Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors

As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel

You weren't always looking for fun indoor places where your kids could hang out. It’s like you blink, and one day you have a teenager. Although there is always time for family time, sometimes teens and tweens need a little bit of freedom, and these spots are sure to do the trick. With a little spending money and a group of friends, these spots are Mommy Poppins-tested and teenager-approved! From Stamford to  New Haven, and Hartford to Norwalk, there are a lot of family-friendly options for Connecticut families. But these spots truly go above and beyond to offer a little something extra for teens—even if it's just a good photo op.

Connecticut has so many fun indoor places to enjoy with the family. When it's a special celebration, regardless of the season, these fun indoor birthday party places for kids in Connecticut make a memorable day. And you can stretch those entertainment dollars with free museums in Connecticut to visit with kids

Indoor Ice Skating Rinks for Westchester Families

The Westchester Skating Academy offers all-ages fun. Photo courtesy of the academy

Looking for the best indoor ice skating rinks in Westchester? Read on for top options throughout the county. 

Whether it's winter or summer, many of us have kids who are eager to lace up. To help you out, we've got the scoop on indoor ice skating rinks in Westchester.

Ice skating is rapidly becoming one of my family's favorite activities. We are happy to find active ways to enjoy the cold weather. Some rinks are geared more toward the budding 3-year-old hockey star and some are better places for birthday parties. Read on for the scoop on indoor (or covered) rinks in Westchester.

Check out our rundown on workouts for Westchester families to try together and other fun activity ideas in our Guide to Sports Centers, Gyms, & Fun Zones for Westchester Kids

Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places with Mega Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids

Pump It Up is a perfect spot for an indoor birthday party on Long Island.

Indoor playgrounds make perfect birthday party places for one simple reason: it takes all the hard work out of party planning! That's why we're so lucky to have all these options on Long Island that aren't just basic indoor play spaces, but are mega indoor playgrounds. These massive spaces offer loads of different activities to entertain kids of all ages on ninja courses, trampolines, ropes courses, and more.

These birthday party places make for one-stop party planning—taking care of not only the feeding, entertaining, hosting, and cleanup, but also offering activities for every age—from safe toddler zones to VR for teens. With favorite indoor playgrounds in Nassau County and Suffolk County, there's bound to be one near your home. Bonus: You never have to worry about the weather when hosting a party at one of these mega indoor play spaces. 

For more birthday party ideas, see our birthday party guide for Long Island kids, with recommendations on birthday party places for everyone from toddlers to  tweens.

Fun First Birthday Party Ideas for NJ Kids

Little ones can blow out their candles at a pair of Rainforest Cafes in the Garden State. Photo courtesy of the venue

When it comes time to brainstorm first birthday party ideas, keep in mind: Hitting the 1-year-old milestone is definitely a cause for celebration—not only for baby, but also for his or her tired, yet hopelessly devoted parents, too. Despite the abundance of kids birthday party venues in New Jersey, not all are suitable for the littlest birthday parties.

That's where this list of first birthday party ideas in New Jersey comes in. Whether you are looking for a location indoors or out, with animals or in a toddler gym, we have some great kids birthday party ideas. While 1-year-olds might not yet be ready to jump, climb, or ride ponies themselves, they'll love watching their guests play. Most of these first birthday party ideas emphasize parental participation, so the fun can be had by all. And truthfully, as long as there’s some cake to smash and smiles to capture, your first birthday party is sure to be a blast.

From animal encounters to playtime in the park, these are our top picks for first birthday celebrations in New Jersey. Be sure to check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide for more inspiration.

You know what else a birthday needs? Gifts! Get tried-and-tested favorite gift suggestions the Best First Birthday Gifts, and more in our Guide to Top Toys and Gear for Kids.

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is Now Open

Let's-a-go! Step through the Warp Pipe, and you're in Super Nintendo World!

Super Nintendo World is now open at Universal Studios Hollywood! My family—including my video game-obsessed teen son and video game-averse teen daughter—got a sneak peek, and I'm here to give you all the details. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is the first ride to open, along with the Toadstool Cafe, 1-UP Factory retail store, and an immersive play area. What's it like? Is it worth the hype?

Read on to get the scoop on all things Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach at the newly expanded land at Universal Studios Hollywood. And get all the latest happenings at local theme parks in our SoCal Theme and Water Parks Guide.

Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids

Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders

Looking for ninja warrior classes in Chicago? We have a list of the best ninja warrior gyms and climbing gyms in Chicago.

If you have a little one who is prone to climbing the furniture, walls, and anything else they can, this is a round-up for you. We've gathered up the best ninja warrior courses and climbing gyms in Chicago. In addition to the drop-in play, each ninja warrior location or climbing gym below offers weekly training classes and monthly membership options. Many also have after-school care or summer camps. You can also host birthday parties and private events for a ninja warrior birthday party. Adults can also get in on the ninja or climbing action. 

For more indoor activities, check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids.

Ninja Warrior Gyms and Parkour for Atlanta Kids and Teens

Unleash your inner ninja at Ninjakour, with classes, parties, and more active lessons. Photo courtesy of Ninjakour

These Atlanta ninja warrior gyms and parkour classes are the perfect activities to help kids and tweens build strength, improve coordination, and unleash oodles of energy. The best part is that your budding athlete—with skills anywhere from beginner to advanced—is too busy smiling to realize they’re building the kind of confidence that lasts a lifetime!

We've found the best family-friendly programs in the Atlanta area that will get everyone moving with ninja-like agility and parkour prowess. These destinations offer classes, open play, obstacle courses, camps, and special events. And anyone from toddlers to parents (and even grandparents) can take part.

You can find more fun stuff to do for active families in our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Atlanta.

Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Preschoolers in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Turn your own home into one of the best indoor birthday party places ever by inviting a beloved character from Stupendous Events. Photo courtesy of the company

With cold winters, hot and humid summers, and unpredictable rain and snow, finding the right venue for a children's birthday party near DC can be tricky. Finding a spot that's appropriate and fun for preschoolers? Even harder. But DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are home to several great indoor birthday party places for preschoolers that are perfect in any weather. Whether your preschooler is into science, art, superheroes, or sports, there is a great indoor birthday party spot for them.

Here are some awesome indoor birthday party places for preschoolers near DC that allow you to join the fun and celebrate with your kid without stressing over the setup and cleanup. We've also thrown in a few birthday party entertainers that will come to your home or rental space for a unique and fun indoor birthday party.

Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC for more fun birthday party ideas for kids of all ages, from cool birthday party places for teens to free ways to celebrate your kid's birthday at home.

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