Best Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains in Los Angeles

Submitted by Kylie Williams on

Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train

'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides or Christmas trains! Los Angeles has plenty of holiday magic waiting on the rails, from a staple in Griffith Park to a movie-like adventure on the SoCal Polar Express. So, put on those matching family PJs and get ready to sing some carols, hear a story, and chow down on Christmas cookies, while embracing the holiday spirit. Kiddos may even get the chance to hand over those wish lists to Santa Claus in person. 

There are seats available (so far!) on the Christmas train rides below that take place from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas. Reserve your spot ASAP because Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast.

Get in the holiday spirit with the best neighborhood holiday lights in Los Angeles, take your Christmas card to the next level with LA-only photo ops with Santa, and visit our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families for more holiday adventures. 

25 Things To Do in the Finger Lakes with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Letchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East thanks to its impressive gorge.

If you are looking for your next family vacation destination, New York's Finger Lakes region is a great option. Mostly known for its namesake beautiful lakes, the Finger Lakes offer a variety of summer activities, including sailing, fishing, and swimming in the crystal clear waters. However, there are tons of family-friendly things to do and places to explore year-round in the Finger Lakes, from zip lining and leaf peeping in the fall to skiing and snow tubing in the winter.

The area around Ithaca is particularly famous for its many glacier-formed gorges that boast numerous waterfalls. Ithaca is also the home of Cornell University and Ithaca College, and offers many art and cultural attractions and museums, including the kid-friendly Sciencenter.

Read on for all our top picks for things to do in the Finger Lakes with kids and bookmark our Day Trips and Getaways Guide for more family-friendly vacation ideas.

Thanksgiving, Pumpkin Destruction Day, and More Holidays & Activities for November 2024

Submitted by Meghan Rose on

Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Photo courtesy of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

November means Thanksgiving! But that’s just one day, there are 30 more days to fill with fall activities, indoor play, turkey-basting November fun.

In addition to Thanksgiving, you can also celebrate Pumpkin Destruction Day, Love Your Freckles Day,  Evolution Day, Pickles Day, and more – all this month. Oh, and don’t worry, we’ve also rounded up all the Thanksgiving fun with days set aside for Thanksgiving movies, fall leaf crafts, and kid-friendly pumpkin recipes.

Check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day. For more ideas for Thanksgiving activities, check out our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families.

Halloween Weekend 2024 in Los Angeles: Trick-or-Treat and More Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Toby B on

Kidspace Halloween is a real treat. Photo by Jamie Pham, courtesy of the event.

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles this Halloween weekend? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for Halloween 2024.

This weekend in Los Angeles, there is one trick and many treats. The trick? Halloween is next Thursday. The treats? Many of the most popular Halloween events are this weekend! Among the favorites is the Marina Spooktacular in Marina del Rey, two days of free fun for all ages, and all scare levels. The Anaheim Halloween Parade marks its Centennial. Babe Ruth was one of its first Grand Marshalls 100 years ago! Many Día de los Muertos events are held this weekend in Los Angeles, including the annual observance at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

These are only the beginning of Halloween weekend events. Los Angeles is flush with Halloween celebrations, and our event calendar, just like your kid’s goodie bag, is overflowing with Halloween goodness!

Don’t miss our roundup of free Halloween events in Los Angeles, the best pumpkin patches near Los Angeles, our favorite LA neighborhoods for trick-or-treating, and more Halloween activities on this wonderfully spooky weekend. 

See Bronx Zoo Like a Local: Top Tips for a Great Visit with Kids

Sonia Gonzalez's picture Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on

The Bronx Zoo is full of amazing animals and surprises await around every bend of its sprawling grounds.

First opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo has been a top destination for local NYC families, tourists, and animal lovers of all kinds for generations. I've been a regular at this zoo since I was a child, and now that I'm a parent of three kids in the Bronx, we consider it an extension of our backyard.

Located in the heart of the Bronx at the southern end of Bronx Park and near the borough's own Little Italy, the Bronx Zoo is easily accessible via public transit or by car. One visit is sure to leave a lasting impression, though you'll need more than one trip to experience all there is to see and do. And, since it is the nation's largest urban zoo, it helps to have some pointers before you go—especially if you are visiting with kids. So, read on for 13 tips on visiting the Bronx Zoo like a local. You'll find more parent-tested tips for top NYC destinations in our Visitors Guide to New York City. 

Best Chain Restaurant Kids Menu Deals - Including FREE Meals for Kids!

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

Check out our impressive list of children's meal deals at chain restaurants! Photo by RDNE via Pexels

Too busy to cook but don't want to break the bank? Kids eat free or cheap at many chain restaurants across the US! Most of these kids eat free deals offer a free entree from the kids menu for children ages 10 or 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entree. Some restaurants offer other deals like half-off or 99-cent kids meals.

Here are 29 chain restaurants where kids can eat free or cheap on one or more days of the week, including the popular IHOP kids eat free and Denny's kids eat free deals.

For more freebies, visit our Guide to Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps for Kids. You can also find more kids eat free deals on our list of 64 birthday freebies for kids.

25 Things To Do in New Jersey During November's School Holidays

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on

Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm

While New Jersey students have an abbreviated November schedule to look forward to, parents are left to figure out things to do to fill those days off. The first holiday falls on Election Day on Tuesday, November 5, followed by NJEA Convention on Thursday, November 7, and Friday, November 8. Some school districts have gone a step further, giving students that entire week off!

Of course, don't forget about Thanksgiving at month's end, when kids have off both Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29; some even have a half-day or no school the Wednesday prior, too. Yikes!

With that in mind, we've pulled together this list of 25 things to do in New Jersey to keep your kids busy during November's school holidays, so read on for our picks for the best staycation ideas this November.

If you are looking for more activities this season, take a peek at our New Jersey Fall Fun Guide. It might also be a good time to check off one or two items on our list of 100 things to do in New Jersey with kids before they grow up.

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