New Jersey has some weird, wonderful, and unique attractions for when you feel like exploring someplace new and different with the kids. The attractions we've curated below give kids a fascinating look into a world of fairy tales, insects, surfing, trains, and more.

If you're ready to wander off the beaten path, here are 15 unique museums and quirky spots that have all the makings of a memorable family outing. Find more ideas for a great day out in our Guide to Museums and Art for New Jersey Kids. 

Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder will illuminate the way to nostalgia with an immersive experience at Santa Monica Place. Parents can relive joyful memories of a classic childhood toy, while kids can get introduced to the colorful Lite-Brite world. 

The Lite-Brite experience will captivate with hypnotic color and technology. Step into a futuristic iteration of the simplistic toy beloved for generations. It should be no surprise that thousands of colorful lights will be part of the experience. 

For more new interactive experiences in Los Angeles, dig into slime at Sloomoo Institute and visit Dino Valley at Legoland to relive prehistoric times.

Every Philly family should have a bucket list of things to do with the kids in Philadelphia. Make sure that list includes some nighttime activities, maybe spending a "night at the museum," sleeping by a shark tank, or camping out at the zoo. Philadelphia is home to several museums and cultural institutions that host fun overnights. Some of these events are geared towards families, while others are great outings for scout troops or other large groups. Many can sell out ahead of time, so be sure to make reservations well in advance.

Looking for more things to check off your bucket list? Don't miss our roundup of 100 Things To Do with Philly Kids Before They Grow Up.

When it comes to finding the best birthday party places in Manhattan for preschoolers, parents of the under-5 crowd know that the little ones seem to have boundless energy. Fear not: These preschool party spots can keep them engaged and keep the fun coming.

We've rounded up the best Manhattan birthday party places for your preschooler's next party below and have even more options for NYC birthday party places in our NYC Kids Guide to Birthday Parties and Directory, including these indoor birthday party destinations with mega playgrounds.

In the fall, we can celebrate Public Lands Day (September 28), Indigenous Peoples Day (the second Monday in October), and Thanksgiving. They’re all opportunities to honor the rich history and cultures of Native communities. 

Where I live, it’s become commonplace to open theater or music performances with a land acknowledgment, recognizing and honoring the Indigenous peoples who originally inhabited the land. I love this practice, and have brought it into our home for our own celebrations.

Read on to discover how to research which Indigenous peoples originally inhabited the land where you live, when and why Columbus Day became Indigenous Peoples Day, and other ways to honor Indigenous Peoples Day 2024 with kids.

The leaves may have just started turning, but the excitement for winter sports is already knocking on New Yorkers' doors. Some of our favorite outdoor ice skating rinks are already opening for the season, and there's a brand new on one the horizon, too!

Two Trees Management, the developer and manager of Domino Park, has announced the opening of a brand-new ice skating rink at Domino Square—the one-acre public plaza set to function as a year-round community space. The new square is an extension of Domino Park, which was built on the site of the historic Domino Sugar Refinery.

If your tween or teen has the energy to burn, we have found the place for them: Area 53 NYC is home to a ton of action-packed adventures spread over a trio of locations in Brooklyn. Area 53 NYC offers laser tag, paintball, mini-bowling, and an indoor adventure park with a dozen games and activities.

Read on for our review of these thrilling attractions—as well as our parent-tested, know-before-you-go intel, pulled together after visiting with three kids ages 8-16.

As parents, keeping our kids' ears safe in noisy environments is so important. Whether you're at a fun concert, a big sporting event, or a crowded festival, loud noises can be overwhelming for young children and can even cause lasting hearing damage. That’s why finding the right ear protection for babies, toddlers, and even teenagers is a must.

Here is some of the best ear protection for concerts and other events for babies, toddlers, kids, and teens. Options range from soft ear muffs for infants to high-quality ear protection for older kids and teens.

Check out our Guide to the Best Baby and Kid Gear for more must-have items for your children, from road trip essentials to the best bunk beds.