When Are All the Theme Parks Reopening? We've Got (Some) Reopening Dates

West Coast Racers is one wild ride. Photo courtesy of Six Flags Magic Mountain

Everything is opening up again! It’s time to take a look at all our favorite parks, from Disneyland to Legoland to Universal Studios and more, to find out if, when, and how you can get your fix...

We’ll also look at why right now is the perfect time to take advantage of the lack of tourists and put your inside information to work. What inside information? Well, that’s exactly what we’re about to tell you...

Family-Friendly Hotels for a New York Staycation

The TWA Hotel isn't far from home, but offers a little mid-century glam and some unique views.

If this isn't the year for traveling to a far-flung destination, it  doesn't mean you have to forego an escape along with hard-earned rest and relaxation. New Yorkers are fortunate to have a variety of family-friendly hotels right at their fingertips.

Whether you want to stay in the city and masquerade as a tourist, drive a few hours to enjoy an authentic farm stay, find a place to truly recharge, or seek action and adventure, we've rounded up the 15 family-friendly New York hotels for a staycation.

To find more local destinations to explore, be sure to bookmark our Day Trips and Getaway Guide.

12 NYC Bakeries Serving Stunning Birthday Cakes for Kids

BCakeNY can customize a 6-inch round cake with your kid's favorite characters.

Looking for something to make your child's birthday feel extra special this year? If you're scaling down the festivities, it's the perfect time to go big on the cake. With that in mind, we’ve scoured the five boroughs to find the New York City bakeries crafting the most mind-blowing confections.

These birthday cakes are scene-stealers in their own right and pair with whatever party you've got planned, from alfresco celebrations in local parks and playgrounds to social-distancing ready soirees and simple at-home shin-digs.

Whether you want a twist on a classic birthday cake, gluten-free goodies, or a sculpted replica of your child's favorite character, there's something for everyone in this delicious roundup of New York City bakeries and cake studios.

Playgrounds Can Reopen in Chicago!

By the time the snow is gone, the parks will be open. Photo courtesy Maggie Daley Park

Woo hoo! After 11 long months, playgrounds in Chicago have finally been given the go-ahead to reopen. Chicago Park District announced Tuesday that after closing in March of 2020, the city’s lakefront, playgrounds, and indoor aquatics centers are cleared to reopen. Which playgrounds? And when? Read on for all the details.

Registration Opens for Camp Deeny Riback's Adventure-Filled Jewish Day Camp

From its sprawling state-of-the-art 40-acre wooded campus, Camp Deeny Riback has been encouraging kids across Morris and Essex County to embrace adventure since 1970. With a focus on Jewish values, the camp prides itself in providing kids with a safe and nurturing environment where they're encouraged to explore new activities, ask questions, take risks, learn important life lessons, and make some forever friends and memories along the way.

25 Card Games Every Kid Should Know

Playing card games is not only fun, social, and educational; it gets kids off screens!

I have wonderful memories of playing card games with my family as a kid. The laughs, the late-night snacks, the speedy way my dad would shuffle the cards ... good times! I recently started teaching my four-year-old some simple card games for kids, and I was struck by how captivated she was by these classic card games, all without flashy gimmicks, lights, or sounds. Whether you've got preschoolers or teenagers at home, here are some easy card games that are perfect for your next family game night.

Need more creative ideas to keep your whole family wholesomely entertained? Check out our Boredom Busters guide, not to mention this roundup of the best-ever board games and these brainy puzzle games for kids.

Outdoor Camps for Houston Kids this Summer

Image courtesy of Houston Audubon Society

Looking for a dynamic, hands-on nature encounter at summer camp? Does your daughter want to learn how to sail? Is your son looking to step-up his tennis game? All these activities are available in the Houston area, and the guide below can help you narrow your choices for outdoor spring and summer camps.

For more summer and vacation camp ideas, check out our comprehensive camp guide and full directory of camp listings.

Things To Do in NYC This Weekend & Beyond: KAWS Opens, Pop-Up Ice Performance, Nature Explorations

Step into Geometric Shapes, Artechouse's new multimedia installation. Photo courtesy of Artechouse

The last week in the-longest-February-ever brings some serious fun. Celebrate Purim with the Jewish Museum. You can also catch a gorgeous city skate pop-up concert in Midtown and check out the new Kaws exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. Need more art? Artechouse's new installation, Geometric Properties, opens Monday, March 1.

Connect with the great outdoors by learning how to track animals, build a perfect fire, or simply look for early signs of spring in Inwood Hill Park. 

Poppins@Home is a perfect place to find online fun for kids. Top picks this week include a Harry Potter-inspired Wonderful World of Wizards series. We've also got music classes from Alina Celeste and a preschool class teaching science through the alphabet.

As we head into spring, the Mommy Poppins Event Calendar should start blossoming with safe, fun outdoor activities—like Easter egg hunts! So check often to see what lies ahead.

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