Best Bar Mitzvah Venues in NYC for Families

A synagogue-turned event space, Boerum Hill's Deity is a lovely bat mitzvah venue in New York City. Photo by Kelly Williams

Finding the perfect bar mitzvah venue in New York City is a huge undertaking. Whether you're looking for a full-service bar mitzvah venue to handle everything in-house with an event manager orchestrating the party, or you're searching for a blank canvas to create your unique event, we've found 15 bar mitzvah venues in New York City ready to serve as the backdrop for your teen's big day.

These bat and bar mitzvah venues in New York City range from classic and sophisticated to more laid-back and focused on teen fun. Some of our picks even have multiple event spaces to host  your ceremony and party. If you're looking for more options, consider casting a wider net and hosting your party at one of these spectacular bar mitzvah venues on Long Island.

Of course, we've got more party planning tips for everyone from toddlers to teens in our New York City Birthday Party Guide.

Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers on Long Island Who Come to You

Let Them Play brings foam play equipment and ball pits to your backyard.

Long Island's at-home birthday party entertainers have expanded their offerings in the past few years and notched up the engagement factor for optimal birthday party fun. Consider hosting your next soiree at home with the help of these birthday party pros.

From drive-in style movie nights and mobile spas to pop-up glamping tents and backyard laser tag competitions, at-home birthday party services on LI give kids fabulous entertainment options in a comfortable setting.

All of the options below service the entirety of Long Island. For more party planning help, check out our Long Island Party Guide.

39 Things to Do With Kids in Long Beach

Dive into tons of fun in Long Beach. Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific

I've been to Long Beach like most Angelenos—but until recently I had never considered taking a weekend getaway there. Mainly, my family was excited to visit the beloved Aquarium of the Pacific. We quickly learned that the aquarium, while wonderful, is not the only attraction for kids in the area. 

Long Beach is packed with family-friendly fun, all at a consistent forecast of "sunny and 75" (well, most of the time!). Keep reading for more suggestions on maximizing a trip with kids in Long Beach. Take a look at some of the activities for kids in Long Beach in our Instagram Reel

While you're in Long Beach, take the ferry to Catalina Island with kids, discover more exciting road trips from Los Angeles for a weekend family getaway, and plan all the family adventures with our Weekend Getaway and Day Trips for Los Angeles Families Guide

Best Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers in Chicago

Baby crawling through tunnel. Photo courtesy of Canva

Classes for preschoolers and toddlers are a step up from parent-tot classes. If your Chicago preschooler wants to pursue their interest, even if it's just for 30-45 minutes once a week, then this list is for you! We've found a variety of fun things for kids who aren't in kindergarten yet but could use a little more time away from their caregiver during the day. Whether they're interested in music, movement, swimming, or the arts, when it comes to preschool classes in Chicago, we've found a little something for everybody.

If your kid isn't big enough to be dropped off yet, check out our Best Baby Classes in Chicago. As your preschooler gets older, check out our Guide to the Best Classes for Kids in Chicago. And have fun with your child's newfound interests and hobbies!

Guide to Visiting Mount Rushmore and Rapid City, SD with Kids

To truly understand the wonder of Mount Rushmore, you'll need to see it in person!

There are few national landmarks as iconic as Mount Rushmore, the massive granite sculpture in Keystone, South Dakota depicting four of the country's most beloved presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln) surrounded by the majestic Black Hills and a forest of Ponderosa pine trees. The carvings may even be one of the first images that come to mind when you think of the American landscape.

Mount Rushmore attracts more than two million visitors a year. This year, that included my family. While the landmark is the big draw for a vacation in this part of the country, it's also just one of the many activities offered in the area. (Watch out, Branson, Missouri: South Dakota is becoming a genuine family fun center!)

Here's your guide to visiting Mount Rushmore with kids, plus things to do nearby in Keystone and Rapid City, SD. Also check out our Midwest Family Travel Guide for more vacation ideas.

22 Fall Weekend Getaways near NYC for Families

Take in the splendor of the season with a fall getaway to Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. Photo courtesy of Mononk Mountain House

Fall in the Northeast is a lovely time of year to enjoy one of these weekend getaways near NYC. The crisp air, fall colors, and outdoor activities are hard to resist for most kids (and grown-ups). While you can surely experience some seasonal magic close to home, there's nothing like a weekend away to recharge fully. If you skipped the summer travel season, these fall weekend getaways near NYC are the perfect antidote to the back-to-school blues. So, go ahead and get planning. Before long, you'll immerse your family in seasonal fun.

We've rounded up 22 fall weekend getaways near NYC, whether you're looking for a quick car-free getaway or you've got a long weekend and want to travel a bit further. If you've only got a day to escape, consider one of these 30 fall day trips from NYC, and find more ideas for fall travel in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Best Corn Mazes Near DC for Kids and Families

Get lost in a fun corn maze this fall. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Corn Maze

Corn mazes are a popular fall activity for many families. Navigating twisty paths cut through giant stalks of corn—often while solving clues and finding hidden surprises—is a great way to bond while enjoying the crisp autumn air. The best corn mazes near DC have fun themes, multiple challenge levels, or even flashlight nights, when visitors can tackle the mazes in the dark with only flashlights to guide them.

Here are 16 of the most ah-maize-ing (sorry, couldn't resist) corn mazes near DC for kids and families, including three haunted corn maze options for only the bravest teens. Many of these corn mazes in Maryland and Northern Virginia are part of larger harvest and pumpkin festivals that offer fun activities like hayrides, giant slides, petting zoos, and more.

Looking for even more fun things to do with kids this fall? Be sure to visit our Fall Fun Guide for DC Families and our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Kids in DC.

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