Family-Friendly Bowling Alleys in New Jersey

Check out our picks for family-friendly bowling alleys in New Jersey. Photo by Lisa Warden

Here in New Jersey, there are plenty of bowling alleys that offer year-round fun. There are small-town spots that offer traditional games with modern touches, such as automatic scoring and gutter bumpers. And there are newer, flashier bowling alleys that feature high-tech bells and whistles like interactive games, video walls, and glow ball.

In addition, venues throughout the state often feature bowling alongside laser tag and arcades.

And bowling alleys are an ideal spot for low-maintenance birthday parties, play dates, and weekend day trips.

Easter Scavenger Hunts and Other Easter Egg Hunt Ideas

"Look what I found!"

If you're looking for a fun and creative twist on the traditional Easter egg hunt, Easter scavenger hunts are a great option. Rather than simply having kids search for hidden eggs, Easter scavenger hunts allow them to solve clues, read maps, perform funny actions, and do other fun things on their quest to collect those coveted plastic eggs. Plus, an Easter scavenger hunt just might add enough oomph to keep teens engaged as well.

We've also included some creative ideas for traditional Easter egg hunts, as well as some non-candy egg stuffers to delight kids of all ages.

For more Easter fun, check out our Easter Activities Guide for families, which includes everything from Easter crafts and egg-dyeing ideas to awesome Easter movies to get the whole family hoppin'. While you’re at it, go ahead and indulge in some of that Easter candy—you deserve it!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Tips for a Magical Experience in Orlando

Use our visitors guide to navigate The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.

At The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, experience magic and adventure in Orlando! Explore Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle, Diagon Alley, and other fictional locations that come to life in our world. While visiting Universal Orlando may be daunting for Muggles, we've got the scoop on how to make your visit a magical success.

I recently visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with my two kids, and we had a blast! From butterbeer and wand shopping, to casting spells and riding hippogriffs, there so much fun to be had at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. Don your robes, pack your wand, and read on for all our expert tips.

Decatur with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Decatur, GA

The Decatur Arts Fest allows kids and adults to explore their creative sides. Photo courtesy of the Decatur Arts Alliance

Decatur, GA is one of the most popular cities to visit in our area. This family-friendly, Atlanta city features awesome activities for kids, including indoor and outdoor events that are sure to bring a smile to everyone's faces. Decatur is loaded with wonderful amenities, including great schools, colleges, and libraries; lush parks, fields, and tree-lined streets; a lively downtown square; an accessible MARTA station; fun neighborhood festivals and holidays (Halloween in Oakhurst is a must); and much more. Our guide to Decatur, GA will help your family create beautiful memories that last a lifetime! 

We've got 25 spots to visit during your visit to Decatur, filling your day with non-stop smiles and activities.

Enjoy Free Family Camping in NYC Parks with Urban Park Rangers

Urban Park Rangers bring tents (and set them up, too!) for family camping nights in NYC parks.

Contrary to what you might think, you don't need to invest in expensive equipment or even leave New York City to pitch a tent and go camping. The Urban Park Rangers offer FREE overnight family camping in city parks at select times and locations throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Bonus: They bring almost everything you need for a night spent under the stars, including the tent.

The program has opened registration for its annual sleepovers, and we've got all the details on how to snag a spot at one of these cool camping trips. If you're more of a savvy DIYer, consider planning a family getaway to one of these campsites near NYC with extra family-friendly perks.

Roller Skating in NYC for Kids and Families

The Pier 2 Roller Rink is great for both daring speed seekers and beginners. Photo by Diana Kim

Roller skating provides plenty of old school, all-ages fun. With the city's popular ice skating season in the rearview, trade in your ice skates for quads and hit one of these roller skating rinks in NYC or just beyond city limits.

The return of Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace and pop-ups like Brooklyn's Roller Wave mean NYC families have more choices than ever for unique roller skating rinks to explore.

In addition to retro roller skating fun, many of these roller skating rinks offer extras, including arcade games, bounce houses, and party packages. So lace up your quads and get moving at these roller skating rinks in NYC!

Best Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids this Spring: Our Spring Fun List

Explore the grounds and larger-than-life art at Storm King Art Center.

Spring activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley will have you trading in clunky boots, mittens, and winter coats for fresh air, parks, and farm fun. Get outside and take advantage of all the seasonal delights New York offers!

We’ve curated a list of 15 great things to do this spring in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Our picks range from exploring local farms to taking in the world-class installations at Storm King.

You'll find more seasonal picks in our Spring Fun Guide, and our Event Calendar is jam-packed no matter the date.

Top Birthday Party Places for Toddlers and Preschoolers on Long Island

Toddlers love the bright lights of the arcade at Planet Play in Bellmore. Photo by Gina Massaro

Long Island has tons of awesome birthday party places on offer, which is good news when you consider that there is nothing more exciting for a toddler or a pre-schooler than a birthday party. Still, planning the special day can be exceedingly stressful, especially when young children aren't quite ready for the more standard birthday party venues.

The good news? We've compiled a list of some of Long Island's best venues for your littlest birthday boy or girl. Whether you're looking for an engaging indoor play space, an outdoor environment, or even a home party with entertainment, there are plenty of toddler-friendly options across Long Island.

As always, check out our Long Island Party Guide for more on planning the ideal party for a child of any age, which includes our list of the best parks and playgrounds for hosting bdays on LI.

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