Sports

Outdoor Go-Karts Around Houston: The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Mon, 04/23/2018 - 2:41pm

On your mark, get set, go! Take the wheel and head toward one of these family-friendly go-kart tracks in the greater Houston area. Feel the wind in your hair as you whip around hairpin turns and race down straightaways toward the finish line. Go the extra mile at these fantastic outdoor tracks, many of which also offer fun activities such as laser tag, mini golf, and arcade games.

New Sky Zone in Springfield Lets NJ Kids Grab Some Air

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 04/12/2018 - 11:00am

Trampoline parks are all the rage these days, and Union County families are jumping at the chance to try a brand-new option on the Route 22 corridor. Sky Zone Springfield is the newest location in the Sky Zone family, where kids of all ages (and adults) can burn off some serious energy all year round with a variety of fun, indoor attractions. Just don some non-slip grippy Sky Socks, and prepare to defy gravity.

Horseback Riding Centers for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 04/10/2018 - 1:00pm

There are plenty of benefits for kids that take up horseback riding. Imagine your child bonding with one of these magnificent creatures while also improving his or her confidence by working effectively to communicate with the horse. With continued lessons and riding, kids can also learn responsibility, caring for their trusty steed.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the best equestrian centers in Nassau and Suffolk counties open to the public. These offer a variety of services, including pony rides, trail rides, weekly lessons, and even on-site birthday parties. When visiting one of the stables for pony or trail rides, it is important to dress appropriately. Helmets are provided. Boots are preferred, but sneakers are usually acceptable. Call ahead to check on rules and regulations.

For more outdoor activities, check out our guide to Long Island family fun and our seasonal activities guides, including our roundup of spring entertainment options.

Newly Opened iFLY in Paramus Offers High-Flying Fun for NJ Families

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Mon, 04/09/2018 - 12:00pm

Kids ages 3 and up can fly like their favorite superheroes at iFLY, New Jersey's first indoor skydiving center. iFLY Paramus, which opened its Route 4 facility on March 30, a couple of weeks head of schedule, offers kids and grown-ups alike a chance to experience the sensation of skydiving—no plane or parachute required.

Roller Skating Rinks for Kids in NYC and the 'Burbs

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 04/05/2018 - 4:05pm

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!

12 Miniature Golf Courses for NYC Kids

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Mon, 04/02/2018 - 11:30am

For many families, mini golf is a quintessential spring and summer activity that they look forward to every year. My son loves it, so we've tried just about every putt-putt course in the tristate area.

While there are plenty of courses on Long Island and in New Jersey, you don't need to head out of town. There are currently more than a dozen places to play mini golf right here in New York City. And as sports go, it's typically fairly inexpensive—often as little as $5 a round for kids. Another bonus is that it's one of those rare activities that parents and kids can play together. You can even host a birthday party at most of these spots.

Read on to find out where to play mini golf with the kids in the city, and I'll see you on the green!

Laser Bounce Opens Indoor Amusement Park and Arcade in Queens

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Fri, 03/23/2018 - 11:08am

With the popularity of Netflix’s Stranger Things and nerd-comeback, I’m excited to see a resurgence in my childhood favorite hangout: the arcade. There are plenty across NYC, serving up everything from skee-ball to racing games, but we’re happy to introduce Queens’ latest addition.

Laser Bounce joined The Shops at Atlas Park, in Glendale, in February 2018. This is the second Laser Bounce location in the area; the original is located in Levittown, Long Island.

Is Axe-Throwing Brooklyn’s Newest Kid-Friendly Activity?

Submitted by Anna Fader on Fri, 03/02/2018 - 10:45am

As you step into Kick Axe Throwing, you will be forgiven for a momentary flash of jealousy pointed at the pretty young things hanging out and drinking beers with their friends in the hipster-chic log cabin–themed spot. New York’s first axe throwing venue is the perfect place for beers with your buds, but I was here to determine if it was equally cool action spot to take kiddos.

Technically, children aged 7 and up are allowed to participate, so, to test the waters, I had come to Gowanus, Brooklyn with an 8-year-old, a 12-year-old, and a 14-year-old, ready to chuck axes. Consent forms signed, we met our Axpert in the waiting area and headed with anticipation to our axe-throwing range.