Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near San Francisco

Mingle with Santa Claus while aboard a holiday train! Photo courtesy of the Sacramento River Fox Train

'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides in San Francisco! Here in Northern California, it's not a secret that we have an impressive amount of kid-friendly train rides. Whether you're looking for steam trains with history or smaller trains for tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, the Bay Area has Polar Express train rides aplenty. 

Festive train rides bring the Polar Express story to life, little ones can give their Christmas lists to Santa, and the holiday decor and train cars dressed up in lights will help enhance the magic of the holiday season. Some Polar Express train rides on this list go beyond the Bay Area and extend to the northeast (we're looking at you, Sacramento). Keep reading below for the best Polar Express train rides near San Francisco, and book them early, as they sell out quickly! 

Have a holly jolly holiday with the top holiday and Christmas activities in San Francisco, find more festive fun on the best day trips from San Francisco, and celebrate the most magical time of the year with the help of our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids

Safari with Kids: Planning a Perfect Family African Safari Vacation

Kids can capture the king of the savannah on camera from the safety of a safari bus. Photo by the author

An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where you can see wildlife up close and revel in stunning natural landscapes. It’s also a wonderful way to learn about different cultures and wildlife conservation, and to expose kids to the richness and diversity that comprise Africa.

A safari is great for families who want adventure and the chance to have new experiences. There are a lot of factors to consider when planning an African safari, such as where in Africa to go, whether to use a tour operator, what type of lodgings to choose, and what activities to prioritize.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about planning an African safari for your family. Check out our International Travel Guide for even more amazing places to visit, from the Caribbean to our favorite European cities.

25 Things To Do in the Finger Lakes with Kids

Letchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East thanks to its impressive gorge.

If you are looking for your next family vacation destination, New York's Finger Lakes region is a great option. Mostly known for its namesake beautiful lakes, the Finger Lakes offer a variety of summer activities, including sailing, fishing, and swimming in the crystal clear waters. However, there are tons of family-friendly things to do and places to explore year-round in the Finger Lakes, from zip lining and leaf peeping in the fall to skiing and snow tubing in the winter.

The area around Ithaca is particularly famous for its many glacier-formed gorges that boast numerous waterfalls. Ithaca is also the home of Cornell University and Ithaca College, and offers many art and cultural attractions and museums, including the kid-friendly Sciencenter.

Read on for all our top picks for things to do in the Finger Lakes with kids and bookmark our Day Trips and Getaways Guide for more family-friendly vacation ideas.

See Bronx Zoo Like a Local: Top Tips for a Great Visit with Kids

The Bronx Zoo is full of amazing animals and surprises await around every bend of its sprawling grounds.

First opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo has been a top destination for local NYC families, tourists, and animal lovers of all kinds for generations. I've been a regular at this zoo since I was a child, and now that I'm a parent of three kids in the Bronx, we consider it an extension of our backyard.

Located in the heart of the Bronx at the southern end of Bronx Park and near the borough's own Little Italy, the Bronx Zoo is easily accessible via public transit or by car. One visit is sure to leave a lasting impression, though you'll need more than one trip to experience all there is to see and do. And, since it is the nation's largest urban zoo, it helps to have some pointers before you go—especially if you are visiting with kids. So, read on for 13 tips on visiting the Bronx Zoo like a local. You'll find more parent-tested tips for top NYC destinations in our Visitors Guide to New York City

Best Chain Restaurant Kids Menu Deals - Including FREE Meals for Kids!

Check out our impressive list of children's meal deals at chain restaurants! Photo by RDNE via Pexels

Too busy to cook but don't want to break the bank? Kids eat free or cheap at many chain restaurants across the US! Most of these kids eat free deals offer a free entree from the kids menu for children ages 10 or 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entree. Some restaurants offer other deals like half-off or 99-cent kids meals.

Here are 29 chain restaurants where kids can eat free or cheap on one or more days of the week, including the popular IHOP kids eat free and Denny's kids eat free deals.

For more freebies, visit our Guide to Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps for Kids. You can also find more kids eat free deals on our list of 64 birthday freebies for kids.

Queens Party Places: 20 Top Spots for Kids' Birthdays

Party-goers burn tons of energy during an action-packed party at Laser Bounce. Photo by Sydney Ng

Queens is NYC's most diverse and action-packed borough, so it's no surprise there are tons of birthday party places in Queens where little New Yorkers can celebrate. In fact, there are so many awesome birthday spots in Queens alone that it deserves a post of its own.

These Queens birthday party places cater to all kinds of kids, from active to artsy to animal lovers. As a Queens mom with two children, I've been to many of these spots personally and can vouch for their fun factor. You can find additional birthday inspiration in our NYC Kids Guide to Birthday Parties.

Best Horseback Riding Lessons on Long Island for Kids

The Thomas School of Horsemanship has multiple outdoor rings. Photo courtesy of the school

Horseback riding lessons on Long Island offer kids a unique way to learn an exciting lifelong skill, gain confidence, and have a lot of fun. From pony rides for little ones to weekly lessons and trail rides for older kids, Long Island stables and equestrian centers have various options for beginners to advanced riders. 

Animal-loving kids will have a chance to bond with a beautiful horse or pony and learn how to care for and communicate with their new friends. Kids should dress appropriately for riding lessons. Boots are preferred, and some stables provide helmets at the lessons, while others require you to bring your own.

Read on for our list of the best stables and equestrian centers across Long Island for horseback riding lessons kids will love. For more active adventures, check out our guide to Long Island Family Fun.

Pages