Safari with Kids: Planning a Perfect Family African Safari Vacation

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Witness the beauty of elephants on the open plains — pure safari magic!

An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where you can see wildlife up close and revel in stunning natural landscapes. It’s also a wonderful way to learn about different cultures and wildlife conservation, and to expose kids to the richness and diversity that comprise Africa.

A safari is great for families who want adventure and the chance to have new experiences. There are a lot of factors to consider when planning an African safari, such as where in Africa to go, whether to use a tour operator, what type of lodgings to choose, and what activities to prioritize.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about planning an African safari for your family. Check out our International Travel Guide for even more amazing places to visit, from the Caribbean to our favorite European cities.

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC

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All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann

These Polar Express train rides near NYC bring the magic of Chris Van Allsburg’s popular Christmas picture book, The Polar Express, to life each winter. We've found festive Polar Express train rides, Christmas trains, and holiday trolleys all within a whistle's blow of the New York City metro area.

A huge hit with kids and parents alike, these Christmas trains near New York City spark the imagination and holiday spirit with seasonal snacks, stories, and even gifts—not to mention a visit from Santa himself. You can even find a North Pole Express bus right in the heart of Manhattan.

No matter which Polar Express train ride you choose, your family can combine your outing with an annual Santa Claus photo-op and bring home the lasting memories of a holiday adventure.

These Christmas train rides sell out quickly, often months in advance, so book now if you want to go. Find more regional Polar Express and Christmas train rides in our roundup of New Jersey Christmas trains and Philadelphia Polar Express rides, plus plenty more local seasonal offerings in our Christmas Guide.

14 Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Atlanta

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Take a festive ride on the Holiday Express for a memorable train ride experience. Photo courtesy of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Take a train ride to see Santa at the North Pole with hot cocoa and holiday singing! Kick off the magical holiday season with a real-life Polar Express and Christmas train rides near Atlanta. Our list includes holiday train rides in neighboring states since most are within three hours of metro Atlanta. You can combine your visit with one of these Atlanta winter day trips to the north Georgia mountains, Chattanooga, or surrounding areas. Bring your camera to take an Instagram-worthy shot of your kids on the train. FYI, Christmas train rides sell out fast, so buy tickets early! 

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey

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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway

Every year Polar Express train rides come to New Jersey, with the Garden State's railroads decked out in their holiday best. We know it's a bit early to start hauling out the holly, but these Polar Express trains and Christmas trains are a popular holiday tradition, and they sell out fast! 

Though these Christmas trains don't go all the way to the North Pole, most include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with treats, caroling, movies, and stories. We've even included a trolley ride hosted by Mrs. Claus herself. Read on to find out where to take a Christmas train ride near New Jersey with Santa, and book your tickets as soon as possible. 

If you're already thinking about other must-do activities this holiday season, be sure to check out our rundown of the most spectacular holiday light displays in New Jersey and other tips in our Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in NJ for Families. 

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Chicago

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Happy Holiday Railway. Photo courtesy of the Illinois Railway Museum

Looking for Christmas trains in Chicago? These popular rides fill up quickly, but there are still many available Polar Express train rides near Chicago.

Chicago's Union Station Polar Express ride is canceled again in 2024 because of construction around the station, but plenty of suburbs have opportunities for train-loving kids to meet Santa on their ride to the North Pole! We've also found plenty of Polar Express and Santa Express Christmas train rides in Chicago's suburbs with seats available. Check out the breakfast or lunch spread at the CASA Christmas Express in New Lenox, or visit the Illinois Railway Museum before or after your ride on the Happy Holiday Railway. Check out mini trains in Aurora or Orland Park, or board a trolley in Bloomingdale or Oak Brook. And the CTA holiday trains and buses are back for 2024.

Here are our favorite Polar Express train rides in Chicago that are happening this year, and a list of those to look out for next year!

 

Best Things To Do with Kids this Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

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Have a fun pre-Halloween celebration at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Special holiday openings this weekend include the debut of Legoland New York's Holiday Bricktacular celebrations as well as Polar Express-themed train rides by Catskill Mountain Railroad, which also include hot chocolate and a meeting with Santa. 

Families can also enjoy fall-themed STEAM activities that celebrate the changing seasons at the Westchester Children's Museum's Fall Fest Weekend.

Read on for lots more standout events happening this weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. 

Disney on Ice and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

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The annual Halloween Parade in Oyster Bay welcomes all ghouls big and little. Photo courtesy of Raynham Hall Museum

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

Disney on Ice shimmies into the UBS Arena this weekend with its latest show, Let's Dance. And if you're ready to start celebrating the holidays, the drive-through Riverhead Holiday Light Show and Polar Express in Port Jefferson open this weekend on the East End. 

Plus, the popular Snowflake Sock Skating attraction returns to the Long Island Children's Museum this weekend. And the free, walk-through animated Christmas story featuring Santa, his elves, and friends opens at Hicks Nurseries.

Of course you can capture every precious moment of your little ones assisting in Santa's workshop through the lenses of his trained elves at Magical Wonderland NY.

Read on for more great events across LI this weekend. 

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