| Page 215 | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

Secrets of Atlantis: Tips for a Bahamas Family Vacation with Kids

Submitted by Jamie Davis Smith on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 12:00pm

Aquaventure, Atlantis's gigantic water park, has a slide for every thrill level.

I’m not sure where my kids first heard about Atlantis, the wildly popular (and enormous) family resort and water park in the Bahamas. But once they discovered its existence, they were desperate to visit. I was skeptical that a trip was worth the cost, but once I started looking into Atlantis, I was sold.

First, the location on the Bahamas' Paradise Island—with its picturesque beaches and clear blue waters—is a draw. The animal encounters are also intriguing, especially swimming with dolphins. And, Atlantis’s water park is huge. There is literally something for everyone, from toddlers to adventurous teens to parents who want to lounge by the pool.

I finally decided to make my kids’ (ages 13, 12, and 8) dreams come true and book a stay. We had a fantastic five-day visit filled with just the right mix of relaxation and adventure.

Here are my tips on making a trip to Atlantis with kids a success. Find more top places to stay in the Caribbean in our Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels Guide and our Caribbean Family Travel Guide.

25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on Rainy Days

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 7:23am

The Vanderbilt is a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel

Rainy-day activities that can keep kids occupied for hours indoors are crucial when it's pouring, cold, or just plain yucky outside. We've found 25 things to do across Long Island that will brighten even the gloomiest of days. Our roundup includes Long Island’s top indoor play spaces, sports centers and fun zones, the latest museum exhibits, and the newest area attractions to visit.

For even more fun things to do, check out some of these creative indoor boredom busters, and be sure to keep an eye on our constantly updated Event Calendar for when it's time to venture outside again!

Top Free Halloween Events in Connecticut for Kids 2023

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 10/01/2023 - 8:00pm

These free Halloween events bring out the cute and the creepy! Winner of the Best Costume at the 2022 Halloween Spooktacular! Photo courtesy of the Bristol Parks Recreation Youth and Community Services

No tricks, our top FREE Halloween events in Connecticut offer treats for the whole family. Creep into a pile of fun with scarecrows, pumpkins and lots of free trick-or-treat opportunities all over the state. Some of these great events request you reserve a spot, so don't wait!

Browse our Connecticut Halloween Guide for more Halloween activities. Explore our Fall Fun Guide for Families to find corn mazes, hayrides, and fall festivals. And find the best fall things to do in Connecticut with kids.

32 Top Free Halloween Events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 10/01/2023 - 1:10pm

The Tarrytown Halloween Parade draws scores of ghosts and goblins annually! Photo courtesy of the event

Two of our favorite things collide in October: Halloween and FREE events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. With all the money spent on costumes, ticketed events, and parties, having no-cost events to add fun without adding expense is a perfect way to enhance the season.

Get ready to get the most out of Halloween without taking the most out of your wallet. We’ve rounded up tons of Halloween events that are FREE to attend. From pumpkin painting to trunk or treats, there’s enough variety here to justify getting costume mileage on many occasions throughout the month.

Be sure to check out our Guide to Halloween Fun for Westchester Families for other ways to enjoy the spooky season. And if you’re looking for more action, head to our Family Activity Calendar for all sorts of fun events.

Top Free Halloween Events in New Jersey: Trunk-or-Treats, Parades, and More Fun

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 10/01/2023 - 1:01pm

Visitors of all ages are invited to come in costume to the Boo at the Zoo in Cape May. Photo courtesy of Cape May, NJ

There are no tricks here; instead, we've got a special treat: More than 25 FREE Halloween events and parades in New Jersey. The weeks leading up to Halloween are full of festivals, costume parades, and plenty more opportunities for ghosts and goblins to dress up and score some scary-good treats.

Read on for our top picks, and be sure to bookmark our Halloween Fun Guide for even more seasonal fun. Happy Halloween, New Jersey!

Top Free Halloween Events in NYC: Pumpkin Flotilla, Halloween Parades, and More

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Sun, 10/01/2023 - 12:56pm

The Harlem Meer's Pumpkin Floatilla is packed with free fun for costumed kids. Photo courtesy of Central Park Conservancy

What's the one way to make costume-and-candy-filled Halloween events even sweeter? Make them free! In New York City, there are loads of no-cost Halloween celebrations in 2024, whether you're looking for preschooler Halloween events or you've got a teen who can't wait to be spooked.

There are no tricks here: We're giving parents the best treat of all with this roundup of free Halloween events in New York City for kids, including Mommy Poppins' own fun Halloween Block Party at the South Street Seaport. Our list also includes big annual favorites like the charming Pumpkin Flotilla on the Harlem Meer, the Pumpkin Pageant in Inwood, and much more. We'll even tell you where to find a free pumpkin.

So, bring your costumes, but leave your wallets at home for these free Halloween events in New York City, and find everything from NYC's best trick-or-treating spots to splurge-worthy Halloween events in our New York City Kids' Halloween Guide.

Top Free Halloween Events in Los Angeles

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 10/01/2023 - 12:00pm

Park Tales: A Not So Scary Halloween is an awesome free Halloween event in Malibu. Photo courtesy of malibucity.org

Free Halloween events in Los Angeles might sound like a trick, but they are actually a treat. They'll have you saying, "BOO-ya!"

There's nothing mysterious or scary about free Halloween events. No witchful thinking is necessary—Ghouls can have fun for free. Pumpkin spice up your October with these hauntingly free happenings all over the city. Save your cash for other Halloween goodies and enjoy scary good, free Halloween events in Los Angeles during the spooky season without playing any tricks on your wallet.

Looking for more ghostly fun? Check out our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for Los Angeles & Orange County families, where you'll find lists of the best pumpkin patches in LA, the best trick-or-treat spots in Los Angeles, and the most creative costumes for kids.

Top Free Halloween Events in Orlando 2023

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 10/01/2023 - 10:53am

Grab your little ghoul or goblin for a night of Halloween fun at the Halloween Safety Spooktacular. Photo courtesy of the event

The only thing better than Halloween events in Orlando are FREE Halloween events in Orlando! Whether you prefer cute Halloween in Orlando, a scary Orlando Halloween, or something in between, everyone prefers to save a few bucks at free Halloween Orlando events and enjoy the fall festivities with a full wallet. And because of Halloween's creative vibes and sugary style, finding and attending one of these free Halloween events is pretty easy.

Want some more Halloween ideas? Check out our Orlando Halloween Guide for countless local ideas of how to celebrate this sweet and spooky holiday with your family!