Explore play cafes (and play cafes opening soon) in CT!

Check out the must-see places, must-do things, and even must-eat food in the Bay State!

We might be biased, but we think the family-friendly things to do in New York state are second to none. From the gorgeous Hamptons beaches to the rugged state parks of the Hudson Valley, serene Adirondack lake regions, and deafening Niagara Falls, the culture and arts found in New York City, and on up through the Hudson Valley river towns and beyond—we feel pretty lucky to live and raise our kids here.

New Yorkers are pretty good at making delicious food items, from ramen burgers and bagels to ice cream, and even wine at family-friendly vineyards on Long Island and in the Finger Lakes. There are children’s museums galore. Kids have no shortage of water and theme parks, cool playgrounds, zoos, parks, and nature, of course.

And yet, the thing about childhood is that it’s finite. The kids grow up and move away. We want to soak up every moment. So, we put together this list of 100 things to do in New York state, from upstate and the Adirondacks to the East End of Long Island. We collected suggestions from Mommy Poppins contributors, past and former, to fuse it all together just for you (OK, for us, too). Whether you're planning a long weekend getaway or a family day trip, you're sure to find some ideas here.

If you’ve got a kid who likes to jump, climb, and move like crazy, then consider these ninja warrior and parkour gyms in Atlanta. Not only do these Atlanta places allow kids to unleash oodles of energy, but ninja warrior gyms and parkour training help your child build strength, improve coordination, develop self-confidence, AND have fun doing it. Plus, ninja and parkour are beneficial for cross training. 

Parkour began in France and focuses on using the entire body to get from place to place the most efficiently. Elements of this sport include vaulting, jumping, rolling, and flipping. Ninja, popularized by the hit television series American Ninja Warrior, uses obstacle courses to test speed, balance, and agility. Most of these Atlanta ninja and parkour gyms offer birthday parties and summer camp opportunities as well.

With a nickname like the "Sunshine State," it's obvious that Florida is THE place to enjoy fun under the sun. With year-round warm weather, averaging in the mid-70s, 825 miles of accessible beaches, fantasically varied wildlife, and one-of-a-kind habitats like mangroves, swamps, and marshes, Florida offers amazing outdoor options for visitors and residents alike. And don't get us started on the world-famous, kid-friendly attractions and theme parks! Visit picturesque Key West, the southernmost point in the continental U.S.; always-happening Orlando; the diverse Florida Everglades; the panhandle's fun beach cities; and everywhere in between. 

Take a look at our list of the best things to do in Florida and let us know what you've visited and what you have yet to discover!

The slogan may be "Virginia Is For Lovers", but we say Virginia is for families! There are so many amazing things to do in Virginia with kids, we barely know where to start.

The birthplace of eight US presidents and the site of many Revolutionary War and Civil War battles, Virginia is full of fantastic historic sites to explore, from George Washington's Mount Vernon to Yorktown Battlefield.

There are so many fun ways to spend time outdoors in Virginia, from playing on awesome playgrounds to hiking in Shenandoah National Park to frolicking on the beaches of Virginia Beach.

Virginia is also home to museums galore, thrilling amusement parks like Busch Gardens, awesome neighborhoods to explore such as Old Town Alexandria and Clifton, and so much more.

Here is our ultimate Virginia bucket list for families, featuring 100 of the best things to do in Virginia with kids. We hope checking off this list will lead to loads of fun and lasting family memories!

Pennsylvania has so many great places to visit including Lancaster, Pittsburgh, and the state capital of Harrisburgh. Whether you're taking a trip to the Poconos, or heading out to the Philadelphia suburbs, we've got bucket list items for you! Pack your bags and check out all the amazing things that Pennsylvania has to offer.

Looking for more getaways within driving distance? Check out our roundup of 10 PA Weekend Getaways.