Trains, Dinos & Heroes

New Interactive T. Rex Exhibit Opens at Natural History Museum

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 3:58pm

Just three years after making waves with the debut of Titanosaur, one of our favorite family-friendly museums is upping the ante. The American Museum of Natural History is kicking off its 150th anniversary with a fantastic new exhibit dedicated to the ferocious king of all dinos. The interactive exhibit T. rex: The Ultimate Predator opens to the public on Monday, March 11—read on for more details on this not-to-be missed exhibition that will impress dinosaur-obsessed kids and adults alike.

Insider's Guide to Griffith Park: More Things To Do Than Most Angelenos Know!

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Wed, 03/06/2019 - 9:00am

Five times the size of New York’s Central Park, Griffith Park was designated as a historic-cultural monument in 2009, protecting it from future development. Angelenos should be thankful to Griffith J. Griffith, a Welsh real estate developer who gifted the land to the city in 1896 as a “place of recreation and rest for the masses.” The result for us has been access to fantastic hiking trails, a home to some of our most iconic museums, and a wealth of other family activities. Lucky Los Feliz and Burbank families can call Griffith Park their local; for the rest of us it's worth setting aside a little time to be surprised by all that Griffith Park has to offer; there are probably one or two items on this list even locals didn't know about!

Hop Aboard! Easter Bunny Train Rides for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 03/01/2019 - 10:00am

Easter falls on April 21 this year, and it will soon be time to dye eggs and get ready to hop on the Easter Express! New Jersey railroads offer exciting opportunities to meet Peter Cottontail while riding the rails—a perfect activity for your train-loving kid.

Be sure to get your tickets early, as these rides sell out quickly. See specific websites for days and hours.

A Dozen Museums for Kids and Families in Central and Southern NJ

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Fri, 02/22/2019 - 11:00am

Winter's not over yet, and if you're running out of ideas, don't despair—there's plenty of indoor fun to be found at museums throughout central and southern NJ. At these wonderful and varied spots, you can explore a battleship, learn all about insects, ride a vintage train, gaze at the stars, and even see a shrunken head!

For more educational fun, check out our list of the best museums for kids in northern NJ, or take a ride across the river to check out one of the many excellent museums in Philadelphia.

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.