Courage and Compassion at Harriet Beecher Stowe's House

Submitted by Clementina Verge on

Children love superheroes, those powerful people whose good deeds defeat evil, and leave the world a better place. Once kids start hearing about the amazing life of Harriet Beecher Stowe, they'll realize she totally qualifies as one. A tour of Hartford County's Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, which features her home and a museum, offers the opportunity to learn about this beloved author, and how she helped change history.

Weekday Fun: Solar Eclipse, Free Broadway, and Seaport Tennis

Submitted by Andy Fenwick on

New York City kids get treated to a major celestial event this week: the first, full solar eclipse over North America since 1979. As expected, there's a load of events to choose from, including a full eclipse shindig at the Hayden Planetarium, a slew of free library gatherings, and a free, super-cool viewing in the garden of Pioneer Works, in Red Hook. Also, see our full guide to watching the eclipse as a family.

That doesn't mean the rest of the week gets blocked out! You have Grand Central's Summer Send-Off starting Tuesday, with free, daily performances from the casts of Broadway's biggest shows, like School of Rock, or The Great Comet of 1812. You also have a free tennis party, at the South Street Seaport, celebrating the U.S. Open. 

Got a summer infant? See our list of 12 surprisingly fun places to hang with your baby in New York City. Meanwhile, our action-packed August GoList isn't done with you yet, and our Summer Fun Guide continues to burst with fun ideas. Catch these 30 must-do summer events and activities before the kids head back to school. For deeper into the future, see our Event Calendar. 

Weekday Picks for Philly Kids: Solar Eclipse, Free Fun, History August 21-25

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on

At long last, the solar eclipse occurs on Monday! Although Philadelphia isn't among the prime viewing locations, it is still a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this celestial phenomenon. Luckily, there are many local spots hosting solar eclipse events such as Independence Seaport Museum, Franklin Institute, Wagner Free Institute of Science, Brandywine Creek State Park, and Myrick Conservation Center.

After checking eclipse-watching off your lifetime bucket list, savor some free summertime fun. See an outdoor movie at The Dell or Pennypack on the Delaware, watch the Summer Mummers entertain the crowd at Powell Lane Plaza, partake in a Tinkergarten Trial Class at Wooden Park, or jam to live music at Kerr Park. Explore the life of Benjamin Franklin with a free visit to Benjamin Franklin Museum. In addition, kids can participate in free programming such as Barnacles and Bullets at the New Hall Military Museum and Colonial Stations situated throughout Historic Philadelphia.

Reality-check... the school year is just around the corner. Combat back-to-school jitters with a trip to Bucks County Children's Museum and be sure to check out a few consignment sales to update your kids' wardrobe with clothes for the season. For now, continue reading for our top weekday picks.

Yosemite: Plan a Fun, Kid-Friendly Getaway to California's Favorite National Park

Submitted by Jennifer Cook Nice on

Where can one see El Capitan and Half Dome simultaneously, gaze at two thousand-year-old trees, and hike to the foot of a waterfall? Answer: Yosemite, California.

If you live in the LA area, Yosemite National Park and the surrounding areas are a must-see, and a great spot for a quick getaway that feels farther away than it is. But with so many options in one park, it's also a destination unto itself, worthy of travel from afar.

Here's a quick guide for planning a Yosemite getaway with kids in tow.

6 Labor Day Getaways for Houston Families

Carrie Taylor's picture Submitted by Carrie Taylor on

School has begun (or is about to begin) for little Houstonians, but that doesn't mean the vacations have to end. Labor Day has excellent timing in that it gives you a chance to squeeze in one more trip before the back-to-school craziness takes over. From beaches to unique campgrounds, there are plenty of great options surrounding Houston for a quick weekend getaway. Here are six options for every family, from fishing hotspots to ice cream factory tours.

Kid-Friendly Marinas on Long Island's Waterfront

Submitted by Thien August on

Whether or not you own a boat, marinas are an attraction for their water views and laid-back atmosphere. Add a restaurant, fishing pier, and an amazing sunset and it becomes quite a destination for family fun. It’s no wonder Long Islanders ienjoy hanging out at the marina on a summer day. Here are our picks for marinas that offer plenty of fun extras.

Looking for more waterfront fun? Check out our list of family-friendly boat rides and the best beaches for Long Island families.

Summer Bucket List: 30 Things to Do in NYC Before School Starts

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

With August upon us and the start of a new school year looming, my kids and I are in a panic about all the things we haven't yet crossed off our NYC summer bucket list.

Sure, we've had a lot of fun tooling around the city, enjoying our local swimming pool, reigniting a love for some favorite playgrounds, and soaking up all the FREE entertainment. There are plenty of great activities we haven't gotten to, though.

So as a reminder to us, and to you, we've crafted this list of 30 things to do before summer ends. Some are summer-only events happening all month; others are one-time-only affairs, so read on and get ready to dive in before the summer sun sets!

Stargazing in NJ: Best Views, Observatories, Astronomy Clubs

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on

If you have a little Galileo on your hands, you're in luck: New Jersey is home to a myriad of majestic outdoor stargazing locations, as well as many public observatories and astronomy clubs for the truly dedicated. With the proper equipment, information, and planning, your family can get an up-close look at planets, star clusters, and the moon.

And of course, don't miss our guide to safely enjoying the solar eclipse on Monday, August 21. Happy stargazing, NJ!

10 Great Beach Day Trips in Connecticut

Submitted by Sherry Pardy on

As a lifelong resident of Connecticut, the list of my state's redeeming qualities is lengthy.  Among the attributes of living in the Nutmeg State, is our close proximity to water.  No matter where in Connecticut you find yourself, you're likely within an hour's drive of a beach!  And, in the summer, with anxious, energetic kiddos, the less time spent in the car, the better.  So, we've compiled a list of 10 great beach day trips within Connecticut.  There's sure to be one close to you! Make sure to check out our list of 8 Affordable Connecticut Beaches too. And for more summer fun check out our CT Summer Fun Guide.

Six Boston-Area Playgrounds with Shade

Lucie T's picture Submitted by Lucie T on

Recently, we went on a hunt for special playgrounds that have unique elements that make them worthy of getting in the car and driving to. But in the dog days of summer, we have one more criteria that's essential for a perfect day at the park: shade. Here are six tree-lined parks and playgrounds with an hour of Boston that have natural elements to keep you cool while you're having fun.

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