21 Things To Do on Long Island Before Your Baby's First Birthday

Spend a day at a Long Island beach with your baby during their first year.

A baby's first year is full of memorable firsts and, on Long Island, there's always something new to experience and explore with your little one. From a baby's first dip of their tiny toes into the ocean to their first play cafe fun to a first barnyard adventure, we have you covered.

The photo-worthy moments we've listed below will be plentiful. so be sure to have your phone or camera ready for some great pictures. 

For more new parenting tips, check out our Baby Guide for New and Expecting Long Island Parents

Best Trunk or Treats in New Jersey for Kids

Take your trick-or-treaters off the street to hit up one of these family-friendly trunk or treats in New Jersey. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Family-friendly trunk or treats offer New Jersey kids a safe alternative to trick-or-treating. Instead of wandering door-to-door, young trick-or-treaters can load up their Halloween bags with candy from decorated cars.

These trunk or treats—most of which are FREE—take place in parking lots, parks, and on blocked-off streets. They sometimes include parades, costume contests, and other Halloween activities.

Another bonus for sugar-crazed kids: Many of these trunk or treats take place before Halloween. That means double the loot if you make your plans right!

For more boo-tiful Halloween fun, check out our Halloween Guide for New Jersey Families

47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day

Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by  Jody Mercier

These fun indoor activities in NYC don't let rain ruin the day. This list of rainy-day activities for kids brightens up even the dreariest day. We've included picks for NYC's most kid-friendly museums, fun stores where kids can play, and plenty more parent-tested picks.

Of course, if you'd rather stay cozy at home, we’ve got you covered there, too, with creative indoor activities in our Guide to Boredom Busters for Kids.

25 Best Things To Do in Peekskill, NY, with Kids

Peekskill, NY, is a lovely riverfront community that acts an the unofficial gateway to the Hudson Valley.

Peekskill, New York, is most diverse city in Westchester and sits at its northeast corner, firmly grounded by the Hudson River. There are plenty of fun things to do in Peekskill. The friendly town is a magnet for artists, gourmands, and families all over the area.

Read on to learn why this unofficial gateway between to the Hudson Valley—with its river views and delicious restaurants—is sure to delight the whole family. Then, add a visit to Peekskill, New York, to your weekend trip bucket list, and find more local places to explore in our Day Trips Guide for Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

20 Quirky and Small Museums in Chicago Kids Will Love

Test your mind! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Sports Museum

Chicago is home to world-class museums like The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium. But did you know that dozens of small museums in Chicago have quirky and cool attractions for locals and visitors alike? We hit the pavement to find the most unique small museums in Chicago because if there's one thing kids love, it's weird and out-of-the-ordinary things. And who knows? Your kids might even develop a new hobby after visiting one of the off-the-beaten-path museums on our list.

Is your favorite missing from the list? Let us know, and we'll make sure to get there soon! 

Top Quirky Museums and Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems for Kids Near DC

Planet Word has lots of opportunities to get hands-on. Photo courtesy of Planet Word

Families in the DC area are fortunate to live in one of the world’s top museum cities, with so many fascinating treasures to explore. While the Smithsonian museums are some of the most well-known, the city is full of many great museums to discover off the National Mall as well.

I’ve been working in local museums for many years planning family programs, early childhood classes, and school field trips. As both a parent and a museum professional whose focus is on creating kid-friendly museum experiences, I can share some of my favorite museums for kids in the Washington, DC area.

Here's a list of some of the best off-the-beaten-path museums for kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. For even more museums to explore, check out our Washington, DC Museum Guide, which includes our lists of free museums near DC to visit with kids and the best museums for kids in the DC area.

Neighborhood Guide: 14 Best Things To Do in Media, PA with Kids

Kids can romp through the woods at Tyler Arboretum. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
Media, PA is a gem of a town in Delaware County, just a few miles outside of Philadelphia. Known for its beautiful parks and for being the first fair trade town in the United States, Media, PA is a unique destination for families looking for a fun day trip. Many of the best restaurants in Media serve fair trade coffee, a real winner for parents who need a little caffeine to power through a day at a playground, state park, or u-pick paradise. 
 
Looking for a new playground or one that's close to home? Check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in the Philly Area.
 

Best Train Rides and Model Trains for Kids in Los Angeles

All aboard for railroad fun! Travel Town Museum photo by Kylie Williams

All aboard for trains for kids in Los Angeles! There's something about the clickety-clack of the railroad tracks, the comforting bounce of the train cars, and that booming whistle that gives kids all the giggles and glee. If your kids love trains as much as mine, you are probably looking for the best places to take kids who love trains in Los Angeles. The good news is, that LA is packed with train-themed fun. 

I've pulled together a list of all the places my train-loving littles enjoy to share with you all. If you're looking for ideas on trains for kids in Los Angeles, check out this Instagram Reel featuring five great trains in the LA area. Chugga chugga choo choo, here we go! 

Looking for more family fun? Browse our list of the best playgrounds in Los Angeles, discover the best botanical gardens for LA kids, and find more fun in our Parks and Playgrounds of Los Angeles & Orange County Guide

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