Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
Ready for a crazy, bounce house adventure? Bounce the Mall is a unique, touring inflatable attraction that's making its rounds at Simon malls across the country. Bounce the Mall will thrill kids—and kids-at-heart—in Dawsonville, Georgia from November 5-20. This colorful event is sure to impress kids of all ages ready to bounce to the highest heights!
Submitted by Susan Miele on
Looking for the best family-friendly vineyards in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for 10 picks worth a day trip.
While apple picking season is winding down, the rich orchards of Westchester and the Hudson Valley are more than one-trick ponies. Many of the orchards we flock to for farm fun also feature vineyards and hard cider houses. Some are particularly appealing to families, making a visit a fun outing for all ages.
Below we've rounded up 10 destinations for hard apple cider and wine that are suitable for kids. If, however, you are more of a beer connoisseur, there are plenty of Hudson Valley breweries for you to visit as well. Once you've sampled your way through Westchester and the Hudson Valley, be sure to check out our roundup of family-friendly wineries on Long Island. We've also got plenty more seasonal picks in our Fall Fun Guide.
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Few decisions can cause parents more agony than picking out a preschool. That decision can be even harder for DC-area parents because there are so many great preschools near DC to choose from, from dual-language and immersion programs to play- and nature-based preschools. And if you've got your heart set on a Montessori program, there is no shortage of Montessori preschools near DC.
Montessori is an educational philosophy developed over a century ago that encourages independence and self-directed learning. Classrooms are typically mixed-age, with younger students learning from older ones, and outfitted with specific learning materials. Specially trained teachers observe and facilitate the learning.
Here are some of the top Montessori preschools near DC, including programs in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District itself. For more solid preschool options, check out our list of 15 popular preschools near DC. If you want to extend your child's learning beyond preschool, visit our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
Think Orlando is a destination just for kids? Visiting Orlando with teens is even better! Orlando theme parks are great when you can go on all the rides and don’t have to worry about the dreaded "theme park meltdowns." My big kids were also able to pack in lots of other adventures and hipster shopping areas as we explored all the Fun Things to do in Orlando Other than the Theme Parks.
Navigating Orlando with teens allows parents to spend more time together, perhaps even at places of shared interests (for example, you're never too old to be a Potterhead)! For more ideas about the best of Orlando theme parks, visit our Orlando Theme Parks & Water Parks Guide. You'll learn about out-of-the-box theme parks, like Gatorland, Crayola Experience Orlando, and much more.
Submitted by Michelle Lopez on
Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Philadelphia Zoo with your own rowdy cubs!
Lions and tigers and bears (and E-A-G-L-E-S obviously)...oh my! The animals at the Philadelphia Zoo have that same Philly spirit as their human counterparts--lively and passionate, with just the right amount of grit. At America’s very first zoo, located in Fairmount Park, you'll find more than 1,700 rare and endangered animals and will be transported to Africa, South America, and even farm country. From barnyard animals to exotic creatures, grown-ups and children alike are amazed and engaged by the sights and animal sounds the Philadelphia Zoo has to offer.
One thing to note before your trip is that the Philly Zoo is BIG with lots of ground to cover, but don’t let that intimidate you from visiting with little ones. Prioritize your visit and consider a membership so that you’ll never miss an event or exhibit. Don't forget Philly has tons of places perfect for animal and nature lovers, so check out our Guide to Philly's Zoos and Gardens, where you'll find roundups of the best petting zoos and more.
Submitted by Diana Kim on
There's no shortage of art museums in New York City, but the Whitney Museum of American Art is the only one devoted to showcasing contemporary American art. While displaying the works of many well-established American artists, the Whitney Museum is unique in its dedication to presenting the works of living artists whose works often contains social messages.
The Whitney Museum in NYC is a must-see for families and kids to learn about important artists making their mark in the present day. Since modern art can be a bit intimidating even for grown-ups, we've gathered our top tips for a family-friendly outing to this unique museum and our favorite kids' activities to enjoy while you're there.
Read on for our top tips for visiting the Whitney Museum in NYC, and find all our top culture spots for kids in our New York City Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits Guide.
Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on
If you want your animal-loving little one to cluck with joy, consider throwing a barnyard birthday bash at a New Jersey farm. Whether your little one wants to eat all the fruit, pick pumpkins, pet animals, or ride ponies, these 10 New Jersey farms have you covered.
Find even more ideas for birthday party fun in our New Jersey Birthday Party Guide, and be sure to check out our roundup of the best family-friendly farms in NJ.
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Everything about how to compost sounds like a recipe for disaster: it takes up loads of space, it's super smelly, and everyone knows it attracts mice. Throw kids into the mix, and what parent wants to start that project? Unless ... none of that conventional wisdom is actually true. Composting is clean, stink-and-critter-free, reduces landfill, is great for the earth, and is a task that kids are eager to take on. Ok, mostly critter-free. If you have a backyard, you might want to get some worms—but for your kids, that will be part of the appeal!
Many cities, including New York and Los Angeles, offer composting programs where residents have a separate bin for organic waste. Other cities have private organizations with receptacles in designated locations for compost. But you can also compost in your own yard or kitchen, and with these easy steps to get started, your kids can be a part of the process.
For 26 Tips for Living More Sustainably Every Day and more ideas for creating more earth-friendly habits for your family, check out our Earth Kids Guide and sign up for our Earth Kids newsletter for more ideas and activities every month.
