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

Submitted by Kylie Williams on

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

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

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 2025 maple sugaring events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. 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

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

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

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

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.

Best Events To Celebrate Mardi Gras in Houston with Kids

Submitted by Elizabeth R on

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

Submitted by Melanie Preis on

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.

45 Best Things To Do in New Orleans with Kids

Submitted by Melanie Preis on

Try the beignets at the iconic Cafe du Monde. Photo courtesy of neworleans.com

Visiting New Orleans with kids is a wonderful cultural trip for a family vacation. There are foods you've never heard of, hard-to-place accents, and street names you may not even know how to pronounce (Tchoupitoulas Street, anyone?) making New Orleans a must-visit city.  There are so many fun things to do in New Orleans with kids any time of year, but if you visit during one of the city's big festivals—like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or Bayou Boogaloo—your family is guaranteed an even greater time!

Read on for our list of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids, including the best family friendly New Orleans restaurants and foods to eat as well as family-friendly New Orleans hotels. If you're interested in taking the kids to Mardi Gras, find our 3 Day New Orleans Mardi Gras with Kids Itinerary.

For more great family vacation options, from warm and sunny vacation ideas to must-try dude ranch vacations for families, check out our Family Travel Guide.

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