Philadelphia is an amazing place to spend the holiday season. But as much as we hate to admit it, New York City is a strong frontrunner for the ultimate holiday destination. This time of year in New York is downright magical, and at 100ish miles away, a trip to the Big Apple during Christmastime is a tradition that many Philly families treasure. We figured that the ultimate holiday destination deserves the ultimate holiday travel guide, so we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to get from Philadelphia to New York.

Traveling from Philadelphia to New York is a route with myriad options, and parents can expend a lot of energy debating taking the train from Philly to NYC, taking the bus from Philly to NYC, or driving up the turnpike, never mind the traffic and parking headaches waiting to greet you on arrival. We’re making your family trip to New York City for the holidays or any other days as hassle-free as possible, by mapping out all the best ways to go from Philly to New York, and throwing in a few suggestions of what to do when you arrive.

Go on a hike: it's good for your health, is an amazing family bonding activity, and you can get great family photos!

New England is home to some of the most gorgeous, yet kid-friendly places to hit the trails—even in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where there is an impressive cluster of 4,000 footers. We’ve rounded up the best places to take a hike in all of New England, from tranquil parks to adventurous state parks and more. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore nature on mild, kid-friendly terrain (some are even drivable), and maybe see some wildlife along the way.

Looking for more ways to get out in nature with kids? Explore our list of 10 State Parks and Forests in Massachusetts and 25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit. Or, learn about the 15 best destinations for a fall day trip from Boston. 

Dodger fans must have been very, very good this year, because Santa has a surprise: for the first time ever, there will be an ice skating rink for the public to skate on out in center field! The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting a holiday festival with music and entertainment, the ice skating rink, holiday and Christmas light displays, holiday-themed snacks, photos with Santa (and the elves), and more. Read on for the scoop on this exciting new holiday festival in Los Angeles.

For more Christmas light displays, holiday festivals, ice skating rinks in Los Angeles, and more check out our complete Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities in Los Angeles in 2021.

When it comes to fall activities, apple picking and corn mazes are just the beginning. Autumn is a perfect time to explore all nature has to offer in New York City. From learning about bird migrations to forest bathing, there are plenty of places—including some under-the-radar green spaces—for kids and families to fall in love with the outdoors. So, bundle up and check out these five fun nature activities before the fall foliage hits the ground.

Grab a cup of hot cocoa and put on your most comfortable walking shoes, because holiday markets are back in NYC. With their sparkly decorations, festive music, unique gifts, and delicious treats, there’s no better way to kick off the holiday shopping season than to stroll through one of these Christmas markets in New York City. Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses and artisans. Not sure where to start? Read on for a list of the best holiday markets in New York City, and find all our picks for seasonal fun in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC.

Fans of Stranger Things take note: Just in time for the holiday season, the first official Stranger Things-themed pop-up store has opened in the heart of Times Square. If you're biding your time waiting for Season 4, head over to the store which offers a one-of-a-kind immersive retail experience with exclusive merchandise and interactive photo-ops. Read on for details on how to get your foot in the door.

When it comes to role models for our children, especially our girls and young athletes, we couldn't ask for anyone better than Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles. Last week, Biles, Chiles, and other U.S. gymnasts wrapped up their 32-city Gold Over America Tour in Boston. They took time out of their busy tour schedule to speak with us about mental health (including Simone's new partnership with mental health app Cerebral), travel, playing sports as a child, and some of their favorite cities from the tour (here's looking at you, DC!).

There is something magical about holiday and Christmas lights, and Connecticut is home to some of the grandest glowing displays in New England. There are two new holiday light displays in the state for 2021. Connecticut families can enjoy a festive, choreographed light show from the comfort of the car at the Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Amp, or head to the Holiday Stroll in Stamford for holiday-party cheer. 

For DIY (but no less sparkly) holiday light displays, check out our list of Connecticut homes with amazing Christmas light displays, including the famous Wonderland of Roseville. We have more ways for kids to capture the magic of the season and enjoy safe, socially distanced family activities in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Families, including our list of the best holiday and Christmas activities for Connecticut kids.