Secret Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Babies and Toddlers

Create magical moments at Hollywood Studios, including those with Florida's only snowman, Olaf!

Many people ask why take a toddler or baby to Walt Disney World if they won't remember it? It's simple! Parents will always remember their child's first time riding Dumbo, or the smile/horror on their face seeing Mickey for the first time. Toddlers and babies at Disney World will have fun, experiencing new and exciting things. Bonus? Kids are free until they turn three! So for all our parents who dream of bringing their toddlers and babies to Disney World, we have your definitive guide for the best experience possible.

For more tips on a visit to Walt Disney World, like Visiting Every Park at Walt Disney World with Kids or the Best Disney Character Breakfasts for Kids, check out our Orlando Theme Parks & Amusement Parks Guide.

Best Playgrounds Near Atlanta for Kids and Families

Enjoy the colorful textures and climbing structures at Abernathy Greenway Park's playground in Sandy Springs. Photo by Melanie Preis

Atlanta playgrounds are the best spots in town for kids to explore the outdoors. Atlanta offers access to so much lush, green space, and Atlanta playgrounds make use of these idyllic spots by attracting the most energetic park enthusiasts: kids! These playgrounds, from Buckhead to Smyrna, have special attractions like water canons, climbing nets, rope pulls, and splash pads—as well as the tried-and-true classics like slides, swings, and monkey bars.

Looking for something else to do outside? Check out Atlanta's best playgrounds for toddlers, hikes for the whole family, and more in our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Atlanta.

Panda Palooza: A Farewell to the National Zoo's Giant Pandas

The National Zoo's giant pandas are set to return to China by December 7, 2023. Photo credit to Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Farewell, giant pandas!

It's time to say goodbye to some of Washington, DC's most beloved residents. Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji, the Smithsonian National Zoo's giant pandas, are scheduled to fly home to China by December 7, 2023. While the pandas' departure is bittersweet for the DC area, it is also a chance to celebrate the conservation efforts for this species and the collaboration between the National Zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

To help local families see the pandas off, the zoo is hosting a nine-day Panda Palooza full of panda-themed games, activities, entertainment, and more. Here's what to know about this celebration and the beloved pandas.

Halloween Trains and Fall Foliage Train Rides Near Philadelphia

Enjoy cider and donuts and get a pumpkin on Colebrookdale Railroad's Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Photo courtesy of the railroad

As cooler weather reaches the Delaware Valley, Philly families are reminded of autumnal traditions. This year, consider adding a new experience to your fall must-do list by climbing aboard one of the many family-friendly train rides in the region.

From fall foliage viewing to pumpkin patch stops, there are several unique train experiences sure to delight Philly children of all ages.

Looking for more trains? Check out New Jersey's Halloween and Fall Train Rides list for even more fun. Check out our Fall Activities Guide for more great ways to enjoy the season.

Fall Day Trips From Houston for Families

See alligators in Beaumont, about 90 minutes from Houston. Photo courtesy of Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park

Fall is the perfect time of year to take a day trip from Houston — the weather is nicer and the holiday madness has yet to begin. These 11 fun day trips from Houston are the perfect changes of scenery for kids, so pack up the car and go look at 'gators, check out a castle, or see where Texas' favorite ice cream is made.

And for more kid-friendly things to do around Houston this fall, check out our Fall Fun and Harvest Guide for Houston Families.

NEW American Girl Store Opens in Los Angeles

Step into an "a-doll-able" store  experience.

American Girl dolls bring back fond memories, and the new American Girl Store in Westfield Century City resurfaces those memories even more. The difference was that I got to create new memories with my two-year-old daughter as we had the sweetest day getting dolled up at the American Girl store. 

As a millennial mom, I remember adjusting Molly's glasses on her face, and dressing her in her finest plaid outfit. I remember cozying up in our red living room chair with an American Girl book in one hand and Molly in the other. From manicures to books, keep reading below for what you can expect at the new two-level American Girl Store in Los Angeles. 

The American Girl Store is just the start of the fun at the Westfield Century Mall. Check out why the Westfield Century City is the best mall for kids in LA

Brooklyn Children's Museum Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit

There's art as far as the eye can see in the ColorLab at the Brooklyn Children's Museum.

As the world’s first children’s museum, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum has been a beloved NYC destination since 1899. This Crown Heights institution offers three floors of rotating and permanent interactive exhibits plus hands-on cultural and science programs for little ones, ages 6 months to 10 years. The Brooklyn Children's Museum aims to inspire children to ask questions and discover answers through exploration and play.

My children and I have spent countless hours in the Totally Tots exhibit and graduated to explore all the Brooklyn Children's Museum offers. Read on to learn why the Brooklyn Children's Museum is one of our top NYC museums for kids, and find all our top culture spots in our Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits in NYC for Kids.

Eco-Friendly Living in One Of Manhattan’s Most Kid-Friendly Neighborhoods

With amenities for all ages and new three-bedroom residences, The Solaire is a family paradise in Battery Park City.

Battery Park City is a favorite neighborhood for families because it provides an almost-suburban lifestyle where kids get to play in sprawling parks and playgrounds, participate in sports leagues, and attend high-quality local schools–all while being steps from Tribeca, the Financial District, and everything that Manhattan has to offer.

Within the beloved neighborhood, The Solaire stands out as a family-friendly luxury high-rise with eco-conscious features, three-bedroom homes, and a suite of amenities for all ages (think nature-themed playroom for kiddos and a state-of-the-art fitness center for busy parents).

If afternoons on the giant slide in Teardrop Park and fun family dinners at Brookfield Place’s enormous food court sound good to you, read on to learn more about living in this incredibly kid-friendly neighborhood and building.

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