Summer Streets Returns This August: Explore Car-Free NYC with Kids Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 07/22/2018 - 9:00am Summer Streets, easily one of our favorite NYC seasonal festivals, returns for its 11th season of car-free Saturdays on August 4. The annual Summer Streets event gives New Yorkers three consecutive August Saturdays of car-free summer fun, with a seven-mile stretch of city streets from the Upper East Side to the Brooklyn Bridge closed to cars and open exclusively to pedestrians and bicycles. Sadly, one major change in 2018 is the absence of the giant slide—a big hit of the past few years. But while the slide may not be returning, there is still plenty of fun in store, all aligned with this year's Summer Streets theme, "Finding Joy in Unexpected Moments." Most of the interactive stations are 100% FREE but some require advance registration. Read on for all the details for this ultimate summer street fest. Read more.
Slip, Slide, and Splash at Strawberry Water Park in Pasadena Submitted by Ashley Jones on Fri, 07/20/2018 - 10:30pm For us, summer is all about seeing how many water activities we can pack in to a three month span. Neighborhood pools and splash pads are always on our to-do list! We also love a good water park trip during the hot summer months, but sometimes the crowds, long lines for rides, and admission costs make trips to Schlitterbahn or Splashtown something that we tend to only do once or twice per year. Luckily, we recently discovered a hidden gem in Pasadena where we can squeeze in some waterslide fun for a fraction of the cost of a day trip to a bigger water park. We can get our slide and lazy river fix in and our littlest guys even have their very own space to splash and play on a kids structure. We've discovered that this park has so much to offer, and is a great way for families to play together and beat the Texas heat. Read more.
Amusement Rides and Indoor Play Spaces Await at Palisades Center Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Thu, 07/19/2018 - 12:00pm I remember watching the Palisades Center being built from the ground up as I shuttled between Rockland and Westchester counties for various athletic meets and games in high school. At the time, I never imagined that 20 years later, I would be a parent seeking out that very mall to entertain and amuse my own child. But seek it out I do—and with good reason. It's not just the shopping that makes the Palisades Center a destination spot for families (though, seriously, who can resist four full floors of restaurants and shops?). Palisades Center is also an entertainment complex that lures patrons of all ages. From indoor play spaces larger than many elementary schools to carnival rides and extreme ropes courses, this gigantic mall has something for kids with every interest—with plenty to entertain parents, as well. Read on for the highlights. Looking for even more fun? Check out some other family-friendly spots! Read more.
Santa's Village, NH: Rides, Treats, and the Magic of Christmas in Summer and Fall Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Tue, 07/17/2018 - 11:18pm When the humidity is soaring and the holiday spirit is in hibernation, a winter wonderland sure is a nice idea. While Santa's Village can't make it cooler outside, it does create the feel of Christmas in July (actually, May through December, with daily hours in the summer). With themed rides like the Chimney Drop, activities like "snow" tubing down a giant slide, and encounters with real, live reindeer, Santa's Village is a uniquely sweet theme park experience akin to Story Land, another New Hampshire gem especially suited to young kids. Here's how to get the most of your trip to the near-North. Read more.
30 Best Things To Do with Tweens in New Jersey Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Sun, 07/15/2018 - 10:00am Your tweens may be too big for bouncy houses and tea parties, yet too young for solo outings with friends. But they still love family fun (even if they won't always admit it). To keep those in-betweeners happy and engaged, find an activity that sparks their curiosity or stretches their growing limbs. When a trip to your local playground is met with eye-rolling instead of cheering, it's time to check out these amazing activities for older kids in New Jersey. The good news? You may genuinely enjoy competing with your tween in bowling and mini golf, tackling the fast slides at a water park, or seeing a play or concert together. Read on for 30 ideas that are cool enough for big kids. Read more.
Splash & Swim at These Water Parks In and Near Houston Submitted by Kate M on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 11:30pm As we all painfully know, summer in Texas is HOT. Playing in the water isn't only a fun activity for the kids, it's almost a necessity. When it comes to water fun, nothing is more exciting for kids than visiting a water park! There are several water parks around the Bayou City that will make for an easy day trip and even more that are about a three-four hour drive away perfect for an overnight getaway. If you are looking for something closer and quicker, then check out our list of the many great splash pads at local parks. There are also many free pools throughout the city where kids and parents can keep cool. Read more.
New Treetop Adventure Park Opens in Purchase, New York Submitted by Susan Miele on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 1:30pm Recently, we told you about a new indoor trampoline park for active families. Another new venue for those on the move is Boundless Adventures, a treetop adventure complex in Purchase that offers assorted aerial feats for varying levels of ability—and bravery. Read on to learn more about how your family can harness up and rise to the challenge. Want to stay in the know about grand openings and other happenings? Sign up for our newsletters! Our Event Calendar can also help keep you informed about special events and other fun for thrill seekers. Read more.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort: Classic Family Fun with Modern Thrills at this Texas Gem Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sat, 07/07/2018 - 1:11pm In the heart of Texas, you’ll find a waterpark like none other. Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort at New Braunfels was designed by a family for families and around the beautiful Comal River. Instead of vistas filled with brightly-colored plastic and umbrellas, this waterpark embraces its natural surroundings, and it’s why you need to add this park to your family travel bucket list. Read more.
