While Bridgerton is being celebrated for bringing much needed diversity to the often whitewashed world of period dramas, it’s definitely not appropriate for children. As a costume drama devotee, historical fiction lover, and devourer of any and all period films and TV series, I’m happy to share some of my favorite popular and lesser known options that are kid-friendly. 

Period dramas are wonderful escapism. And who doesn’t need some escapism right now? Common themes are designed to make us nostalgic for a lost era of manners and the purity of the agrarian, pre-industrial past. Pair that with the over-the-top decadence of the costumes and houses, and there’s nothing better than these bingeworthy British period dramas. 

My recommendations are all rated G or PG and are available to watch online, either included with streaming services or to rent.  

Strawberry candy-scented air tickled our noses as soon as we opened the car doors, and before we even stepped into the building, the kids knew that the PEZ Visitor Center would be a sugary dream come true (for another sweet experience in the New Haven area, venture out to Fascia's Chocolates in Waterbury). For adults who loved PEZ candy during childhood, it’s a trip down nostalgia lane. For children, it’s a colorful world filled with tempting flavors of candy. Though a visit here doesn’t take long (we spent about an hour), you’ll be glad you stopped by, and the kids will not want to leave. 

One thing this pandemic hasn’t shut down is how darn fast kids grow up. Luckily, LA is (in my humble opinion) the best city in the country for raising kids, with the greatest variety of things for families to do. So even with indoor events and activities on pause, there are plenty of the best, most memorable things to do in Los Angeles with kids that take place outside, and these are all open.

Back when Mommy Poppins first launched, we came up with 100 not-to-be-missed, family-fun outings, and there are 25 of them you can still do today (or this weekend). So check out our list below and get exploring—there is still loads of fun to be had.

The cold temperatures and snow have arrived, but that doesn't mean we have to hibernate. Bridging Boston and New Hampshire, the North Shore of Boston delivers New-England-style fun all winter long. In the spirit of 2021, many businesses and towns north of Boston have come up with creative ways to help families stay safe and socially distant while enjoying family time, outdoors and in. Whether the kids are keen to picnic at a fire pit, sample local chocolate, spot owls and arctic foxes, or marvel at a snow-swept beach, parents can cross some of these North Shore activities off their Winter Fun lists and show Jack Frost who's boss.  

While indoor play spaces usually provide a haven from the frigid winter weather, many of us aren't too keen on setting our kids loose at an indoor play space with kids we don't know amid the city's rising coronavirus infection rate.

Luckily, many indoor play spaces and gyms throughout the city have adapted to the moment and offer their spaces for private rentals, giving families or learning pods a space to play on your own or with a close group of friends.

Read on for 13 local play spaces offering this private play perk, and find more play spaces in our Indoor Play Spaces Guide and plenty of seasonal things to do in our Winter Fun Guide.

Can’t dine in. Can’t eat outside. Everyone is tired of takeout meals that get cold or soggy before you get home. And a whole lot of parents (like me) have run out of ideas for what to make and eat with kids. If any of that sounds familiar, this is the perfect solution: a slew of new and classic drive-ins and carhops in Los Angeles.

Discover these drive-in spots where the food is fresh and hot, there’s often a side of entertainment, and families can eat outside the house. All of these LA carhops have kid-friendly food and desserts, making them fun places to celebrate something special (like a birthday).

Not all snow sports come with an adrenaline rush. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are two fun, yet low-key winter activities that are easy for Connecticut kids to learn, offer the opportunity to experience beautiful surroundings, and make for a tranquil family outing or a fun, socially-distanced adventure with friends. There are several parks, trails, and winter sports centers in Connecticut where families can safely snowshoe or cross country ski, and some even rent out gear and offer lessons.

For more cold-weather thrills and chills, check out our favorite Connecticut snow tubing parks and family ski areas.