Jurassic World Immersive Exhibition Offers Dinosaur-Filled Fun for Atlanta Families

Come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs at Jurassic World: The Exhibition. Photo courtesy of Jurassic World

Come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs in a totally immersive, one-of-a-kind experience at Jurassic World: The Exhibition.

The movie-inspired attraction just extended its stay in Atlanta until January 3rd, giving families one last chance to stand under a towering Brachiosaurs, outrun a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and take part in other thrilling and memorable experiences for dino-lovers young and old.

With the clock ticking, I finally whisked my 9-year-old daughter over to Atlanta’s Pullman Yards to get the inside scoop. Read on for everything you’ll want to know and what to expect from Jurassic World: The Exhibition. 

Christmas Tree Farms Near Orlando for Family Fun

Families at Ergle Christmas Tree Farm work together to choose and cut their very own Christmas tree. Photo courtesy of the farm

Visiting Christmas tree farms near Orlando is the perfect way to bring in the holidays! Most people may not think of Florida when talking about fresh Christmas trees, but there actually are great Christmas tree farms in Central Florida and Orlando to cut down your own tree and bring it home.

Besides selling lush firs, spruces, and other Christmas tree varietals, many of these Orlando Christmas tree farms offer additional fun including hot chocolate, wagon rides, petting zoos, and more. And beyond trees, visitors can sometimes buy wreaths, ornaments, and other Christmas goodies to decorate their home. Take a look at some of our fave Christmas tree spots now!

Christmas Tree Farms in Los Angeles

Selecting a real Christmas tree is the perfect yearly family tradition! Photo by Sandra Lee for Mommy Poppins

Having a real Christmas tree in Los Angeles might make it feel a bit more like the winter holidays amid the always-sunny weather. Some of the more traditional Christmas activities, such as dashing through the snow or building Frosty the Snowman, aren't as easy to come by for Angelenos.

Selecting a Christmas tree, either by cutting it down yourself or picking out a pre-cut one, can be everything you've seen in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, minus the freezing eyelids. Take your family to tromp through the forest, locate the "perfect" tree, and tie it to the roof of your car for a victorious, pine-scented victory ride back home. Read on to find  the perfect place to secure the Christmas tree of your winter dreams (even better than sugarplums dancing in your head!)

Are you looking for other amazing Christmas traditions in Los Angeles? Find endless festivities in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families. Discover places for Santa photo ops in LA, glide into ice skating rinks in Los Angeles, climb aboard LA Christmas trains, and more. 

Christmas Tree Farms in New Jersey

Find the perfect tree at Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm in Manalapan. Photo courtesy of the farm

For many New Jersey families, cutting down a Christmas tree is an annual tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season. If you're thinking of going the cut-your-own route this year, start your tree hunt by checking out this list of the best Christmas tree farms throughout NJ.

Many farms sell refreshments to keep you fortified during your search, and some also offer seasonal farm fun like Santa visits, scenic wagon rides, and marshmallows around the fire pit. Don't feel like cutting a tree down yourself? Most farms will cut it for you and take care of the drilling and baling.

Once you've checked that off your list, be sure to take a look at our write-up on where to take Santa pictures, and visit our Holiday Guide for New Jersey families for even more ways to celebrate the season.

Christmas Tree Farms near NYC

Battenfeld's Christmas Tree Farm in upstate offers a wide variety of tree species and is pet- and kid-friendly.

Is there anything that smells better than a freshly cut Christmas tree from one of these local Christmas tree farms near NYC? Spark a new family holiday tradition this year and head to one of these cut-your-own Christmas tree farms within a 2-hour drive of Midtown Manhattan, so kids (and parents) can fulfill that lumberjack fantasy and still have time to deck the halls.

You can take in views of the mountains during a scenic visit to one of the nearby New Jersey Christmas tree farms, gulp down a FREE cup of hot cider at another Christmas tree farm in Westchester, or do a little birding at a Connecticut Christmas tree farm situated in an Audubon nature sanctuary. Nearby Long Island is packed with pretty family Christmas tree farms, too. Read on for our top 16 picks for the best Christmas tree farms near New York City for families.

Looking for more holiday day trips or fun ways to celebrate the season? Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Christmas and the Holidays for all our top picks.

Christmas Tree Farms near Philadelphia

Pick up your tree in a wagon at Linvilla Orchards.

"O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!" Find your holiday tree with the loveliest branches at one of the many Christmas tree farms that populate the areas surrounding Philadelphia. We're rich with farmlands and pick-your-own fun, so pack your bungee cords and hop in the car for this holiday day trip. It may even create a new holiday tradition for your Philly family.

Some of these local Pennsylvania farms offer additional family fun, such as crafts, cider and hot cocoa sampling, and other enjoyable (or yummy) treats. Looking for even more fun this season? Check out our Holiday Guide and our Events Calendar for the latest holiday happenings!

Best Things To Do & See in Martin County, Florida with Kids

Martin County, Florida offers many family-friendly adventures, including the chance to see various wildlife. Photo courtesy NPS/Emma Force

Just north of West Palm Beach on the picturesque southeastern side of Florida lies Martin County, nicknamed the Treasure Coast. And what a treasure it is, with clean public beaches, a children's museum, parks, restaurants, and fabulous resorts.

Communities like Stuart, Jensen Beach, and Hobe Sound have plenty of family fun going on, just at a quieter pace than their neighbors to the south, like Boca Raton and Miami. My family lives in the Palm Beach area, and we are frequently hopping in the car to visit Martin County's many attractions.

Here are 18 of our favorite things to do and see in Martin County, Florida, including great places to eat and stay. For more ideas on vacationing in the Sunshine State, check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide.

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Boston

Somerville decorates to the nines with some of the best Christmas light displays and holiday lights in Greater Boston! Photo by Andrew Malone/CC BY 2.0

Some families in Boston create spectacular neighborhood Christmas light displays and holiday lights. Some of us leave the lights (and the glory) to the neighbors. Next time you have a free evening, pack some hot chocolate in a thermos, buckle up the kids, and visit these joyful dwellings. Between the beautiful lights and the charities that many of these families support with their efforts, It's sure to inspire holiday spirit—and maybe some ideas for your own house!

For more Christmas lights around Boston and the 'burbs, see our guide to the Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows. For more ideas for making merry, see our Boston Holiday Fun Guide.

Pages