New year, new birthday party to plan! And luckily for Garden State parents, there are new party places popping up every day. From just-teed-up trampoline parks to Brooklyn-transplant ice cream parlors, these new-to-Jersey hot spots have more than enough hype to meet your little ones’ birthday riders. Check out some of the newbies below—and if you need more inspiration, brush up on our list of the best places for kids to party in NJ. The old standbys never fail to make them smile!

New York may lay claim to a pair of NFL teams, but catching them in action and experiencing the thrill of an NFL game day has long required a trip on NJ Transit or hopping in a car and heading across the river. That is, until now.

The opening of the NFL Experience in the heart of Times Square in December gives New Yorkers a taste of what an NFL game day looks, feels, and tastes like—all just a subway ride away.

Families who'd rather swap their snowsuits for bathing suits will soon have one more option: the Kartrite Hotel & Indoor Waterpark, which will open in Monticello, New York, in early 2019.

The best part? It's located in Sullivan County, an easy family-friendly destination for both daytrippers and those in need of a weekend getaway.

Read on for more details, and sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date.

Want to squeeze a little Disney excitement into your weekend without taking the little ones to Anaheim? It's easier than you might think this week, because Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic is visiting Long Beach Terrace Theatre & Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario. Comparing these tickets to the hefty price of a day pass to Disney is a bargain, and your kids will thank you: win-win!

When your child takes those first steps into toddlerhood, it becomes obvious that the game has changed. No more baby that sleeps soundly in a carrier, or is amused by being pushed around in a stroller. Toddlers hit the ground running and are ready for some hands-on interactive fun. Those loveable bundles of joy have endless energy and an unquenchable desire to explore their surroundings.  That's why we've rounded up 25 places in Fairfield County we know toddlers will love, from active play options to animal fun to sweet treats. Many of the destinations on our list are free, and some of the activities also appeal to older siblings. And for some more indoor fun options check out our Indoor Fun Guide. 

Check out our top 25 tot spots and if we missed any of your favorites, please add them in the comments.

The Children's Museum of Manhattan has long made up for its small footprint the way hearty city parents do: by creatively maximizing every available square foot of space, and keeping things fresh with an ever-changing variety of exhibits that engage the public in its mission to help "children and families thrive at home, at school, and in the community."

But, as any parent pining for an extra bedroom can attest, a bit more space is always welcome in this jam-packed city, and the little kid museum will soon have a great big new home of its own. CMOM completed the $45 million purchase of the former Church of Christ, Scientist, on West 96th Street and Central Park West on December 22.

When it comes to eating out in Houston, the city isn't short of amazing options, from delicious Tex-Mex to finger-licking barbeque. And then there's dessert. If the kids aren't in an ice cream kind of mood, good old-fashioned candy can do the trick. From the classics to the trendy sweet treats, this list will surely satisfy anyone's sugary obsession.

From Eli Whitney and his interchangeable parts, to the can opener and the frisbee, Connecticut’s history has always been one filled with game changing innovations. So it should be no surprise that the Maker Movement is alive and thriving in Connecticut! “What is the Maker Movement?” you may be asking. According to Make Magazine, “The Maker Movement embraces innovation, creativity, and learning to improve our communities and create a better future.Tinkerers, educators, parents, and professionals are included, because we are all Makers. That includes you.”  If you have a child that builds Minecraft kingdoms in her dreams or is ready to take a trip to the science museum to the next level, then this list is for you!