A delightfully spooky Halloween trail is back at the New York Botanical Garden. The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail features characters from Disney’s 1993 Tim Burton movie of the same name, set against the backdrop of a dark, wooded trail.

Read on for everything you need to know about this creepily fun nighttime experience. And find more hair-raising activities across all five boroughs on our list of NYC’s best Halloween events of 2025.

As a parent who has stayed in more San Diego hotels with kids than I can count. It feels like we’re always heading to San Diego for visits to Legoland California, the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla getaways, seeing shows at the Old Globe, and even to watch the Dodgers beat the Padres (sorry locals!).

I travel a lot with my family, and I know the difference between a resort that claims to be family-friendly and one that actually delivers. And I can say that now that I’ve stayed there, Town and Country Resort in San Diego has made it to my list of best San Diego hotels for families. After our recent stay, I can share the insider scoop—including the retro vibe, activities, pool, central location, everyone-approved dining options and more. If you’re planning a San Diego family vacation, here’s my honest parent-tested review of Town and Country Resort.

Need a change of scenery from your usual play spot? Long Island is bursting with brand-new indoor play spaces and baby-friendly hangouts that make it easier than ever to entertain your little ones.

Whether you’ve got a crawling cutie or an energetic preschooler, these recently opened spots offer fresh ways to burn energy, spark creativity, and make new friends—without wrecking your living room.

Be sure to peruse our guide to Kids' Sports Center and Fun Zones for even more spots where Long Island kids can run off some steam.

Just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge lies a county of rolling hills, redwood groves, green pastures, and wind-swept beaches. Marin County, CA, is a wonderland for families, filled with exciting playgrounds, charming main streets, kid-friendly restaurants, and more outdoor adventures than one could ever imagine.

When it comes to things to do in Marin County with kids, it’s a smorgasbord of offerings. Whether you want to spend the day on the beach, enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay Area, or enjoy some of the best food in the region, there’s something here for you and your crew.

For more adventures in the Bay Area, check out the best beaches in San Francisco for kids and families, discover family-friendly urban hikes in San Francisco, and work your way through this list of 100 things to do in San Francisco with kids before they grow up. 

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is a unique family destination in several ways. It's America's only urban national park, meaning it's accessible from the city's busy downtown and free to visit. And while there are plenty of cool hiking trails, the big draw to Hot Springs is its water. Pools of the steaming geothermal spring water can be seen within the park, and families can stroll along Bathhouse Row where generations of people (including gangster Al Capone) came to soak in for medicinal purposes.  

Outside of the national park, there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions in Hot Springs, from an interactive science museum to a gorgeous botanical garden. Read on for our guide to visiting Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, including itinerary ideas, where to eat, and lodging near the park. Check out our US National Parks Family Travel Guide for more parks to visit with kids, including our top-ten list of family-friendly national parks.

New York City is home to some of the world's top museums and art galleries. Eye-popping art, however, isn't just limited to The Met, MoMA, and the Whitney. NYC has a thriving public outdoor art scene where you'll find both established and up-and-coming artists displaying their work in parks, on sidewalks, on buildings, and in public plazas—and admission to see these large-scale pieces is always FREE.

One of our favorite ways to see public art in NYC with kids is to embark on a scavenger hunt. Public art scavenger hunts are a great family-friendly activity that's fun, educational, and can lead you to a whole new corner of NYC.

We've rounded up our favorite neighborhoods to seek out public art in NYC, whether you're into large-scale sculptures, colorful murals and graffiti, or something else. We've even listed some picks for guided walking tours that highlight some of the stunning pieces right in our own backyard.

Check out our comprehensive NYC Kids' Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits for more family-friendly suggestions on where to see art with your kids. And, for more places to view outdoor art with kids, we've rounded up 11 outdoor art destinations near NYC.

These Halloween activities, Halloween crafts for kids, Halloween treats, and more will keep your crew hauntingly busy until it's time to trick-or-treat!

Once you have picked out your costume and carved your pumpkin, what else is there to do? So much! We have rounded up our favorite family Halloween activities that will keep the pumpkin spice flowing all month long. We’ve got all your Halloween bases covered with a little bit of everything from spooky s’mores to learning how to dance the Monster Mash. So set up an outdoor movie and whip up a batch of scarecrow snack mix, and let's get this (Halloween) party started!

For more Halloween fun, from Halloween jokes for kids to the best Halloween movies for kids—and more—check out our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.

And for Halloween activities near you, check out our Local Halloween Fun & Activities Guide!

Looking for the best toddler gifts for 2- and 3-year-olds? Check out our ultimate toddler gift guide for our favorite toddler gift ideas.

At ages 2 and 3, children are expanding their minds every day and learning mainly through play. The best toddler gifts are those that promote and allow for open-ended play, creativity, and imagination. But toddlers can be difficult to shop for because while they crave more independent play, they're also not old enough to play with toys that have small parts, sharp edges, or other safety concerns. Toddlers are also still developing fine and gross motor skills.

If all of those considerations sound daunting, you're in the right place, as we've checked in with our experienced panel of parents (our writers and editors!) to round up the very best toddler gifts for 2- and 3-year-olds, including toys, books, and experience gifts. These are all toys we have put to the test, have lasted, and have passed down to younger siblings and friends.

If you've got a range of ages to shop for, check out the Mommy Poppins Gift Guide for Birthdays and Holidays, which has suggestions for the best first birthday gifts for 1-year-olds, and so much more.