Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families

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Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin

Whether you're visiting NYC or live here year-round, taking in a Broadway show is a special family experience. Kids are sure to remember it vividly, and chances are parents won't soon forget the credit card bill. That's why it's important to pick a production wisely, especially when bringing young children to their first Broadway performance.

While Disney juggernauts The Lion King and Aladdin are popular options, there are other kid-friendly choices that aren't as obvious. We've rounded up our top Broadway shows for families and organized them by age appropriateness. Once you've picked a Broadway show, all that's left to do is book tickets. We've got you covered there, too, with our tips to save on Broadway tickets.

If you're looking for more options, browse our Family Activity Calendar for family shows beyond Broadway, and bookmark our Guide to Children's Theater for reviews and recommendations.

36 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Philadelphia for Kids

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Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of the Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions Photo courtesy of the Delaware-River-Waterfront

Summer fairs and festivals are back in Philly! If there's one thing this city loves besides a cheesesteak, it's a summer festival. Our summer calendar is chock-full of fairs, outdoor concerts, and cultural festivals to get you out and about while school's out. Read on for our top festival picks to keep Philly families partying all summer. 

For more summer fun, check out our Summer Activity Guide. Heading to the shore this summer? We've got you covered with 70 Things To Do with Kids at the Jersey Shore.

19 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Atlanta for Families

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Celebrate the Fourth of July at patriotic festivals and parades across Atlanta. Photo by the author

Get hyped for the summer festival season in Atlanta as more fun events are announced every day! From yummy food and live music to bouncy houses and parades, there is something to keep every family member happy at these fun-in-the-sun summer festivals near you. We picked our faves to add to your summer calendar...don't sleep on the delicious Atlanta Ice Cream Festival, as well as lots of Fourth of July festivals, and the always popular Dragon Con!

36 Best Summer Festivals and County Fairs in San Francisco for Kids and Families

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Find great fair food and fun in Napa this summer. Photo courtesy of the Napa Town and Country Fair

Summer festivals in San Francisco are the best way to enjoy those few months without any fog or rain. These outdoor festivals bring families and friends together to celebrate fabulous food, cool cultures, and loads of fun activities. There are county fairs, block parties, music festivals, and of course, plenty of events honoring the 4th of July.

From Ferris wheels and mini roller coasters at fests like the 33rd Bay Area KidFest in Concord to honoring our missing fog at Pacifica's Fog Fest, here we rounded up the best summer festivals in San Francisco and the Bay Area for kids and families.

For more fun things to do in the Bay Area every day of summer, check out our calendar of events. Plus, plan your summer road trips with our Weekend Getaway and Day Trips for San Francisco Guide. 

32 Summer Festivals and Fairs in 2024 in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

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Play under the balloons at the Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival

Summer fairs and festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley offer a ton of ways to party al fresco this summer. The region's staged outdoor entertainment options are wide-ranging, including picnic-blanket music festivals and cultural-heritage feasts.

We are kicking off the summer festivities with the family-friendly Scarsdale Music Festival and a Juneteenth Kickoff Festival in New Rochelle. Other stand-out events include the first-ever Sleepy Hollow Mermaid Festival and the annual Bear Mountain Native American Heritage Celebration and Pow Wow.

Have a Bashing Good Time at Farmingdale's iSmash

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The rage rooms at iSmash in Farmingdale can be booked for 20-minute sessions.

Whether you're looking to destroy and decompress or get crafty and creative, iSmash in Farmingdale has your crew covered. This smash-and-splatter paint space brings a unique experience to the heart of downtown Main Street. 

After smashing up a bunch of stuff, my teenage boys said it was the best activity they'd ever done, so this place definitely appeals to a certain audience! 

If you're looking for more out-of-the-box party ideas, check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids.

32 June Summer Festivals and Street Fairs in New Jersey for Families

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State Fair Meadowlands is the biggest fair in the New York metropolitan area. Photo courtesy of the fair

Family-friendly summer festivals and street fairs in New Jersey offer fun for all ages and interests this month. With the change of seasons and rising temperatures, fill your calendar with a long-awaited lineup of early summer events that center on everything from music and food to rides and games.

Relish the 17 days of rides, games, food, and fireworks at the action-packed State Fair Meadowlands. Or celebrate the start of summer with a sky of beautiful balloons at Warren County Hot Air Balloon, Arts & Crafts Festival. 

Read on for more than 30 great New Jersey fairs and festivals happening in June. 

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