Fairs & Festivals

Houston Rodeo With Kids: What You Need to Know

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 10:50pm

It's finally here! The 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo runs Feb. 25-March 17, 2019 and opens at 8 a.m. every day. Even if you're a rodeo regular, donning those cowboy boots and braving the crowds and traffic are still daunting tasks. And when you get there - it's just so....big. We've broken down some essential information to know before planning your visit, and we also recommend downloading the RODEOHOUSTON app for maps, schedules, and more (available for both Apple and Android products).

Check out our Rodeo Houston Guide for more posts on enjoying the rodeo with kids.

26 Great Kids' Movies from Around the World Come to NYC This Month

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Tue, 02/05/2019 - 3:50pm

Who needs Sundance, or even Cannes? The 2019 New York International Children's Film Festival unspools this month in NYC, and we have all the info you need to enjoy it to the max, in an easily digestible format (there's a banquet out there). This is one fest where kids' opinions count: If you go, be sure to grab a ballot and vote on the films you've seen.

Read on for the full 411 on this year's fab films, including how to score discounted tickets. Popcorn mandatory.

Kid-Friendly Mardi Gras Festivities in Houston and Beyond

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 6:23pm

What kid doesn't love a good parade? Floats decorated in bright colors, candy, music, and during Mardi Gras, lots and lots of shiny beaded necklaces to catch and wear have kids loving every minute. Mardi Gras has come to be known over the years as mainly an adult affair, but there are so many options around the Houston area for celebrating the festive season with kids. From pet parades to fire trucks, and even a boat parade, each of these family-friendly events aims to entertain kids and adults of alike.

Chinese Lunar New Year Parades and Celebrations for NYC Kids

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Mon, 01/28/2019 - 1:30pm

Lunar New Year is one of our favorite winter celebrations in New York City, and we're particularly excited for 2019's family activities. School-aged kids ought to be excited, too, as the holiday gives them an extra day off from school.

Often referred to as Chinese New Year, although many Asian nations celebrate it, this year the holiday takes place on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, and ushers in the Year of the Pig. Mark this cultural holiday with a family-friendly celebration. We've got the scoop on the best Lunar New Year parades, family dance parties, museum events, crafts, and more for NYC kids.

Commemorating Lunar New Year is a great way to learn about Asian culture and enjoy the food. Check out one of these dozen NYC eateries where you can enjoy Lunar New Year banquets, snacks, or desserts. With celebrations and parades in almost every borough, it's also an opportunity to get out and explore a new-to-you neighborhood such as Manhattan's Chinatown, Flushing in Queens, Sunset Park in Brooklyn, or Midtown Manhattan's Koreatown.

Where To See Whales in LA: Whale Watching Cruises, Festivals, and Viewpoints

Submitted by Roberta B on Wed, 01/16/2019 - 2:50pm

Winter is prime whale watching season in Southern California, and there are several ways to spy on the giant mammals as they pass through on their 6,000-mile quest for Mexican romance. Each year, between December and April, roughly 20,000 Pacific gray whales migrate past our beaches, and March brings particularly high traffic because that's when the underwater procession starts to turn around. Pregnant, south-bound she-whales still trying to make it to Baja before the contractions start are blasted past by upwardly mobile young he-whales, finished with romance and headed for an appointment in the Arctic Circle. All that toing and froing is the inspiration for many a whale cruise and festival. With a little luck and clear skies, even a hike or sand sledding can turn into a whale watching activity.

20 Best Holiday Events in NYC for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Mon, 11/19/2018 - 4:00pm

New York City's annual transformation into a wonderland of holiday magic never gets old, especially with kids in tow. For younger kids, however, the Christmas crowds can be daunting—and the average toddler or preschooler tends to have limited patience for lines and lots of noise.

But there are still plenty of amazing seasonal spectacles just right for the 2-to-5 year-old set—including holiday lights, Christmas trains, and Santa visits. We've rounded up some stellar events that cater to toddlers and preschoolers, from abridged performances of holiday shows to gingerbread mania, plus interactive events and workshops, there's plenty of holiday wonder to go around.

18 Hanukkah Celebrations for Kids in LA and Orange County

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 11/19/2018 - 3:33pm

However you spell it—Hanukkah, Hanukka, Hannukah, Chanukah, or Channuka—SoCal is a great place to be for the Festival of Lights. Home to a Jewish population larger than that of Jerusalem, Los Angeles is all about "lighting candles, wearing sandals, by the sea" (at least, that's why Tom Leher spent Hanukkah in Santa Monica). Giant menorahs light up open spaces from The OC to the Valley.

Some of this year's events may be affected by our recent fires (most notably the festival at the Shalom Institute, typically one of the LA's biggest). But be assured that there are plenty of celebrations to fill the 8 crazy nights, including the popular event at the Skirball Center, as well as numerous local events and candle lightings to burn the sunset oil all week long.

12 Holiday Craft Fairs and Christmas Markets Around Boston

Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on Fri, 11/16/2018 - 9:00am

This time of year, holiday markets are springing up all around the greater Boston area, from church fairs to school bazaars to high-end artist markets. We’ve highlighted 12 fun finds that feature the handiwork of artisans from both near and far. Many have extras like food and live entertainment, and some even have Santa on hand for sharing holiday wishes! Take this opportunity to get into the holiday spirit; and find one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones, too.