Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids |

Best Off-Broadway Shows for Kids: Affordable Children's Theater in NYC

Submitted by Raven Snook on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 1:30pm

Taking kids to a Broadway show is an exciting and memorable experience. It's also a pricey one. That's why it's worth looking beyond Broadway, where you'll find some long-running, kid-friendly shows that are less expensive, more offbeat, but just as special.

From a surefire toddler hit to a Harry Potter parody for tweens to those world-famous blue dudes, there are options for all ages and interests. We've even shared ways you can snag deeply discounted tickets. All of these Off-Broadway productions make great birthday party activities, too.

Chelsea With Kids: 50 Fun Things to Do in This NYC Neighborhood

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 8:30am

Chelsea attracts locals and tourists alike with its rows of charming historic townhouses, great restaurants, and top NYC attractions like The High Line, Chelsea Market, and the Whitney Museum.

The neighborhood has changed a lot over the past few decades. Back in the '80s, its streets were rundown and desolate, but in the '90s an influx of artists and gay professionals helped kick-start the area's transformation. Today, parents know it as a high-end neighborhood with fantastic amenities. You'll find megastores on the avenues and high-end children's (and pet) boutiques on the side streets; eclectic art galleries, massive athletics complex Chelsea Piers, and popular indoor and outdoor romping spots like apple seeds, Chelsea Waterside Park, Seal Park, and more.

Although Chelsea's boundaries are difficult to define, we'll cover the area from 14th to 30th Streets, between Fifth Avenue and the Hudson River. With those boundaries set, here are our top 50 things to do with kids in the neighborhood. Find more Manhattan neighborhoods to explore, or see our Visitors Guide for the best of NYC for families.

The Best Boat Rides for Families in NYC

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Mon, 06/17/2019 - 4:00pm

Going out on the water in New York lets you see the city from a whole new perspective. Whether you're sailing down one of the rivers, taking a FREE kayak out for a spin, or cruising on the ocean looking for whales, it's relaxing, refreshing, and a great way to stay cool on a summer day with the kids.

While there are all kinds of boat tours on offer around NYC, from the Circle Line to the citywide ferry service, the question for parents is, which ones are truly family-friendly? After all, once you're on the water you're committed to the ride regardless of tantrums, seasickness, or boredom.

To help you figure out which NYC boat rides will work best for your family, we've highlighted some personal favorites, and broken down the best options by type, including the best boat rides for wildlife watching, best for would-be pirates, best for your budget, and more. Discover even more family-friendly things to do this summer in our Summer Fun Guide.

Where to See Fourth of July Fireworks Around Houston With Kids

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Mon, 06/17/2019 - 12:15pm

Stars and stripes, street festivals, live music and fanfare all make the Fourth of July spectacular, but no celebration is complete without an impressive display of fireworks. Luckily, when it comes to celebrating our nation's independence, there's one thing that's certain: the Bayou City knows how to light up the sky and throw down (...in a family-friendly way, of course).

Best Carousels in NYC: 13 Merry-Go-Rounds City Kids Love

Submitted by Anna Fader on Mon, 06/17/2019 - 11:30am

There's something wonderfully nostalgic about kids getting a thrill from a ride on a carousel. It's the simplest of amusement park attractions, and there are more than a dozen merry-go-rounds in New York City alone. It's easy to stumble upon them on your next park outing.

Each city carousel offers a unique spin on this traditional kiddie ride, from harbor views to a ride inside an iridescent fish. We've rounded up the best merry-go-rounds in all five boroughs.

Fireworks! 50 Different 4th of July Displays in Los Angeles & Orange County

Submitted by Toby B on Mon, 06/17/2019 - 3:53am

It's almost the 4th of July—who's ready for some rockets' red glare? LA and Orange County's many communities compete for sky space on July 4th, launching fireworks willy-nilly at the stroke of 9pm. From the mountains, to the valleys, to the ocean, Angelenos have plenty of directions to look on Independence Day. Whether your plan is to book a fireworks cruise, to lay a blanket in a park, or to close all the windows and try not to wake the baby, it helps to know where those firecrackers are being aimed. Below is a list of locations lighting up the night sky on the Fourth of July (plus several on July 3, and even a couple in late June!). We'll keep adding more right up to the day!

Inside Candytopia Houston: Is It Worth Visiting With Kids?

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sun, 06/16/2019 - 10:55pm

If you are looking for an air-conditioned summer escape, then YES - Candytopia is definitely worth the money. It's a one-of-a-kind experience kids of all ages will be talking about for the rest of the summer.

Fourth of July Fireworks and Festivities for Boston Kids and Families

Submitted by Lucie T on Sun, 06/16/2019 - 8:44pm

Celebrating the 4th of July in patriotic Boston is something everyone should experience. Many Boston-area Independence Day celebrations have been happening annually for generations, only getting bigger and better with time. With so much enthusiasm for America's birthday in our area, the pyrotechnics are no longer limited to the big party on the Esplanade. There are plenty of things for kids to do to show their patriotic spirit. Some celebrations are near our favorite parks, others are near popular beaches, but all invite wide-eyed wonder from kids—especially those who can stay awake for the sparkly show.

Fourth of July Fireworks and Festivities for Connecticut Kids and Families

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 06/16/2019 - 8:42pm

Here in Connecticut we love fireworks so much that Independence Day celebrations for families start as early as late June and continue well past the Fourth of July. Kick off summer with a bang with our roundup of Connecticut pyrotechnic displays, parades, and parties in honor of the 4th of July. Some are near our favorite playgrounds, others are at the area's finest beaches, but all invite wide-eyed wonder from kids—especially those who can stay awake for the sparkly show.

59 Things To Do with Orange County Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Li Starr on Sun, 06/16/2019 - 7:11pm

Orange County may sometimes be considered second fiddle compared to Los Angeles for fun eats, kid-friendly parks, family outings, and outdoor adventures; but the OC has plenty of all of these—with the benefits of better air and less traffic (sorry, Angelenos!). If your kids are growing up the OC way, here are some key places to take them for the ultimate childhood experience behind the Orange curtain.