While New York City is magical during the holiday season, sometimes you're in the mood for a holiday day trip. If you're looking to get away and experience some holiday happenings not too far from home, we've found 15 great holiday day trips near NYC, where kids can see Santa, dazzling Christmas lights, and even a North Pole village.

From right-in-our-backyard picks to rustic Christmas fun in Mystic, Connecticut, and a theme-park pick in the Hudson Valley, here are 15 picture-perfect holiday day trips worth a drive or train trek this holiday season. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for more seasonal fun and our Day Trips Guide for more local travel destinations.

After months of masked, social-distanced toddler playdates, this mother can’t quite articulate how refreshing a multi-family, indoor gathering feels. Especially since it's suddenly oddly chilly in LA! So when I saw that Ball N’ Bounce just opened in the Encino Commons complex on Ventura Boulevard, an indoor playdate is exactly what I planned.

Stepping foot inside the play space, our whole group of kids and adults instantly perked up. The vibrant colors of the interior are joyful, and there are so many things to climb on and experience that my toddler couldn’t wait to start playing. Read on for just what to expect in this new family gem in the San Fernando Valley.

And if you’re in search of other terrific destinations for indoor playdates, check out our review of My Little Paris in San Gabriel, and all our favorite LA indoor playgrounds in our Indoor Fun and Play Spaces Guide for Los Angeles and OC Kids.

Bring fun to family gatherings with our tried and tested Thanksgiving jokes for kids that will make the whole family laugh and groan this Thanksgiving. When everyone is together for the holidays, it's fun to raise a few smiles and add to the conversation with these corny, fowl howlers. We promise, there's not a turkey in the bunch!

Read on for our favorite Thanksgiving jokes for kids. Once you get through these Thanksgiving jokes, check out our top 40 jokes for kids. Meanwhile, if you're looking for more Thanksgiving fun—from Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities to everything you need to know about the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade—waddle on over to our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families.

If you love the outdoors, you’ve probably checked out some of the state parks near Houston, like Lake Livingston or Huntsville. However there is a hidden gem within Houston itself that offers a similar experience. You won’t believe the great features of Lake Houston Wilderness Park for families:

• Free for kids aged 12 and under and only $3 for adults.
• Close by – located in the City of Houston boundary near New Caney.
• Nearly 5,000 acres of forest, 2 lakes, and a creek.
• Overnight camping in tents, shelters, or cabins.

So grab your backpack and enjoy the great outdoors for the day or the weekend. We provide ten great ideas for family activities in Lake Houston Wilderness Park, as well as details of what to know before you go, nearby attractions, and restaurant ideas.

If this article inspires you to travel further afield, you can check out some of the United States national parks. And to learn more about places to explore in the Houston area, try these 11 Amazing Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails.

The City Point Brooklyn complex has so much to offer families. It's a dining, shopping, and entertainment destination with offerings for all ages. Parents can appreciate the convenience of Target and Trader Joe’s, while specialty retailers cater to unique interests, and the whole family can enjoy the sleek dine-in movie theater and the vast DeKalb Market Hall, one of our favorite local food halls in NYC, with its delicious offerings from dozens of vendors.

We've rounded up the best things to do with kids at City Point Brooklyn below. You can find even more things to do nearby in our roundup of family-friendly destinations in Fort Green and Clinton Hill.

Watching Thanksgiving movies is part of many families' Thanksgiving traditions, much like watching football or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And gone are the days of having to gobble up Thanksgiving dinner by a certain time to catch whatever special is airing on network TV. With so many streaming platforms, there are a variety of Thanksgiving movies for kids and families to watch at any time.

Whether it's an animated Thanksgiving special, a family-friendly football film, or even a holiday classic to get everyone in a festive mood, here are 20 of the best Thanksgiving movies and specials for kids and families. For even more Thanksgiving fun—including hilarious Thanksgiving jokes and fun Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities—check out our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families.

Editor's note: KPOP the musical plays its final Broadway performance on Sunday, December 11, 2022.
If your kids are fans of K-pop, you won't want to miss seeing KPOP the musical, an original production that's landed on Broadway and our list of the best Broadway shows to see with kids this season. Starring current and former K-pop stars, KPOP the musical is a lively and energetic show that will have you dancing in your seats.

Fresh off a viewing of KPOP the musical with my 12-year-old daughter and her friends, here's what you need to know about bringing your kids to this new Broadway show. Find more great productions for all ages in our Guide to Children's Theater and Shows in NYC.

Your local rock-climbing gym combines fitness, thrills, and fun. It's the perfect way to get the kids moving and out of the house and still stay indoors when the weather isn't cooperating. Check out these 10 New Jersey facilities for open climbing, with options for beginner through advanced climbers!

Check with each facility about age requirements and which sections are best to try with kids. Some facilities recommend a staff-belay booking if you're new to climbing.

Take a look at our rundown of indoor obstacle courses and other great options in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for NJ Kids.