Bismarck with Kids: 20 Things to Do in Bismarck, North Dakota

Submitted by Jackie Jones on

Raging Rivers Water Park is the place to be on a hot day in Bismarck.

OK... so Bismarck, North Dakota is probably not among the first places you think of when looking for a family-friendly destination, but this capital city has a lot going for it. Aside from the state Capitol (which you can visit for free), Bismarck, ND boasts a fabulous zoo and a free history museum. It also has that warm Midwestern appeal and those great accents, similar to what you'd find in Fargo, another great North Dakota town.

My kids and I had a blast exploring Bismarck! Read on for our top 20 things to do in Bismarck, ND with kids, including great restaurants and places to stay. Also, check out our Midwest Travel Guide for more great cities to visit with kids.

51 Places to Take Pictures with Santa in Atlanta & Picture-Perfect Breakfast with Santa

Rebecca Ruffin Leffler's picture Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on

Tell Santa all your wishes at Bass Pro Shops. Photo courtesy Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's

You don’t have to travel to the North Pole to take pictures with Santa Claus! St. Nick is all over Atlanta to usher in this magical holiday season with photo ops, meet and greets, and breakfasts with your little ones. Dress your kids in cute holiday outfits and take pictures with Santa for lasting memories. Capture candid photos with Santa at tree lightings, holiday festivals, or mealtimes; or reserve a professional photo shoot at a local mall. In some instances, you can even bring Fido for a Santa photo! 

Holiday Craft Fairs and Christmas Markets in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Stroll by the booths of the lovely White Plains Holiday Market. Photo courtesy of the market

Holiday craft fairs and Christmas markets in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are a fun way to shop for seasonal gifts, offering handmade and one-of-a-kind items not found in most stores. Booths are often staffed by the maker, allowing insight into the creative process, and many benefit a charitable cause.

We've rounded up some of the wonderful holiday fairs in the region that are well worth visiting this November and December. Enjoy festivities for the entire family at the White Plains Winter Village and Holiday Market, which also features outdoor fire pits, ice sculpting demonstrations, and visits from Santa and other holiday characters. Or indulge in apple strudel and other authentic German food and baked goods at Germania of Poughkeepsie's Christkindlmarkt, a German-style Christmas market featuring vendors, caroling, and holiday activities.

Looking for more ways to enjoy the holiday season? You can find plenty more holiday happenings in our Holiday Guide and constantly updated activities calendar.

Breakfast with Santa in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Warm up with Alstede Farms' delicious farm-to-table brunch with Santa. Photo courtesy of the farm

Breakfast with Santa on one of his visits to New Jersey is a great way for your kids to spend quality time with "the big guy." At these events, kids enjoy delicious food and share holiday wish lists with St. Nick.

And, of course, there will be time for some adorable photos. Read on for our roundup of where to have breakfast with Santa in New Jersey this holiday season. 

Want more time with Santa? Book your ticket on a Christmas train ride, and find more seasonal activities in our Holiday Fun Guide.

Breakfast with Santa in NYC

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

Share a special holiday experience with your child at American Girl New York's Santa brunch. Photo courtesy of American Girl

Breakfast with Santa—or a tasty Santa brunch—might be in order if your child wants a hearty visit with the big red guy. We've found the best spots for families to enjoy a special holiday meal with Santa Claus in New York City, ranging from the extravagant Radio City Breakfast Spectacular to a lavish breakfast with Santa at Macy's, sweet treats during Santa brunch at American Girl New York, and even FREE fare at Empire Outlets on Staten Island. You can even hop on a cruise with Santa!

Keep in mind that all of these breakfasts with Santa in NYC require reservations and sell out quickly. No matter which one you choose, bring your camera—and your appetite. Be sure to bookmark this page, as we'll be adding more NYC breakfast with Santa options as we find them. You'll find all our seasonal picks for family fun in our Holiday Guide for New York City Families.

Best Spots to Take Pictures with Santa in Orlando

Submitted by Charlotte B on

Kids love meeting Santa at The Santa Workshop Experience, full of holiday magic. Photo by the author

It's time to take pictures with Santa, as old St. Nick is about to make his yearly appearance! Orlando kids have a plethora of options to meet with Santa. Read on to find the best places to get pictures with Santa around Central Florida. Want another holiday experience? Check out our roundup of the best Christmas events in Orlando this year.

For more fun Christmas events in the area, look no further than our Orlando Holiday Guide, complete with an extensive list of The Nutcracker and Other Holiday Shows around Orlando and more!

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