Poconos with Kids: 50 Best Things To Do on a Poconos PA Family Vacation

Submitted by Anna Fader on

If you grew up in the NYC region, your impression of Pennsylvania's Poconos may come primarily from the commercials for "Beautiful Mount Airy Lodge" with its heart-shaped hot tubs and, therefore, may think of the area as a cheesy vacation spot with strip malls and go-kart tracks. If so, it's time to update your view.

Just two hours from NYC or Philadelphia, the Poconos offer pristine natural beauty mixed with enough family friendly activities to fill a weekend getaway or an entire summer vacation. Truly a four season resort area, during the winter people flock to the region for skiing and other winter sports, and the cool lake-dotted mountains draw families for swimming, hiking, boating, horseback riding and more in the summer.

My family has been to the Poconos a few times, but this summer we visited the area for several weeks, checking out as many activities as we could to create our Poconos Family Vacation Guide and compile this list of the best 50 things to do with kids in the Poconos.

Since it's a fairly large region I've separated the list by area to make it easier to find what's near you if you're only there for a weekend. For a longer stay, it's definitely worth exploring all the great attractions across the Poconos.

A Far Cry: A Fun Introduction to Classical Music for Boston Families

Submitted by Rachel Becker on

If you frequent Jamaica Plain, you already know about the many awesome places to make music with your kids. But you might not know that Jamaica Plain is also home to one of the most unique and critically acclaimed up-and-coming chamber music groups in the country, the conductor-less string orchestra, A Far Cry.  This group -- they call themselves Criers -- invites a new generation of young people to embrace classical music by making their concerts participatory, varied, and inexpensive. And they have afternoon recitals, perfect for the younger, post-nap set.

Scarsdale with Kids: 25 Things to Do for Westchester Families

Submitted by Judith Frost on

Scarsdale’s first population count in 1790 was a whopping 281 inhabitants. The town now has nearly 18,000 residents and with its close proximity to New York City (30 minute express train ride to Grand Central), excellent public school system, several parks and pools plus family friendly restaurants, shops and events, the town continues to attract a perpetual stream of new families from Manhattan and beyond. 

In November we'll be focusing on everything Scarsdale has to offer families, including our favorite places to eat, play and shop. Read on for our top things to do in Scarsdale with kids! 

Southeastern CT Indoor Play Place: Stay and Play, Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Submitted by Sherry Pardy on

STAY & PLAY IS NO LONGER OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

Imagine a local spot that is chock-a-block full of giant playscapes, ball pits, riding toys, ropes, slides, games, offers nutritious, organic snacks for both kids and adults, serves fair-trade coffee, caters to kids ages birth to 12, AND offers free Wi-Fi.  And, imagine this same facility holds a wide array of classes and space for birthday parties.  Surely, if such a perfect place existed, they'd include special events for our special needs kiddos, too. Consider your wish come true. Here's an indoor play space in Eastern CT that you'll want to check out. Welcome to Stay and Play in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

This Week: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Viewing Tips, Holiday Volunteering with Kids, Amazing Canstruction Pics, Thanksgiving Crafts

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

Thanksgiving and the overall holiday season were the hot topics across all of our sites this week. We shared what's new at this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; posted cool Thanksgiving crafts; highlighted holiday vacation deals on our Travel site; and rounded up kid-friendly holiday volunteering opportunities in NYC, Westchester and New Jersey.

Speaking of ways families can give back this season and have fun, on Election Day my daughter and I went to the annual Canstruction exhibit at Brookfield Place and took the awesome photos above. All of the structures are made from full cans of food, which will be donated to City Harvest later this month. Go gawk at the amazing works and bring cans of food to give to the charity, too. Another cool way to help local families in need? Attend our Mommy Poppins Holiday Photo Event on Saturday, November 16. Not only will you get crafts, storytime and awesome pics of your kids with Santa or against a seasonal background, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Food Bank For New York City. Book your session today.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

Long Island Kids' Activities Veteran's Day Weekend November 9-11: Be A Cowgirl For A Day, Celebrate Superman, Brady Rymer Show

Submitted by Jill Wolfson on

This weekend, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on the East End. Hop aboard a research vessel and go on a bird watching cruise along Shinnecock Bay. Learn about stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in Bridgehampton. Be a cowgirl for a day and create a dance theater piece at Guild Hall. Celebrate the anniversary of the Parish Art Museum's new location. Also on tap: Brady Rymer live in concert at Buckley Day Camp, and Celebrate Superman’s 75th Anniversary at the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center. As always, check our events calendar every day for fun activities for the family.

Fun Things to Do Veteran's Day Weekend with Westchester Kids: Scavenger Hunts, Nature, Pajamas & More, Nov. 9-11

Submitted by Jill Muller on

Kids everywhere are thrilled about the long weekend ahead. And while its easy for little ones to lose sight of WHY they have Monday off, it’s a great time to help teach our children about freedom and the people responsible for that freedom. So while you’re out and about relaxing and enjoying your family this weekend, remember that we are able to do so because of the sacrifices of our Veterans and their families. 

If your family loves nature, visit the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum on Saturday and Meet a Live Owl or head to Westmoreland Sanctuary where your little ones can build a simple bird feeder. On Sunday join the Greenburgh Nature Center for the Turkey Scavenger Hunt. 

During this month of thankfulness, teach your children about giving to others at Pajama JAM to benefit The Pajama Program at Groove Performing Arts. Also check out craft ideas for creative ways to inspire kids to give thanks. 

Monday is Veteran’s Day so most libraries will be closed, however if your tot just won't do without a storytime, The Voracious Reader in Larchmont, Barnes & Noble in White Plains and the Greenburgh Nature Center will all be hosting their weekly storytimes.

Throughout the weekend stop by the Hudson River Museum where children can design a subway, an airport or a highway. This is also the last weekend to experience The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. 

Read on for top weekend picks. If you see something interesting, click through to the event listing to view full details. Looking for more options? Be sure to check our Event Calendar for more fun happening this weekend and beyond. Want to stay connected? Sign up for our free newsletter, delivered right to your inbox! 

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