Best New Jersey Arcades To Visit with Kids

Submitted by Alison Reiser on

Play a game of pinball at the Silverball Museum Arcade. Photo by Lisa Warden

A good New Jersey arcade can offer family-friendly diversions for all ages. Mom and dad can wax nostalgic over their youth, while kids can school the old folks on newer technology. At these indoor fun spots, kids and their parents can enjoy vintage attractions like skeeball, Donkey Kong, Asteroids, Space Invaders, Ms. Pac-Man, air hockey, and pinball—plus check out new games, updates of old faves, and even virtual reality adventures.

We've rounded up a few of the best arcades in New Jersey, from Game Vault in Morristown to the Silverball Museum Arcade in Asbury Park, where you can have fun and lose track of time together.

Check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids for more great entertainment ideas. 

19 Special Needs Programs in NYC for Kids

Submitted by Diana Kim on

The Adaptive Climbing Group introduces kids of all ages to the adventure of rock climbing with its unique special needs program. Photo courtesy of the group

Finding the right special needs program for your child can be a challenge. Whether your child has a developmental challenge, disability, or disorder, it's important to find appropriate special needs programs that can accommodate their unique needs. Luckily, there are several special needs programs in NYC for children of every ability and interest.

We've rounded up 19 special needs programs in New York City. When reaching out to these venues, don't forget to ask about special needs summer camps and holiday mini camps. Many of these special needs programs offer them, too.

You can find more special needs programs for kids, and even book a class online, in our directory of classes and listings. Check our New York City Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests. Bookmark our Special Needs Guide for more special needs programs in NYC, including sensory gyms, support groups, and sensory activities.

Top Bat and Bar Mitzvah Venues in Chicago

Lauren LaRoche's picture Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on

There are many popular bar and bat mitzvah venues in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Pinstripes

A bar or bat mitzvah is a special time and a special ceremony for Jewish teens ages 12 or 13, and there are lots of great venues and event spaces for bat and bar mitzvahs in Chicago. From hotels to city lofts and gaming spaces, these bar mitzvah venues in Chicago are sure to pack the fun for friends and family. For more great party resources, check out our Kids' Party Places in Chicago Guide and our Guide to Special Occasions. 

25 Awesome Things To Do with Kids in Northeast Philadelphia

Submitted by Michelle Lopez on

Kids can do the spider climb and so much more at the Memorial Park Playground.

When people think about having fun in Philadelphia, more times than not they picture Center City! As a former Northeast Philly kid and now Northeast Philly mom, I know first-hand that there's just as much fun to be had in Northeast Philly's awesome neighborhoods. Take a look at my family's favorite places to explore and things to do in Northeast Philly, from play spaces my boys love to spots where mom or dad can find some peace while the kids play.

70 Fun Things To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on

Climb to the highest point in Tennessee at Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Looking for the perfect family vacation destination in the mountains? My Florida-based family loves the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN area, home to endless kid-friendly attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities. We've visited this beautiful southern vacation spot several times in the last few years and always find new activities for all ages to enjoy, from toddlers to grandparents.

It helps that both of these Tennessee towns are just moments away from two of the area's top attractions: Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood, a mega theme park. And with so many family-friendly Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge hotels, you won't have trouble finding a great place to stay while you're in town.

Pumpkin Festivals and Jack-O'-Lantern Displays in New England in 2022

Kelley Heyworth's picture Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on

Halloween and New England go together like pumpkin festivals and jack-o'-lantern displays! Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show photo courtesy of the Trustees

Pumpkin festivals and jack-o'-lantern displays are traditional autumn fun in New England. Going to a pumpkin festival or visiting a glowing jack-o'-lantern display is a family-friendly way to get into the spirit of the fall. Whether you stick close to home or make a day or weekend trip out of it, New England is brimming with fall festivals. Kids are particularly enamored with events celebrating the humble pumpkin: the symbol of autumn and Halloween. Here's our list of 2022 pumpkin festivals, displays, and events that are happening in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island in September and October. Read on for our guide to Pumpkin Festivals and Jack-O'-Lantern Displays in Boston, Connecticut, and around New England!

Find your perfect jack-o'-lantern (or two) at these Pumpkin Patches Near Boston and the Best Pumpkin Patches in Connecticut Worth the Drive. Then be inspired by our easy pumpkin carving ideas for some family fun at home! 

Visiting ZavaZone Trampoline Park with Kids: What to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on

ZavaZone's ninja warrior course will challenge kids and adults of varying abilities.

When the weather isn't great and your kids just need to burn some energy, a trampoline park is the perfect indoor activity. Luckily, there are plenty of fun trampoline parks near DC where kids can bounce, jump, and climb their wiggles away.

My family recently had a chance to visit ZavaZone Trampoline Park at the Potomac Mills shopping center in Woodbridge, Virginia (there are also locations in Sterling, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland). All three of my kids—11-year-old twin boys and an 8-year-old girl—had a blast. They had so much fun, in fact, that we added more time after our hour of play was over!

Everyone from kindergartners to teens to adults can find fun things to do at ZavaZone. Here's what to expect when visiting ZavaZone Trampoline Park with kids. For more indoor family fun near DC, check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for Kids in DC.

Touchdown! Best Places to Watch College Football in Atlanta with Kids

Submitted by Melanie Preis on

Don't just watch college football in Atlanta, experience it! Take your little sports fans to visit the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of the museum

Living in Atlanta during the fall means two things: sweater weather and college football. And as fun as sweaters are, it's really all about the rivalries and drama of college football in the South. Sports-loving kids choose their favorite college football teams at a young age, usually based on mom and dad's alma maters, hometowns, Pop Warner youth football names, and more. And the best way to root their beloved teams on is by taking kids to watch college football at the fun Atlanta restaurants and venues. It's also great prep for 2025, when Atlanta hosts the College Football National Championship!

Whether you're a Bulldog, (purple and gold) Tiger, Gator, (orange and blue) Tiger, Yellow Jacket, (orange) Tiger, Rebel, or just like screaming, "Roll Tide," there are some fun places to watch college football in Atlanta with kids. So let your tiny fans slather on the team face paint, wear their favorite jerseys, and holler with their adult counterparts during college football season! And on that note, go Dawgs (sorry, we had to root for the home team)!

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