiddos won't soon forget. Several small cruise boats set sail this Independence Day, with 2-3 hour tours to delight you and your first mates. Snuggle on deck under a blanket and watch the sky come alive as the water sparkles below. Read on to find a boat leaving a port near you.

4th of July Fireworks in and Around Boston

Tara D's picture Submitted by Tara D on

If you’re looking for a fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a classic choice. Heading over to the Esplanade in the morning to stake out a spot, enjoying a picnic and the outdoors all afternoon, then in the evening hearing the 1812 overture as fireworks explode in the sky is a Boston tradition families have been enjoying for decades. 

But if the sounds and crowds on the Esplanade seem a bit overwhelming, there are plenty of other great options. Lots of towns around Boston put on their own 4th of July displays that are just right for families with young children. Read on for some wonderful local celebrations with fireworks from June 30th through July 4th, and check out other Independence Day activities (an Ice Cream Cruise!) on our events calendar.

Best July 4th Fireworks for NJ Families from Jersey City to the Shore

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on

From small town celebrations to waterfront extravaganzas, we've got the scoop on NJ's best options for family-friendly fireworks shows on July 4th. You can cheer on the red, white, and blue in Atlantic City, which hosts one of the country's biggest celebrations; spread out a beach blanket and enjoy a display down the shore; take in the fireworks extravaganza at the New Jersey State Fair; or choose from more than a dozen other great shows happening throughout the state. 

In addition to fireworks, these July 4th celebrations include lots of other fun activities, such as parades, a Revolutionary War encampment, live music, and even a canoe race. Read on for more than a dozen picks. 

For even more holiday-weekend fun, be sure to check out our Summer Fun Guide.

Best Water Parks for Toddlers Near NYC

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

When temperatures soar, there's always New York's FREE neighborhood pools or sprinklers for a quick cool down with the kids, but on particularly hot summer days, nothing beats the heat like a splashing out on a trip to a water park near NYC. 

Families with toddlers in tow aren't looking for big slides or big waves, though, so we've rounded up our top splash pads for the preschool set. Prepare to find toddler-sized attractions, along with perks such as nursing stations and FREE mini life jackets—and don't worry, there's plenty of big-kid fun to go around, too. So read on for details on 11 parks within two hours of New York City that cater to the littlest water explorers.

Check out our NYC Beaches, Pools, and Water Fun Guide for more family-friendly ideas on how to cool down in the city.

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