Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Savvy DIY parents know New York City's parks make a fun (and inexpensive) backdrop for a birthday bash during the warmer months. Granted, this type of party requires more work than booking one of those all-inclusive packages, but you get to control most of the details, including the cost (though sadly, not the weather).
Find more party spots in our NYC Birthday Guide.
Submitted by Kylie Williams on
Kids' birthday parties in Los Angeles can be limitless, with an overwhelming amount of places to choose from. Luckily, our near-perfect climate allows kids' birthday parties to take place outdoors any time of year!
From rustic to scenic to unique playgrounds, LA's bounty of incredible parks in LA can be ideal locations for kids' birthday parties. And the best part is that you won't have to scrub sticky residue off your floors and windows after the party ends. Read on for some of our favorite party parks, with all the details you need about popular first-come, first-served spots and where you can make reservations (and even set up a bounce house).
Now all you need is to order one of LA's best birthday cakes for kids and hire an incredible party entertainer, and your work is done... for now. When it's time to start party planning for the next birthday, check out our Birthday Parties Ideas Guide for Los Angeles Kids.
You know what else a birthday needs? Gifts! Get tried-and-tested favorite gift suggestions the Best First Birthday Gifts, and more in our Guide to Top Toys and Gear for Kids.
Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on
Kid-friendly spas in Houston are a special treat for the right kid. Nothing makes my 6-year-old daughter's eyes light up quite like the idea of a "spa day" with Mom, especially when we upgrade our spa days from at-home fun to the real thing at our nearby nail salon (our tradition is to get our nails done before the first day of school). If you're looking to treat your little one to some pampering and relaxation, enjoy a special Mommy and Me experience, throw the spa birthday party of their dreams, or just get out of the Houston heat for a bit, we've got you covered with these Houston spas, nail salons, and mobile spa party hosts that will leave them feeling their best.
If you're looking for more indoor activities to stay cool and dry, check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Houston Kids. And for all the best birthday party leads, our Birthday Party Ideas Guide for Houston Kids features something for everyone, from the hottest kids party venues to entertainers who will come to your house.
Submitted by Charlotte B on
Tucked away amid the vibrant landscapes of Puerto Rico, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve offers a serene retreat where "doing nothing means everything" (the resort's motto). This idyllic resort combines luxury, natural beauty, and a commitment to guests' well-being, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a break from their fast-paced lives.
We were recently invited to visit the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, where we enjoyed a fun and rejuvenating stay. Read on to learn all about our experience in this tropical paradise. Then visit our Caribbean Family Travel Guide for more sunny family vacation ideas, including Mexico, Aruba, and many other gorgeous locales.
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
Zoo Atlanta welcomes wild creatures from near and far -- both exotic animals and overexcited kids ready to let loose! Located in the wonderful Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is the ultimate outdoor entertainment destination for its family-friendly attractions and year-round events. Use our helpful guide when visiting this beloved Atlanta zoo and your little wild animals will have an awesome time!
Kids AND adults will love seeing the famous Zoo Atlanta pandas, feeding giraffes, and catching a glimpse of the new and adorable baby sloth. The only thing better than all that cuteness overload is saving money on top of it —read below to find out how zoo visitors can save money on admission with an Atlanta CityPass.
Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on
When visiting Orlando theme parks, don't let the weather rain on your parade. Literally! Though rain is almost inevitable during a trip to Orlando theme parks (especially during the summer), it doesn't mean your trip --including parades and rides -- is ruined.
Minimize the emotional damage and salvage a wet day at the theme park with our rainy day survival guide! Use our 10 awesome strategies to help families enjoy a day at Orlando theme parks when it rains, and find the silver lining on all those clouds!
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Do you have a kid who knows what house the sorting hat would place them in and could identify a blast-ended skrewt or a mandrake? If so, you might want to take them to visit Harry Potter: Magic at Play at Water Tower Place. The pop-up experience has extended its stay in Chicago through Labor Day weekend, giving kids plenty of chances to check it out before school starts again. Explore the magical wizarding world to ignite your kids' imaginations and encourage reading and story-telling over the summer break.
Harry Potter: Magic at Play is the perfect Indoor Activity for a rainy day or bad air quality day. Here's what to expect from the experience.
Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on
Museums in Houston are a great way to beat the Texas heat, escape rainy weather, or just get out and learn something new with your kiddos. And Houston has a lot of museums to choose from. While there are a handful of children's museums in Houston that little ones will love, there are tons more that the whole family can enjoy. And quite a few of the museums on our list offer free days or extra-special events you won't want to miss. See prehistoric beasts, priceless works of art, and vehicles that have soared through space at a Houston museum near you.
We've narrowed the list down to the top 12 must-visit museums for families, but with so many to choose from, we added on a few more at the end. For a comprehensive list, browse our Houston Museum Guide.
