Petting Zoos Near NYC Where Kids Can See Farm Animals

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

We're so fortunate to live in a city that offers an incredible array of fun spring activities for kids, but sometimes I fret over the disconnect from nature. I want my daughter to be as comfortable in the country as she is in the urban jungle, so we're always looking for ways to get out of NYC and explore the expansive farmland that borders the city.

While you can meet some furry friends at the city's wonderful zoos, and even get hands-on at their mini petting zoos, there's something particularly special about enjoying an authentic farm setting. We've rounded up our top petting zoos and animal havens to get some serious face time with furry friends. Get ready to load up the family for a day of donkey petting, goat bottle-feedings, and sheep shearing.

Here are our favorite spots for an up-close animal encounter, all within two hours of NYC.

Outdoor Go-Karts Around Houston: The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush

Ashley Jones's picture Submitted by Ashley Jones on

On your mark, get set, go! Take the wheel and head toward one of these family-friendly go-kart tracks in the greater Houston area. Feel the wind in your hair as you whip around hairpin turns and race down straightaways toward the finish line. Go the extra mile at these fantastic outdoor tracks, many of which also offer fun activities such as laser tag, mini golf, and arcade games.

Boston Kids' Swim Lessons Where Parents Don't Need to Get in the Pool

Elyse Andrews's picture Submitted by Elyse Andrews on

There are plenty of places that offer parent-child swim lessons for babies and toddlers in Boston, but that format doesn't work for all families. In some cases, parents aren't keen on the idea of getting in the pool themselves; in others, kids respond better to instructors when parents aren't around. Fewer places offer lessons for under-3-year-olds without a caregiver in the pool to participate, but many that do are highly rated by parents. Here are a few places to choose from if you'd prefer to stay dry while your little one takes the plunge.

Cirque Du Soleil's Volta Is an Artful Adrenaline Rush

Liz Alterman's picture Submitted by Liz Alterman on

Cirque du Soleil's Volta show, which just landed in the greater NYC area, is a feast for the senses. From a stirring score to exhilarating acrobatics and heart-stopping thrills, the newest Cirque spectacle captivated audience members of all ages at the performance my 10-year-old son and I saw Sunday afternoon under the Big Top at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where it will run through May 6.

Volta also plays at the Nassau Colesium on Long Island, beginning May 17, and at the Philadelphia Expo Center, starting in July.

Flushing's Peek-a-BooO Play Area Brings Super-Sized Kid Fun

Submitted by Sally Chaffin Brooks on

Kids in New York City are used to making the most out of small spaces, so when you find a wide open place where they can roam free, it’s a real treat. At over 6,000 square feet, Flushing’s new play space, Peek-a-booO, is a super-sized delight. And it’s not just huge, it’s filled with modern, bright, fun climbing equipment, ball pits, interactive games, toys, and so much more!

Read on to find out all the details about this massive new Queens indoor play area.

7 Spots for a Special Mother's Day Brunch in Boston

Tara D's picture Submitted by Tara D on

Forget the flowers, the bath salts, and the foot soak. Indulge your mom, your wife, or—yes!—yourself with a a splurge-worthy breakfast or brunch to celebrate the fine art of motherhood. Boston’s special kid-friendly Mother’s Day brunches take it up a level with live music, cruises, crafts for kids, and decadent drinks. If you had another type of outing in mind for your special day, check out these springtime activity ideas.

Boost Baby’s Brain Power in One of These Fairfield County Classes

Makayla O'Keefe's picture Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on

If you have a baby, you know: Just getting out of the house can feel like an accomplishment. Like seriously. Now let’s talk classes. Does your baby really need to take classes? Yes. And so do you. Trust us. 

Taking a Mommy and me—or Dad and me, or Grandparent and me, or nanny and me—class can boost your babe’s brain power, help develop social skills and foster creativity. (Bonus: you can make some new mommy friends!) Classes also offer the perfect excuse to let your guard down and groove to your favorite kid tunes, make a glittery sticky mess, and just remember how to be silly. Here are some classes for you and your babe in Fairfield County. For more, check out our Connecticut Class Guide.

35 Events and Things To Do for Mother's Day in Westchester that Aren't Brunch

Submitted by Susan Miele on

It’s almost time to celebrate Mom! While we love nothing more than a great Mother's Day brunch (in fact, there are a lots of kid-friendly area restaurants to try), there’s something to be said about honoring her a little differently this year.

So whether you’re trying to avoid a mid-meal meltdown courtesy of your toddler or just looking to get outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather, we rounded up 35 things to do this Mother’s Day that don’t require restaurant reservations. Some take place on Saturday—because, let’s face it, we deserve more than a day!

Looking for more things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Consult our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters!

12 Great County Parks in Suffolk for Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on

With so many family-friendly county parks dotting the landscape of Suffolk County, there’s no excuse not to visit at least one (or two or three) of these beautiful outdoor destinations. The problem is, which ones to choose?

To help you decide, we’ve rounded up some of the best parks for families. From hiking, biking, and horseback riding to swimming, picnicking, and camping, these have it all, and some have even more, including bird watching, boating, and other family-friendly activities. We could go on and on.

These parks are all worth the trip. But be advised, some require a Suffolk County Green Key for access during peak periods. 

For more outdoor activities with the family, check out our spring fun and day trips guides, and don’t forget our events calendar.

40 Things to Do with New Jersey Preschoolers Before They Turn 5

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on

We have just five precious years or so to spend with our little ones before they head off to kindergarten. At this age, kids are growing and developing faster than they will at any other time in their lives, so many of us want to fill their days with as many opportunities to learn, laugh, and love life as possible! That means play spaces, mommy-and-me classes, storytimes, playgrounds, and other treasures that the Garden State holds for toddlers.

Take advantage of these great opportunities throughout New Jersey while your preschoolers are young enough to appreciate them—and sometimes even young enough to score FREE admission.

For more can't-miss Garden State destinations, check out 100 Things to Do in New Jersey with Kids Before They Grow Up.

Pages

Subscribe to Front page feed