Don’t Go to Disneyland Without Reading This First: Parent Tips That Actually Work

Spend the day with Mickey and Minnie. Photo courtesy of the Disneyland Resort

Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, but it can also be one of the most crowded, most confusing, and most chaotic. As a self-proclaimed "Disney kid" I've been to the Mouse House more times than I can count. I've gone in giant groups, with only one other person, with my troupe of four kiddos, with teenagers, with strollers, with Lightning Lane passes, with no plan, with a very detailed plan, you name it, I've done it. Which is why I'm thrilled to share some of my favorite Disneyland hacks with you.

Whether you are a new parent taking your baby for the first time, a Disney adult eager to share the magic with your kiddos, or a first time visitor (don't forget to grab a pin!), this article will sprinkle your next Disneyland day with an extra-dose of pixie dust. 

While most of these tips are for Disneyland, you can also see Disney California Adventure like local with these tips. You can also check out these tips for bringing a baby to Disneyland. Plus, discover other fun things to do in Anaheim with kids, and browse our Southern California Theme and Water Park Guide

Historic Hudson Valley Mansions Where Families Can Step Back in Time

Every October, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside Manor hosts the haunted attraction Irving''s Legend. Photo by Tom Nycz for Historic Hudson Valley

Westchester County and the Hudson Valley are home to several historic homes that offer visitors more than just a glimpse into the past. Many have dedicated kids' programming, annual and seasonal events, fairs and festivals, stunning displays, and exhibitions.

These architecturally stunning homes have been restored or maintained throughout the years (and in some cases, centuries) and offer a peek into prominent, wealthy family life, as well as interactive programming that brings history to life in fun, educational, and unforgettable ways.

Find our story on visiting Storm King Art Center in the Hudson Valley with kids and more ideas for cultural enrichment in our Museum Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids.

Best Swim Gear For Babies to Keep them Safe

Keep little swimmers safe and happy with our favorite baby swim gear.

Ready for some splishy-splashy fun in the sun? Whether it’s baby’s first beach day or a family dip in the pool, water fun starts with the right baby swim gear. Choosing safe swim gear for babies isn’t just about cute designs—it’s about protecting your little one while they explore and enjoy the water.

We’ve searched high and low to find the best must-haves for baby water safety and fun, including great swim diapers, baby sunscreen, baby bathing suits, and safe water toys to ensure both safety and smiles for infant swimming and toddler swimming.

Check out our Baby and Maternity Guide for more of the best gear and advice for raising baby, including more great water toys in our list of the best toddler and baby bath toys.

Your Ultimate NYC Summer 2025 Bingo Cards for Kids [PRINTABLE]

These FREE printable NYC Summer Bingo Cards provide a jumping-off point of exploration!

We created free, downloadable, printable NYC summer bingo cards for kids as a summer boredom buster!

We're roughly 10 days into summer vacation in NYC, and it might already feel like an endless abyss. Sure, filling those first few days with fun things to do was easy. Then, we had a whole holiday weekend complete with hot dogs and fireworks, and now the going gets tough: There are weeks and weeks to fill with summer activities for kids in NYC. And, you need to do it without spending a fortune. We have hundreds (thousands, really!) of ideas for free and cheap summer fun in our Ultimate New York City Kids' Guide to Summer Fun.

But sometimes you need a jumping-off point, something that gives you a goal, and even puts your kids in charge of picking the activities in a fun and interactive way. Enter these free printable bingo cards. Summer boredom busted! We have both a pre-filled and a DIY summer bingo card for you to use to give kids the reins to design a summer full of fun.

Spies, History, and Prizes Await During the Long Island History Hunt

The Raynham Hall Museum invites visitors to step back into the colonial era and is one of 12 participating spots on the Long Island History Hunt. Photo courtesy of the museum

Get ready for an exciting journey through time! Museums and historical societies from Brooklyn to Montauk are collaborating on a summer-long Long Island History Hunt, giving local families fun-filled—and prize-fueled—motivation to inspire a love of local history this summer.

If you choose to embark on this hunt for local lore, you'll visit amazing places where real-life spies, brave patriots, and even a president helped shape Long Island’s past. From the secret world of the Culper Spy Ring to the inspiring story of Theodore Roosevelt, each stop is packed with cool facts and hidden stories that bring history to life.

Speaking of local history, we've outlined our favorite Long Island historic sites for families here, and have an entire Long Island Kids' Guide to Local Museums to inspire more exploration.

17 Best Things To Do in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn with Kids

Flying Apple is the perfect place for play dates, parties, exploring, playing, and climbing! Photo by Diana Kim

From the quiet, tree-lined brownstone streets to the bustling business districts along Fulton Street and Nostrand Avenues, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brookyn has something for everyone. With a deep-rooted history of Black residents, the neighborhood is recognized as one of the earliest free Black communities in the United States. Drawn by its rich cultural history, beautiful architecture, close-knit community, and plethora of Black-owned businesses, Bed-Stuy is one of the best corners of Brooklyn.

Bordered by Flushing Avenue to the north, Atlantic Avenue to the south, Classon Avenue on the west, and Broadway on the east, most of the neighborhood is easily accessible by the A, C, and G trains, along with several bus lines. But one of the best ways to experience Bed-Stuy is on foot.

From community markets to public art to family-friendly restaurants, here are the best things to do in Bed-Stuy with kids. Find more Brooklyn enclaves to explore in our Brooklyn Kids Guide.

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