Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in the Hudson Valley

Throw a birthday party with glow-in-the-dark trampoline time at Bounce! in  Valley Cottage. Photo courtesy of the venue

There are tons of great indoor birthday party places in the Hudson Valley where kids and their friends can celebrate, whether they want to play on trampolines, dance the day away, or make beautiful crafts. These fun-packed indoor venues mean you don't have to stress about whether it will rain, snow, or be too hot on your child's big day. 

Here, we’ve rounded up some great spots—from indoor play spaces to museums and craft studios—for toddlers, kids, and tweens. Want even more options? Check out our full Party Planning Guide, or head straight to our directory.

Hit a Home Run at These NYC Batting Cages

Five Star has verything you need for a successful hitting session on your own. Photo courtesy of Five Star

If your family is anything like mine, these batting cages in NYC will come in handy, because no season is as sacred as baseball season in our house. My son, who is serious about baseball, is always itching to get some real reps in, but there's only so much that can be tackled within the four walls of a cramped New York City apartment.

Luckily, the city has a slew of batting cages that welcome kids. Some even include private instruction and facilities where players can work on their fielding skills. You'll find more resources for sporty city kids in our NYC Kids' Guide to Sports Centers and Gyms, plus we've rounded up six Little League baseball drills easy enough to do at home.

Secrets to Ichetucknee Springs State Park with Kids

Spend a relaxing day tubing the pristine waters of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Photo by Jackie Jones

Just over two hours north of Orlando lies one of Florida's greatest gems: Ichetucknee Springs State Park. My family visited this gorgeous Florida park to explore the park's natural lazy river (dubbed as "Florida's best location for river tubing" by the Travel Channel). During our adventure, the water was cool and clear (it stays a constant 72 degrees all year) and surrounded by a lush canopy of trees. With warm weather just around the corner, Ichetucknee Springs is an excellent day trip for families looking to get outdoors.

Prom Dress Shopping Guide for Atlanta Teens

Prom season is here and that means major shopping for prom dresses in Atlanta. Check out these great options to find the perfect Atlanta prom dress!

Shopping with Atlanta teens for prom dresses can be a fun and challenging experience. A teen may have her own vision of the "perfect" prom look but making the dream a reality requires lots of style options and knowledgeable staff. We've rounded up our favorite Atlanta shops for prom dresses that offer gorgeous options at all price points, especially those Atlanta stores that focus on the specific needs of teens, with classic and trendy colors, lengths, fabrics, and cuts.

16 Best Pizza Places in Westchester for Families

Westchester has lots of great family-friendly pizza joints. Image credit: Pixabay

Westchester pizza places will satisfy all pizza lovers, whether your family likes to kick it old-school or you prefer a gourmet take on the tried-and-true formula of crust, sauce, and cheese. Slices, pies, and more can be found at these pizzerias—there's even a mobile pizza truck on our list!

For more great ideas on places to dine out with the family, check out our Westchester Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less

At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.

New Jersey has no shortage of indoor playgrounds that offer drop-in hours, but many have pricey entrance fees or require memberships. That's not the case with the terrific options we've rounded up below, all of which cost $25 or under to enter. 

Your kids still get out of the house to experience a play space where everything seems new to them, and you don't have to clean up after, or empty your wallet! 

Find more indoor fun spots in our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds in New Jersey

What Ages Get in Free to NYC Museums, Zoos, Amusement Parks

History roars to life at the American Museum of Natural History and kids under age 2 can see it for free. Photo by Marley White/courtesy AMNH

The best things in life may be free—but for families used to the high cost of living in NYC, that sounds like crazy talk. That's why we've pulled together this list of free times to visit NYC museums, gardens, and zoos with little ones in tow.

Bookmark this list of when your kids are eligible for freebies at New York City's best family destinations, from tourist hot spots like the Statue of Liberty to all of the New York City's top museums for kids and the best zoos and gardens, too. We've included a few of our favorite picks in nearby locales, too.

Note: Some places may ask for proof of age. Looking for a 100% FREE outing? Check out our roundup of no-cost admission hours for all-ages at NYC museums and our list of 101 free things to do in NYC with kids.

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