55 Fun Things To Do around Miami with Kids Before They Grow Up

Get up-close with crocodiles at Zoo Miami. Photo by Ron Magill for Zoo Miami

Whether you're raising your kids in Florida or just bringing them here for a great family vacation, Miami (and the rest of Southern Florida) has plenty of kid-pleasing things to do. Snowbirds might not realize it, but there there is so much more to do in Miami with kids than just the beach. Miami Dade families enjoy outdoor activities all year round, from boating and pools to splash pads and parks—but there are also top-notch museums, animal encounters, great sports teams, and farms. And don't forget about Miami's proximity to the Everglades.

Read on for our favorite things to do around Miami, Florida with kids, including top-recommended family-friendly Miami restaurants and kid-friendly Miami hotels (for fledgling snowbirds).

Dual Immersion and Bilingual Preschools in Orlando

At Parke House Academy, students study and discover the Spanish language. Photo courtesy of the Academy

Orlando families looking to develop strong language skills in young kids can choose to enroll in dual immersion and bilingual preschool programs. Between the ages of three and five, a child's vocabulary grows rapidly, making preschool kids extremely receptive to learning new languages. Research suggests that the long-term benefits for kids that learn a second language in these bilingual preschools and dual immersion programs are numerous, including higher scores on standardized tests, advanced reading skills, and greater opportunities for college and the work force.

We've rounded up a list of Orlando preschools that offer dual immersion and bilingual school programs, with languages like Spanish, Chinese, French, and more.

100 Things To Do in San Francisco With Kids Before They Grow Up

The Bay Area Discovery Museum has the most stunning view of any kids' museum. Ever.  Photo courtesy of the Museum

Kids born here will leave their hearts in San Francisco, the Golden Gate city, the City by the Bay, no matter where the world takes them. But they’ll take with them a million memories of growing up here: of the crooked streets, cable cars, bridges, boats, and tons more unique and amazing things to do in San Francisco with kids. Sure, you've visited Alcatraz and seen a Giants game. But whether you’ve lived here all your life, just moved to town, or are visiting for the weekend, there are sure to be a few of these 100 not-to-be-missed, family-fun outings that you have yet to do.

Check out our list of 100 things to do in San Francisco with Kids, and be sure to let us know if we’ve missed anything! If you’re looking for more things to do in the Bay Area this weekend, or anytime, be sure to check out our picks for this weekend, and our loaded San Francisco calendar of events.

Best Consignment Shops in Connecticut: Where To Find Gently Used Clothing for Kids

Connecticut consignment shops buy and sell a vast selection of gently used clothing and more. Photo courtesy of Around the Rosy.

The best consignment shops in Connecticut let parents save and make money. Kids are always growing, as are their clothing and shoe sizes. Keeping up can pose a challenge and someties strain a budget. Connecticut's consignment shops can meet your family's needs with amazing selections and discount prices. Beyond clothing, many of these stores have toys, gear, furniture, and more. Consignment shops in Connecticut are great options to save money with gently used clothing for kids—and parents! In addition, consignment stores buy quality goods, letting parents earn back some money with those barely used items. Finally, consignment shops give customers a new meaning to sustainability by purchasing and selling items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Whether you're buying, selling, or both, here is our list for best consignment shops in Connecticut.

For more great ways to stretch the family budget, check out our guide to Fun Free Things To Do for Connecticut Kids. And keep an eye on our Events Calendar for the latest activities, fairs, and seasonal markets around Connecticut!

Amsterdam with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam is famous for its flowers and canals. Photo courtesy of i amsterdam

With its placid canals, narrow cobblestone streets, and diminutive canal houses, Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It also holds a special place in my heart, as I lived there throughout my twenties. But during a recent family trip to Amsterdam with my wife and 8-year-old daughter, I was also pleasantly surprised to discover how easy it is to experience Amsterdam with kids. Playgrounds are plentiful, restaurants are welcoming (national dishes include pancakes and French fries), and museums are geared towards children. Plus, every Dutch person learns English at a young age, so language isn't a barrier.

Here are 30 of the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids, including great Amsterdam hotels for families and the best restaurants in Amsterdam for kids. Discover more family travel destinations in our European Travel Guide for Families, which features other kid-friendly cities in Europe such as London and Paris.

13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston

Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School

Looking for a great preschool in Houston? Here are some of our favorite Montessori preschools near Houston.

Founded by Italian educator and physician Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, the Montessori method is an educational approach that allows children to learn naturally and at their own pace through play. Independence is encouraged, even at a preschool level, so classrooms in Montessori schools are often scaled to size so that even small children can do things for themselves. These little ones are given free range of the space to learn through exploration as they participate in age-appropriate activities to develop self-discipline, responsibility, confidence, and a love of learning - as well as the ability to succeed academically. 

When looking for preschools in Houston, many parents look for Montessori preschools because of the individualized focus on independence, play, and natural learning. We've rounded up 13 Montessori preschools near Houston to help you narrow down your search. Read on to learn about what these programs have to offer, and then browse the Houston Preschools Guide to find the perfect fit for your family. 

8 Top Dual Language Preschools Near Chicago

Photo courtesy of the Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center

If you’re interested in exploring the many benefits of a dual-language preschool in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place. Preschools in Chicago featuring dual language programs provide a curriculum that is either partly or completely immersed in a second language. The goal is to help students reach developmental, literacy, and language milestones in two languages. We’ve rounded up some great preschools in Chicago as well as the nearby suburbs. Some schools on this list continue through elementary school as well. 

For more preschools in Chicago, check out our list of Top Montessori Preschools in Chicago.

Visiting the Getty Villa with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Explore the herb garden at the Getty Villa in Malibu.

The Getty Villa in Malibu is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole greater Los Angeles area. The Villa is a re-creation of a Roman country house—and the original home of the Getty Museum, which has since moved to its tram-accessible perch above the 405. It's filled with a spectacular collection of ancient art and statues, spilling into gorgeous gardens, and is located right by the ocean for incredible views that make you think you've been magically transported to the middle of the Mediterranean.

If all of this makes it sound like a grown-ups-only space, that's not the case at all. With room to run and smell the herbs, fruits, and veggies growing in the garden; a magical pool to linger by; 3D art to entertain; a Percy Jackson-inspired self-guided tour; and so much more, this is one of my kids' favorite museums in town. Armed with these tips and tricks for when to visit, what to see, and even what to eat, the Getty Villa will quickly become your family's favorite local destination, too.

For guides to other favorite museums for kids in the LA area, including Kidspace in Pasadena and Pretend City in Irvine, check out our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County.

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