5 Christmas Tree Delivery Services in NYC that Bring Trees for the Holidays—and Pick Them up After

These Christmas tree delivery services make it easy to deck the halls in NYC.

Shopping for a Christmas tree in New York City can be a lovely family holiday activity. If you plan ahead, a day trip out to a nearby farm with the kids to cut your own tree might well become an evergreen tradition. But tree shopping can also be stressful and messy—especially if you leave it to the last minute. Think crowded, picked-over sidewalk tree displays, sap-covered hands, and aching lower backs from dragging trees home on the subway. Decorating the tree is fun. Putting presents under the tree is fun. Getting the tree, transporting it home, and setting it up? Not so much fun. The holidays whiz by and there won't be time for ice skating or baking if you're too tuckered out from transporting a tree that could have been delivered and set up completely hassle-free.

So whether you're a last-minute procrastinator or just prefer the ease of NYC's everything-can-be-delivered culture, a door-to-door tree delivery service might be just right. We've rounded up five local companies that will deliver that tree right to your door, even on Christmas Eve. Many are sustainable and support local farmers. Most offer add-ons like wreaths and lights, and, best of all, a promise to come back and take it to recycle when the season is over.

Breakfast with Santa in Los Angeles—Plus Holiday Teas with the Nutcracker and Mrs. Claus!

Pick a festive pancake to dine on with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photo courtesy of SkyPark at Santa's Village via Facebook

Share breakfast with Santa and more tasty treats at these spots where kids can dine with the man of the hour.

Santa has a broad face and a round little belly, that shakes when he laughs like a bowl full of jelly, but to keep it that way, Santa needs breakfast. Thankfully, in December, he often takes his sleigh down to SoCal for a breakfast with Santa for all the kiddos on the nice list. Make your little elves' Christmas season all the more magical and eat a meal with the man in the big red suit. Prefer another meal? We've got some seasonal and festive teas with the Nutcracker or Mrs. Claus, too. Many of these dining experiences fill up quickly and require reservations in advance, so plan and book ahead.  

Looking for more opportunities to meet Santa? He can often be found on a Polar Express train and other holiday trains, posing for a Santa picture, and at Christmas tree lighting celebrations. For all the most festive events around town this season, check our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families.

New Ball N’ Bounce Indoor Play Space Bounces into Encino

Kids want to climb the walls? Let them! Just not at your house...

After months of masked, social-distanced toddler playdates, this mother can’t quite articulate how refreshing a multi-family, indoor gathering feels. Especially since it's suddenly oddly chilly in LA! So when I saw that Ball N’ Bounce just opened in the Encino Commons complex on Ventura Boulevard, an indoor playdate is exactly what I planned.

Stepping foot inside the play space, our whole group of kids and adults instantly perked up. The vibrant colors of the interior are joyful, and there are so many things to climb on and experience that my toddler couldn’t wait to start playing. Read on for just what to expect in this new family gem in the San Fernando Valley.

And if you’re in search of other terrific destinations for indoor playdates, check out our review of My Little Paris in San Gabriel, and all our favorite LA indoor playgrounds in our Indoor Fun and Play Spaces Guide for Los Angeles and OC Kids.

25 Funny Thanksgiving Jokes for Kids They'll Gobble Up

These puns and knock knock jokes for kids leave them howling with laughter.

Bring fun to family gatherings with our tried and tested Thanksgiving jokes for kids that will make the whole family laugh and groan this Thanksgiving. When everyone is together for the holidays, it's fun to raise a few smiles and add to the conversation with these corny, fowl howlers. We promise, there's not a turkey in the bunch!

Read on for our favorite Thanksgiving jokes for kids. Once you get through these Thanksgiving jokes, check out our top 40 jokes for kids. Meanwhile, if you're looking for more Thanksgiving fun—from Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities to everything you need to know about the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade—waddle on over to our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families.

Exploring Lake Houston Wilderness Park: 10 Things To Do with Kids

Bridge over Peach Creek in Lake Houston Wilderness Park. Photo courtesy of the author

If you love the outdoors, you’ve probably checked out some of the state parks near Houston, like Lake Livingston or Huntsville. However there is a hidden gem within Houston itself that offers a similar experience. You won’t believe the great features of Lake Houston Wilderness Park for families:

  • Free for kids aged 12 and under and only $3 for adults.
  • Close by – located in the City of Houston boundary near New Caney.
  • Nearly 5,000 acres of forest, 2 lakes, and a creek.
  • Overnight camping in tents, shelters, or cabins.

So grab your backpack and enjoy the great outdoors for the day or the weekend. We provide ten great ideas for family activities in Lake Houston Wilderness Park, as well as details of what to know before you go, nearby attractions, and restaurant ideas.

If this article inspires you to travel further afield, you can check out some of the United States national parks. And to learn more about places to explore in the Houston area, try these 11 Amazing Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails.

City Point Brooklyn and DeKalb Market Hall: Where to Eat, Shop, and Play with Kids

City Point Brooklyn's outpost of CAMP hosts Cosmic Camp, which allows families to tackle an intergalactic adventure. Photo by author

The City Point Brooklyn complex has so much to offer families. It's a dining, shopping, and entertainment destination with offerings for all ages. Parents can appreciate the convenience of Target and Trader Joe’s, while specialty retailers cater to unique interests, and the whole family can enjoy the sleek dine-in movie theater and the vast DeKalb Market Hall, one of our favorite local food halls in NYC, with its delicious offerings from dozens of vendors.

We've rounded up the best things to do with kids at City Point Brooklyn below. You can find even more things to do nearby in our roundup of family-friendly destinations in Fort Green and Clinton Hill.

Best Thanksgiving Movies for Kids and the Whole Family

Jim Henson's Turkey Hollow is a Thanksgiving movie full of cool creatures kids will love. Photo courtesy of the Jim Henson Company and Lifetime Pictures

Watching Thanksgiving movies is part of many families' Thanksgiving traditions, much like watching football or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And gone are the days of having to gobble up Thanksgiving dinner by a certain time to catch whatever special is airing on network TV. With so many streaming platforms, there are a variety of Thanksgiving movies for kids and families to watch at any time.

Whether it's an animated Thanksgiving special, a family-friendly football film, or even a holiday classic to get everyone in a festive mood, here are 20 of the best Thanksgiving movies and specials for kids and families. For even more Thanksgiving fun—including hilarious Thanksgiving jokes and fun Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities—check out our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families.

KPOP the Musical Brings Full-Scale K-pop Concert to Broadway Stage

Go behind the scenes with fictional K-pop stars during KPOP the musical on Broadway. Photo by Matthew Murphy

Editor's note: KPOP the musical plays its final Broadway performance on Sunday, December 11, 2022.
If your kids are fans of K-pop, you won't want to miss seeing KPOP the musical, an original production that's landed on Broadway and our list of the best Broadway shows to see with kids this season. Starring current and former K-pop stars, KPOP the musical is a lively and energetic show that will have you dancing in your seats.

Fresh off a viewing of KPOP the musical with my 12-year-old daughter and her friends, here's what you need to know about bringing your kids to this new Broadway show. Find more great productions for all ages in our Guide to Children's Theater and Shows in NYC.

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