Coolest Stores for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography

These days we can shop for anything we want or need, any time of day, at the touch of a screen. Often, it feels like too much effort to bother going to a physical store, especially with kids in tow. But when you’re looking for a unique item or searching for a special gift, nothing beats a locally owned shop with friendly, passionate, knowledgeable staff who can help you find what you're looking for.

Fortunately, families in the DC area have a wealth of wonderful independent stores and boutiques to choose from, whether shopping for toys, books, or children’s clothing. Some of them even offer family entertainment like storytimes, game nights, and more.

Here are 21 of the coolest toy stores, bookstores, gift shops, and more for kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia where you can find awesome stuff and support local businesses. For more great shops for kids, check out our lists of the best baby stores in DC and Black-owned businesses near DC.

13 Best Tours in Los Angeles for Families

Check out the FRIENDS set on the Warner Brothers Tour. Photo by Mary Livoni

Tours... they seem so... touristy? I rarely ever book Los Angeles tours for my family, but as I was researching for this article it occurred to me—we live in a really cool spot and it deserves to be, well, toured. Don't wait for the in-laws to come into town (or do, these are a great way to show off LA), book one of these incredible tours and see all that the City of Stars has to offer.

The best part? All of these tours are kid-friendly! 

Looking for more ways to tour LA? Check out the city guides for Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA

Best Philly Tours for Kids: Art Hunts, Food Tours, Ghost Tours, and More

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

You may think you've seen all that the city of Philadelphia has to offer, but there are so many amazing themed tours to check out! Whether you're just visiting, or you've lived here your whole life Philly has tours for everyone. From art tours, to food tours, ghost tours, and more, don't miss these fabulous new ways to explore!

Looking for more family-friendly tours? Check out these nearby Factory Tours to keep exploring.

15 Family Fun Centers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Castle Fun Center in Chester has a giant inflatable park, a rock wall, laser tag, and more. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar

Indoor family fun centers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are perfect for getting kids' giggles out and giving them some quality exercise. 

From train tables for toddlers to rock climbing and go-karting for teens, this list has something for everyone, with some even offering activities and dining for adults. 

These indoor amusement parks also host birthday parties, and a few even have drop-off options. 

15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island

Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit

Long Island's indoor family fun centers are a great way to spend an action-packed day with kids. Our round-up of LI's indoor amusement parks will have toddlers and kids using their boundless energy to bounce, climb, play, jump, and slide through rainy or cold weather days. 

Waivers are required for kids to participate at most family fun centers, along with grip socks. Mega indoor playgrounds are popular for birthday parties and open play, so be sure to call or check websites before your visit. Many family fun centers also offer sensory calming spaces or times for kids with special needs. 

Read on for all the details of the best family fun centers, arcades, and indoor go-kart tracks on Long Island. For more indoor fun ideas, check out our Free Things to do Indoors on Long Island and 25 Things to do Indoors on a Rainy Day

Best Mommy-and-Me Classes in New Jersey for Babies and Toddlers

Gymboree offers movement classes for babies and toddlers with caregivers. Photo courtesy of Gymboree

Mommy-and-me classes in New Jersey can be some of the most wonderful bonding activities during your child's early months and years. The choices multiply yearly with enriching music classes, swim lessons, and more.

Don't expect these sessions to be filled with just moms, either—dads, nannies, grandparents, and all caregivers can join in the fun. Some classes offer independent play for toddlers or even options where siblings can attend.

Read on for a sampling of the best mommy-and-me classes in New Jersey, and find even more options in our guide to the best Classes and Activities for Kids in New Jersey.

Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

There's no lack of world-class museums in NYC, and the city is even home to plenty of amazing children's museums and cool immersive experiences, but sometimes you just. can't. deal. with. the. crowds. And sometimes, let's face it, you and your hard-to-impress NYC kids might just be in the mood for something a little different or off the beaten path...a little weird, even. After all, that's part of New York City's charm!

For those days, we present our list of weird, wacky, and wonderful under-the-radar museums in NYC that kids love. Read on for 12 picks you're unlikely to find in the tourist guidebooks.

Family Dinner Table Games for Restaurants and At Home

Playing dinner table games can really help the family bond at mealtime.

Dinner table games can mean the difference between a pleasant meal with kids or a chaotic one, especially if you're aiming for a screen-free dinner. These 25 dinner table games for kids and families will help keep the peace (and your sanity), jump-start conversations and family bonding, and make dinner time fun again. They are perfect to slip into a restaurant or play at home.

If you want to continue the fun after dinner, here's a list of the 100 best board games for kids and family game night. You can find it—plus lists of more fun games, toys, crafts, and more—in our Boredom Busters for Kids Guide.

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