Lace up those skates and enjoy the fresh air at these ice skating rinks near Philly. Of all the fun activities the holiday season brings, ice skating is at the top of the list. Bundling up in hats and scarves and warming up with cider or hot chocolate after a spin on the ice at a local ice skating rink in Philadelphia is sure to please kids young and old. There are several temporary festive outdoor ice skating rinks in Philadelphia and in the Philadelphia suburbs, providing unique settings for this winter activity, and many Pennsylvania state parks also offer ice skating when the conditions are right. 

For more ways to enjoy everything this season has to offer, check out our list of Polar Express and Christmas Train Rides and our Philadelphia Holiday Guide, filled with the best Christmas events and activities, as well as events for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and more.

An inclusive playground in the bucolic South Shore village of Rockville Centre has opened and welcomes families and children of all abilities. The space aims to create a safe and engaging environment where every child can play and explore together.

With all of the ways to climb, spin, roll, and run in this massive outdoor play space, Mr. B’s All-Inclusive Playground is sure to be a hit with kids.

Read on for our review, and see our guide to Long Island parks and playgrounds for more outdoor inspiration. Of course, if you want to head to an indoor play space, we have you covered as well.

Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities throughout New Jersey offer great ways to connect as a family this holiday season. Volunteering together can spark the joy of giving in children of all ages.

Read on for our rundown of volunteer opportunities for kids of all ages in New Jersey, from activities suited to younger kids, like coloring greeting cards, to ways for teenagers to serve Thanksgiving dinners. 

Check out other feel-good holiday ideas in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families.

New York City's outdoor ice skating rinks are ready for a new season, and we've rounded up our favorite outdoor ice skating rinks in NYC. Whether you want to take a twirl on some long-running classics, like the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink and the always-free Bryant Park rink, or explore new favorites like the waterfront rink in Domino Park, our list of family-friendly outdoor ice skating rinks in NYC continues to grow.

Read on for our top picks for outdoor ice skating rinks for beginners and experienced skaters alike. And, if it ever gets too cold to glide outside, know you can always hit one of NYC's indoor ice skating rinks.

Do you love the holidays? A stay in a top Christmas town or a trip to a nearby Santa's Village that goes all out for December 25 can be a great way to share that festive spirit with the whole family. Some of the most spectacular Christmas towns are right here in the US. These local spots celebrate Christmas with mega holiday lights displays, Christmas markets, special performances, and plenty of opportunities to meet with Santa Claus. Each of these unique locations gives us plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday season in style!

Read on to find an dazzling Christmas town or Santa's Village near you so your family can get into the holiday spirit in a big way, from Koziar's Christmas Village in Pennsylvania to Riverside, California. Find even more holiday (and winter) vacation ideas in our Family Travel Guide.

Meow Wolf: Radio Tave opens on Halloween. Here's what to expect.

Step into the wonders of ancient Egypt without leaving New York City through the ultimate VR experience at Horizon of Khufu. This newly opened, free-roaming, VR experience is the first-of-its-kind in NYC. The experience transports families 4,500 years back in time to explore the enchanting world of pyramids, mummification, and the legendary King Khufu himself.

I absolutely loved experiencing this VR adventure with my family—read on to discover what it’s like to traverse time and space in the heart of NYC. For more virtual reality experiences in NYC check out our roundup of the best virtual reality experiences in NYC.

The expansive Barbie: A Cultural Icon exhibition is now open at the Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle, featuring 250+ dolls, photo ops, fashion designs, and more.

Thrilling for kids and endlessly nostalgic for grownups, Barbie: A Cultural Icon is one of the latest limited-time can’t-miss exhibitions to open in NYC. Featuring more than 250 vintage dolls, original fashion designs, playful photo backdrops, and an interactive life-size Barbie convertible, the exhibition brings a totally memorable experience for all ages to the Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle.

I had a chance to sneak a private peek at the expansive display with my two Barbie-loving daughters, so read on for the inside scoop, ticket details, and what to know before you go.