Trains, Dinos & Heroes

Long Island Attractions Free for Toddlers and Babies Under 2

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 01/20/2019 - 7:45am

Looking for places to stay and play with your little one without breaking the bank? There are destinations on Long Island that offer fun for all without a hefty price tag. Check out this list of local hot spots where babies ages 2 and younger are FREE.

Now, what to do with all the extra cash? Peep our list of top mommy-and-me baby classes on Long Island and also check out our indoor activities or baby age guides for some ideas.

Winter Day Trips: 9 Family Fun Spots Near NYC

Submitted by Fiona Taylor on Sun, 01/13/2019 - 9:00am

Whether you prefer spending the winter months snuggling on the couch or frolicking in the snow, there's one thing we can all agree upon—sometimes, you just need to get out the city for a change of pace. So we pulled together a list of family-fun day trips that appeal to all sorts of interests, from budding naturalists to full-fledged ski bunnies. Best of all, these destinations are all two hours or less from New York City by car, and we think they're all worth the trip.

For more day trip ideas, check out our Day Trip and Weekend Getaway Guide. Happy trails!

Bring on the Christmas Cheer with 5 Free Holiday Activities in Washington, DC

Submitted by Anna Fader on Fri, 11/30/2018 - 12:52am

The great thing about Washington, DC is so many of the things to do in the city are free. From more than 20 museums to the zoo to great holiday happenings, activities abound in the capitol city that don't break the bank.

Looking for some of the best ways to enjoy the season without blowing your holiday budget? Get the scoop here on the best holiday activities for kids and families in Washington, DC. (Keep in mind that when it comes to the holiday events on our list, free might mean you don’t need to reserve tickets ahead of time, but it also means you should expect crowds during peak times, such as weekends).

And don't forget to keep the good times going after the holidays with our list of must-do winter activities in the area.

Interactive Mickey Mouse Pop-Up Museum Lands in NYC

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Wed, 11/21/2018 - 10:00am

Attention, Disney fans: Celebrate Mickey’s 90th birthday at at the latest family pop-up to hit New York City. From his humble beginnings in “Steamboat Willie” to the cultural icon that we all know and love today, Mickey Mouse gets the full biographical treatment in a museum experience that offers a little something for everyone.

Located near NYC's High Line, Mickey: The True Original Exhibition celebrates 90 years of Mickey Mouse’s influence on art and pop culture. The 16,000 square-foot exhibition features classic memorabilia for all the nostalgic feels, plus contemporary work from popular artists. We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the pop-up, immersive museum celebrating Disney’s most beloved character.

Things To Do with Train-Loving Kids in New Jersey

Submitted by Scott Edwards on Mon, 11/19/2018 - 12:00pm

If Thomas, Percy, and James are a part of your daily conversations, take advantage of the many train and railroad attractions throughout New Jersey. Each one offers a different experience that will surely put a smile on any train lover's face. From model trains to railroad museums, zoo and amusement park rides to North Pole excursions, the Garden State has it all—even the world's largest model railroad!

Read on for a list of places where you can ride the rails with your little one, check out amazing displays, and more.

Best Holiday Train Shows in NYC for Kids: Botanical Garden and Beyond

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 11/18/2018 - 1:30pm

Trains are a way of life for most New Yorkers, but there's something particularly special about the little engines and cabooses that take center stage during the holiday season. The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train show is one of the best things to do with kids in New York City during the Christmas season, with electric model trains whizzing by more than 150 NYC landmarks made out of acorns, twigs, bark, berries, leaves, and other botanical bits and pieces. My family and I make it a point to go every year—it's truly a quintessential New York holiday experience. There's a reason it's on our list of the top 100 things to do with kids in NYC.

But the big NYBG display isn't the only holiday train show in town. Read on for more details on all the Christmas train shows the city has to offer this season (including the Botanical Garden's big spectacle). And for an extra special holiday treat, take the kids on a full-size Christmas train ride with these nearby Polar Express and Santa locomotives.

Disney Princess Subscription Boxes Arrive Just Before Holidays

Submitted by Sally Chaffin Brooks on Mon, 11/12/2018 - 11:08am

Disney has just launched a brand-new princess subscription box filled with tiaras, tulle — and fairy tales, of course. With the holidays right around the corner, and many kids (not just ours, right?) already working up their wish lists, we suspect this latest, kid-targeted subscription service will land at the top of a few most-wanted toys' lists.

Promising to deliver this Disney magic straight to your favorite princess-loving kid’s door for either a year, six months, or month-to-month, the first boxes will make it in time for Christmas delivery, we're told.

Polar Express: Christmas Train Rides for Kids Near Philly

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Fri, 11/02/2018 - 1:59pm

There is something about trains that evokes nostalgia at Christmastime. For some, it stirs up childhood memories of building a model train set under the twinkling tree lights. For others it may be a simple reminder of that "coming home for the holidays" feel, where folks would arrive at the train station, arms filled with Christmas packages for family at home. Whatever the reason might be, many railroads in the tri-state area hold events to bring back that old-fashioned holiday tradition. At many of these special outings, families can ride a real locomotive with Santa Claus, hear Christmas stories, sing carols, sip hot chocolate and admire the views of the passing countryside. Children are even invited to wear their pajamas at some of these events!

We have rounded up a list of railroads hosting holiday-themed trains of all kinds. Some of these are located more than an hour's drive from Philadelphia but can make for a fantastic holiday outing.

All aboard for some Christmas fun!