Best Family Fun Centers and Indoor Amusement Parks in NYC

Urban Air Adventure Park is much more than a typical trampoline park, with ropes courses, climbers, VR, and more.  Photo by Diana Kim

We've rounded up the best family fun centers and indoor amusement parks in New York City so active kids—and their parents—can enjoy an indoor escape while still blowing off some steam. There's no need to compromise on wild romping at these family fun centers.

From bounce houses to trampolines to obstacle courses and arcades, we've got you covered for all the fun your kids need. And, if you have a family birthday coming up, most of these spots also host parties. Find more romping spots for all ages in our NYC Kids' Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones.

39 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before School Starts

Summer Games  in the City! Event photo courtesy of Pretend City

Quick: It’s time to shoehorn all these last favorite things to do in Los Angeles before school starts up!

Is it me, or did this summer go by extra fast? I feel like we didn’t get to do half of our usual summer traditions, and now school is about to start. Hopefully, you at least got in a few day trips, visited a few beach towns, and got to go swimming in a lake or two.

But perhaps you haven’t made it on as many outings this summer? Well, there's still time to check out some really cool museum exhibits (like the Maurice Sendak Wild Things Are Happening exhibit at the Skirball) and shows for kids (The Actor’s Gang Shakespeare in the Park is back in Culver City, matey!) that truly should not be missed—they won’t be here when the next school vacation rolls around and are easy to squeeze in between your Target run for notebooks, and last-minute doctor’s appointments...

Check out more end-of-summer fun in our Summer Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids. And if school is starting soon for your family, our Back-to-School Guide has pretty much everything you need.

Best Kid-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries in and around Chicago

Give a cheers in the garden at Two Brothers. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

Sometimes, parents need a break. And maybe a beer. So, we've scoured the city and suburbs for some of the best beer gardens and local breweries in Chicago that welcome kids—many of which have great outdoor seating. We looked for places with quality kids' menus, something for kids to see or do, a lack of raised eyebrows about bringing kids along for the ride, and of course, great brews. Cheers!

For other great places to eat with kids, check out this list of restaurants with space for kids to play, the best themed restaurants in Chicago, and the ultimate guide to kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago

13 Best Skateparks Near Philly

Skateboarding culture has deep roots in the city of Philadelphia.

Whether you've got a kid who's just learning to skate, or you've got a pro shredder at home, there are lots of great places in the city to practice new and old skills alike. Skateparks are a great place to practice tricks, or even learn to roll for the first time. Whether your kiddo loves skateboarding, rollerblading, or rollerskating this is a great way to get your kids moving outdoors. So grab your helmet, strap on your pads, and roll out to one of these great Philly skateboard parks.

Looking for more fun on wheels? Check out our guide to the Best Roller Skating Rinks in Philly.

End of Summer Bucket List: 30 Things to Do in Orlando Before School Starts

Float along the natural spring at Kelly Park during the last days of summer. Photo by the author

With the start of a new school year right around the corner, many Orlando parents are left wondering how to make the most of the end of summer break. Good thing Mommy Poppins is here! We've crafted a list of 30 fun things to do before school starts, including a fairy door scavenger hunt, inflatable water parks, summer day trips, and much more.

Be sure to also visit our Orlando Summer Activities Guide to find more family fun ideas, and subscribe to our email list to get stories just like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Where To Go Peach Picking in New Jersey this Summer

Peach picking in New Jersey is one of the great pleasures of summer. Photo courtesy of Johnson's Corner Farm

Peach picking in New Jersey offers up one of the great joys of summer: A sweet treat plucked fresh off the tree. The Garden State has pick-your-own farms aplenty, so you should be able to find one close by.

The peach picking season in New Jersey really gets going in mid-July and carries on through August and even early September at some farms. Before heading out on a peach-picking adventure, call ahead or check the farm’s Facebook page to make sure crops are still plentiful and see what other fruits are available on any given day—you might also be able to pick blueberries, which are available at many farms through the end of July.

Find more pick your own fun in our Guide to Farms in New Jersey for Families, and for more ways to enjoy the warm weather, don't miss our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Here's Why Wantagh Park Playground is My Family's Go-To Destination

Marina Playground has plenty of slides to experience.

Wantagh Park's newest addition, the Marina Playground, has just dethroned Eisenhower Park as our favorite playground in Nassau County. Interactive elements, cool nautical-themed structures, and equipment for multiple ages make this a perfect park for families with younger and older kids. Read on for more info on how exciting this new addition is in terms of Long Island's playground lineup. 

For lots more on Long Island playgrounds, check out our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds on Long Island

Fun Max Adventure Park Brings Big Thrills to Wappingers Falls

Fun Max Adventure Park's features include slides, a ball pit, and an obstacle course.

The new Fun Max Indoor Adventure Park, just off Route 9 in Wappingers Falls, is an 80,000-square-foot space featuring trampolines, a ninja course, climbing walls, ropes courses, foam pits, ball pits, and a game room. Think Bounce meets Billy Beez meets Ninja Warrior–if you have active kids, you will not be disappointed. 

The park is entirely indoors, so it's a great option for getting kids' energy out on cold or rainy days. Parents can relax in massage chairs while their kids play or get in on the action and try the obstacles themselves.

Check out our Guide to Indoor Fun for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids for more indoor playground options in the region. 

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