| Page 219 | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

17 Things To Do in Garden City, New York with Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Mon, 11/13/2023 - 7:24am

Garden City's quaint downtown makes for a great stroll with kids. Photo courtesy of the Village of Garden City

Garden City is one of Long Island's most desirable communities, with tree-lined streets, a vibrant downtown, highly-rated schools, and plenty of green space. Take a stroll down historic Seventh Street, which plays host to family-friendly events all year round; spend the day learning on Museum Row; or shop till you drop at the area’s largest shopping mall, Roosevelt Field.

It’s no wonder so many families enjoy living and visiting this village. We've rounded up the top things to do on a visit to Garden City with kids.

Be sure to check out our posts on the best parks in Nassau County for kids and the best indoor play spaces in Nassau County for more great activity ideas in the area.

Breakfast with Santa and Pictures with Santa Claus in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 11/12/2023 - 7:00pm

Make lasting holiday memories through a visit with St. Nick! Photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards

The 2023 holiday season is upon us and Santa events for Connecticut families—like breakfasts with Santa and photos with Santa—are happening all over the state. The man in red is busy this time of year, but not too busy to make the rounds of breakfasts, festivals and nature spots. Maybe you can catch sight of him arriving on a tugboat or on a short train ride. Santa loves pancakes and sometimes he likes to indulge in a donut (or three). He also loves farm animals as much as your kids do!

Tip: Book seats for your little elves now, because some of these events with Santa fill up fast! Check to see if photo opportunities require pre-registration, as many of them do. For other Santa sightings around Connecticut, check out our favorite New England holiday activities. And go for a holiday drive through one of the Best Holiday Light Drive-Thru Displays.

Breakfast with Santa in Boston: Christmas Breakfasts and Brunches with Santa

Submitted by Lucie T on Sun, 11/12/2023 - 6:46pm

Kids share their Christmas wishes, while parents grab more coffee, at breakfast with Santa in Boston! Breakfast with Santa at The VERVE Hotel, photo courtesy of the hotel

A breakfast with Santa in Boston is sure to make this Christmas special! One of kids's favorite holiday experiences is meeting Santa and telling him their Christmas wishes. Make the tradition even better with a breakfast or brunch with the big guy in red. At these events, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious holiday meal, spend some extra time with Mr. or Mrs. Claus, and participate in other seasonal activities. Bring your camera to capture all of the festive fun, and make your reservation early—spots at some of these events go quick!

For more special opportunities for kids to meet Santa, see our picks for Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides.

Breakfast with Santa in Chicago

Submitted by Jessica Stautberg on Sun, 11/12/2023 - 12:42pm

Santa breakfasts in Chicago offer more than just pancakes —you usually get a Santa picture and a visit as well. We have a list of breakfasts with Santa in Chicago, as well as brunches and other activities at a variety of venues, like Drury Lane Theater, Pinstripes Brunch with Santa, and even a Galactic Santa Breakfast at Camp Big Timber Ridge.

Most of these activities will offer photo ops, but you can also snag a picture with Santa at one of these events. We have ensured that as of publication time, all of these events have seats available, and we've tried to list events with more than just a handful of spots left. But register fast! These won't be around forever.

Breakfast with Santa in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 11/12/2023 - 12:31pm

Warm up with Alstede Farms' delicious farm-to-table brunch with Santa. Photo courtesy of the farm

Breakfast with Santa on one of his visits to New Jersey is a great way for your kids to spend quality time with "the big guy." At these events, kids enjoy delicious food and share holiday wish lists with St. Nick.

And, of course, there will be time for some adorable photos. Read on for our roundup of where to have breakfast with Santa in New Jersey this holiday season.

Want more time with Santa? Book your ticket on a Christmas train ride, and find more seasonal activities in our Holiday Fun Guide.

Breakfast with Santa in NYC

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Sun, 11/12/2023 - 12:28pm

Share a special holiday experience with your child at American Girl New York's Santa brunch. Photo courtesy of American Girl

Breakfast with Santa–or a tasty Santa brunch–might be in order if your child wants a hearty visit with the big red guy. We've found the best spots for families to enjoy a special holiday meal with Santa Claus in New York City, ranging from the extravagant Radio City Breakfast Spectacular to a lavish breakfast with Santa at Macy's, sweet treats during Santa brunch at American Girl New York, and free fare at Empire Outlets on Staten Island. You can even hop on a cruise with Santa!

Keep in mind that all of these breakfasts with Santa in NYC require reservations and sell out quickly. No matter which one you choose, bring your camera—and your appetite. Be sure to bookmark this page, as we'll be adding more breakfast with Santa options as we find them. You'll find all our seasonal picks for family fun in our Holiday Guide for New York City Families.

What's Open on Thanksgiving in Los Angeles? Places Open for Family Fun

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 11/12/2023 - 12:05pm

Stroll through vibrant foliage and gardens. Photo courtesy of Descanso Gardens

Thanksgiving might be known as the holiday where you eat food and watch football all day, but there's much more to do on this holiday in Los Angeles than you might think. Sometimes, you need a change of scenery or a break from the relatives, so knowing what's open on Thanksgiving in LA for family fun is invaluable—for clearing the house to prepare the meal and for walking it off afterward.

Stuff your Thanksgiving with much more than just food. You could spend the whole holiday out and about in Los Angeles by going to one of the places below that you may not have realized welcome visitors, and by eating at one of the many restaurants in LA open on Thanksgiving.

Gobble up more holiday goodness with Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities for kids, and see where to kick off the Christmas festivities with the best neighborhood holiday lights in Los Angeles. For more holiday happenings, check out our Events Calendar and peruse our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Miami & South Florida

Submitted by Lindsey Scannell on Sun, 11/12/2023 - 11:28am

Line up along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk and watch lighted floats and vehicles entertain families during the Candy Cane Parade. Photo courtesy of City of Hollywood Florida Government

During the winter months, there is a timeless joy in piling into the family car to enjoy Christmas light shows and holiday lights drive-thrus. We've rounded up the best of South Florida's Christmas lights, drive-thru light shows, boat parades, and legendary holiday light displays. From the annual holiday tradition at Zoo Lights Miami to boat parades like the Holiday Boat Parade in Boynton Beach, we can help point your family car toward the brightest, most sparkling Christmas lights displays in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach!