When it comes to entertaining a Philly tween or teen, it can be challenging to find activities that aren't too babyish and have the appropriate amount of cool. Philly parents must dive deep into their former adolescent selves to be reminded of what was cool when they were a tween or teen. Thankfully, hanging out at the mall or going to the movies aren’t your only options! We have rounded up some ideas for those struggling for ways to connect with these tween/teen creatures... other than by text and emoji.

Prospect Park, a 585-acre oasis adjacent to Park Slope in Brooklyn, is home to the borough’s only forest, plus bird life galore, roller skating, biking, picnicking, sledding...You name it, Prospect Park's got it. When people ask if we have a backyard, my nature-loving son immediately exclaims, “Yes, it’s called Prospect Park!” For kids growing up in Brooklyn, it truly feels like an extension of home, a haven that satisfies our need for outdoor activities and fun, year-round.

Prospect Park was designed by Frederick Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same duo who designed Manhattan’s Central Park, and many consider Prospect Park their crowning achievement. Whether you want to hike, skate, boat, catch a concert, learn about nature, or just hit an awesome playground or splash pad for a few hours, Prospect Park welcomes you with green space aplenty.

Though the park offers countless activities and experiences all year long, this curated list of the top 25 things to do in Prospect Park with kids showcases our true favorites.

Since the Wicked movie came out in 2024, musicals have enjoyed a surge in popularity amongst kids, tweens, and teens. My own kids weren't even out of the theater after seeing Wicked before they asked what other musicals they could watch. And while we still love singing Defying Gravity on an endless loop, we were happy to find alternatives so we could feed their newfound interest in all things Broadway.

But this wasn't as easy as I had originally thought. I started perusing some of my grandma's favorites from the 1950s and 60s, and not all of them hold up in today's society. There are bits of racism in many of the classics, as well as songs I really don't want my tween daughter singing at school. But there are still plenty of kid-friendly musicals that do stand the test of time, as well as a new generation of family movie musicals with more modern themes.

Here are our picks for the best movie musicals for kids (besides Wicked, if you're also ready to stop hearing Popular over and over again). Find more ideas for family movie night, including the 75 best movies for kids, in our Guide to the Best Movies and TV Shows for Kids and the Whole Family.

Jam-packed with rides, slides, and water-soaked play areas, Splash Zone Waterpark is now open for the 2025 season right on the fun-filled Wildwoods boardwalk! This summer, the beloved Jersey Shore destination is celebrating 25 years with a brand new interactive dino-themed attraction, in addition to fan favorites like The Giant Bucket splash pad and the FlowRider continuous surf wave pool.

Families love Splash Zone for its manageable size and wide range of rides and activities that keep kids of all ages entertained for hours. Before planning your next trip, check out our insider tips on when to go, where to eat, and how to save on tickets.

The weather is heating up, and you’re always looking for something new and cool to do with the kids. If you haven’t checked out Fritz’s Adventure, the newly opened indoor climbing park in The Colony, you’re missing out. From ropes courses to underground tunnel mazes, this spot offers thrilling attractions for everyone from toddlers to adults. 

I have wonderful memories of playing card games with my family as a kid. The laughs, the late-night snacks, the speedy way my dad would shuffle the cards... good times! I recently started teaching my four-year-old some of the best card games for kids, and I was struck by how captivated she was, even without flashy gimmicks, lights, or sounds. Whether you've got preschoolers or teenagers at home, here are the best card games for kids perfect for one of your next family game nights.

Need more creative ideas to keep your whole family wholesomely entertained? Check out our Boredom Busters guide, not to mention this roundup of the best-ever board games and these brainy puzzle games for kids.

Nothing beats the thrill of wrapping up the school year—especially when it’s capped off with rewards worth celebrating. Whether you’re graduating high school or just crushed it with straight As, these perks and freebies make your moment even brighter. From sweet treats to entertainment perks, there are tons of ways students can cash in for their hard work.

So, whether you just walked across the stage in your cap and gown, or you’ve got a glowing report card in your backpack, get ready to celebrate big. Scroll through our roundup of the best graduation perks and good-grade freebies that turn all that studying into serious rewards. For more freebie fun check out our list of 100 FREE things to do this summer in New York City.

If you've been to Monmouth County lately, you may have noticed a mysterious invasion of little duckies. That's because members of the Monmouth County Ducks Facebook group—and anyone who wants to join in the fun—have been creating a whimsical scavenger hunt for local kids and adults.

So, read on for details on how to get in on the action and keep your eyes peeled: You never know where you might spot one of these faux feathered friends this summer. If your kids can't get enough of the scavenger hunt fun, we've got more ideas for staging a scavenger hunt at home or in your 'hood.