Submitted by Jennifer Coe on
Lack of fun-money doesn't have to keep families stuck inside and bored during the best season of the year: summer! For those on a budget, there are plenty of great places to visit right here in our state. This blockbuster list of free things to do in Connecticut has plenty of ideas for having fun while bonding and making memories during summer vacation.
Submitted by Meghan Rose on
Amusement parks are a fantastic way to spend a summer day with the kids. But let's face it: between the price of admission, parking, food, and souvenirs, the cost really adds up—especially for large families. How can you save big at theme parks and water parks? For everything from discounted days to membership money-savers and more, here are our tips for scoring discounted admission at theme parks, amusement parks, and water parks across SoCal.
If you're looking for toddler-friendly options, check out our listing of the best amusement parks for toddlers.
Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on
Start your engines and head to Deer Park's Tanger Outlets, where Dino Safari: A Drive-Thru Adventure has taken up temporary residence, unleashing more than 40 life-size predators. A trip down this prehistoric path is a roaring good fun for the whole family.
The budding paleontologists in your car will have plenty of giant moving dinosaurs to marvel at as you maneuver your mini-van through this Jurassic trail. Read on for our full review of the experience—and book tickets soon because it fades into extinction next month. Find more seasonal fun in our Summer Fun Guide.
Submitted by Danielle Smith on
Invention, creativity, and a whole lot of color collide at the brand-new Crayola IDEAworks: The Creativity Exhibition, a fun interactive attraction presented by Epson and Crayola at the Franklin Institute. The exhibit celebrates ingenuity and highlights children’s creative strengths. We've teamed up with the sponsors to give away a grand prize trip package that includes a one-night stay at a Philadelphia downtown hotel, passes to see IDEAworks, and a suite of Crayola and Epson products that are sure to get the whole family's creative juices flowing.
Submitted by Vicky Yip on
After a year of playing board games at home with the kids, how about taking them out to play a life-sized one this summer instead? Houstonopoly, a limited-time pop-up event in the Rice Village, is a tribute to the classic game of Monopoly with a local twist. Filled with Houston references, this attraction allows families to walk around a giant Monopoly board and admire displays representing Bayou City landmarks.
Roll the dice, work your way around the colorful squares, and take plenty of pictures while visiting iconic Houston sights in an air-conditioned room. Given that Houston temperatures can soar in the summer, consider adding Houstonopoly to your list of indoor places to enjoy when it’s just too hot to play outside.
Submitted by Roberta B on
SoCal has no shortage of beaches, including plenty of classic, family-friendly beaches right here in Los Angeles. The only problem is all those other people who seem to know about them, too. As locals, we deserve a few beaches that only we know about, where we can enjoy the Pacific Ocean in our backyard without running into all the tourists who are just as happy at Santa Monica Pier anyway. Read on to discover the beautiful hidden beaches that even some Angelenos have never visited.
Submitted by Ally Noel on
Momming is hard work. But necessity is also the mother of invention, so it seems only fitting that moms have been discovering (and sharing) simple tricks to make mothering a little easier for all of us. From getting kids to eat their vegetables to soothing sunburn, these 15 life-changing #MomHacks will save you a little time and energy—and hopefully a little sanity too.
Looking for more clever mom life ideas? Check out our other creative parenting hacks and tricks, like these fun Tooth Fairy ideas that kids love, some screen-free activities for family night, and even tricks to get toddlers to play by themselves!
Submitted by Susan Miele on
Mamaroneck's Marine Education Center is an under-the-radar destination for families. Situated on the Long Island Sound in Harbor Island Park, the small size of the building and staff belies the extensive offerings of this STEM treasure. What’s more, visiting is FREE! Whether you’ve got curious kids or aspiring marine biologists, read on to learn more about this Westchester gem.
When you've had your fun inside, explore the rest of the attractions in the park, including one of our favorite playgrounds and a top-notch seasonal splash pad.
