Best Dance Classes in Philly for Kids: Ballet, Hip Hop, and More

Submitted by Cait Sumner on

The Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center (GBDC) has year-round training classes for children and adults and is dedicated to the education and preservation of dance as a performing art. Photo courtesy of the studio

Dance studios and classes come in a variety of styles for all ages and there are so many great options to choose from in the Philadelphia area. Some focus on fun and fitness while others trend toward competition and professional training. Many offer classes starting with Mommy & Me for the youngest dancers, and expand their variety as children get older and more skilled. Whether your aspiring dancer is into ballet, jazz, tap, modern, or hip hop, or wants to try something new all together, this list has something for everyone from Center City to the 'burbs. So grab your dancing shoes, it's time to shuffle ball change your way to some great dance classes.

Looking for more great classes for your little one? Check out our Classes Guide to see everything the Philly area has to offer! If you're looking for great ways to spend more time with your toddler, we've rounded up the best Mommy and Me Classes, or check out our Preschool and Toddlers Class Guide.

Awesome Cooking Classes and Camps for Kids in Houston

Submitted by Elizabeth R on

Build independence in the kitchen! Photo courtesy of Cook N Grow

Cooking classes for kids are flourishing in Houston, a foodie hotspot. Not only do children's cooking lessons teach them how to cook, but little chefs get a boost of confidence when they finally make the perfect grilled cheese, omelet, or chocolate chip cookie. Even better, it may encourage them to make their own snacks!

To find more enrichment classes for kids around Houston, visit our Guide to Classes for Houston Kids—or get some culinary inspiration from our Kid-Friendly Houston Restaurants Guide! In the summer, you can find cooking camps and more in our Houston Summer Camp Guide.

Best Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers in Los Angeles

Submitted by Kylie Williams on

Language and music in the same class is a sweet harmony. Photo courtesy of Baila Baila

There is no shortage of classes for preschoolers, especially in a sprawling city like Los Angeles, where class options come in droves. Schedules can be jam-packed with back-to-back classes for preschoolers and toddlers every day of the week. 

Nothing brings as much joy as helping my wiggly two-year-old dress in her leotard and tutu for dance class or lacing up my four-year-old's soccer cleats for his Lil' Kickers soccer class. Read on to learn about some of our favorite classes for preschoolers and toddlers in Los Angeles. 

Looking for more class options? We also have a fantastic list of classes for babies in LA, the best swim classes in LA for kids, dance classes for children in Los Angeles, and top preschools in LA. Go to our Classes for Los Angeles Kids Guide to check out all the various offerings in the city. 

Long Island Tall Ship Cruises: Fun for Kids on Port Jefferson's Ginny Marie

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

Take in the gorgeous views as you learn to hoist the sails.

Sailing on tall ships is a great way for families to explore the waters off Long Island's shores. From fishing trips and educational tours to private charters and schooner sails, these Long Island boats are the perfect way for your family to set off on a nautical adventure. 

Take the Ginny Marie, a 50-foot topsail schooner based in Port Jefferson Harbor. Sailing 7 days a week, three times a day from May to October, this 1920s wooden ship boasts a pirate ship vibe, which is perfect for families. My mateys and I were granted permission to come aboard for an afternoon sail. 

Below, a review of our tour, followed by a round-up of other sloop, schooner, and sailboat adventures around Long Island that are sure to make a big splash.

Fall Bucket List for Kids: 47 Things To Do in New Jersey this Fall

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on

The largest fall festival in northern New Jersey, The Great Pumpkin Festival, is at Heaven Hill Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

If you're looking for the absolute best things to do this fall in New Jersey, you've come to the right place. To celebrate the changing seasons, we've crafted this fall activities bucket list with dozens of things to do in New Jersey with kids. 

In autumn, New Jersey pulls out all the stops with crisp air, brilliantly colored leaves, apples ripe for the picking, pumpkins, and Halloween celebrations aplenty.

Be sure to also check out our Activity Calendar, which is bursting with fun picks, as well as our Guide to Fall Fun in New Jersey.

NEW Tiana's Palace Opens in Disneyland

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Delicious New Orleans fare awaits at Tiana's Palace in Disneyland. Photo courtesy of Disneyland Resort

Step inside Tiana's Palace at Disneyland, and you’ll hear jazz playing, dishes clanking, and the lively chatter of hungry Disneyland diners vying for a taste of New Orleans.  

Tiana’s Palace recently opened in Disneyland, smack in the middle of New Orleans Square. The newest dining option at Disneyland gets inspiration from the beloved animated film The Princess and the Frog. Keep reading below for everything you need to know about dining at Tiana’s Palace. 

For more Disneyland tips, check out these Disneyland hacks you need to know, see how to do Disneyland with a baby, and plan more thrills with our SoCal Theme Parks and Water Parks Guide. 

Best Free Things To Do in Chicago This Fall With Kids

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on

Shimmy your way through Chicago SummerDance! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs

There are so many free things to do in Chicago this fall—there's a fun neighborhood festival practically every weekend, and all sorts of other free kid-friendly events. Between outdoor fairs, harvest festivals, concerts and performances, cultural celebrations, and of course, Halloween and Thanksgiving, Fall in Chicago is jam-packed with no-cost family fun.

We'll update this list all season long with the best FREE things to do with kids in Chicago, so bookmark this page and watch this space. Looking for more free ideas? The Best Playgrounds in Chicago are always free, and there are Free Museums and Museum Days. Our list of 100 Things to Do With Chicago Kids Before They Grow Up is full of free or low-cost ideas for local and visiting families, and of course you can always find more free activities in our Chicago Event Calendar.

The Great Pumpkin Train and More Halloween Train Rides in New Jersey

Michelle Vames's picture Submitted by Michelle Vames on

Join in the Halloween fun at the Whippany Railway Museum's Pumpkin Patch Train. Photo courtesy of the museum

Halloween and hayrides go hand in hand, but if you really want to up your game this year, choo-choo-choose a trip on a Halloween train. From spooky to scenic, these fall train rides offer a unique bit of fall fun for the whole family: Passengers can take a seat in a vintage caboose, travel through gorgeous fall foliage, visit a pumpkin patch, and even trick-or-treat onboard. After the ride, round out the day with classic autumn activities like corn mazes, crafts, and a trick-or-treat. 

Book your tickets now to ensure you don't miss out on one of these seasonal NJ railway adventures. We've even found one across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania. 

Check out our NJ Fall Fun Guide for even more seasonal family fun around the state, and sign up for our FREE newsletters to get the latest Halloween coverage and more delivered right to your inbox.

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