Find Your New Best Friend at These NYC Animal Shelters

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Add an animal member to your family from a shelter in NYC. Photo courtesy of Bideawee

A pet can be a friend for life and these animal shelters in NYC help families find the perfect addition. So, if your home has room for a furry friend, here are the NYC animal shelters where you can adopt a new dog or cat. Plus, we've got the lowdown on some lesser-known options for pet adoption and things to consider before taking the plunge if you're a first-time pet owner.

If you're not quite ready to bring home a furry friend of your own, you can explore breeds at the AKC Museum of the Dog in Midtown East or visit one of these cat cafes throughout the five boroughs.

Captree State Park Adds Ropes Course to Beach Playground

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The new ropes course at Captree State Park features a spider-web structure.

The new ropes course at Captree State Park's playground was recently unveiled and it is a welcome addition that makes the well-rounded playground especially great for climbers ages 4-8. On a recent trip, my 6-year-old had a blast exploring the ropes. 

Read on for more info about Captree's ropes course and the rest of the playground on the eastern tip of Jones Beach, and check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island for more playground fun. 

23 Best Things to Do in Chicago May 2024 with Kids

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Lilac Time in Lombard. Photo credit: Canva

Looking for things to do with kids in Chicago this May? Here are our favorite kid-friendly things to do in Chicago in May 2024.

Let's be honest. With so many things to do this time of year, how can you possibly decide between them all? This best-of-May guide should do the trick! Parades are back and there are two big ones downtown this month: The Polish Constitution Day Parade and the Memorial Day Parade. Has being outside again got you thinking about nature?  Check out environmentally-themed fun at Chicago River Day or World Migratory Bird Day. Animal-themed music is also big this month, with a Broadway in Chicago presenting Bluey's Big Play and Once Upon a Symphony performing Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Festivals celebrating flowers are blooming in Lombard, West Chicago, and Oak Park this month as well.

There's still time to book a reservation at one of more than 25 destinations for Mother's Day brunch or to plan another activity for Mother's Day. Check out one of our favorite tot lots and toddler playgrounds to get your littlest kids out and moving. Or get away from it all with a hike in or around the Windy City.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in May 2024 with kids in Chicago.

Best of May: 15 Top Things To Do in Philadelphia with Kids in May 2024

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Feld Entertainment

From Mother's Day to Memorial Day, we'll be finding fun things to do all month long—May the 4th be with you!

May in Philadelphia brings a bouquet of family-friendly activities and events, promising something delightful for every age. From the luscious Strawberry Festival at Peddler's to the excitement of Monster Jam in Oaks, there's no shortage of fun and adventure. Dive into the arts at the Philadelphia Children's Festival, explore nature at Mother's Day Fishing at Linvilla Orchards, or join the spirited festivities at Fitler Fun in Philadelphia. Whether you're celebrating Mother's Day with a brunch at Elmwood Park Zoo or delving into the vibrant culture of the Kensington Derby & Arts Festival, May is a month to cherish with your loved ones. Join us as we embrace the warmth of spring and the joy of family time in the City of Brotherly Love!

Best Free and Fun Things To Do in DC with Kids May 2024

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Have a jumping good time at The Big Bounce. Photo courtesy of The Big Bounce

With May comes the unofficial start of summer in DC, and lots of family fun for Mother's Day and Memorial Day.

The Big Bounce America returns to the DC area this month, with opportunities for families to get their energy out in bounce houses of all sizes. There are also two opportunities to visit many of the embassies located in Washington, DC, and learn about different cultures during the Around the World Embassy Tour and the EU Open House.

Lastly, this is your final opportunity to see Titanic: The Exhibition at National Harbor and Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience in DC. Both immersive experiences close this month.

There's so much more to share, so read on for details on spring festivals, Mother's Day events, and Memorial Day celebrations.

We have so many more great events listed below for your family this April, but don't forget to check our family activity calendar every day as we're always adding more events.

Best Free & Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Kids May 2024

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Enjoy the beautiful blooms of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival that runs through May 27, 2024. Photo courtesy Walt Disney World

From Mother's Day to Memorial Day, we have fun things to do all month long—May the 4th be with you!

Soak up May's beautiful weather at these awesome Orlando events before the heat of summer arrives. May's calendar is packed with fun outdoor festivals, including theme park fun like Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival and SeaWorld Orlando's Seven Seas Food Festival, as well as a Hoedown in Hamlin, a Luau in Longwood, and a Family Fest in Altamonte. Enjoy great shows in Orlando this month, such as Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party; The Percy Jackson Musical; and Peter Pan, The Broadway Musical.

Plan for Mother's Day with Orlando Mother's Day Brunch Events and check out these amazing weekend getaways from Orlando for Memorial Day weekend, all courtesy of your pals at Mommy Poppins!

Best Free & Fun Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids May 2024

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Every weekend in May features a blast from the past at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. Photo courtesy of the Festival

From Mother's Day to Memorial Day, we'll be finding fun things to do all month long—May the 4th be with you!

Head outdoors this May in Atlanta for sunshine, warmth, and opportunities for kids to get out their wiggles. Families flock to FREE art festivals in May, including Chastain Park Arts Festival, Decatur Arts Festival, and Alpharetta Arts Streetfest. Each of these outdoor events have fun, interactive activities for kids in addition to local art for parents to purchase. Every weekend in May families can hit the Georgia Renaissance Festival, which has tons of things to do for kids. At the end of the month, families enjoy a long Memorial Day weekend, with special celebrations like a spectacular laser light show at Stone Mountain Park!