NYC Winter Lantern Festival Lights Up the Queens County Museum

Step into a dazzling world of light at the Queens County Farm Museum.

The Queens County Farm Museum's Winter Lantern Festival features more than 1,500 lights and 80 intricately crafted, illuminated Chinese lanterns, transforming the grounds into a magical wonderland of illumination.

This seasonal, outdoor walk-through experience spreads out over 6 acres of historic farmland and includes multiple illuminated tunnels, animatronic animals and dinosaurs, and an array of fantastical creatures.

Here's what you need to know about this magical winter experience at the always-enchanting Queens County Farm Museum.

The Gingerbread City Pops Up at The Seaport for Christmas Season

The Gingerbread City offers a magical metropolis made from cookies, candy, and frosting. Photo by Leandro Justen

We may be biased when we say Christmas in NYC is the most magical season of all. One reason: The city is bustling with activities and adventures for the entire family, including the brand new Gingerbread City pop-up at the South Street Seaport, one of our top picks for must-do activities in NYC this season. Filled with spicy aromas and candy-coated cityscapes, this holiday attraction is one you don’t want to miss.

Best Family Christmas Card Photo Ideas

Put on a holiday sweater—ugly or not!—and strike a pose!

Want to make your family Christmas photo cards stand out this year? Here's how!

We're making our list. And it's long. We don't even need to check it twice. We need to make sure everything gets checked off easily and quickly. For most families, taking a Christmas photo and sending a holiday or family Christmas card is high on that list. It's also high on the list of activities we don't like to do!

But this year, let's make it easy. We've got you covered with the best ideas for an easy, clever, and creative family Christmas photo shoot. We've got tips for getting the best picture, places to take the picture, the best shops to order the Christmas photo card—plus some really original themes and ideas from family game shows to album cover recreations.

Tell some Christmas jokes for kids to keep 'em smiling, pop a classic holiday movie on a screen to keep 'em occupied, and say cheese! For more holiday fun, check out our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids.

Best Sledding Hills in Westchester for Kids

Westchester has sledding hills for everyone from tots to teens. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

When the flakes fly, visions of sledding hills fill kids' heads, and all they can think of is bundling up and getting outside for some snow day fun. If your family's plans include sledding, consider heading to one of these popular sledding hills in Westchester County. We've also got top picks for sledding hills in the Hudson Valley in case you want to make your wintery adventure a daycation, plus some helpful tips for keeping little ones safe while they sled.

Be sure to check our Guide to Winter Fun in Westchester and our Boredom Busters Guide for more ideas to keep kids busy on cold winter days.

Hanging at Halcyon: An Insider's Visit to Halcyon Alpharetta

Dine, shop, and play at Halcyon!

The whole family is in for a treat at Halcyon Alpharetta! The 135-acre, live-work-play development boasts many free events, children’s activities, shopping, dining, a hotel, and entertainment experiences. Halcyon exudes a casual, laid-back vibe (even dogs are welcome), making it perfect for a day of fun. 

Located on the southern edge of Forsyth County, Halcyon is easily accessed from GA 400. If you prefer to walk or bike, you can reach Halcyon along the Big Creek Greenway. Read on for the best things to do while visiting this walkable outdoor shopping area. 

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights Near DC in Maryland and Northern Virginia

Take a stroll through the Marshall Pond Christmas Village in Burke, VA. Photo courtesy of Kristy Case, from the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook page

The DC area is brimming with professional holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light displays that dazzle visitors of all ages. But sometimes, there's nothing better than loading the family into the car with hot chocolate, turning on holiday music, and driving around the neighborhood to see Christmas lights on houses. And the best part is, it's free!

Though DC itself offers a treasure trove of gorgeous holiday lights in public places, like Light Yards and Georgetown GLOW, we've found that the best neighborhoods to see Christmas light displays on houses are in the suburbs. Luckily, there are many neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia that get way into the holiday spirit. Many of them host animated light shows that are synchronized to music played through car radios, so families can stay warm and cozy inside their vehicles.

Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia to see over-the-top neighborhood Christmas lights. For more holiday fun, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids.

Tampa with Kids: 20 Best Things to Do in Tampa, Florida

Zoo Tampa has lush tropical exhibits that will leave visitors in awe. Photo courtesy of the zoo

It's no secret that Florida is a popular tourist destination, and Tampa has become one of the best places for families. From beautiful beaches to thrilling theme parks, there’s no shortage of fun activities for kids in the Tampa Bay area.

While the city of Tampa is smaller than most people think, the Tampa Bay area spans several cities and has everything you need for an incredible family vacation. Just a few minutes from parks, beaches, wildlife preserves, and shopping, there's something for everyone in Tampa. And with major attractions like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, The Florida Aquarium, and Adventure Island, Tampa, Florida is perfect for families of all ages and interests.

Best Places to See Giant Redwoods in California: A Family Travel Guide

See giant redwood trees is an experience every family should have.

Seeing California redwood trees should be on every family's travel bucket list. These towering trees, many dating back thousands of years, are truly awe-inspiring. There are many places throughout Northern California where families can seek a serene escape into the heart of nature while viewing these colossal redwoods.

Ancient old-growth redwoods can be found in national parks such as Redwood National Park and Muir Woods, as well as in several other state and regional parks. Most of them have a small vehicle fee to enter, but some are free. All of them provide family-friendly hiking trails and breathtaking views, and some have extra activities for kids like playgrounds and museums.

Here are our favorite places to see redwood trees in California. For more outdoor adventures in the Golden State, from exploring Lake Tahoe to road tripping through the Sierra Nevada, check out our California Family Travel Guide.

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