Top Birthday Party Places for Toddlers and Preschoolers on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on

Toddlers love the bright lights of the arcade at Planet Play in Bellmore. Photo by Gina Massaro

Long Island has tons of awesome birthday party places on offer, which is good news when you consider that there is nothing more exciting for a toddler or a pre-schooler than a birthday party. Still, planning the special day can be exceedingly stressful, especially when young children aren't quite ready for the more standard birthday party venues.

The good news? We've compiled a list of some of Long Island's best venues for your littlest birthday boy or girl. Whether you're looking for an engaging indoor play space, an outdoor environment, or even a home party with entertainment, there are plenty of toddler-friendly options across Long Island.

As always, check out our Long Island Party Guide for more on planning the ideal party for a child of any age, which includes our list of the best parks and playgrounds for hosting bdays on LI.

Top Birthday Party Places on the Jersey Shore for Kids

Submitted by Catherine Kennedy on

Kids can choose their own ceramic craft during a birthday party at Wish Upon a Jar.

New Jersey boasts plenty of fun birthday party places for children, including a cool selection of birthday party destinations on the Jersey Shore. If you are looking to host a kids’ birthday party in Monmouth County, Ocean County, or Cape May County, then this list is for you.

From Ocean City and Toms River to Point Pleasant and Red Bank, our picks for the best birthday party places on the Jersey Shore include unique birthday party venues, birthday parties focused on creative crafts, indoor playgrounds, and even a glow-in-the-dark dance birthday party. Find more birthday party planning tips in our Birthday Party Guide for New Jersey Families.

12 Best Summer Camps in Long Beach, California

Submitted by Kylie Williams on

Girls climb high. El Ranchito Day Camp photo courtesy of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles

From baseball to ballet, summer camps in Long Beach set themselves apart with that cool ocean breeze, accompanying camp snacks, and field trips. Life in Long Beach is always sweet, but summer on the coast is when California truly shines. 

School will be out before we know it, and the kids will start asking, "Mom, what am I going to do today?". That's why we love summer camps. Whether you choose a traditional day camp with all the classic activities or a specialty camp that hones in on your kids' favorite sports or hobbies, we're sure there's a camp out there where your child can make lasting memories and have a summer to remember. We've rounded up the best summer camps in Long Beach for kids of all ages. This guide includes camps on the ocean, camps in the mountains, camps at art studios, and camps to dance and sing your heart out. 

Interested in more summer camps? We've already done the research for you. Check out science camps, surf camps, and so many more camps in our Summer Camp Guide and Directory. 

20 Spring Festivals and Fairs in San Francisco for Families

Submitted by Sandra Lee on

Nonstop entertainment. Photo courtesy of the Bay Area KidFest

Spring festivals are in the Northern California air! Warmer weather, blooming flowers, and events galore are taking center stage in San Francisco and the Bay Area. With fun activities like Carnaval in San Francisco to KidFest in Concord, it's time to get outside and enjoy this beautiful Bay Area weather. 

We've rounded up our picks of the best Spring festivals and fairs in San Francisco and the Bay Area for families to enjoy in April and May. Kiddos will love all the culture, music, and Earth Day celebrations. Spring is about to be booked, and many spring festivals are free community events. Mark your calendars and make lasting seasonal memories. 

Stop and smell the flowers (especially the tulips while in bloom) when visiting Golden Gate Park with kids, and ring in spring with more seasonal activities in our Spring Fun Guide for San Francisco Kids. 

Fargo with Kids: 21 Best Things to Do in Fargo, ND

Submitted by Jackie Jones on

You'll find some gorgeous street everywhere you turn in Fargo, ND.

Don't cha know: Fargo, ND is a vibrant city with lots of family-friendly attractions and great restaurants. This town—the most populous in North Dakota and located just over the border from Minnesota—is becoming a real travel destination. And while Fargo may be best known for its namesake 90s movie (an absolute classic, though not appropriate for kids), it's much more than just a place to hear funny accents. Fargo, ND has become a real foodie city with top-notch museums, a zoo, and even a Viking ship on display.

Here are our favorite things to do in Fargo, ND with kids, including some delicious Fargo restaurants and a few great hotels in Fargo, ND for families. Check out our Midwest Travel Guide for more great cities to visit with kids, like Chicago and Minneapolis.

Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago

Lauren LaRoche's picture Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on

Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum

Stroller hikes allow us to get in some exercise and scenery without carrying a three-year-old all the way back to the car. If you've ever been hiking with little kids, you know that having a backup for when their legs get tired is as important as bringing snacks. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite kid-friendly stroller hikes to help you out. These hikes swap steep inclines and rocky terrains for smooth, paved, or gravel surfaces that make it easy to push a stroller with kids. You’ll get your steps in while taking in beautiful sights and the kids get outdoors, away from screens. These strolls are perfect for littles still in a stroller and siblings who want to get their wiggles out without the need for hiking gear.

Looking for more kid-friendly fun outdoors? Check out our round-up of kid-friendly hikes for after the stroller days come to an end and this list of best outdoor adventures for kids.

Visiting the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Clementina Verge on

Sea turtles, jellyfish, and more await when visiting the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk! Photo courtesy of the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk

Visiting the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk lets kids see extraordinary sea life. Sharks. Octopuses. Seahorses. Jellies and meerkats. Whether it is your first or twentieth visit to the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium in Fairfield County, its cool, bubbly, mysteriously blue world will not fail to awe and amuse you with a truly one-of-a-kind experience and insight into the rich biodiversity of Long Island Sound.

Best Botanical Gardens for Los Angeles Kids, Plus Cool Hidden Oases

Submitted by Gina Ragland on

Step into the magical children's garden at The Huntington. Photo courtesy of the Huntington Botanical Gardens

Botanical gardens in Los Angeles and beyond might be the answer for when you want to take the kids on an outdoor adventure but don't feel like carrying toddlers up a mountain and toting a surplus of supplies. 

Lush, plentiful, and open year-round in Southern California, botanical gardens are perfect for casual nature strolls with little ones in tow, whether in a stroller or sprinting toward children's gardens and koi ponds. Kids won't even realize they're on an educational outing as they become itty-bitty botanists for a day. From beloved botanical gardens to lesser-known free hidden gems, we've dug into the roots of the best botanical gardens in Los Angeles. 

Enjoy more blooms on wildflower hikes, stretch your limbs on stroller-friendly hikes, and explore more fauna and flora in our Zoos & Gardens for Los Angeles Kids Guide. 

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