Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State

The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader

We might be biased, but we think the family-friendly things to do in New York state are second to none. From the gorgeous Hamptons beaches to the rugged state parks of the Hudson Valley, serene Adirondack lake regions, and deafening Niagara Falls, the culture and arts found in New York City, and on up through the Hudson Valley river towns and beyond—we feel pretty lucky to live and raise our kids here.

New Yorkers are pretty good at making delicious food items, from ramen burgers and bagels to ice cream, and even wine at family-friendly vineyards on Long Island and in the Finger Lakes. There are children’s museums galore. Kids have no shortage of water and theme parks, cool playgrounds, zoos, parks, and nature, of course.

And yet, the thing about childhood is that it’s finite. The kids grow up and move away. We want to soak up every moment. So, we put together this list of 100 things to do in New York state, from upstate and the Adirondacks to the East End of Long Island. We collected suggestions from Mommy Poppins contributors, past and former, to fuse it all together just for you (OK, for us, too). Whether you're planning a long weekend getaway or a family day trip, you're sure to find some ideas here.

13 Ninja Warrior Gyms and Parkour for Atlanta Kids and Teens

Unleash your inner ninja at Urban Air Adventure Park with classes, parties, and more active lessons. Photo by Diana Kim

If you’ve got a kid who likes to jump, climb, and move like crazy, then consider these ninja warrior and parkour gyms in Atlanta. Not only do these Atlanta places allow kids to unleash oodles of energy, but ninja warrior gyms and parkour training help your child build strength, improve coordination, develop self-confidence, AND have fun doing it. Plus, ninja and parkour are beneficial for cross training. 

Parkour began in France and focuses on using the entire body to get from place to place the most efficiently. Elements of this sport include vaulting, jumping, rolling, and flipping. Ninja, popularized by the hit television series American Ninja Warrior, uses obstacle courses to test speed, balance, and agility. Most of these Atlanta ninja and parkour gyms offer birthday parties and summer camp opportunities as well.

Ultimate Florida Bucket List: 50 Things to Do in FL

Splash and play all day long at the Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven, FL! Photo courtesy of Legoland

With a nickname like the "Sunshine State," it's obvious that Florida is THE place to enjoy fun under the sun. With year-round warm weather, averaging in the mid-70s, 825 miles of accessible beaches, fantasically varied wildlife, and one-of-a-kind habitats like mangroves, swamps, and marshes, Florida offers amazing outdoor options for visitors and residents alike. And don't get us started on the world-famous, kid-friendly attractions and theme parks! Visit picturesque Key West, the southernmost point in the continental U.S.; always-happening Orlando; the diverse Florida Everglades; the panhandle's fun beach cities; and everywhere in between. 

Take a look at our list of the best things to do in Florida and let us know what you've visited and what you have yet to discover!

Ultimate Virginia Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in VA

Go on a safari at Leesburg Animal Park. Photo by Sam Dean, courtesy of Visit Virginia

The slogan may be "Virginia Is For Lovers", but we say Virginia is for families! There are so many amazing things to do in Virginia with kids, we barely know where to start.

The birthplace of eight US presidents and the site of many Revolutionary War and Civil War battles, Virginia is full of fantastic historic sites to explore, from George Washington's Mount Vernon to Yorktown Battlefield.

There are so many fun ways to spend time outdoors in Virginia, from playing on awesome playgrounds to hiking in Shenandoah National Park to frolicking on the beaches of Virginia Beach.

Virginia is also home to museums galore, thrilling amusement parks like Busch Gardens, awesome neighborhoods to explore such as Old Town Alexandria and Clifton, and so much more.

Here is our ultimate Virginia bucket list for families, featuring 100 of the best things to do in Virginia with kids. We hope checking off this list will lead to loads of fun and lasting family memories!

Ultimate Pennsylvania Bucket List: 35 Things To Do With Kids in PA

Check out the amazing WildWorks Ropes Course at the entrance to the Philadelphia Zoo.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Pennsylvania has so many great places to visit including Lancaster, Pittsburgh, and the state capital of Harrisburgh. Whether you're taking a trip to the Poconos, or heading out to the Philadelphia suburbs, we've got bucket list items for you! Pack your bags and check out all the amazing things that Pennsylvania has to offer.

Looking for more getaways within driving distance? Check out our roundup of 10 PA Weekend Getaways.

Ultimate New Jersey Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NJ

Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom

Check out these iconic things to do in New Jersey with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every Garden State native really must experience!

I never imagined that I would be raising three kids in New Jersey, but I'm happy with how things turned out, and living here definitely makes it easy to entertain kids.

Our state is crazy expensive, as we all know, but it's also diverse, both in population and geography, so there are plenty of fun things to do in New Jersey with kids of all ages and interests. From the gorgeous Jersey Shore beaches to our plentiful Garden State farms, New Jersey offers tons of incredible kids' activities during all four seasons. We have cool playgrounds, fantastic hikes and parks, and awesome zoos. 

Read on for our list of the 100 best things to do in New Jersey with kids, and don't let those kids tell you they're bored again! For more bucket-list things to do with kids in NJ, check out our Best-Of Guide to New Jersey, which includes our piece on the absolute top attractions in New Jersey to see with kids

Yes, You Can Ride Camels near LA at the Oasis Camel Dairy

Have your cameras ready because these guys move fast when they smell food! Photo by Chuck Rose

The Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, CA is a total hidden gem. I’ve been looking for fun things to do with my kids now, and writing about it, for over a dozen years. I know every fun hole in the wall in LA, OC, San Diego, Ventura Counties, and a good bit of the rest of California, too. And I still hadn't been to this camel farm.

Well, let me save you from wasting any more time. Make a plan today to visit Oasis; it’s more than just camel rides, camel feeding, and camel petting. We went when the turkey races were happening, and my son laughed until tears were streaming down his face. There’s also a highly impressive bird show, as well as the cutest little sheep you can meet and feed. 

Read on for all the details, including when to visit, where to stay, where else to go in the hood (hint: someplace else with LOADS of animals is right down the street), and more…

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