Sphere, A Major New Entertainment Venue, Has Been Proposed for National Harbor, MD Near DC

Artists and engineers are working hard to bring this unique venue to life. Rendered image courtesy of Sphere Entertainment

Big news for concert and entertainment lovers: a new Sphere entertainment venue is being planned for National Harbor! The State of Maryland, Prince George's County, Sphere Entertainment Co., and real estate developer Peterson Companies made the announcement this week. This Sphere—the second venue of its kind in the US—will be smaller than the one that opened in Las Vegas in 2023, but will still host concerts, shows, immersive experiences, and other entertainment.

Read on for everything we know so far about the proposed new venue. Then check out our list of the best things to do in National Harbor with kids to see why this town on the banks of the Potomac River is the perfect location for the second Sphere.

Awesome Wintertime Activities in the Hudson Valley Families Will Love

Enjoy hands-on fun at the New York State Museum. Photo courtesy of the New York State Museum

Winter drags on, our kids reacclimate to their school schedules, and we all patiently wait for the groundhog to prognosticate. For Hudson Valley parents, this can be a sleepy time where an exciting weekend might involve more junk food and TV than usual. And wine.

Below are some ideas for the family that resists hibernation in order to venture out into our gorgeous corner of the world and see the Valley in all of its icy splendor. For even more winter excursions, check out our Westchester and Hudson Valley Winter Vacation Guide and Ultimate Winter Bucket List.

Where to Find the Best Viral Treats on Long Island Right Now

Get all kinds of popular confections at Sugar Crazy in Plainview. Photo by the author

If your kids are constantly asking to try the latest food they’ve seen on TikTok, you’re not alone. Luckily for us, Long Island families don’t have to look far to join the fun. New York’s food scene is especially good at turning internet obsessions into real-life treats, making it easy to plan a day of tasting adventures that feel like a scavenger hunt your teens would actually approve of.

From Swedish candies and Dubai chocolates to ooey-gooey cheesy treats and over-the-top milkshakes, these viral bites are everywhere, and they're worth the hype. We’ve rounded up our tried-and-tested guide to the viral foods actually worth seeking out, including where to find them, which ones kids genuinely love, and which trends you can skip without guilt. And yes, we fully consulted our kiddos, who take this job very seriously.

For even more food-focused family fun, be sure to check out our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide and must-visit sweet spots for your next Long Island confectionery adventure.

Where to Throw a Kids’ Birthday Party in Hoboken and Jersey City

Grit Academy offers private use of its facility during action-packed, themed birthday parties in Jersey City. Photo courtesy of Grit

Celebrating your child’s birthday is more than just cakes and gifts. It’s a time to celebrate their growth and accomplishments, and to show them how special they are.

That’s why, whatever our budget, I celebrate my kids' birthdays in a way that is unique to them and their interests. But let’s face it, parents, we don’t want a boring party. We want to create a core-memory-caliber fun!  

If you’re a parent in the Hoboken/Jersey City area, read on for the best kids' birthday party venues. These spots cater to a wide variety of ages and interests. 

Check out our comprehensive Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NJ and Indoor Birthday Party Spots with Mega Playgrounds in NJ for even more insight and inspiration. 

Best Indoor Places to Play in Park Slope, Brooklyn

PlayWell Brooklyn is one of the boroughs most unique indoor play spaces. Photo courtesy of PlayWell Brooklyn

Let’s be honest: Entertaining kids at home in NYC can feel harder than it should be. Apartments are small, cabin fever is real, and sometimes you need to get out of the house without committing to a full-day outing or spending a ton of money. The good news? The family-friendly enclave of Park Slope, Brooklyn is home to plenty of indoor places to play for children.

We've created a curated mix of kids' Park Slope play spaces that local parents actually rely on: drop-in playrooms, libraries, bookstores, creative spaces, and low-key indoor activity centers that make kids feel welcome. Some are perfect for toddlers just learning to explore, others are better for preschoolers and older kids who need to burn energy or engage their imaginations. A few are even FREE, which always earns bonus points. Whether you’re squeezing in an hour between naps, dodging bad weather, or just looking for fresh kids' activities indoors in Park Slope, these are the spots worth knowing about and returning to again and again.

Read on for our top indoor places to play in Park Slope and find all our favorite neighborhood haunts on this list of the 50 best things to do in Park Slope, Brooklyn with kids.

Top Things To Do This Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

Check out the train show at at Hudson Park Children's Greenhouse. Photo via Hudson Park Children's Greenhouse's Facebook page

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend? Here are our editors' picks for the best family-friendly events and activities!

Editor's note: Given this weekend's impending winter storm, please click through to each event's site to confirm they are still happening before you head out the door!
Winter-loving families can celebrate the ice harvest with live ice sculpting demonstrations, igloos, campfires, and more this weekend at the Knickerbocker Ice Festival in scenic Rockland Lake State Park. Or, if you prefer to enjoy winter indoors, where it's warm, check out Shake it Off's Frostival, with bouncing, interactive music, and a visit from Olaf.

Families are also invited to enjoy a free play session at the grand opening of Cloudbound, a brand-new indoor play space for babies and toddlers in New Rochelle.

Taylor Swift Experience, Sunday Science and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

Take your little Swiftie to Fearless: The Taylor Swift Experience at The Suffolk. Photo courtesy of The Suffolk

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

Editor's note: Given this weekend's impending winter storm, please click through to each event's site to confirm they are still happening before you head out the door!
Long Island families, get ready to sing your hearts out with a pair of events this weekend. The Winter Movie Sing-Along series at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center offers a musical twist on a classic film experience that's perfect for all ages. On the East End, Fearless: The Taylor Swift Experience promises an upbeat, high-energy tribute that’ll have everyone belting out their favorite anthems. Or, get curious and creative during a Science Spa event at CSTL, where kids can explore cool experiments and hands-on fun that feels more like play than class.

Find all that and more top picks for the weekend ahead below!

Monster Jam, Soup Tasting, and More Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey

Monster Jam will be crushing it at the Prudential Center. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Editor's note: Given this weekend's impending winter storm, please click through to each event's site to confirm they are still happening before you head out the door!
This last full weekend of January will please your palate with some delicious options, including a variety of sweets and children's activities at Dessertopia in Morritown, and a yummy soup sampling at Alstede Farms' Free Soup Tasting Weekend.

Plus, massive trucks take the stage at the action-packed Monster Jam at Prudential Center. 

Read on for all our top picks for the weekend ahead!

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