Long Island

New Orleans with Kids: Top Things to Do and See as a Family

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sat, 12/15/2018 - 1:04pm

New Orleans is a big city not because of its size but in personality and culture. From the music to the food, both deeply steeped in historical and emotional significance to New Orleans and its residents, it's unlike any other city in the south. Still standing after one of the country's most destructive hurricanes, everywhere you go in New Orleans, you'll find a compelling story, or, at the very least, some delicious gumbo.

This American city should be on everyone's travel bucket list as the Big Easy makes a great, multigenerational family vacation spot at any time of the year. There are so many fun things to do and see and eat with the kids, from delicious beignets and a French Quarter stroll to an incredible children's museum, an aquarium, and a zoo. We've also included some unexpected family hits like a swamp tour and a butterfly garden.

Read on for the top activities and attractions to check out when traveling to New Orleans with kids. We suspect you'll come for the food and entertainment but leave feeling inspired by its rich history.

Outdoor Ice Rinks on Long Island for Family Skating

Submitted by Ian Stark on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 10:00am

Sure it might be cold this time of year. But if your kids like the outdoors there’s no reason not to enjoy one of Long Island's outdoor ice skating rinks this winter.

From Nassau County to the north shore of Suffolk and out to the East End, we've put together a list of the top outdoor skating venues on Long Island. Most are inexpensive and offer skate rentals, as well as lessons for those still mastering their steps and stops. Weather permitting, most of these rinks are open until the beginning of spring. All are open to the public without significant restrictions, but keep in mind admission can be higher for nonresidents.

If the weather doesn't cooperate, there are plenty of indoor rinks across Long Island worth a try. So if the weather is nasty or it’s offseason, families can skate all year long, even during beach weather.

Weekend Events: Holiday Crafts, Gingerbread, Theater, Nature

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 12/12/2018 - 12:50pm

Chart a course and hit the open road this weekend to peep these Long Island homes with spectacular holiday lights. Inject some holiday culture into your family's lives this season with these Nutcracker and other holiday performances.

Be sure to head full-steam ahead to check out this holiday train show in Babylon.

As slways, see our Holiday Family Fun Guide for the best in seasonal entertainment, including our Christmas tree cutting guide, breakfast with Santa events, ice skating rinks and plenty of FREE events and activities. Our Event Calendar and December GoList are likewise loaded with fun, daily happenings for Long Island kids.

7 Places to Have Afternoon Tea with Long Island Kids

Submitted by Felissa Allard on Tue, 12/11/2018 - 11:30am

When the weather is cold, enjoying a warm cup of tea with your favorite little person is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

From sampling a variety of tea flavors to tasting yummy miniature sandwiches and scones, these Long Island tea rooms offer a warm welcome in an elegant setting just in time for Hot Tea Month in January.

For more delicious fun with your little ones, check out our list of the best Long Island brunch destinations for families, or treat yourself to our roundup of the Island's most decadent dessert spots.

12 Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways for NYC Area Families

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Mon, 12/10/2018 - 4:30pm

It’s getting cold outside, but falling temperatures don’t necessarily translate to falling prices when it comes to family vacations. Luckily, we’ve rounded up a dozen well-priced family getaways that are all either driving distance or a short nonstop flight from New York City. Whether you’re in the mood for New England seaside charm, an urban weekend in New Orleans, Carolina comfort, or tropical heat, we’ve got plenty of budget-friendly suggestions for a quick winter weekend away with the kids.

Kids Can Ski Free and More Great Deals at Pennsylvania’s Top Ski Resorts

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Mon, 12/10/2018 - 10:00am

Snow sports are a great way to get outdoors with the whole family in the winter, and you don’t need to drop a bundle flying out west to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Pennsylvania is home to 21 great ski resorts from the Poconos to the Alleghenies, perfect for a day trip or a weeklong family ski vacation.

Best of all, with great deals, programs to help first timers learn to ski, and free skiing for 4th and 5th graders, PA skiing can be as affordable as it is fun. Read on to find out about all the ski and snowboard offers at Pennsylvania resorts perfect for any age or ability, and with great amenities and activities off the slopes too.

The Best Indoor Play Spaces in Nassau County

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 12/09/2018 - 11:30am

The chilly weather might force your little ones indoors, but they don't have to be confined to your living room all winter long.

After you've made your umpteenth indoor fort and your kids are climbing the walls, get up and out with our list of the best indoor play destinations in Nassau County. Most of these spots are affordable and accessible, and, where appropriate we've added age designations to guarantee a good time for all.

No worries if you're in Suffolk County. See our list of the top indoor play destinations in Suffolk as well as our guide to fun spots and sports centers across all of Long Island.

For even more inspiration, see our guide to winter fun on Long Island, including indoor and outdoor ice skating, museums, sledding, and more.

25 Fun Things to Do in Miami with Kids (Beyond the Beach)

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 12/08/2018 - 2:05pm

When you travel with kids, it's hard to think about vacationing in Florida beyond the mega theme parks in Orlando. Yet, the Sunshine State delivers numerous family-friendly destinations, from Tallahassee to the Keys, as well as one of our favorite cities: Miami.

Miami offers beach-ready weather for most of the year and moderate temps for the rest of it, so it welcomes visitors fleeing northern climes year-round. But there's more than the beach to entertain kids in this South Florida hot spot. You'll find outdoor activities galore, from boating and pools to fun splash pads and parks for strolling. Top-notch museums, animal encounters, and even top sports teams offer families endless options, and don't forget about Miami's proximity to the Everglades.

Read on for our favorite things to do with kids in and around Miami, Florida.

Long Island Homes with Spectacular Christmas Light Displays for 2018

Submitted by Ian Stark on Fri, 12/07/2018 - 4:10pm

Entertaining the family during the holidays can be expensive, of course. Want an inexpensive option? Travel to view some of Long Island's most-decorated holiday homes.

Chances are, wherever you are on Long Island—from Port Washington to Port Jefferson—you'll find neighbors going all out to show off their decorating skills. These nifty displays include lights, nativity scenes, Santas, reindeer, misfit toys, and other beloved seasonal symbols.

We’ve traveled across Nassau and Suffolk to see what’s shining on local lawns, documenting for you our favorites for 2018. So get the family going, put the snacks in a sack, and be ready for some holiday music. Yes, some of these destinations offer seasonal tunes to get you and yours into the spirit. And come back often to Mommy Poppins to see what has been added to our gallery.

If holiday lights are your thing, check out these other spectacular LI displays. And for more seasonal fun, see our December GoList and guide to holiday fun on Long Island, where you'll find information on brunches and pictures with Santa, holiday performances, and more.

8 Indoor Water Parks Perfect for a Warm Getaway Near NYC

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Fri, 12/07/2018 - 2:10pm

Indoor water parks offer summertime-style family thrills year-round and many are just a car ride away from the New York City metro area.

With winter's icy chill upon us, many families start looking for ways to escape the city for a warmer locale. Jet-setting to a tropical island might seem ideal, but if you're looking to stay a little closer to home, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Hudson Valley indoor water parks and resorts are a closer option for beating the winter blues.

We've found eight warm and wet indoor resorts perfect for kids and families that are less than two-and-a-half hours from Midtown Manhattan, along with a couple of bonus suggestions for further-flung options. Most indoor parks keep temperatures around a hot and humid 85 degrees year-round, creating a perfect beach day in any season! So leave the sunscreen at home, dust off that bathing suit, and hit the water.

Check out our NYC Weekend Trips Guide for more destination inspiration.