The Coolest New Stuff for Families in NYC Metro Area – Our 2023 Review

The American Museum of Natural History debuted the Gilder Center last spring. Photo by Jody Mercier

'Tis the season for celebrations and year-in-review stories, and the Mommy Poppins team is toasting these 17 family-friendly 2023 openings. From a wet-and-wild playground at Legoland New York to AMNH's expansive museum expansion with the Gilder Center and plenty more fun places for family playtime, 2023 brought a ton of new kid-friendly attractions for our readers to enjoy in New York City, New Jersey, Long Island, Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and beyond.

We can't wait to see what 2024 has in store—and thank you, our dear readers, for following along this year. Cheers to you—and another year of bringing you the best things to do with kids.

Orlando Solar Bears Hockey with Kids: Literally the Coolest Game in Orlando

Kids LOVE the Orlando Solar Bears games for the action on the ice and fun in the arena.

Attend an Orlando Solar Bears hockey game for a fun, family experience in Orlando. The combination of fast-paced action on the ice, a lively atmosphere, affordable tickets, and a family-friendly environment make it an ideal outing for kids of all ages. Our Orlando family of five loves cheering on the Solar Bears each season! We've gathered everything you need to know about attending a Solar Bears game with your family. So gear up, grab your tickets, and get ready for a fun day of hockey action with the Orlando Solar Bears.

Children's Museum of Atlanta: Growing Creative, Inspired Minds

The Children's Museum of Atlanta welcomes young children to explore their world and unleash their creativity. Photo courtesy of the museum

Situated in bustling downtown Atlanta, the Children's Museum of Atlanta offers local and visiting families a chance to discover the wonder of their world. With hands-on exhibits, colorful decor, and a ton of fun, the Children's Museum of Atlanta is the perfect place for curious kids. This Atlanta museum sparks creativity and imagination in every corner of the space, where children ages 8 and under learn through play.

Take a read as we tour the Children's Museum of Atlanta, to share the magic of this beloved Atlanta attraction!

Best of 2023 Los Angeles Kid Edition: Top Openings, Happenings and Other Awesome Stuff

Don't miss the mammoth trolls at South Coast Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of Thomas Dambo in collaboration with Imagine Exhibitions.

It's time to celebrate kid-friendly openings that were the cream of the crop in Los Angeles in 2023 – yes, it's the annual "best of" season! Mommy Poppins is thrilled to shine a spotlight on the most exciting new attractions and kid-friendly openings that graced LA this past year. These are the latest gems that might have slipped under your radar. 

From new theme park lands to immersive experiences featuring beloved characters like The Cat in the Hat and Bluey, Los Angeles added fantastic options for family fun in 2023. Keep reading below for our exclusive rundown of the best 2023 kid-friendly openings that stepped into the limelight in Los Angeles this year. 

As we eagerly await the new attractions and kid-friendly openings 2024 has in store for Angelenos, catch a glimpse of the events already on our radar for next year by perusing our Calendar of Events in Los Angeles

Lake George’s Newest Winter Wonder: Ice Castles Become Winter Realms and Winter's Dream

Winter Realms is a snow-capped fantasyland on the shores of Lake George. Photo courtesy of the event

Winter in Lake George, NY transforms this picturesque destination into a snowy wonderland, offering a ton of family fun. And this season, Lake George, NY is getting even better as it debuts two new winter immersive experiences: Winter’s Dream and Winter Realms. Both are located in Lake George Village and offer families a way to bring a little light into the darkest months of the year.

So grab your snow pants, put on those mittens, and check out this list of the best things to do in Lake George, NY with kids during the frosty season, including some family-friendly Lake George hotels. See our Guide to Visiting the Adirondacks & Catskills for even more family fun in this beautiful part of the country, including our list of 40 things to do in the Adirondack Mountains with kids.

Santa Trackers: How to Find Santa on Christmas Eve with NORAD, Google, and More

As Santa flies around the world, kids can track where he is and get to bed before he arrives at their house! Photo courtesy of Bigstock

Santa Trackers are the best way to see where Santa is and what he's up to on Christmas Eve!

Open the Santa Tracker of your choice early in the evening and keep watch on the Santa Tracker map to follow his magical journey. Each of our favorite Santa trackers have different ways to watch Santa's progress, plus fun games and activities to keep kids interested! Best of all, they're all FREE.

For more ways to bring a little extra magic to your Christmas this year, check out our list of 101 Christmas crafts and activities. If you’re still looking for last-minute gifts, our Mommy Poppins Gift Guide is here for you!

Mega-Sized Indoor Action Park Slick City Now Open at Katy Mills Mall

Slick City is a massive action park now open in the Katy Mills Mall. Photo courtesy of the Slick City Katy Facebook page

Slick City, which is billed as the world’s largest indoor waterless slide park, has opened a new location in the Houston area–and there's a good chance your family is going to have a blast at the Katy Mills Mall action park. 

The unique theme park is just the third Slick City location nationwide, and it's designed for all ages. The Katy location features 66,000 square feet of indoor sliding experiences, go-karts, and a sports court park.

We were invited to check it out, and my oldest child called it “the most fun we’ve ever had,” so, needless to say, it was a big hit with the kids. As a bonus, the adults had a lot of fun, too!

Read on to get the scoop on this awesome new experience, and find more fun places to play indoors on our list of the Top Indoor Play Spaces in Houston.

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