New Jersey Celebrates Family-Friendly Bike Month and Week

Rachel Sokol's picture Submitted by Rachel Sokol on

Did you know The Garden State currently ranks NUMBER ONE in the U.S. for most bike-friendly college campuses and businesses?*  New Jersey is also ranked Number 12 for on the list of bike-friendliest states. There’s some Jersey pride for you! May is Bike Month, so let’s all celebrate the power of the speedy, earth-friendly two-wheeler. Below is a list of New Jersey bike events, so grab your helmet, screw on those steering wheels—if your kiddies need them—and enjoy a classic American pastime…riding a bike. And hey, if a bike was good enough transport for Mary Poppins…it’s just as fab for MOMMY Poppins, right?

Celebrate Mother's Day at the New York Botanical Garden

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on

While a beautiful bouquet of flowers is always appreciated on Mother's Day, why not give mom a chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful gardens in the area? During Mother's Day weekend, the New York Botanical Garden is holding a special garden party with a vintage twist. There will be plenty of activities for mom—and the entire family—to enjoy.

Parties with a Purpose: Kids' Volunteering Birthday Bash To Help Those in Need

Natalie Silverstein's picture Submitted by Natalie Silverstein on

Kids' birthday parties should be a blast, but they don't necessarily need to be two hours of lavish expense resulting in a mountain of under-appreciated gifts. Just as you can organize an at-home volunteering project during a playdate, it's easy to throw a party with a purpose. This goes beyond encouraging guests to donate to charity in lieu of presents (which is great, too). We've rounded up fun and easy things kids can do to help those in need that can be incorporated into many themes, and all of our ideas can be done at home. Make sure you have a brief discussion with the kids before you get started about why you've chosen to host a party with a purpose, and who will benefit from their generosity. That way the children not only understand the concept, they can feel good about giving to others. Isn't that the greatest birthday gift of all?

Train Ride to Springdale Diner in Stamford, CT

Submitted by Katie McKnight on

Before Spring Break, I excitedly made a list of adventures I wanted to undertake with my children.  I had grand visions of exciting trips to NYC, educational outings to local museums, and spine thrilling natural adventures.  I carefully planned itineraries, scouted deals, and made reservations.  And then I called my friend Sarah and invited her and her twin girls to join us.  Sarah graciously listened to my grand plans before suggesting an alternative right here in Fairfield County.  “Have you thought about a trip to the Springdale Diner?”

Marshmallow Craft for Kids & Lil' Architects

Submitted by Amelia Eigerman on

Marshmallows are always fun.  They get our kids excited like nothing else.  We've done a few marshmallow crafts before, like our Easy Flower Cupcakes and our Marshmallow Catapult.  We took the idea of building with mini marshmallows and toothpicks and added a fun new element: competition!  Kids of all ages will have fun as they try to build the highest tower, and they may even pick up a little bit of geometry on the way!

Cool Deals on Summer Camps & Classes, Plus Discounts on a Kidrockers Concert and a Family Pirate Show

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

Been procrastinating about summer camp? Well perhaps it's paid off. Our latest roundup of deals includes 25% off cool summer programs where kids can enjoy music, modeling, language and sports, and a whopping 50% off fencing camp.


Already have summer camp all planned out? We also have significant discounts on the upcoming Kidrockers concert, the hilarious improved pirate show The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told! and more. If you see a bargain you can't pass up, act fast: Many of these deals will be gone before Memorial Day hits.

Yonkers with Kids: 30 Things to Do with Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on

Located just across New York City's Bronx boarder, Yonkers is Westchester's largest city, the first stop in the string of Rivertowns and the fourth largest city in all of New York state. Similar to the nearby boroughs, Yonkers is often seen as a conglomeration of small neighborhoods with distinct histories and cultures. Originally a small farming town, Yonkers was originally part of the series of early 1600 settlements that included Philipsburg Manor and the old saw mill...for which the Saw Mill River is named.

Today, much of Yonkers is a thickly settled urban area with diverse communities and pockets of beautiful parkland. Because the city stretches for nearly 20 miles along the shoreline of the Hudson River, this majestic body of water played a large role in its development as an industrial stronghold and continues to shape the city's unique character. Recent development projects along the waterfront have created a boom in business, restaurants and tourists being drawn to the area, while the completion of Westchester's Ridge Hill has put Yonkers on the map as a shopping destination.

In May, we'll take a closer look at Yonkers and all it has to offer kids and families including the best places to play, eat and shop, starting with our list of 30 things to do with kids in Yonkers. 

Spring Family Travel Deals: Universal, Disney, Hershey, DC and More

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on

The travel industry calls May and June the shoulder season. Kids are still in school and many resorts are operating at a low capacity. If you can plan to get away, crowds are thin, prices low.  Choose a Disney or Universal getaway to Orlando. East Coast families can find deals in Delaware, Washington, D.C., New Hampshire and Hershey, PA.  If Mother Nature is on the program, Estes Park, Colorado is a beautiful spot with fabulous deals.  If you crave sun, the Waikiki Parc Hotel and the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach are just the ticket for a glorious family vacation.

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