12 Best New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other San Francisco Celebrations for Kids

Submitted by Sandra Lee on

See the snowfall on New Year's Eve! Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens

New Year's Eve celebrations in the San Franciso Bay Area are as unique and spectacular as the city we live in. Your family can ring in 2025 with everything from fireworks at Gilroy Gardens to a New Year's train ride at Roaring Camp. And for little ones with early bedtimes, there are a bunch of Noon Year's Eve parties throughout the Bay Area from Sausalito to San Jose. 

In true San Francisco style, New Year's Eve events celebrate the many cultures on New Year's Eve, including Kwanzaa and a Japanese bell-ringing ceremony. However you celebrate, grab those noisemakers, and start the countdown—Happy 2025, everyone! 

The festivities don't end with the New Year's Eve! Many holiday events and activities in the Bay Area continue after January 1. New events are added to our San Francisco calendar every day, so check it frequently to find a perfect family outing over Christmas vacation in San Francisco. 

12 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Noon Year's Eve, and Other Los Angeles Celebrations for Kids

Submitted by Kylie Williams on

Get slimey on New Year's Eve! Photo by Elaina Bellis courtesy of the Sloomoo Institute

It’s almost New Year’s Eve—and Los Angeles has loads of celebrations for kids. Ring in 2025 with a balloon drop (at noon or midnight, depending on your household bedtime!), giggling through a family-friendly comedy show, catching some fireworks, or even roller skating your way into the new year. There are also plenty of innovative ways to party at home as a family or learn some New Year's Eve celebrations from around the world.

Find more events and activities on our Los Angeles event calendar and check out the best activities of the weekend in LA. 

That's a wrap for 2024! Happy New Year from all of us at Mommy Poppins. Thank you, reader, for making it such a great one. We're looking forward to all the fun coming our way in 2025. 

12 Hotel Suites Around the World That Will Blow Your Kids' Minds

Sonia Gonzalez's picture Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on

SpongeBob fans will go nuts for this pineapple-themed suite. Photo courtesy of Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana

When planning a family getaway, where you stay can easily be as exciting as the vacation destination. Amazing hotel suites, bungalows, and villas abound, offering one-of-a-kind experiences for kids and families—they may even end up becoming the main attraction.

We've rounded up 12 splurge-worthy options from across the globe. These suites, bungalows, and villas are designed to spark imaginations and ignite adventure for kids of all ages, with plenty to offer for mom and dad, too. For more travel ideas, check out our Family Travel Guide.

Top Tips for a Wintertime Visit to NYC

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on

Embrace the winter magic in Central Park. Tagger Yancey IV/NYC Tourism + Conventions

With its holiday markets, pop-up outdoor ice skating rinks, gas-lit brownstone-lined streets, and chilly park walks, New York City shines brightly during the winter season. That means winter in NYC is still a great time to visit. Whether you choose to visit NYC during Christmas or save your city adventure for later in the season, we've rounded up our top tips for planning a winter visit to NYC, including annual money-saving promotions like NYC's Hotel Week, Restaurant Week, and Broadway Week.

Although we can't guarantee a picturesque snowfall, we can ensure you make the most of your wintertime visit to NYC. To help you plan your perfect trip, we've rounded up our top tips, including what to pack, what to see, and where to go to escape the city for the day. Read on for everything you need to know to make your winter trip to NYC one to remember and bookmark our NYC Visitors Guide for more help planning your perfect NYC getaway.

Family-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on

Hit the lanes at these local bowling alleys in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

A family bowling outing is a classic go-to activity no matter the season. Nowadays, bowling alleys have become flashy, multi-faceted venues with added attractions like arcades, rides, and even ax throwing.

Read on for the top family-friendly bowling alleys in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and find more family fun at these indoor play spaces and in our Indoor Fun Guide.

Most Decadent, Delicious Hot Chocolate on Long Island

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on

Cozy up to the Campfire Cocoa, one of the specialty hot chocolates at Café Portofino in Northport. Photo courtesy of Café Portofino

Enjoying a mouthwatering hot chocolate on Long Island with the kids is a perfect way to warm up this winter. Adults and kids love this tasty treat, especially when topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, or both. Some cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants offer unique hot chocolate concoctions with fun flavors, toppings, or even rich chocolate shavings to satisfy your sweet tooth.

We've rounded up some of the best spots across Long Island serving up delectable hot chocolates with incredible playgrounds nearby. Read ahead to start planning a day filled with wintry playground action topped off with an unforgettable hot chocolate experience. 

For even more seasonal outings, check out our Winter Fun Guide and our list of Long Island's best family-friendly restaurants. 

Pages