Drive-In Movie Theaters near LA for a Classic Family Movie Night

Photo by Laxbot7 via Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

How about a drive-in movie tonight? Remember double features, staying up late watching movies in your jammies under the stars, tubs of popcorn from the snack bar, and, as the night wore on, crawling into the pile of blankets mom brought? Today's kids don't need to miss out on this American institution; though not as popular as they once were, several area drive-ins are still operating, plus LA has a pop-up drive-in, too. Drive-ins are generally cheaper than movie theaters, often show double features, and let you bring your own food. We're fortunate in the Southland to have oodles of free outdoor movies in summer, but there is something uniquely magical about the drive-in. bucket list worthy

March 19, 2020: Due to the governor's instructions regarding closure of non-essential businesses during the Coronavirus outbreak, the drive-in theaters below are all temporarily closed.

Connecticut Drive -In Movie Theaters to Enjoy Kids' and Family Flicks

Pay by the carload at the Mansfield Drive-in. Photo courtesy of Visit CT

There are some family activities that seem to define summer: picking berries, spending a day at the beach, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, and, of course, watching a movie under the stars! While you could always catch an outdoor movie from a picnic blanket in a local park, taking in a drive-in movie from the comfort of the family truckster is a special treat. Here are our favorite drive-in movie spots in Connecticut; for more options, check out these outdoor theaters in nearby Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Candy Shops on Long Island Where You Can Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Step back in time for a vintage candy treat at Bobb Howard's General Store.

Nothing is quite like a visit to a local candy shop on Long Island. Whether you are preparing to fill Easter baskets with goodies or just looking for a fun place to satisfy your sweet tooth, feasting your eyes on the vibrant colors, smelling the familiar scent of sugar, and anticipating the first bite of a sweet treat brings out the child in everyone.

A visit to one of these 20-plus Long Island destinations gives yours kids a chance to sample treats, take tours, or even a attend candy-making class. These shops offer everything from hand-dipped truffles to old-fashioned penny candies.

For more tasty treats, see our guide to old-fashioned Long Island ice cream parlors, destinations for decadent desserts, and even Long Island restaurants where kids can eat FREE

10 Destination Parks for Westchester Families

Bear Mountain offers a great first hike for kids. Photo by Anne Grego

Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley area are brimming with beautiful state, county, and local parks that are wonderful places to spend a day in the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. We've rounded up several day trip–worthy spots that feature amenities like cool playgroundsswimming in lakes and riversboat rentals, splash pads, picnicking, and hiking trails. Want to extend your stay? Some also offer camping.

Read on for more details about some of the area's best parks for all-day family fun. For even more outdoor activities, check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

A Tiny House Hotel Vacation Means Big Fun for Families

Kids warm up to a tiny home stay right away. Photo by the author

For traveling families, a tiny house rental can make the perfect hotel solution. It often comes with multiple beds without the cost of a pricey multiroom suite, as well as family-friendly amenities, such as stocked kitchens. It doesn't hurt that they're so very cute and often set among pretty landscapes, from beaches to forests and mountains. 

Tiny houses have grown in popularity in recent years as many of us try to reduce our footprint and that means a tiny house getaway is all the more accessible. There are now villages of tiny houses available for American vacationers. Tiny home resorts have cropped up, too, while some campgrounds and even urban areas have added a handful of rentable tiny homes to their grounds.

So pack light and check out these seven tiny house resorts that allow you and the kids to try on tiny living for size.

Consignment Shops for Kids & Teens in Bucks County

With the change in season, parents are discovering that their kids' closets are overflowing with shirts that are too tight, dresses that are too short, and shoes that don't fit those little piggies anymore. Fortunately, Bucks County boasts a variety of stores where parents can turn those outgrown clothes into cash through consignment.

And if you're looking to refill the closet with new-to-you wears, the resale stores on our list also offer great bargain shopping. Most only accept high-quality, gently-used items so parents can outfit their little ones at a fraction of what you usually spend at the mall.

For more excellent deals, check out our list of spring consignment sales happening every spring and fall throughout the Philadelphia area. Don't forget to view our post featuring consignment shops in Montgomery County too!

Pretty Pennsylvania Small Towns to Visit with Kids

View from the riverwalk in downtown New Hope

While Philadelphia is a worthy destination–there are hundreds of family-friendly things to see and do, events to check out, and beautiful historic sites—sometimes you need a change of pace. And the truly great thing about living here is that whenever we need an excuse to get away, there are wonderful things to see and do across dozens of cute towns and boroughs in the area.

With school out, and hours to kill, it’s the perfect time to take a quick day trip or perhaps even a weekend getaway. Looking to slow things down and indulge in tasty treats? Visit Lancaster. Want to experience a quaint small town vibe? Drive to New Hope! Or would you rather take in some historic sites and nature walks? No matter your ideal out-of-town destination, these 12 suburbs are our favorites, and sure to make for an awesome excursion for you and your family

What's Great About the New Bob Baker Marionette Theater

Photo by Stephenie Pashkowsky

It was a sad day for Angelenos when the Bob Baker Marionette Theater recently closed its doors after 55 years in its Downtown LA location. But the show must go on, and the puppet troupe has now found a new home in Highland Park that is even better than the original. The theater is planning an official grand opening in November, but this summer you can catch a show during Bob Baker's 'preview season.' Here is why now is a great time to experience this local treasure—and what's new and different at the new venue.

Pages