Where to Park for the Houston Zoo and The Commons in Hermann Park

Find the best parking near the Houston Zoo and you'll be riding the carousel in no time. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.

Hermann Park in Houston is one of the city's top family-friendly destinations, but also one of Houston's top parking conundrums. This 445-acre urban oasis, located in the heart of the Museum District, is home to the Houston Zoo and The Commons, which is one of the city’s best playgrounds. Plus, the Zoo hosts popular annual events like Zoo Lights.

All these visitors means that parking can be a challenge. For normal zoo days, our best tip is to arrive early, ideally before the Houston Zoo opens, to secure a good spot. If arriving early isn’t possible, read on for more parking options near the Houston Zoo and Hermann Park.

Peppa Pig Playground Coming to Legoland New York in 2025

Peppa Pig fans can play in the precious pink pigs treehouse and other well-know spots when Legoland New York's new Peppa Pig Playground opens in 2025. Photo courtesy of Legoland New York

For families with little ones who cannot get enough of Peppa Pig, Legoland New York Resort in Goshen, New York, is bringing a brand-new adventure to town in 2025. The new attraction combines the fun-filled experiences of the beloved animated series Peppa Pig with the creativity of Lego Duplo to create a unique, immersive playground at the Hudson Valley theme park.

Christmas Tree Farms Near DC

Find the perfect tree for your family at Snickers Gap Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

Want to fill your home with the smell of fresh pine, balsam, fir, or spruce this holiday season? Head to one of several festive Christmas tree farms near DC, where you can cut your own Christmas tree for a truly authentic holiday experience and photo opportunity.

If you're not up to the challenge of chopping down a tree, no worries—many of the Christmas tree farms on our list also offer fresh-cut trees ready to be wrapped up and wrangled into your living room. So, you'll get the experience of visiting a Christmas tree farm without all the extra work.

Most of these Christmas tree farms in Maryland and Northern Virginia open the day after Thanksgiving and close when they run out of trees, so be sure to call or check the website before you go. And if you're looking for more holiday fun, see our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids, which includes our ultimate list of must-do Christmas events and holiday activities in DC. Here's to making holiday memories with your family!

NYC Public Restrooms: Apps, Maps, and Best Bets to Find Bathrooms on the Go

With a little know how, you'll know where to go the next time a potty emergency strikes.

Whether you're a tourist stuck in Times Square or a local on the go, finding a clean public restroom in NYC can be a challenge. However, with a little insider knowledge, you might realize there are actually clean and safe bathrooms all around NYC. This guide to NYC public restrooms includes the best resources for finding a clean public WC in the city, from restroom finder apps, to maps that claim to have mapped every bathroom location in NYC, to the most reliable places to find bathrooms in any borough. 

If you want more insider tips on navigating NYC with kids, check out our NYC Travel Guide for Kids and Familles

Holiday Train Shows on Long Island for Families

 All aboard as Santa visits the Riverhead Railroad Museum of Long Island. Photo courtesy of the museum

Holiday train shows are a festive way to kick off the Christmas season with the kids. Long Island offers several interactive spots to see model train magic in action. 

Train-loving kids and adults alike will be mesmerized and delighted by the sights and sounds of these model train shows and the charming mini villages they navigate. Many holiday open houses even host the man of the season–Santa for a jolly visit with the whole family. 

If all this train watching makes your family eager to climb aboard a railroad car, read our roundup of Polar Express and other Santa trains near Long Island and NYC. For even more ways to enjoy the season check out our Guide to Holiday Fun on Long Island.

Pages