DreamWorks Water Park: Make Waves Year-Round at American Dream Mall

The largest indoor wave pool in the world is perfect for even the tiniest swimmers.

Water lovers of all ages can tackle waves, water slides, surfing, and so much more at North America's largest indoor water park, DreamWorks Water Park. The themed water park, with well-known characters from animated favorites like Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon, is but one of the cool attractions in the action-packed American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This is one record-breaking water park you won't want to miss.

Read on for details on our fun visit to DreamWorks Water Park, and find more wet-and-wild fun in our Guide to Theme Parks and Water Parks. We've got more day trip inspiration in our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Sesame Place San Diego: 10 Reason To Get to SoCal's Best New Amusement Park

Sunny day, chasing the clouds away. Hanging with your idols will always chase the clouds away!

We are spoiled with so many amusement parks in California, but the new Sesame Place San Diego truly offers something different. There are rides for all ages, a musical show, a parade, thrilling water slides, an interactive replica of the iconic main street of Sesame Street, and character meet and greets, all while being a certified autism center. So, in my best Count Von Count voice, here are "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ah, ah, ah, 10 reasons to get to Sesame Place San Diego."

If you are planning to travel to San Diego to visit Sesame Place, don't miss our San Diego Family Travel Guide and this list of the Best Things To Do in San Diego Besides the San Diego Zoo—or if you are planning to add the zoo to your travel plans, check out See the San Diego Zoo Like a Local: Inside Tips for a Great Visit With Kids.

What Is Pickleball? Pickleball Rules and Why Kids Love It

Photo courtesy of One Shot Pickleball, Amazon

Perhaps your kids came home from school one day and announced, "I played pickleball in P.E. today!" Maybe you've seen ads for pickleball clubs in your community. Or you may have simply driven past the park and noticed an unfamiliar game happening on the tennis court. However you were exposed to it, at some point you've likely wondered, what is pickleball?

Pickleball is a craze that's quickly sweeping the nation because it's fun, affordable, and a great way to get some exercise. And because it's easy to learn and play, families and kids can play together and make memories.

Read on to learn all about pickleball and why it's the perfect family sport. For more outdoor fun with your family, check out our guide to top outdoor activities with kids.

Liberty Science Center: Best Things To Do With Kids

Kids can climb to their hearts content on the Liberty Science Center's Infinity Climber. Photo courtesy of the museum

It's no wonder the Liberty Science Center has become a New Jersey mainstay for area parents and kids—and one of our favorite attractions in New Jersey. This 300,000-square-foot educational center on the Jersey City waterfront is jam-packed with exciting hands-on STEM learning activities for kids of all ages. With live animals to see, unique structures to climb and explore, skyscrapers to build, planetarium shows to watch, and experiments to try, it’s easy to visit this four-story museum again and again. And the best part? The exhibits are constantly refreshed and new ones are rotated in, so there’s always something fresh to see. It's even a great place to enroll in a STEM-inspired summer camp or celebrate a birthday.

Read on for the top 10 things to do and see at the Liberty Science Center and find more great local cultural institutions in our Guide to Museums and Galleries in New Jersey. 

Kid-Friendly Nail Salons in NYC

Milk & Cookies Kids Spa and Salon offers plenty of spa services to glam your cuties from head to toe.

When it comes time to groom or get glammed up, a trip to the nail salon may be in order. At these local kid-friendly nail salons, children can enjoy getting pampered—or you can enjoy a mommy-and-me mani alongside them. These 14 local nail salons in NYC all offer parent-approved perks, like organic nail polishes, and kid-friendly draws, like nail art designs cool enough for big kids. Some of them are open for walk-in services, while others are party places only. We've even found a salon that brings a mobile spa party right to your front door for your next celebration.

Best YMCA Summer Camps Near New York City

YMCA of the Bronx is but one of the NYC-based YMCA summer camps catering to kids from diverse backgrounds with varied interests. Photo by Da Ping Luo/courtesy of YMCA of Greater New York

From summer day camps to sleepaway summer camps, it's easy to find just the right summer camp for your child at these local YMCA summer camps near New York City. Located throughout the greater tristate area, these Y summer camps offer a wide range of summer camp activities, sports, and adventures in beautiful, stunning outdoor surroundings. 

YMCA summer camps give your child the chance to make new friends, gain confidence, and appreciate the outdoors. Bonus: Most YMCA summer camps are more affordable than other options. Below, we've rounded up our favorite YMCA summer camps in New York, New Jersey, and even some sleepaway summer camp options nearby. 

If you're still searching for the perfect summer camp for your kid, be sure to bookmark our Guide to Summer Camps. Find more overnight camps in our Sleepaway Camps Guide, which profiles the best overnight camps nationwide. 

Get Pumped for Peppa Pig Live! Coming to a Theater Near You

Peppa Pig is coming to your town for a live theater experience that delights kids. Photo by Shore Fire Media

Peppa Pig fans are squealing with delight because their favorite pig and her friends (George, Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and Gerald Giraffe) are coming to a live theater near you in Peppa Pig’s Adventure. The show is making stops in Red Bank, NJ on Wednesday, April 13 before heading up to Lowell, MA on April 16 and then stopping in Boston on May 1. We had the privilege of seeing the show when it stopped in Atlanta. Dressed in matching pink shirts adorned with their names, my crew headed to the theater with lots of giggles, anticipation, and cries of “How much longer until we see Peppa?”

Read on for the inside scoop on this show that's sure to delight your favorite preschooler.

Family-Friendly Spa Resorts and Hotels Near Boston

Find family-friendly resorts within an hour's drive from Boston. Photo courtesy of Seacrest Beach Hotel

New England is known for its history and natural beauty, but Greater Boston is also home to some amazing, family-friendly resorts and spas. Whether you're in the mood for beachfront relaxation or sweeping mountain vistas, we've got you covered. These hotels and resorts have the right amenities for families with kids. Many also have the luxurious spa treatments that overworked parents could use any time of year!

The following resorts are some of New England's top family-friendly staycation spots. Some are within an hour of Boston. These resorts combine the amenities parents need with the relaxed atmosphere they want. If you're looking for a little more adventure and excitement in your family vacation, check out our guide to the 40 Best Amusement Parks in the US for a Family Vacation. You can also find year-round rsort ideas in our 9 Best Florida Beach Vacation Destinations for Families. And our Guide to the Best Indoor Water Parks for Easy Family Getaways can point you to some fun destinations around New England.

 

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