Hidden NYC: Battery Urban Farm is A Real Working Farm in Downtown Manhattan

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When you think about Manhattan's Financial District, what's the first thing you picture? The imposing facade of the New York Stock Exchange? The iconic Charging Bull sculpture? The 9/11 Memorial Museum? Whatever the image, I bet it's not a farm... but maybe it should be. The seed for the Battery Urban Farm, located in FiDi's Battery Park, was planted in 2010 when eight students from a neighborhood high school asked the Battery Conservancy if they could grow a small vegetable garden in the green space. Four years later, the one-acre educational farm engages thousands of NYC students and residents from April to November, hosts a pair of popular annual family festivals and educatonal programs. 

Best Venues for Sweet 16 Birthday Parties in NYC

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Grab your besties and celebrate a Sweet 16 in NYC at one of these local venues. Photo by Beah S,

What comes to mind when you think of a Sweet 16 birthday party? Black-tie? Formal? Boring??? Not true for Sweet 16 birthday parties in New York City. NYC teens—and their parents!—are a creative bunch. Sure, you can do the dressy party, but New York City teens know how to do it right, with sequin dresses paired with rockin’ sneakers and colorful blazers layered with awesome hoodies.

While we've got plenty of traditional venues where you can host an awesome dance party, our list of the best Sweet 16 birthday party venues in NYC includes a variety of destinations to celebrate this milestone in all kinds of experiential ways. Find more NYC birthday party venues for all ages in our NYC Kids' Guide to Birthday Parties, including our top 15 picks for teen birthday party places.

11 Swimming Lakes Near Chicago To Cool You Off This Summer

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Little girl running on the beach. Photo courtesy of Visit Lake Geneva

When talking about swimming lakes near Chicago, we wouldn't blink an eye if your mind automatically goes to a certain great lake. After all, it's hard to miss. While Lake Michigan is absolutely on this list, we've also found 10 other spots near Chicago worth a try. Most of the swimming lakes, quarries, and swimming holes listed below are located in a suburb within 30 miles of the city and promise lots of summer memories for kids. Grab your beach towels and enjoy a day in the sun at one of the swimming lakes near Chicago below.

For more fun by the water check out our round-up of the Best Beaches in Chicago for Families and top Sprinkler Parks and Water Playgrounds near Chicago.

Best Outdoor Water Parks near NYC for Family Fun

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Catch some thrills at Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags Great Adventure's outdoor water park. Photo courtesy of the park

While there are no full-fledged outdoor water parks in NYC, you don't have to go too far to find awesome water parks for kids. Below, we've rounded up 17 of our favorite water parks near NYC for families.

These tri-state area water parks include water parks in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, plus in-state picks like the spectacular Splish Splash water park on Long Island.

No two are alike: Each one of these water parks for kids near NYC has different experiences and thrills, and all are within a two-hour drive of Midtown Manhattan.

Find more summer thrills in our Theme and Water Parks Guide, including indoor water parks for kids near NYC to explore on those rainy or cold days.

Visiting Harpers Ferry, WV with Kids

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Take advantage of a stunning photo opp from St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. Photo by Lisa Warden

The idyllic town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia in the lower Shenandoah Valley has a lot to offer with its unparalleled history and breathtaking beauty. Located along the Appalachian Trail, there are miles of hikes to explore with kids. And for history buffs, there is so much to learn, as Harpers Ferry, WV was a crucial spot for Civil War clashes, abolitionist raids, and civil rights struggles.

Take a family day trip or weekend trip from DC to Harpers Ferry to enjoy natural beauty, get some exercise, and learn about American history. Here are the best things to do in Harpers Ferry with kids, plus tips on visiting.

Find more great places to visit in our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for DC Kids, which includes our list of 40 fun things to do in the Shenandoah Valley with kids.

Best Baby Classes in Los Angeles: Mommy & Me, Baby Sign Language, and More

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Little music makers learn and play together and with their grown-ups. Photo courtesy of Ladybug Music

These baby classes in Los Angeles can solve one of the biggest parenting hurdles: getting out of the house to keep your sanity! It can be so helpful to have a weekly outing on the calendar— something to look forward to and a place to socialize with other parents. 

These Mommy & Me classes (and Daddy & Me classes, too!) focus on activities that babies and parents can do together, from swimming lessons to baby sign language and yoga classes to mama meetups. Find your tribe, bond with your babe, and leave the dishes, loud toys, and piles of laundry behind for an hour or two with these amazing baby classes in Los Angeles. 

For new and expectant parents, we've also got a list of the best pregnancy and parenting classes in Los Angeles, or you can dive into our roundup of the top baby and toddler swimming lessons and classes in LA. Plus, find more kids' classes and programs for kids of all ages in our Guide to the Best Kids' Classes and Activities in Los Angeles.

14 Best Kid-Friendly Spa Resorts & Hotels Near Atlanta

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Great Wolf Lodge welcomes families of all ages and sizes with a ton of kid-friendly activities.

These family-friendly spa resorts and hotels guarantee families will enjoy their stay (or staycation) in Atlanta. Whether your family desires outdoor amenities, like fully loaded pools and water features, or indoor attractions, like family movie nights, these Atlanta spa resorts and hotels are perfect for guests of all ages.  

We’ve also included kid-friendly hotels and spa resorts beyond the perimeter (still within 90 miles of Atlanta). If you’re looking to play golf, horseback ride, sail, or just relax by the pool, these Georgia resorts are worth a visit. 

For the best information about Atlanta attractions and museums to visit during your hotel or resort stay, check out Top Attractions in Atlanta: Best Things to See and Do with Kids and Best Atlanta Museums for Families to Learn and Play.

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