25 Things to Do with Kids in Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey

Biking in Burton Chace Park

Turns out, Marina del Rey — "Marina of the King" — is also fit for a kid. So, too, is its neighbor, Playa del Rey. That's right, whether you're seeking food, recreation, an outdoor romp, or a dip in the water, Marina and Playa del Rey are sure to float your boat. Read on for our 25 favorite things to do in the area, perfect for when 100 things to do in LA sound like too many, and BurbankHollywoodRedondo Beach, and even Culver City sound too far away.

Kid 'n Play Indoor Playground: What Makes This Pearland Play Space Worth a Visit

Most indoor play spaces around town offer ample options for climbing, sliding, and jumping, but only a select few give kids their very own space to engage in imaginative play.

Kid 'n Play Indoor Playground not only offers a more traditional play structure, but kids are also encouraged to dress up and explore a kid-sized city to create a world all their own as cooks, hairstylists, musicians, firefighters, and police officers. It truly offers the best of both worlds when it comes to combining physical and creative play. We also love that Kid 'n Play is located in the heart of Pearland where there are a plethora of kid-friendly parks and restaurants to enjoy before or after a trip to Kid 'n Play. 

Patriots, Pirates, Castles: Theme Playgrounds Spark Imaginative Play around Boston

Little football fans get a kick out of playing at one of two Patriots-donated playgrounds south of the city. Photo courtesy of the New England Patriots

Do you have a child who dreams about being a pro sports star, a pirate, or a princess? A handful of forward-thinking playgrounds in Massachusetts really take imaginative play to the next level. From a pair of Patriots-themed parks sure to thrill G.O.A.T. and Gronk fans to a castle-shaped playground fit for wannabe royals, these outdoor play areas—all within an hour of Boston and free and open to the public year-round—are perfect for kids who love to play pretend. For more parks that justify a trip beyond your own 'hood, check out our recent roundups of our favorite destination playgrounds and brain-boosting playgrounds.

Birthday Freebies for Long Island Kids on Their Big Day

Chuck E. Cheese birthday parties are always a hit.  Kids can get FREE game tokens on their special day. Photo courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese

What kid doesn’t like special treats on his or her birthday? There are plenty of places on Long Island offering FREE meals and other goodies for your child on that special day. Many of these birthday treats can be cashed in anytime during the child’s birthday month, so the fun can be enjoyed before or after the birthday itself.

We love to support local small businesses when we can, but some chain-store birthday clubs are pretty sweet, too, and many have locations across Long Island: There's bound to be an outpost near you. Be sure to check out our Long Island Party Guide for more on how to make your child's birthday a day to remember, including information on venues, entertainers, and more.

9 Family-Friendly Fall Weekend Getaways Near Philly

Summer has come and gone and the days of vacation at the shore have passed. If you've still got some vacation days left, maybe you're thinking about taking a long weekend away. Or, maybe you'd just like to take a weekend to see the leaves change color and enjoy the beautiful weather before winter hits. We've rounded up some beautiful vacation spots nearby that are full of lovely fall activities and sights. If you're taking a longer trip, check out our 10 Family Road Trips Under 10 Hours Away post for more great ideas.

30 Reasons Tribeca is the Most Family-Friendly Neighborhood in NYC

For over a decade, parents flocked to Tribeca for top-notch schools and huge loft apartments, even if it meant giving up some of the amenities found in more established neighborhoods. There’s certainly no lack of family friendly features now! With action-packed parks, delicious restaurants, and tons of kid-approved spots and attractions, Tribeca offers the best of city living while somehow maintaining an almost small town vibe that residents can’t get enough of.

Likewise, instead of the rough loft spaces of the past, families can now opt for luxury buildings, like our sponsor 6 Cortlandt Alley, with enviable perks. This boutique condominium features a cyber doorman, a parent-approved private gym with Peloton bikes, a resident’s lounge for the whole fam, spacious storage units available for purchase, and even a cold storage room to keep up with your sanity-saving grocery delivery addiction.

With all of these offerings, families moving to Tribeca nowadays can have their cake and eat it too. Read on for some of the things that make this happening hood an out-of-this-world place to raise your kids, and learn about a rare auction offering high-end Tribeca condos at seriously marked-down prices.

Trunk or Treats In and Around the Hartford Area

We don't blame you if you really don't want to go out Trick Or Treating on Halloween night. Sometimes it's cold, sometimes it rains, and for the smallest kids, they only hit about four houses before their costume starts to fall apart. In that case, Trunk or Treats are perfect for your family! Families meet in an organized place where they can hand out candy from the trunks of their cars, while running around gathering candy from the other cars. Sounds very efficient to us! Enjoy trunk or treating at these events in the Hartford area. 

Paterson Great Falls: History and Natural Beauty for NJ Families

Get a great view of the falls from Mary Ellen Kramer Park.

Waterfalls are one of those treasures in life that we don’t often come across—but when we do, we’re mesmerized.

While New Jersey has a handful of picturesque cascades, most are tucked away on hiking trails or in wooded areas, such as Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation in West Orange or Boonton Falls in Grace Lord Park in Boonton.

If you’re not much of a backpacker, however, or are just looking for a quick jaunt, check out Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson. It’s an easy day trip with a view to remember—and one you can drive right up to.

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