Best Kid-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries in and around Chicago

Give a cheers in the garden at Two Brothers. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

Sometimes, parents need a break. And maybe a beer. So, we've scoured the city and suburbs for some of the best beer gardens and local breweries in Chicago that welcome kids—many of which have great outdoor seating. We looked for places with quality kids' menus, something for kids to see or do, a lack of raised eyebrows about bringing kids along for the ride, and of course, great brews. Cheers!

For other great places to eat with kids, check out this list of restaurants with space for kids to play, the best themed restaurants in Chicago, and the ultimate guide to kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago

13 Best Skateparks Near Philly

Skateboarding culture has deep roots in the city of Philadelphia.

Whether you've got a kid who's just learning to skate, or you've got a pro shredder at home, there are lots of great places in the city to practice new and old skills alike. Skateparks are a great place to practice tricks, or even learn to roll for the first time. Whether your kiddo loves skateboarding, rollerblading, or rollerskating this is a great way to get your kids moving outdoors. So grab your helmet, strap on your pads, and roll out to one of these great Philly skateboard parks.

Looking for more fun on wheels? Check out our guide to the Best Roller Skating Rinks in Philly.

End of Summer Bucket List: 30 Things to Do in Orlando Before School Starts

Float along the natural spring at Kelly Park during the last days of summer. Photo by the author

With the start of a new school year right around the corner, many Orlando parents are left wondering how to make the most of the end of summer break. Good thing Mommy Poppins is here! We've crafted a list of 30 fun things to do before school starts, including a fairy door scavenger hunt, inflatable water parks, summer day trips, and much more.

Be sure to also visit our Orlando Summer Activities Guide to find more family fun ideas, and subscribe to our email list to get stories just like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Where To Go Peach Picking in New Jersey this Summer

Peach picking in New Jersey is one of the great pleasures of summer. Photo courtesy of Johnson's Corner Farm

Peach picking in New Jersey offers up one of the great joys of summer: A sweet treat plucked fresh off the tree. The Garden State has pick-your-own farms aplenty, so you should be able to find one close by.

The peach picking season in New Jersey really gets going in mid-July and carries on through August and even early September at some farms. Before heading out on a peach-picking adventure, call ahead or check the farm’s Facebook page to make sure crops are still plentiful and see what other fruits are available on any given day—you might also be able to pick blueberries, which are available at many farms through the end of July.

Find more pick your own fun in our Guide to Farms in New Jersey for Families, and for more ways to enjoy the warm weather, don't miss our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Here's Why Wantagh Park Playground is My Family's Go-To Destination

Marina Playground has plenty of slides to experience.

Wantagh Park's newest addition, the Marina Playground, has just dethroned Eisenhower Park as our favorite playground in Nassau County. Interactive elements, cool nautical-themed structures, and equipment for multiple ages make this a perfect park for families with younger and older kids. Read on for more info on how exciting this new addition is in terms of Long Island's playground lineup. 

For lots more on Long Island playgrounds, check out our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds on Long Island

Fun Max Adventure Park Brings Big Thrills to Wappingers Falls

Fun Max Adventure Park's features include slides, a ball pit, and an obstacle course.

The new Fun Max Indoor Adventure Park, just off Route 9 in Wappingers Falls, is an 80,000-square-foot space featuring trampolines, a ninja course, climbing walls, ropes courses, foam pits, ball pits, and a game room. Think Bounce meets Billy Beez meets Ninja Warrior–if you have active kids, you will not be disappointed. 

The park is entirely indoors, so it's a great option for getting kids' energy out on cold or rainy days. Parents can relax in massage chairs while their kids play or get in on the action and try the obstacles themselves.

Check out our Guide to Indoor Fun for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids for more indoor playground options in the region. 

Thomas and Friends Come to Life at LICM this Summer with Kids

The lovable blue tank engine Thomas and his friends have rolled into Long Island. Children's Museum.

Family fun is always plentiful at the Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City. Summer's arrival brings with it an interactive Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails exhibit, plus some seasonal outdoor fun, making this a perfect time to revisit the local kiddie culture spot, one of our favorite Long Island museums for kids.

Read on for all the details and start planning your next LICM visit. After all, this Long Island gem checks in at No. 31 on our epic summer bucket list.

1000 Ideas for Spending 1000 Hours Outside with Kids

A kiddie pool and some buckets equal tons of backyard fun! Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Ginny Yurich, founder of 1000 Hours Outside, has made it her mission to push awareness for kids to be outdoors—and for good reason. Studies have shown that children benefit physically, mentally, and socially from being outside. Reducing screen time helps boost kids' creativity, stimulates their attention spans, and allows them to develop important life skills, like playing cooperatively with others.

I made it my family's resolution to do the "1000 hours outside in 365 days" challenge. Once I took indoor activities outside and opened the garage more often, my family and I became hooked. It's been a game changer, reducing stress and allowing us to hang out together and try new things. Constantly being outside has brought a lot of joy, smiles, and drive to play versus asking for screens.

Spending 1000 hours outside may seem like a big goal, but it's very manageable. Read on for 1000 ways to spend 1000 hours outside as a family. Then get more ideas in our Guide to Outdoor Activities for Kids.

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