Launch trampoline park has landed in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, transforming the old Modell’s space on 86th Street into a high-energy indoor playground that’s already drawing crowds of local families. With wall-to-wall trampolines, giant slides, a climbing wall, and arcade games, Launch brings a much-needed indoor entertainment destination to South Brooklyn—especially welcome as colder months approach and parents look for active, weatherproof places to let kids burn off energy.

For more indoor play spaces, check out our list of the 24 best kids' indoor playgrounds and play spaces in NYC, and bookmark our NYC Kids Guide to Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones in NYC for even more romping spots. 

Where can you find a festive pumpkin patch and a pack of Humboldt penguins? A candy-filled trick-or-treating trail and stunning sea turtles? SeaWorld’s Annual Spooktacular is a one-of-a-kind Halloween event you don’t want to miss.

SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is the annual Halloween event for SoCal families looking for action-packed, family-focused fun this spooky season. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through November 2nd, plus Halloween Friday, the Spooktacular is totally interactive, photo-worthy, and included with general admission to SeaWorld–which is FREE for kids with a paid adult ticket throughout October.

Toddlers. In addition to being world-class tantrum-throwers and tiny dictators, they’re also natural explorers and imaginative inventors who see the potential in everything from cardboard boxes to your new pair of shoes. And sometimes these busy little creatures need a distraction to survive a meal, car ride, or even a diaper change.

It’s tempting to hand over a screen in those moments. (Who hasn’t surrendered their phone on the changing table? Or is that just me?). That phone might be burning a hole in your pocket with all its Miss Rachel magic, but we’ve got over 50 simple and screen-free toddler activities to stash in that back pocket instead.

Because toddlers are hardwired with curiosity, it's easier than you might think to tap into the invaluable benefits of screen-free play, like honing social skills, practicing problem solving, and engaging in creativity and movement. This list features screen-free play ideas and distractions that will delight kids in all kinds of scenarios, whether solo or with siblings, indoors or outdoors, at the airport, or in the waiting room.

For even more screen-free play ideas and toddler activities at home, check out our Crafts for Kids Guide, which includes or list of simple crafts for toddlers and preschoolers. Or try one of our low-effort toddler games.

If you're looking for a tropical family vacation that balances relaxation and adventure—and requires no passport—Puerto Rico is the perfect location. Check out our five-day itinerary for visiting Puerto Rico with kids and you'll see why! But of course, no family vacation is great without finding an awesome place to stay.

Here are 10 great hotels in Puerto Rico for families, including resorts near the lush El Yunque National Forest, hotels in San Juan, and more. All of these hotels in Puerto Rico feature kid-friendly amenities like stunning pools, gorgeous beaches, kids' clubs, nature activities, and more.

Looking for more great places to stay with kids in the US and abroad? Check out our Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts and Hotels.

Ride on toys are the perfect gift to give a child if you really want to "wow" them. After all, what's more fun than zooming around town—or the house—on two, three, or four wheels? Plus, many kids' ride on toys have the added benefit of building balance, coordination, muscle strength, and fine motor schools.

We've rounded up 21 of the best ride on toys for kids of all ages, from toddlers all the way through teens (and even adults). These kids' ride on toys run the gamut from ride on horse toys to scooters to tricked-out electric cars for kids. With these ride on toys, your kiddo will surely be cruising the neighborhood in style.

Find more awesome gifts for kids, from the best first birthday gifts to the best gifts for tweens and teens, in our Mommy Poppins Gift Guide.

When you visit Luna Park or Deno's Wonder Wheel at Brooklyn's Coney Island, you're seeing a piece of living history. The world-famous and innovative amusement parks have been around since the late 1800s, and luckily, there's a place that celebrates the lengthy history of the area: The Coney Island Museum.

This local hidden gem is a loving homage dedicated to the area's rich history, old attractions and artifacts, and their impact on the culture of entertainment—many locals have no idea the museum even exists. Here's why this NYC hidden gem is worth visiting next time you find yourself in this shore front enclave.

Find big scares across New England for bigger kids in 2025!