The City of Orlando, already renowned for its world-class theme parks and attractions, has added a new gem: Brightline Train. Florida's high-speed rail system, known for its seamless travel experience, is extending its tracks to Orlando and promises families a fun, convenient way to explore the Sunshine State. Whether you're a local resident seeking a weekend adventure or a vacationing family looking to elevate your trip, Brightline Train Florida offers a unique opportunity to embark on a stress-free adventure.

Lady Liberty has come to the DC area—well, sort of. Reclining Liberty, a 25-foot sculpture modeled after the Statue of Liberty in New York City, was installed on the front lawn of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) Arlington in Virginia on August 3, 2023. The statue, made by sculptor Zaq Landsberg, depicts Lady Liberty lying on her side with her head resting on one hand.

Reclining Liberty was originally installed in NYC's Morningside Park in 2021, then moved to Liberty State Park in 2022. It will remain on view at MoCA Arlington until July 28, 2024.

For more information about museums and exhibitions in the DC area, visit our DC Museum Guide for Kids and Families.

If you've never heard of Ultimate Archery, you're in for a treat. Featuring soft, marshmallowy tipped arrows and inflatable hideouts, this intensely fun game is the perfect opportunity for some unique, full family bonding. The kids will blow off some energy, you'll get a great workout in, and everyone will sleep in the next day! Ultimate Archery is located in Maple Shade, NJ and is ideal for kids ages 7 and up, though my 6 year old was able to play too.

Looking for more extreme fun? Check out our list of Extreme Sports and Thrilling Activities for Philly Kids or visit our Play Gyms and Sports Center Guide.

Oh, baby! The new Babylist Flagship Showroom in Beverly Hills is more than just a quick trip to grab last-minute items from your ever-growing list before baby arrives. The showroom is an immersive experience to share with spouses, future grandparents, cool aunts, and friends.  

Just like bringing a bridal party along to say yes to the wedding dress, the Babylist showroom is an interactive outing. It aims for expectant parents to personally see, feel, and test out items for their soon-to-arrive cherub as they build their baby registry (on Babylist, of course). Read on to learn what to expect, what you can play with, and if you should bring your kids with you to the Babylist showroom...

For more baby preparation, see the best pregnancy and parenting classes in Los Angeles, and plan out all the essential things to do with Los Angeles babies before they turn one. There's even more baby planning resources in our Los Angeles Baby Guide for Parents. 

History is plentiful here on Long Island, from the oldest lighthouse in New York, the Montauk Point Lighthouse, to Teddy Roosevelt's digs at Sagamore Hill. Famous residents have included poets, presidents, and captains of industry.

This all adds up to an impressive roster of historic sites, many of which offer great photo opportunities and fun for kids–read on for our top picks. 

For more educational and historic places to explore on Long Island, check out our Museums and Art Guide for Long Island Kids.

Earlier this summer, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced that they will add over $240 million in funding at the school level for next year. Despite the bump, roughly one in 10 schools will likely still see cuts in the budget. With a $9.4 billion proposal for the 2024 fiscal year and an estimated pupil-peer spending increase of $1,000, parents have questions about how the money is being allocated, and why some schools are still seeing budget cuts.

Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos is a perfect, easy weekend getaway for families from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. With a brand-new 40,000-square-foot water park expansion and tons of interactive all-ages fun, it's sure to draw tri-state area families for years to come.

We recently revisited this longtime family retreat, and we were reminded why Great Wolf Lodge Poconos is one of our top Poconos resorts for families. If you're headed there, find more fun nearby on our list of 70 things to do in the Poconos and our Poconos Family Travel Guide.

Looking for the best toddler gifts for 2- and 3-year-olds? Check out our ultimate toddler gift guide for our favorite toddler gift ideas.

At ages 2 and 3, children are expanding their minds every day and learning mainly through play. The best toddler gifts are those that promote and allow for open-ended play, creativity, and imagination. But toddlers can be difficult to shop for because while they crave more independent play, they're also not old enough to play with toys that have small parts, sharp edges, or other safety concerns. Toddlers are also still developing fine and gross motor skills.

If all of those considerations sound daunting, you're in the right place, as we've checked in with our experienced panel of parents (our writers and editors!) to round up the very best toddler gifts for 2- and 3-year-olds, including toys, books, and experience gifts. These are all toys we have put to the test, have lasted, and have passed down to younger siblings and friends.

If you've got a range of ages to shop for, check out the Mommy Poppins Gift Guide for Birthdays and Holidays, which has suggestions for the best first birthday gifts for 1-year-olds, and so much more.