Could We BE More Excited for The Friends Experience in NYC?

Cheers to the The Friends Experience: The One in New York City.

Fans of Friends—both fanatic and fair-weathered—can flock to an immersive, interactive pop-up to see sets, costumes, and memorabilia from the '90s sitcom that launched "The Rachel." Since viewers can now watch Monica, Chandler, Ross, Joey, Rachel, and Phoebe nightly in reruns or through streaming services, the show has found a younger fan base. For both original fans and new ones, The Friends Experience: The One in New York City does not disappoint.

We checked out the two-floor experience—the flagship location and largest of several related Friends' experiences that have popped up nationwide—to see if it's worth visiting and just how kid-friendly the throwback attraction is. Find more family-friendly local outings in our roundup of 25 indoor places to play to beat summer's heat.

Free Shakespeare Returns To Griffith Park in Los Angeles

And all the men and women (and boys and girls) merely players...

It’s time to brush up your Shakespeare! Shakespeare is set free in Griffith Park this summer once again, as the Independent Shakespeare Company’s production of The Tempest is now playing. Think Shakespeare is too high falutin for your wee one? Fear not! ISCLA goes back to Shakespeare’s roots as entertainment for the common folk, which translates to lots of slapstick humor and music. While the show is still fabulous and free, many things have changed for this summer’s production. Read on for a quick overview of the show and what’s new (for brevity is the soul of wit).

Things To Do in Wrigleyville with Kids

Calling all Chicago Cubs fans! Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville is the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs. Located just west of Lake Michigan in the center of Lakeview, Wrigleyville is a neighborhood all its own. Since its post-World Series makeover in 2016, Wrigley Field and Wrigleyville have undergone a massive facelift. 

If you’re planning on taking the kids to a game or just to walk around the neighborhood, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about exploring Wrigleyville with kids. From where to stay and what to eat, this guide has the details to family fun in Wrigleyville. 

Mommy and Me Baby and Toddler Classes near Fairfield, Connecticut

Kids learn through hands-on exploration in Tinkergarten. Photo courtesy of Tinkergarten

A great way to boost babies' motor and social skills while making some new friends yourself is by enrolling in various baby classes. From stroller hikes to mud pie making, Fairfield County offers no shortage of Mommy and Me classes. Pack up the diaper bag, grab a latte, and sign up for a session or two: These mommy and me classes are designed for new Fairfield County moms (and dads, and other caregivers, too) with their babies and toddlers.

Looking for more to do in Fairfield County? Explore our Classes and Activites Guide for Connecticut Kids

15 Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While You Eat (and Relax)

Pizza and bowling are up everyone's alley in Somerville and Salem. Photo courtesy of Flatbread Pizza Salem/Facebook

It’s one thing to go to a kid-friendly restaurant, where you know you won’t get any dirty looks from the proprietors or other patrons. But family dining heaven might just be a place that also allows kids to play—the idea being that you can actually enjoy your meal after they wolf down theirs. We decided to round up of the best Boston-area restaurants where kids can play, choosing those that serve up truly good food along with activities or entertainment for kids. We call that a win-win!

If the weather is nice, take advantage of these outdoor restaurants around Boston that are great for families. And explore our guide to Family-Friendly Boston Breweries and Beer Gardens.

19 Indoor Entertainment Centers in Orlando: Arcades, Go-Karts, Trampolines

Who said kids were the only ones who love entertainment centers?! Photo courtesy Sky Zone

Orlando’s weather can be brutal (rain, heat, or worst case, both); luckily, families have a plethora of indoor entertainment centers to visit where kids and adults can have a blast away from the elements. From arcades and indoor go-kart tracks to trampolines and laser tag, there's something for all ages to experience at these indoor attractions. All of the locations listed offer stress-free birthday parties as well, so keep them in mind when planning your child’s next birthday.

For little ones, be sure to check out our roundup of local indoor playgrounds as well.

Best Sports Classes for Kids in Atlanta

Sports classes for kids teach perseverance, skill, and teamwork.

Introducing kids to sports classes at an early age has loads of benefits —young children (toddlers, preschoolers) can develop social skills, problem-solving techniques, and self-esteem, not to mention burn off all that youthful energy. We've gathered great sports classes for kids in Atlanta and surrounding suburbia that will not only build skill but also add joy. These kids sports classes are more introductory—less about the scoreboard and more fun. 

To find even more ideas about kids classes and programs, check out our Guide to Best Kids Classes and Activities in Atlanta. It's a great way to teach kids new skills and indulge their passions.

A New Van Gogh Immersive Art Installation Opens in DC

Seeing The Starry Night in total immersion is one of the highlights of Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.

Vincent Van Gogh is certainly having a moment. A slew of immersive, larger-than-life art exhibits dedicated to the Dutch master have opened in cities all over the world. DC can now add itself to that list with the opening of Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience on August 6 at northeast DC's Rhode Island Center. And in a city teeming with museums, it offers something quite unique. 

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a 20,000-square-foot light and sound installation featuring two-story projections of the artist’s most compelling works so you can experience them in 360 degrees. It includes three galleries tracing the artist's development and life story. Giant fact-filled placards hang in the first two exhibition spaces before you ever encounter the finale: total immersion.

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