The Best VR Arcades in New Jersey for Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on

New Jersey's best VR arcades, like Oasis VRX in Holmdel, offer an immersive gaming experience.

We love a good family day out, but now that the kids are getting older, the struggle is real. It’s so much harder to find an exciting spot that gives good vibes to my teen, hits with my younger kids, and doesn't leave us parents just standing on the sidelines. 

My kids have been craving a fresh experience lately. And I think I’ve officially found the holy grail: NJ virtual reality (VR) arcades. VR arcades for NJ kids are the perfect way to get everyone—even teens—excited for a family day.

Read on for our guide to the top VR arcades throughout New Jersey, and, for more indoor fun, be sure to check out our stories on NJ's best trampoline parks, indoor water parks, and bowling alleys. 

Best Cheap Places to Eat in NYC for Kids & Families (Under $10!) — Recs From Locals

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The Dram Shop serves up kid-pleasing eats in a family (and wallet) friendly atmosphere. Photo courtesy of Dram Shop

Eating out can be a fun family experience, but it can also become stressful—and expensive—quickly. That’s why we surveyed local parents to find the most delicious and affordable restaurants in NYC.

This list includes some popular spots and a few hidden gems. Each restaurant offers kid-approved meals for less than $10—plus reasonable, appetizing options for hard-working parents ready to let someone else be the short-order cook for a night. Bonus: Many of these restaurants offer FREE kids’ meals with a paying adult.

For more advice from frugal NYC locals, check out our list of free and cheap activities and tips for saving money across the city.

Fun Bounce Houses and Other Birthday Party Rentals in Atlanta

Rebecca Ruffin Leffler's picture Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on

Add a charming bounce house, like this one from Candy Castle Co., to enhance your child's next birthday party. Photo by Wilson Creative Co. Photography, courtesy of Candy Castle Co.

Throw an epic birthday party for your child when you rent a bounce house or inflatable water slide in Atlanta. Birthday party inflatables provide nonstop fun, physical exercise, and can easily tie into your party theme. Better yet, many of these Atlanta bounce house companies provide delivery, setup, and take-down of all the equipment! You can also elevate your party with a popcorn machine, cotton candy machine, and other concessions.

And don't think your teen has outgrown bounce houses for a birthday party; inflatables now include obstacle courses and sports interactives such as axe throwing, jousting, climbing walls, and more. We’ve listed even more Atlanta rental companies, offering everything from outdoor movie screens, concessions, silent discos, and karaoke to gaming trucks, laser tag equipment, and petting zoos. Take a look now! 

Cheap Party Rental Spots in Orlando Great for Kid Birthday Parties

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Lake Eola Park is a beautiful spot to host a cheap birthday party, with the ability to rent a space at Eola House. Photo courtesy Visit Florida

Birthday party fun comes around every year, and you want to make sure your child makes lasting, happy memories. But what happens when sticking to a birthday party budget? Fortunately, there are many cheap party rentals in Orlando that are super cute, creative, and memorable. Whether you are planning an Orlando birthday party for your toddler or tween, you don't have to break the bank! Read on -- we're sharing our parent-tested picks that truly deliver on budget-friendly birthday party ideas in Orlando.

Cheap Party Rental Spots in Los Angeles Great for Kid Birthday Parties

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Chuck E. Cheese is a budget-friendly birthday party idea! Photo courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese

When we were kids, birthday parties meant our parents claimed a picnic table in a park, had us pin a tail on a donkey, passed out goodies and cake, and called it a day. These days, it can be hard not to fall into the habit of planning an elaborate party for your kid, complete with a theme, balloon arches, top-notch entertainment, and custom cakes. And it probably comes as no surprise that here in Los Angeles, finding cheap party rental spots can be a challenge, with private venues often averaging $700 to $1,800 per event—yikes!

But you don’t have to break the bank just because your kid is a year older. I asked some friends for their best budget-friendly birthday party ideas (even in LA), and they did not disappoint. 

Best Things to Do in Roanoke, VA with Kids: A Family-Friendly Roanoke Itinerary

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The famous Roanoke Star makes for the perfect photo op. Photo by the author

Set in the Blue Ridge range of the Appalachian Mountains, the southwest Virginia city of Roanoke is woodsy and outdoorsy—a major departure from the political hustle and bustle of the Washington, DC suburbs. Roanoke is affectionately known as Star City because of the giant neon star that sits atop one of its peaks (the largest man-made star in the world, FYI).

But that's not the only thing that shines in Roanoke. The city boasts cool museums for families, killer restaurants, and plenty of outside play activities. Our family had a blast exploring Roanoke, VA!

Here are our 21 favorite things to do in Roanoke with kids, including where to eat and where to stay. Check out our Ultimate Virginia bucket list for more fun ideas throughout the state, as well as our Family Travel Guide for more cool cities to visit.