Visiting Central Florida Zoo Like a Local: Top Things To Do and See With Kids

Giraffe got your tongue? Nah, it's just another fun day at the Central Florida Zoo!

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens makes the perfect outing in Orlando for any family. The Central Florida Zoo is located about 20 miles north of Orlando in beautiful Sanford, Florida, on the shores of Lake Monroe. A Central Florida attraction dating back to the 1920s, this small zoo is home to over 350 animals, as well as a splash pad, ropes course, playground, and more. There is something for all ages to enjoy at this Orlando zoo!

Best Baby Stores in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Starry Bird Kids' eco-friendly inventory includes baby gear, wraps, maternity essentials, and more.

Looking for the best baby stores in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for 10 great picks. 

We've found shops located throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley where we’d choose local over big-name chains any day of the week. Shoppers can buy the softest outfits, sweetest room décor, organic teethers, and eco-friendly toys at these stores. And that’s not all: Several of these shops offer educational classes on top of their impressive product selections. Most also have online ordering so that supporting local communities is only a few clicks away. 

Find more local baby tips, like the best baby enrichment classes, in our Westchester Baby Guide for Pregnant and New Parents.

Best Breakfast on Long Island: Top Family-Friendly Restaurants

Get homemade, farm-fresh breakfasts at the Flour Shoppe.

Looking for the best breakfast restaurants on Long Island? Read on for our top picks. 

Many say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why not take it easy and leave the cooking to someone else? The Long Island restaurant scene is full of fun diners and restaurants with extensive morning menus and many kid-friendly options.

Since little ones are often early risers, it’s a no-brainer. Get the family together and check out these family-friendly restaurants that are sure to please.

Find our post on the best Long Island brunch spots and other family-friendly restaurant ideas in our Long Island Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide

Where To Go Maple Sugaring in New Jersey With Kids

Find out how maples are tapped and try a sample of sweet maple sugar at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center. Photo courtesy of the center

Looking for the best places to go maple sugaring in New Jersey? Read on for our guide. 

February is a sweet month in New Jersey. Not only do we have Valentine's Day to look forward to—it's also the start of maple sugaring season. Visitors of all ages flock to New Jersey farms and nature centers to learn about the process of maple sugaring, from tapping the maple trees to boiling the sap into delicious syrup. Some events even offer a sweet taste of the end product.

For even more outdoor winter fun, check out our post on where to play outside in NJ, plus find additional seasonal entertainment in our Winter Fun Guide.

10 Best Florida Beach Vacations for Families

Florida boasts plenty of white-sand beaches with crystal-clear water. Photo courtesy of South Seas Island Resort

There's a reason so many families from the east coast and beyond flock to Florida, especially in winter. The Sunshine State offers year-round warm weather, hundreds of miles of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and plenty of things to do with kids. That means there are so many places for families to take some fabulous Florida beach vacations. Luckily, we have several writers and editors here at Mommy Poppins who are familiar with the state to help you choose the best places for your upcomingIFlorida beach vacations.

From Amelia Island on northern Florida's Atlantic coast to Sanibel Island on the Gulf Coast and all the way down to the Florida Keys, here are the 10 best Florida beach vacations for families. Check out our complete Florida Family Vacation Guide and our list of warm and sunny family vacation spots for even more warm-weather escapes.

Visiting Every Park at Walt Disney World with Kids: A 5-Day Itinerary

Get ready to pack your five-day Disney World itinerary full of fun!

Spending five days at Walt Disney World with kids is a marathon, not a sprint. A Disney vacation that hits all four Orlando parks--Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios--inevitably meets our four Es: exciting, exhausting, entertaining, and Excedrin (or whatever your preferred pain medicine brand). Creating a five day itinerary for Walt Disney World is crucial for getting the biggest bang for your buck and planning is key. Hopefully you're reading this article before your scheduled Disney World trip so you can book in-demand activity and restaurant reservations, but if not, go with the flow—Disney is always a magical place for kids and adults.

This five-day Disney itinerary was created with the idea of visiting all four of the Walt Disney World parks; however, if you or your kids love one or two specific parks, spend multiple days there. Buying and using MagicBands+ (like a Disney smartwatch) make life easier when it comes to attraction entrances, meal payments, etc, plus they light up with different choreographed colors at various parts in the park and during fireworks and evening shows. And if you visit during the warmer months, don't forget about the Disney water parks!

Best Indoor Birthday Party Spots for Kids in Atlanta

Be a star for the day at Dazzle Me Parties!

Indoor birthday party plans are awesome ways to enhance a child's big day. Those in charge of indoor birthday parties in Atlanta can take care of the organization, clean-up, and details of planning a birthday party. And when someone else is running the show, parents can relax and actually enjoy the fun with their kids!

Read on for our full list of indoor party venues in Atlanta, and don't miss these posts on Indoor Playground Spaces for Kids in Atlanta and Atlanta Restaurants with Play Spaces.

Best Breakfast Restaurants in Boston

Get big smiles, full bellies, and and some thumbs up for the best places for breakfast in Boston with kids! Photo courtesy of the North Street Grille

The best places for breakfast in Boston have family-friendly food that kids love. Eggs, French toast, waffles, and donuts—Boston's breakfast spots serve up kids' favorites in a fun atmosphere, and morning menus offer choices for the pickiest palates. Dining out with kids isn’t always an easy proposition, but breakfast or brunch can be a great time to go to a restaurant with the whole family. Kids tend to be less cranky earlier in the day, and mom and dad will be too, after a cup of coffee. And grabbing a yummy breakfast in Boston is a great way to start a day exploring the city. We've included our favorites, from full-service breakfast to diners and donut shops, here are the best places for breakfast in Boston with kids.

It's always fun to find a kd-friendly restaurant with great food. We especially love these Boston area restaurants where kids can play while you eat (and relax) after that day out with the family! Be sure and check out our Boston restaurant guide for the best spots to take kids around the city.

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