21 Winter Walks on Long Island for Families

Explore the sprawling grounds of Sagamore Hill, former home of President Theodore Roosevelt, on a beautiful winter day. Photo by the Jaime Sumersille

When the mercury hasn't dipped too low, bundle up the kids and fend off winter blues with one of these winter walks on Long Island.

Long Island is home to several state parks, preserves, and historical grounds that provide family-friendly hiking trails, serene natural beauty, and breathtaking views—even in the middle of winter. So, grab your warmest coats and boots and head for the hills (so to speak).

Don't forget to check out our Winter Fun Guide for more ways to enjoy Long Island's breathtaking beauty in any season.

Teens Can Apply Now for Summer Internships in NYC

DOROT's Manhattan Teen Internship Program pairs teens with older adults in need of companionship and aid.

Summer internships can make your average, high-achieving, New York City kid really stand out from the rest of the equally high-achieving pack when it comes time to apply to colleges. In an era when applications have become increasingly competitive—leaving schools to look for more than good grades, great test scores, an outstanding essay, and a list of after-school activities—these summer internships in NYC offer kids hands-on, real-world experience, and some even include leadership opportunities.

NYC summer internships come in various formats, paid and unpaid, regular and intermittent, educational and creative, with some also offering school or volunteer credit. The primary thing summer internships in NYC for teens tend to have in common is the due dates to apply are usually long before most teens have started thinking about their summer—or college—plans.

To make sure your teens don’t miss out on any opportunities, we've rounded up 18 great summer internships in NYC for teens. Most are accepting applications now. Find more teen-friendly happenings in our Tween and Teen Guide to NYC.

Scottsdale with Kids: 40 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale, AZ

Enjoy the stunning beauty of Scottsdale, Arizona. Photo by Robert Murray via Unsplash

A trip to the Southwest isn't complete without a stop in Scottsdale, Arizona—especially as an add-on to a Phoenix family vacation. There are so many things to do in Scottsdale with kids, from hiking and biking the gorgeous surrounding trails to learning (and possibly meeting) the cowboys that call it home.

I grew up in this beautiful city northeast of Phoenix, which was once a suburban region. Now, Scottsdale's picturesque appeal, great schools, elite resorts, and countless attractions have made it one of the most popular Arizona cities to both visit and live in.

Check out this list of 40 things to do in Scottsdale, AZ, including some awesome Scottsdale hotels for families. And if you're already traveling westward, take a look at our Guide to the Best Vacations Out West, including articles about nearby Sedona and Colorado Springs.

45 Best Things To Do in New Orleans with Kids

Try the beignets at the iconic Cafe du Monde. Photo courtesy of neworleans.com

Visitin New Orlesns with kids is a wonderful cultural trip for a family vacation. There are foods you've never heard of, hard-to-place accents, and street names you may not even know how to pronounce (Tchoupitoulas Street, anyone?) making New Orleans a must-visit city.  There are so many fun things to do in New Orleans with kids any time of year, but if you visit during one of the city's big festivals—like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or Bayou Boogaloo—your family is guaranteed an even greater time!

Read on for our list of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids, including the best family friendly New Orleans restaurants and foods to eat as well as family-friendly New Orleans hotels. If you're interested in taking the kids to Mardi Gras, find our 3 Day New Orleans Mardi Gras with Kids Itinerary.

For more great family vacation options, from warm and sunny vacation ideas to must-try dude ranch vacations for families, check out our Family Travel Guide.

Best Places to See Manatees in Orlando & Central Florida

These gentle giants love the warm waters at Blue Springs in Central Florida. Photo by the author

Winter months are the best times to see manatees in Florida, specifically Orlando and the central region. When the weather is cold and water temperatures drop below 68 degrees, these warm-blooded mammals congregate in freshwater springs, which remain at a constant 72 degrees year-round. Mid-November through March are ideal months to spot manatees, so read on for the best places to see gentle manatees within a few hours of Orlando.

Hot Wheels Champion Experience Has Rolled Into the DC Area

Virtually racing Hot Wheels cars is one of many fun activities at the Hot Wheels Champion Experience. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

If you've got some little—or not-so-little—Hot Wheels fans in your life, check out Hot Wheels Champion Experience at Tysons Corner Center near DC. Open since December 2023, the 16,000-square-foot interactive environment includes 10 activities that combine physical play with video games, like designing your own Hot Wheels car and watching it come to life onscreen, building custom tracks in an augmented-reality room, and virtually driving a car.

I recently had the chance to visit Hot Wheels Champion Experience with my 12-year-old twin boys during a media preview. The boys enjoyed it, and said they would have loved it even more when they were younger.

Read on for all the details on visiting this experience, which is set to roll out of town on March 31, 2024. For even more ways to have fun indoors, check out our Guide to Indoor Fun for Kids in DC.

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