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SMASH Ping-Pong House Serves Up Big Fun for LI Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 1:45pm

SMASH, a new ping-pong house, kitchen, and bar, is serving up a unique indoor activity for Long Island families or couples seeking some out-of-the-box date-night fun. Head over to the Levittown hot spot for a smashing good time.

For more active fun, check out our guide to kids sports centers and fun zones on Long Island.

Best Indoor Play Spaces on Staten Island

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 9:58am

For rainy, snowy, too-hot, or too-cold days, NYC parents know you've got to have a go-to indoor play space. Brooklyn and Queens have tons of indoor play options, but did you know that Staten Island is stocked with indoor play spaces too? If you can’t face another freezing day at the playground or stuck inside the house, grab socks and let the kids visit one of these spots to jump, climb, slide, and bounce out all of that energy.

Whether you have to hop on the ferry or reside on The Island, these spots are sure to please families looking for a change of scenery. Visit our Indoor Play Spaces Guide for more indoor fun, or our Family Fun Guide to all of NYC's top family attractions.

Roller Skating Rinks for Kids in NYC and the 'Burbs

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 03/04/2019 - 3:05pm

All city dwellers seem to go crazy for ice skating season, but once the ice thaws and spring is upon us, where's a skater to go? It's time to introduce the kids to the old-school art of roller skating at one of these rinks within city limits and just beyond.

In addition to retro skating fun, many of these spots offer extras, including arcade games, bounce houses, and party packages. So lace up your skates and get moving at these rinks!

Indoor Trampoline Parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 02/22/2019 - 10:00am

Where do you go when the kids are bouncing off the walls on a cold or rainy day? Somewhere they’re allowed to bounce off the walls, of course!

We’ve rounded up indoor trampoline parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley where kids can jump, hop, leap, and bounce to their hearts' content. Take note that these spots also offer birthday parties, making them an option for those winter (or even extra-hot summer) birthdays.

Looking for more places to play? Check out our Indoor Play Guide and sign up for our newsletters!

Family-Friendly Bowling Alleys in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Thu, 02/21/2019 - 10:00am

If you’re looking for a fun, indoor activity that will appeal to the whole family, bowling may be right up your alley! (Sorry, we couldn't help ourselves.) Here in New Jersey, there are plenty of bowling facilities that offer year-round fun: small-town/neighborhood spots that offer traditional games with modern touches, such as automatic scoring and gutter bumpers; and newer, flashier bowling alleys that feature high-tech bells and whistles like interactive games, video walls, and glow ball. In addition, fun centers throughout the state often include bowling alongside laser tag and arcades.

And bowling alleys are an ideal spot for low-maintenance birthday parties, play dates, and weekend day trips.

Play Retro Video Games at These Family Arcades

Submitted by Andy Fenwick on Thu, 02/21/2019 - 8:00am

Does it bother you that your kids don't know all four of the ghosts in Pac-Man (say it with me: Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde), or all the characters in Mortal Combat, or what the game Asteroids even is? We're here for you. We've found a handful of old-fashioned family-friendly arcades around NYC, some straddling the line between retro and cutting-edge video games.

Of course, you can also find arcade games at Chuck E. Cheese's and Dave & Buster's. Check out our roundup of more birthday-oriented video game spots with laser tag and cheesy pizza for more of these game fun zones. You can also find small arcades at many of the city's bowling alleys.

But consider one of the retro spots below if you're in the market for some parental nostalgia and old-school family fun.

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.

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.