Insider's Guide to Griffith Park: 23 Top Things To Do With Kids

Climb aboard trains at Travel Town in Griffith Park. Photo by Kylie Williams

Griffith Park is a true oasis for kids. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, it offers endless family-friendly activities. You could spend days in Griffith Park with all there is to do. 

Nature trails cater to little explorers, leading them through the park's green landscapes. The iconic Hollywood Sign serves as a backdrop for family photos and panoramic views, creating a magical setting for outdoor adventures. There's even some Disneyland history. Whether marveling at animals in the Los Angeles Zoo or playing conductor at Travel Town's vintage train collection, Griffith Park is a diverse and captivating playground for kids to learn, play, and make cherished memories. 

For more iconic attractions for kids in Los Angeles, discover all there is to do in Hollywood with kids, read these tips about visiting the Santa Monica Pier with kids, and find more things to do in our Los Angeles Visitors' Guide for Families

Where To Go Maple Sugaring in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Discover the magic of maple sugaring with a Maple Lanes tour at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Maple sugaring is a popular winter activity in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Maple sugaring events include education about the age-old tradition, which began with Native Americans and evolved to include the use of modern evaporator machinery. Kids love helping collect the sap and getting to taste the sweet rewards after the maple syrup is made. At some venues, maple sugaring events are rounded out with a pancake breakfast, maple syrup on snow, or other family-friendly fun.

We've rounded up 2024 maple sugaring events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, plus one pick over the border in Connecticut. These events include maple tree tapping to collect the sap, sugaring-off parties, where it is cooked into syrup, and even a cooking class for kids to learn what to do with the tasty syrup after it's made.

21 Winter Walks on Long Island for Families

Explore the sprawling grounds of Sagamore Hill, former home of President Theodore Roosevelt, on a beautiful winter day. Photo by the Jaime Sumersille

When the mercury hasn't dipped too low, bundle up the kids and fend off winter blues with one of these winter walks on Long Island.

Long Island is home to several state parks, preserves, and historical grounds that provide family-friendly hiking trails, serene natural beauty, and breathtaking views—even in the middle of winter. So, grab your warmest coats and boots and head for the hills (so to speak).

Don't forget to check out our Winter Fun Guide for more ways to enjoy Long Island's breathtaking beauty in any season.

Indoor Birthday Party Spots with Mega Playgrounds in NJ

At Pump it Up in Roselle Park, a huge array of inflatables fills the room. Photo courtesy of the venue

Looking for the perfect indoor birthday party spot in New Jersey for your winter baby? We've rounded up the most action-packed indoor birthday party locations for your cold-weather celebrations. Whether your birthday child wants to jump and bounce, climb, dance, tackle a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course, or even take a spin on an amusement ride, New Jersey has a party place for it.

Read on for our favorite action-packed indoor birthday party spots. For more birthday party planning ideas, check out our Guide Birthday Parties in New Jersey for Kids.

Teens Can Apply Now for Summer Internships in NYC

DOROT's Manhattan Teen Internship Program pairs teens with older adults in need of companionship and aid.

Summer internships can make your average, high-achieving, New York City kid really stand out from the rest of the equally high-achieving pack when it comes time to apply to colleges. In an era when applications have become increasingly competitive—leaving schools to look for more than good grades, great test scores, an outstanding essay, and a list of after-school activities—these summer internships in NYC offer kids hands-on, real-world experience, and some even include leadership opportunities.

NYC summer internships come in various formats, paid and unpaid, regular and intermittent, educational and creative, with some also offering school or volunteer credit. The primary thing summer internships in NYC for teens tend to have in common is the due dates to apply are usually long before most teens have started thinking about their summer—or college—plans.

To make sure your teens don’t miss out on any opportunities, we've rounded up 18 great summer internships in NYC for teens. Most are accepting applications now. Find more teen-friendly happenings in our Tween and Teen Guide to NYC.

Best Events To Celebrate Mardi Gras in Houston with Kids

Galveston's Mardi Gras parade is a fun spectacle. Photo courtesy of Mardi Gras Galveston

Mardi Gras is sometimes thought of as an adult affair, but there are tons of options around the Houston area for celebrating with kids. Your family will love Houston's festive parades, the floats decorated in bright colors, the free-flowing candy, the great music at many events, and the shiny beaded necklaces to catch and wear. 

Read on for our selection of the best Mardi Gras celebrations in Houston. And if you're looking for more kid-friendly ideas, check out our Winter Activities Guide for Houston Families for fun seasonal activities.

Scottsdale with Kids: 40 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale, AZ

Enjoy the stunning beauty of Scottsdale, Arizona. Photo by Robert Murray via Unsplash

A trip to the Southwest isn't complete without a stop in Scottsdale, Arizona—especially as an add-on to a Phoenix family vacation. There are so many things to do in Scottsdale with kids, from hiking and biking the gorgeous surrounding trails to learning (and possibly meeting) the cowboys that call it home.

I grew up in this beautiful city northeast of Phoenix, which was once a suburban region. Now, Scottsdale's picturesque appeal, great schools, elite resorts, and countless attractions have made it one of the most popular Arizona cities to both visit and live in.

Check out this list of 40 things to do in Scottsdale, AZ, including some awesome Scottsdale hotels for families. And if you're already traveling westward, take a look at our Guide to the Best Vacations Out West, including articles about nearby Sedona and Colorado Springs.

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