Brooklyn Children's Museum Turns NYC Eyesore Into a Magical Playground for Kids

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on

Experience In the Works to see how the city’s everyday structures can become spaces for discovery and play.

Like many other New Yorkers, I’ve always viewed scaffolding is a nuisance, but the always enchanting Brooklyn Children's Museum has managed to change my perception of this omnipresent piece of city architecture with its magical, playful, new exhibit In the Works.

This one-of-a-kind installation—that mimics the ubiquitious sidewalk structures familiar to many a New Yorker—is a dream come true for little explorers, offering endless opportunities to climb, slide, crawl, and interact with the city in totally unexpected ways. Read on for our take on this fun, new exhibit that's a great way to beat the cold-weather blues, and find more indoor places to play in our NYC Kids Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones.

Best Sledding Hills in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Catch some air on one of the many sledding hills in the Hudson Valley. Photo by Jeremy McKnight on Unsplash.

The Hudson Valley's sledding hills take on an aura of magic when the first blanket of snow covers the ground. What better way to enjoy it than by getting the kids out of the house for some fresh air and family fun at one of the many sledding hills in the Hudson Valley?

We have pulled together this list of the best sledding hills in the Hudson Valley, plus some tips on how to stay warm and dry and, of course, where to go for hot chocolate afterward.

If you're looking for more seasonal fun, we've got the skinny on winter hikes in the Hudson Valley, and outdoor ice skating region-wide.

Best Sledding Hills in New Jersey for Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on

Get ready to hit the sledding hills in New Jersey. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

New Jersey sledding hills are cold, slippery, and ridiculously fun. NJ is home to plenty of perfect sledding hills for all ages, and we've compiled this list of 26 great sledding spots throughout the state. So, once the flakes have flown, it's time to break out your sleds, bundle up (helmets recommended!), and venture out to one of these great local sledding hills in New Jersey.

Don't forget the safety check! Take a minute to make sure your chosen sledding hill isn't too steep or bumpy for your child and that there's enough of a "landing" spot so your little sledder can safely glide to a halt. Avoid spots near ponds and trees, and be sure the sledding hill doesn't end in a street or parking lot. Skip rocky hills, too.

For even more winter fun, bookmark our Guide to Winter Activities for New Jersey Families.

101 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on

Enjoy Art in Bloom during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Photo by Elvert Barnes via FLickr 2.0

Here is our Big Free Bucket List: 101 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids!

Families in the DC area sure are lucky: From free museums and nature centers to amazing playgrounds and fun festivals, there are so many free things to do with kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. That means visitors from out of town can also have a fabulous family vacation full of historic and cultural experiences, nature, and play time without breaking the bank.

We present our big free bucket list: 101 free things to do in DC with kids. For even more ways to have fun without reaching into your wallet, check out our guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids.

100 Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on

Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.

Orlando boasts an array of FREE things to do that won't dent your wallet. Though the city is most known for its pricey attractions and theme parks, we've compiled a comprehensive list of 100 free things to do with kids in Central Florida.

Included in this list of free things in Orlando are playgrounds, museums, outdoor adventures, theme park bargains, and more. Whatever your interest, know that we at Mommy Poppins will keep you up to date on the best family happenings in Central Florida.