Thanksgiving Volunteer Options for NYC Kids and Families

Natalie Silverstein's picture Submitted by Natalie Silverstein on

Every year around the holidays, readers ask about ways to volunteer with their children in New York City. It's not as easy as you think. Many charitable organizations have age minimums for their projects, and even when you do find family-friendly volunteering opportunities, they often book up weeks in advance.

With Thanksgiving approaching, we want to highlight some great ways NYC kids and their parents can give back to those in need. We're including opportunities for children of all ages so everyone can participate. While kids might not be able to work in a soup kitchen, they can help the homeless, hungry, and elderly in other meaningful ways.

Here are 11 family-friendly ways to put the "giving" in your Thanksgiving.

A Dozen Easy Fall Hikes in NJ for Families with Small Children

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on

Hiking with small children can be fun for the whole family, if you choose the right trails, pack enough snacks, and build in some break time for little legs. Autumn in New Jersey may be the ideal time to get the family outdoors for a nature walk or easy hike, when trees are ablaze with fall colors and temperatures are just right.

Read on for our list of short, family-friendly hikes with scenic vistas and shady picnic spots. As for the snacks, try letting kids make their own trail mix before a nature walk: set out some bowls of nuts, pretzel sticks, dried fruits, and chocolate chips or M&Ms, and let the kids fill a plastic baggie with their favorite fuel. Before setting out, make sure everyone dresses in layers and wears comfortable shoes, and don't forget to pack sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water.

For more outdoor adventures, check out one of the state's many nature centers, which offer a host of family-friendly activities as well as hiking trails. Happy hiking!

Helpful Tips for Watching the Head of the Charles

Submitted by Fiona Haley on

The Charles is a magnet for many Boston families, whether it's for a paddle down the river or a perfect fall day hanging out on the Esplanade. And this time of year, when the leaves are turning and the riverfront is at its most beautiful, countless families flock to the Head of the Charles Regatta, one of the world’s most competitive rowing races, when more than ten thousand rowers compete for nearly half a million spectators. Watching the rowers from the riverbank is an annual tradition for many Bostonians—but with the crowds and uncertain seating arrangements, it can be tricky to navigate with kids. After several years of attending the Head of the Charles, I have some helpful hints to keep you and your family warm and happy while you watch the race.

Build an Indoor Obstacle Course for Kids in 7 Easy Steps

Submitted by Sara F on

When beautiful fall days turn into gray, wintry ones that get dark at 4pm, you need ideas of things to do indoors, including sneaky exercise games for the kids. Or, why not build an obstacle course for your kids? They'll love the challenge of having to complete each task, and you'll love the energy it can burn off and time it will keep them occupied. The best part? You can build this one with things you already have around the house. So read on for our guide to building your own in seven easy steps.

Riding the Trolleys at the CT Trolley Museum

Jennifer Coe's picture Submitted by Jennifer Coe on

One of our annual Autumn trips, since my boys were young, has been a trip to the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor. From an early age, my boys, like many boys, loved trains; and this local museum has been able to meet their needs many times over. We attended this year during their annual Pumpkin Train Ride but they offer a variety of events throughout the year. The museum has a small staff, and relies on their many, many volunteers to drive the trolleys on the fun but short jaunt from the museum.

Insiders Guide to Exploring Seabrook, TX with Kids

Ashley Jones's picture Submitted by Ashley Jones on

Southeast Houston is home to several waterfront communities, each with their own unique take on seaside living. Many Houstonians head to Kemah or Galveston when looking for a little bit of a bay breeze, but the small city of Seabrook, just minutes away from the popular Kemah Boardwalk, boasts a host of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Our family lived in Seabrook for three amazing years, and we were fortunate to experience everything Seabrook has to offer on a daily basis. It's also a wonderful place to visit! With 18 parks, 13 miles of hiking and biking trails, unique shopping and dining options, and no shortage of community spirit, exploring Seabrook can be a refreshing way to spend a day with kids outside of the typical tourist towns. 

50 Fabulous and Totally Free Events This Month for LI Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on

Who said nothing in life is free? Not us! In fact, we’ve come up with a list of more than 50 fun, family-friendly events happening all over Long Island during the next few weeks that won’t cost you a thing.

Of course, since it’s the season of ghosts and goblins, many of the happenings are Halloween-themed, including costume parades and trick-or-treating events. We've also included the many fabulous fall festivals going on this month, as well as story time and craft events, mommy-and-me classes, and more. And for added fun this season, check out our Halloween Guide and October Go List.

10 Prime Spots To Hang with a Baby on the Eastside of LA

Brian Steele's picture Submitted by Brian Steele on

Having a new baby is a blessing. An exhausting, isolating blessing. To remember what a gift it can be, new moms and dads need to get out of the darn house every once and awhile. If you live on the Eastside of Los Angeles, whether it’s Boyle Heights or Echo Park, you’ve got some cool options to catch your breath with baby in tow. Here are a few of the best spots to get some hang time in with your mini-me.

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