New LEGO Discovery Center Opens Near Washington, DC

Get building tips from Master Model Builders in the LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC's Workshop. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

DC LEGO lovers have a big reason to celebrate: The new LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC officially opened to the public on August 14, 2023 at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, Virginia. The 32,000-square-foot indoor attraction features 12 immersive zones, including a Mini World made with over 1.5 million bricks, a train ride, a 4D Cinema, DUPLO Park for the youngest builders, and so much more. There are also LEGO character appearances and plenty of opportunities for creative building.

I had the chance to visit LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC with my 12-year-old twin sons and my 8-year-old daughter. We had an absolute blast, and we can't wait to return!

Read on for my review of LEGO Discovery Center, including tips and tricks on how to maximize your family's visit. Then visit our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for even more indoor fun for DC-area kids.

Best Science Museums on Long Island for Families

Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum.

From astronomy to zoology, Long Island science museums offer something for seemingly every STEM-minded child. At these great destinations, kids on Long Island can enjoy hands-on exhibits, workshops, and even classes. 

So why not spend a few hours at one of these 10 science museums that are sure to spark curiosity in your child? That might be all he or she needs to one day become the next Albert Einstein or Nikola Tesla.

For more ways to get kids excited about STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), check out our Long Island classes and enrichment guide. Our rundown of Long Island family-friendly museums offers something for kids of all interests. 

The Funplex Amusement Park and Water Park Guide: Family Fun in East Hanover and Mt. Laurel

The Funplex's rides will please little thrill-seekers.

The Funplex in East Hanover lives up to the "fun" in its name. The huge complex–which has a second location in Mount Laurel–has tons of activity options, whether your family wants to try the go-karts, bowling, laser tag, arcade games, or warrior course.

But the best-kept secret might be the outdoor water park, with splash areas and slides for the whole family to enjoy–plus lots of spots to kick back and relax. 

Check out our story on great amusement parks for NJ toddlers and much more in our Guide to New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks

Kidspace: An Insider's Guide to LA's Beloved Children's Museum

Kiddos can climb through the famous Ant Tunnel. Photo courtesy of Kidspace

Kidspace is a treasured children's museum in Pasadena, set apart from other museums in Los Angeles with its immersive water play features, enthralling exhibits, and unique climbing structures. There is something for everyone at Kidspace, from animal lovers to budding scientists and mini music maestros. 

There are more than 40 hands-on exhibits within the 3.5 acres of indoor and outdoor property, and the museum is designed specifically for children ages ten and under. My own family has had a membership for five years now. So what keeps us coming back again and again? Read on to find out—plus tips on how to maximize your visit.  

For more museum exploration, visit the best children's museums in Los Angeles and Orange County, take advantage of free museum days in Los Angeles, and browse our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and  Orange County

Woodloch Resort Review: An All-Inclusive Family Vacation in the Poconos

Woodloch Pines Resort offers a beautiful setting for an activity-packed, all-inclusive getaway in the Pocono Mountains. Photo courtesy of the resort

Woodloch Resort's Woodloch Pines is a perfect destination for a family getaway any time of the year. Located in the heart of Pennsylvania's Poconos Mountains, Woodloch Resort is an all-inclusive resort made for families, with tons of all-seasons activities, an on-site kids' club, pool, lake, water activities, spacious accommodations, entertainment, and delicious meals.

Read on for our top picks for fun things to do at Woodloch Resort, and our tips for planning your own Woodloch Pines getaway. While you're in the area, we've got 70 fun things to do in the Poconos with kids, plus you can find more fun family resorts in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

20 Favorite Swimming Pool Games for Kids

Keep kids laughing and splashing in the pool with these fun games you can play anywhere! Photo by Blue Orange Studio courtesy of Canva

It's time to dive into some fun pool games! Whether you’re hitting a local pool or lake, on vacation at a hotel with an amazing pool, or hosting a pool party in your own backyard, these fun water games keep kids active and entertained all day.

We’ve rounded up the best swimming pool games that you can play anywhere because they don’t require props and a few more that you’ll need a good ball, rubber ducky, or pool noodle to play. From Marco Polo to Atomic Whirlpool to Colors, these games will keep kids occupied so mom and dad can catch a breather.

Don’t forget the reef-safe sunscreen for kids and babies, and for lazier days of just floating around, check out our favorite pool and water floats.

The Met Meets Roblox in New App that Lets Visitors Interact with the Artwork

The Met Replica lets users scan artwork to learn more about the pieces and add it to their collection to outfit their Roblox characters.

I'm always game for a visit to The Met, but sometimes my kids need a little convincing. They don't know how good they've got it, but this week's visit was an easy sell for my 10-year-old, thanks to the launch of The Met Replica, a brand-new, interactive app that mashes up the power of play—in the form of Roblox characters—with The Met's masterpieces, introducing the art in a whole new way.

I turned my phone over to my daughter and let her lead the way on our hours-long quest to find all the artwork highlighted by this new app, and we emerged hours later filled with new knowledge and excitement to return again soon. Find out why this app is a cool new guide to one of our favorite museums in NYC to visit with kids, and get all our tips for the city's top culture spots in our Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits for NYC Kids.

New Sesame Place Philadelphia Store Won't Require Park Admission- Now Open

Sesame Place now has a brand new (and massive) store just outside the gates! Photo by the author

An all new Sesame Street Store has opened at Sesame Place in Langhorne and the good news is you don't need a ticket to the amusement park to check it out! The brand new store opened this October and allows guests to shop without paying the admission fee.

Want to know more about Sesame Place? Check out our guide to Visiting Sesame Place with Preschoolers. Don't stop there, we've got plent of amusement park fun in our Theme & Water Parks Guide.

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