What's Open Now on Long Island For Kids: Museums, Play Spaces, Farms, and More

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Socially distanced hayrides run all day at Harbes Family Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

Long Island is officially in Phase 4 of the state's reopening plan, meaning local arts, entertainment, and recreation activities are once again allowed to open their doors to visitors. Of course, social distancing and mask-wearing are still required for adults and children over the age of 2 (in most places). But isn't donning a kid-friendly mask a small price to pay to enjoy summer on the Island we love?

10 Amazing Drive-thru Zoos and Safaris

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Spend the day on safari with over 1,000 animals at Lion Country Safari.

If you're itching for a safe, socially distanced family travel option, why not go on a safari right here in the US? A drive-thru safari, that is, where you can experience a day at the zoo without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds (or sneezes!). Zoos and wildlife preserves nationwide are reimagining how families can take a drive on the wild side by giving them the chance to see animals from the comfort of the car. 

When planning your visit, be sure to make reservations in advance and pay attention to the rules of your safari. Some restrict certain types of vehicles and others do not sell tickets in person. Even if a day at the zoo isn't a typical one during summer 2020, the drive-through option is bound to create wild and wonderful family memories. So, go ahead: Your next big adventure awaits!

Find more local day trips and travel ideas in our Weekend Getaways Guide.

Make a Glitter Volcano Eruption with this Science Experiment

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on

Get ready for some glittery fun with this simple volcano recipe.

Young scientists will love watching their creation erupt before their eyes in this cool science experiment! Kids engineer their very own eruption, all while learning about how mixing different acids and bases creates an explosive reaction. One of our 64 Easy Experiments for Kids Using Household Stuff, this simple science experiment uses items you probably have on hand: white vinegar, baking soda, food coloring, and glitter.

Read on for a simple way to bring a little bit of sparkle into your day.

School in California: Los Angeles Distance Learning Mandate Plus LAUSD & 12 More School Districts' Latest Plans for 2020-21 School Year

Roberta B's picture Submitted by Roberta B on

Photo courtesy of the Mayor's Office 2018

Will we be sending our kids back to school in the fall? If so how? And if not, how? The many school districts of Los Angeles have been sharing their plans with anxious families in a series of announcements, proposals, and town hall Zoom calls.

One thing seems certain: most school districts are sticking with their previously announced 2020-21 school calendars. That, however, is where the certainty ends.

Principals, teachers, superintendents, school board members, and Governor Newsom have been wrestling with the question of returning to school since before school finished. In recent days, LAUSD and 12 other local school districts in Los Angeles and Orange County have released or updated a plan for returning to school next month. On July 17, the governer of California weighed in emphatically, establishing strict guidelines for a county's schools to reopen for in-person learning.

Read on for state and county guidelines as well as local school district plans for beginning the 2020-21 school year.

Great Mini Golf Courses Near DC for Kids and Families

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

East Potomac Mini Golf is an oldie-but-goodie course, which has catered to generations. Photo courtesy of East Potomac Mini Golf

Teeny tiny pencils, brightly colored golf balls, windmills, waterfalls, and more whimsical obstacles await at these mini golf courses. For many families, mini golf is a quintessential spring and summer activity. What better way to while away this strange time than chasing a ball around outside on artificial grass?

In its heyday —about a century ago!—there were more than 30 mini golf courses in the District, and the sport was a major craze. Of that abundance, only one remains in town: The historic East Potomac Mini Golf, which opened in spring of 1931. But, there are several within easy driving distance and worthy of a half-day trip.

Read on for more than a dozen mini golf spots in Washington, DC and beyond.

Meet the Animals: Zoos and Animal Farms Near Philly

Submitted by Becki Melchione on

Kids can hang with the barnyard animals at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. Photo courtesy the farm

Bring your little animal lover to meet the animals at Philly zoos and nearby animal farms. Kids will thrill to get one-on-one time with animals whether by seeing them, feeding them, or even petting them.

The zoos near Philadelphia, including the popular Philadelphia Zoo, have all reopened but with new coronavirus-related restrictions in place. Some Philly petting zoos have kept animals on display but removed feeding opportunities. Read on to find out what has reopened near you, but be sure to check individual websites for the latest info before heading out the door.

17 Camping Games to Play with Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on

Pack some paper and pencils in your backpack for a nature scavenger hunt. Photo by Melissa Hillier/Flickr

Camping is a great way to explore and enjoy nature with kids, especially in a summer when families want to maximize time outdoors. But when everyone returns to the campsite from the day's adventures, camping games can help keep children entertained (no screens needed!). Here are 17 camping activities for kids to play with parents or with one another, whether they're sheltering from the rain or settling in by the campfire for the evening.

For more old-fashioned games to pass the time, introduce kids to these outdoor games from the 70s and 80s.

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