30 Free Outdoor Movies in Chicago This Summer for Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

Movie night with a view! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

Free outdoor movies in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs scream summertime. Where else can you enjoy treats, green spaces, and staying up past bedtime? In Chicago, you can see a movie at a landmark destination like Navy Pier or Millennium Park, or enjoy a night out under the stars in your favorite neighborhood or suburban park. 

Want to see a movie in your car? Check out one of our favorite drive-in destinations. Have kids that aren't big enough to stay up past dark on a long summer night? Try out this list of favorite toddler playgrounds or water parks for little ones that are just as good during the day.

Pack your blanket or chair, bag of popcorn, and beverage of choice, and head out to one of the more than 30 locations we've found to see an outdoor movie in Chicago this summer!

 

Ninja Warrior Gyms, Parkour, and Obstacle Courses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on

Your kids can practice being a ninja warrior at the Grit Ninja in Pleasantville.

Are makeshift ninja warrior gyms a common sight in your living room? If so, know that you're not alone—and then consider taking your kids to one of the many obstacle courses, ninja warrior, and parkour gyms in the area. It’s a fun indoor activity for when the weather is either too cold or too hot for outdoor play, and it helps get tons of energy out. 

Almost all the programs and gyms featured here offer classes and open gym time. Trial classes, camps, and birthday parties are also possibilities at most.  

Looking for more fun indoor activities with kids, like the area's top bowling alleys? Check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Westchester Kids.

Ultimate Family Bucket List: 100 Experiences You'll Remember Forever

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on

Bringing a fur baby, or other animal, into the family is a fantastic experience for kids and parents.

We've rounded up a whole bunch of childhood bucket list ideas here that run the gamut from baking cookies to big family trips. The bucket list ideas here are all suggestions for a whole host of fun family activities that will give your kids memories that they will remember for their entire lives.

So take some inspiration from our ultimate family bucket list of 100 fun ideas for something fun to do this weekend or a future family vacation. From little things you can do at home to adventures in bravery to Intergenerational outings, here are 100 deposits for your family memory bank!

For more family checklists, check out our Ultimate Summer Bucket List and this fun "I’m Bored, What Should I Do?" List, plus more fun family ideas in our Mommy Poppins Parenting Guide.

Best Family Festivals and Street Fairs in NYC this May

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

The Japan Day Parade marches down the west side on Saturday, May 11. Photo by Masaki Hori 2024. Photo

NYC street fairs and festivals are blooming all over this May, from glorious school fairs like Calhoun's carnival-fun filled fest to the little-kid friendly event at Columbia Greenhouse Nursery School, plus Hippo Playground hosts a Spring Fair complete with pony rides, Randall's Island's Touch-a-Truck Fest returns, there's a Mother's Day Garden Party at the NYBG, and the annual salute to service that is Fleet Week punctuates Memorial Day weekend.

You can find even more seasonal activities in our Spring Fun Guide, and don't forget to check our ever-expanding Family Activity Calendar, where you can look ahead to see all the summer has in store.

Why Rancocas Nature Center is an Awesome Family Destination

Lisa Warden's picture Submitted by Lisa Warden on

Rancocas Nature Center sits on 210 acres of forest in a South Jersey state park.

Rancocas Nature Center has it all for outdoorsy kids and families. The center has many programs for children to learn about the environment and socialize with other kids, or you can go on a peaceful family hike away from the hustle and bustle.  

The non-profit nature center sits on 210 acres of forest in the Rancocas State Park in South Jersey. There are miles of trails where you can meander through multiple different ecosystems. The nature center also provides year-round nature programs for all ages to educate families about their environment.

Read on for tips on visiting this incredible nature center. If you're interested in visiting other nature centers in New Jersey, check out our round-up of the best nature centers in the state.

Find Your New Best Friend at These NYC Animal Shelters

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on

Add an animal member to your family from a shelter in NYC. Photo courtesy of Bideawee

A pet can be a friend for life and these animal shelters in NYC help families find the perfect addition. So, if your home has room for a furry friend, here are the NYC animal shelters where you can adopt a new dog or cat. Plus, we've got the lowdown on some lesser-known options for pet adoption and things to consider before taking the plunge if you're a first-time pet owner.

If you're not quite ready to bring home a furry friend of your own, you can explore breeds at the AKC Museum of the Dog in Midtown East or visit one of these cat cafes throughout the five boroughs.

Captree State Park Adds Ropes Course to Beach Playground

Submitted by Gina Massaro on

The new ropes course at Captree State Park features a spider-web structure.

The new ropes course at Captree State Park's playground was recently unveiled and it is a welcome addition that makes the well-rounded playground especially great for climbers ages 4-8. On a recent trip, my 6-year-old had a blast exploring the ropes. 

Read on for more info about Captree's ropes course and the rest of the playground on the eastern tip of Jones Beach, and check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island for more playground fun. 

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