Best Drop-in Play Spaces and Indoor Playgrounds in Manhattan

The Art Farm in The City offers tons of ways to enjoy its space during a drop-in play session.

Finding non-membership, drop-in play spaces for your toddler or preschooler is like gold to New York City parents—almost as good as scoring a deal on rent. When it gets too cold to explore New York City's best playgrounds, and another playdate at home seems dull (or, let's be honest, stressful), taking your kid to a cool indoor play gym or indoor playground, where everything seems new, and someone else does the cleaning up is a relief to the whole family.

Read on for our top picks for indoor play spaces in Manhattan and find more places to play on our lists of the best indoor playgrounds in Brooklyn and Queens' top indoor play spaces, plus our NYC Kids' Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones.

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey for Kids

Join the fun at the WinterFest Ice Skating Rink at Cooper River in Pennsauken. Photo courtesy of Camden County Government

Ice skating season has arrived in New Jersey, offering families a safe, active outdoor activity that's great for keeping busy during the colder months. There are several outdoor ice skating rinks in New Jersey where you can take a skating lesson, play hockey, or grab a hot chocolate and go for a spin during a public skating session.

Of course, if you feel like staying indoors, you can always check out our list of the Best Indoor Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey.

Mega-Sized Indoor Action Park Slick City Now Open at Katy Mills Mall

Slick City is a massive action park now open in the Katy Mills Mall. Photo courtesy of the Slick City Katy Facebook page

Slick City, which is billed as the world’s largest indoor waterless slide park, has opened a new location in the Houston area–and there's a good chance your family is going to have a blast at the Katy Mills Mall action park. 

The unique theme park is just the third Slick City location nationwide, and it's designed for all ages. The Katy location features 66,000 square feet of indoor sliding experiences, go-karts, and a sports court park.

We were invited to check it out, and my oldest child called it “the most fun we’ve ever had,” so, needless to say, it was a big hit with the kids. As a bonus, the adults had a lot of fun, too!

Read on to get the scoop on this awesome new experience, and find more fun places to play indoors on our list of the Top Indoor Play Spaces in Houston.

Astra Lumina Lights Up Queens Botanical Garden with After-Dark Walk-Thru

Step into a celestial landscape courtesy of Astra Lumina and the Queens Botanical Garden.

It's not hard to find an after-dark holiday light installation in NYC this winter. From the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo to Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and a ton of Christmas light drive-thrus in the suburbs, there are plenty of options, but none are quite like Astra Lumina at the Queens Botanical Garden.

Astra Lumina is QBG's first after-dark installation, and it lights up a mile-long trail in an awe-inspiring display that transports visitors to a whole new galaxy with an eye-popping display of lights, projections, and soundscapes.

Christmas Vacation in CT: 30 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids

These fun things to do with kids over Christmas vacation in CT will have you feeling the joy! Photo courtesy of Hebron Lights in Motion

There's so much for Connecticut families to do to keep busy over Christmas vacation. So, if you're searching for ways to keep kids a little busier, check out our list of 30 fun and enriching activities. These holiday break activities offer something for everyone, from ice skating to nature classes to fireworks to trains and trolleys

For even more ideas to keep the entire family entertained during school break, bookmark the Mommy Poppins events calendar and our Connecticut Holiday Fun Guide. Follow us on Instagram for our latest finds. 

Christmas Vacation in Boston: 20 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids

Holiday lights will still be shining bright over Christmas break in Boston. Night Lights photo courtesy of the Tower Hill Botanic Garden

Christmas vacation in Boston is almost here! When school takes a pause between Christmas and New Year's, it's nice to kick back and relax from the usual routines. Here are 20 enriching activities, from cooking workshops to STEM crafts and nature classes, that are sure to nip "I'm bored" in the bud.

For more things to do in Boston with kids over winter break, consult our Winter Fun Guide and our holiday guide. Plan to have a great time with your kids during the upcoming, and much-needed, school break. And have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

Christmas Vacation in Miami & South Florida: 25 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids

Luminosa welcomes kids and adults of all ages to a world of vibrant color and inspiring creativity. Photo courtesy of Jungle Island

This Christmas vacation in Miami, parents may be scratching their heads trying to come up with things to do with kids. A staycation in Miami and South Florida can include creative activities, both outdoors and indoors, as well as holiday events and at-home fun! We've compiled an amazing list of great places and options to entertain children in Miami and South Florida during Christmas vacation.

Need more ideas for the kiddos this holiday season? Use our Christmas and Holiday Guide for Miami & South Florida for wonderful things to do as a family!

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