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The Best Indoor Play Spaces for Houston Kids

Submitted by Kate M on Sat, 12/15/2018 - 12:09am

Living in Houston means navigating weather that is often hot and humid or wet and stormy. Fortunately, there are many options for activities to do indoors, such as free museum days, trampoline parks, and fun indoor play spaces. But where should you go when you want the best of the best indoor spaces to play? Read on for our recommendations of where to play when going outside is not an option and why each of these Houston spots are some of our absolute favorites for any day of the year.

The Top 15 Indoor Play Spaces Across New York City

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 3:00pm

You've probably already bookmarked our lists of the best spots to play in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. (Oh, you haven't yet? Hint: Now's your chance.) To cap off your indoor-fun inspiration and ensure you never hear the words "I'm bored" again, we present the best of the best: the top 15 indoor play spaces across New York City. So when you need a break from your neighborhood spots, venture out to the rest of the city to cross every one of these awesome locations off the list.

Visit our Indoor Play Spaces Guide for more indoor fun, or our Family Fun Guide to all of NYC's top family attractions.

Make a Day of It with These Winter Day Trips for NJ Families

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 12:00pm

Freezing weather can lead to stir-crazy kids (and parents), so we've pulled together a list of more than 25 great winter day trip ideas for New Jersey families.

Bundle up for a day of snow tubing at Campgaw, or watch the wolves wrestle in their snowy habitat at Lakota Wolf Preserve. If the weather is too frosty for you, try indoor stargazing at the Novins Planetarium, or visit a kid-friendly exhibit at the Newark Museum. Dreaming of summer days? Check out the indoor water park Sahara Sam's, where kids can splash the day away, or visit Adventure Aquarium to see penguins, sharks, and stingrays in action.

Whether your crew loves outdoor adventures or prefers indoor pursuits, read on to find the perfect winter adventure for you.

10 Great Indoor Places to Have a Kid’s Birthday Party in or Near Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 11:10am

If you want to have a wonderful party for your child, but you’re overwhelmed by the choices and don't have time to mine for information, I have a gift for you: Recommendations for 10 great indoor birthday party places in the Boston area, and everything you need to know about them.

The places featured are different in many ways, but they all have some things in common: They have been recommended by local parents, are indoors (so you don't have to worry about the weather), minimize the amount of work you have to do, and offer parties that kids with a wide range of interests enjoy. So read on, pick a place, and have a party your child will be talking about for a long time to come. Since prices may fluctuate and there's a range of packages at many places, we give you an idea of costs ranging from $ (inexpensive) to $$$ (more pricey).

If your child is a little older and prefers parties with more of a sporty spin, you may want to also consider our picks for indoor parties for active kids in Boston, the North suburbs, South suburbs, and MetroWest.

25 Fun and Free Things to Do with CT Kids Over Holiday Break

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 10:00am

The December holiday break from school gives most of us the chance to spend quality time together before the new year begins. Whether you're looking forward to visiting light shows or gingerbread displays, there are many activities happening throughout the state, and the best news is that many of them are completely free. Here' s a list of 25 things to do with the kids over holiday break. For more great ideas to keep the entire family entertained, check out the frequently updated Mommy Poppins Events Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.

Outdoor Ice Rinks on Long Island for Family Skating

Submitted by Ian Stark on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 10:00am

Sure it might be cold this time of year. But if your kids like the outdoors there’s no reason not to enjoy one of Long Island's outdoor ice skating rinks this winter.

From Nassau County to the north shore of Suffolk and out to the East End, we've put together a list of the top outdoor skating venues on Long Island. Most are inexpensive and offer skate rentals, as well as lessons for those still mastering their steps and stops. Weather permitting, most of these rinks are open until the beginning of spring. All are open to the public without significant restrictions, but keep in mind admission can be higher for nonresidents.

If the weather doesn't cooperate, there are plenty of indoor rinks across Long Island worth a try. So if the weather is nasty or it’s offseason, families can skate all year long, even during beach weather.

What's Open on Christmas Day in LA: 25 Fun Things To Do

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 9:29am

Not everyone spends Christmas Day opening presents and singing Christmas carols. If Christmas at your house feels much like any other day but without as much to do—or if your family are just really fast unwrappers—Mommy Poppins has you covered with everything from whales to festivals, and someplace to eat at the end of the day. Ready for 25 suggestions of things to do and places to go on Christmas Day that have (mostly) nothing to do with chestnuts or open fire?

30 Fun Things to Do Over the Holiday Break with Philly Kids

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 9:00am

With its train rides, holiday lights, and Philly area must-do activities, Christmas is almost here and so is winter break. Having the kids around the house for a week (or more) can be great, but it can also be exhausting. With cold weather here to stay, getting out of the house may be a little tougher than usual, but Philadelphia has plenty of fun activities to keep kids busy. Check out Disney on Ice, history come alive at a museum, the world's largest underwater Christmas tree at the aquarium, or see a show at the Arden Theatre!

Best Gaming Spots for Kids in NYC

Submitted by Andy Fenwick on Thu, 12/13/2018 - 3:28pm

The growing popularity of gaming stores and cafes around NYC should come as no surprise, particularly to kids. With their active minds, kids crave more than video games and social media, especially in wintertime, when parks and playgrounds often take a back seat to indoor activities. For curious, engaged kids, gaming spots are a place to play, imagine, make new friends, and develop new skills.

Most game spots, whether they be stores or cafes, tend to lean toward 8 and 9 year olds (and up), and don’t really include the space even the most game-loving younger kids might need for intermittent dancing around. But they’re all friendly. Read on for a few of our favorite game cafes and stores for kids in NYC.

What's Open on Christmas Day in New Jersey: Fun Things to Do

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Thu, 12/13/2018 - 12:55pm

Christmas Day is certainly a historically-homebound holiday, with parents and children staying home to revel in new presents and enjoy time spent with family and friends. But once all the gifts have been opened and the festive potluck polished off, that holiday spirit is still alive and well, leaving moms, dads, and kids raring to burn off the last of their candy cane and sugar plum high.

Since shopping malls are largely out of the question until Wednesday, and most indoor play spaces are closed for biz on December 25, there’s not too much recreation readily around the corner. But Mommy Poppins searched high and low to find out what’s open on Christmas—and happily, there are quite a few fun finds!