Tyra Banks' New Modelland in Santa Monica: Will It Be a Place To Bring Kids? Submitted by Li Starr on Tue, 02/19/2019 - 3:34pm Model Tyra Banks is opening a theme park in Santa Monica—Santa Monica Place, to be exact—based upon her 2011 YA book and decades as a top model. While details about what the 12,000 square foot attraction will include are still vague right now (the space is due to open later this year), the hype is big, and your America's Next Top Model-addicted kids may already think they want to go. The question is whether you will want to take them. Read more.
10 Best Brooklyn Craft Studios for Kids Submitted by Kay on Tue, 02/19/2019 - 7:30am In need of a little creative inspiration? Drop-in craft studios offer a great alternative indoor activity for wintertime when you've worn out the mat at your local indoor playspace and your home collection of broken crayons no longer thrills. Luckily my family lives in Brooklyn, which just may be the crafting mecca of the world (or at least New York City). There are a slew of craft studios where kids can paint pottery, work with wood, try fiber arts like knitting and sewing, or make something more offbeat (robot trash can anyone?)—and best of all, someone else cleans up after them. Although some spots require that you sign up for an entire semester of classes, many offer drop-in options for occasional crafters, summer camps, school break programs and even birthday party packages. Here are our top Brooklyn craft studios where kids can get creative. Read more.
15 Fun Indoor Playgrounds for Kids North of Boston Submitted by Michelle Curran on Sun, 02/17/2019 - 8:00pm When winter won't budge, and you've run out of at-home craft and project ideas, it may be time to hit an indoor play space. Head north and you can have your pick: From trampolines to crazy mazes to inflatables, Boston's North Shore is home to tons of play zones where kids can get their energy out. In addition to exercise and entertainment, many of these venues offer special events (like parents' nights out), healthy snacks, birthday parties, workshops, and classes. Here are 15 of our north-of-town favorites; for dozens more options in and around Boston, check out our indoor fun guide. Read more.
13 of the Best Family-Friendly Museums on Long Island Submitted by Felissa Allard on Sun, 02/17/2019 - 11:30am Few things are more satisfying for parents than introducing children to culture while also having some fun. Luckily, Long Island is home to a host of museums that cater to a younger crowd. In fact, many of these sites offer hands-on, interactive activities that can be enjoyed by children of all ages. From air and space to science and trains, these spots offer special exhibits and programs to keep children engaged, entertained, and educated. So why not visit? In the meantime, scope out some more fun in our guide to indoor play spaces on Long Island as well as our event calendar. And our museums and arts guide offers the complete lowdown on Long Island planetariums, science centers, historic sites, and more. Read more.
Indoor Swimming Pools in NYC That Offer Day Passes Submitted by Raven Snook on Sun, 02/17/2019 - 9:00am There are plenty of FREE swimming pools in NYC for kids during the summer months, but if you're looking for year-round options, or less crowded waters, the options are a bit limited. We've rounded up the best bets, from private pools offering day passes, to off-the-beaten-path community spots. All are kid friendly and welcome families for swimming and other water fun. Read on for where to get swimming in NYC now. Read more.
Indoor Gyms Where Westchester Kids Can Learn, Play, and Exercise Submitted by Danielle Feldman on Sun, 02/17/2019 - 8:00am We've rounded up seven fun-filled kids' gyms (many with more than one location) that offer everything from classes and camps to open play and more. Whether you're looking to drop off the older kids for a class, join in with the little ones during a parent-and-me, or simply sit and enjoy a nice break while the tots get their sillies out, these gyms are sure to please both kids and their parents. Read on for more details on seven indoor kids' gyms in Westchester. And be sure to sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to have all our latest posts delivered straight to your inbox! Read more.
30+ Play Spaces with Drop-In Hours for Central New Jersey Kids Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 12:00pm Central Jersey is home to lots of indoor play spaces that feature bouncy rooms, arcades, rock walls, imaginative play, and much more. From tots to teens, cabin fever is no longer a danger with these fun spots. Read on for more than 30 of our favorites. Read more.
Museums with Cool Kids' Programming in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 11:00am While there are many fantastic family-friendly museums and exhibits in New York City, you don't necessarily have to travel to NYC for an enriching cultural outing. We've rounded up 11 museums right here in Westchester and the Hudson Valley that offer lots of stimulating fun, in subjects ranging from fine art to firefighting. All of these museums offer family programs that allow kids (and grown-ups) to explore and learn about the collections by engaging in a variety of hands-on activities. Best of all, a lot of these programs are free with museum admission—and many of the museums themselves offer free admission to children under a certain age. Don't forget to check with your local library to see if it offers free passes. Read on for more about these cultural gems, which make for great family day trip destinations. Read more.
