Submitted by Jana Free on
It can be hot anytime in Los Angeles, so it's a good thing we have year-round options for splash pads, swimming pools, and beaches. There is always somewhere to beat the heat in LA. The following 10 places offer much needed water activities at any time of year.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Visiting Ground Zero with your kids is a deeply personal decision. Even if your family hasn't already talked about the terrible events of September 11, 2001, many children will learn about the attack on the city at school, from friends, or via the annual coverage of the anniversary. Whether you're breaking the news yourself, or your kids bring questions to you, a visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum might help provide some context and meaning.
You're probably aware that this isn't your typical kid-centric museum, and children may only be able to handle a small part of the exhibit without feeling emotional. So, whether your kid is a native New Yorker or you're just visiting, here are our parent-tested tips for your visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Submitted by Louise Finnell on
When the weather is fine, there are few things New Yorkers like better than a day outside with the family. Although NYC has incredible parks and playgrounds to explore, sometimes it's worth taking a day trip outside the city limits.
So pack a cooler and a picnic blanket and find your new favorite kid-friendly hiking destination among this list that takes you to the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, Long Island, and even some memorable parks within the five boroughs. Each of these hikes has something special to offer, and best of all, they are kid-tested and kid-approved!
Submitted by Donald Eng on
Are you burned out on harvest fairs? Neither are we! If you want to head out for a day at the fair, we've got you covered, with rides, games, food, farm animals and more in North Haven, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Ledyard. This weekend is loaded with other fall festivals of the non-agrarian variety, too, including the annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival, highlighted this year by a free concert featuring former Bad Company frontman Brian Howe. Or, head to Lebanon as pirates invade the annual Connecticut Renaissance Faire. Little foodies will want to head to Morris to savor fine treats and baked goods (you can enjoy the wine and craft beers) of Litchfield County.
Of course, it's finally time for ripe, juicy apples. These Connecticut apple picking spots are our local favorites for families!
For the latest and best family-friendly goings on around the state, keep checking our frequently updated events calendar and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Have a great weekend!
Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on
It's the first full weekend of September, and there's So. Much. To. Do. in Chicagoland, most of it FREE. Banish the back-to-school blues with this weekend's packed lineup of festivals, art fairs, and neighborhood block parties.
The 79th Street Renaissance Festival is a beloved back-to-school tradition in Chicago—no doublets or jousting here, but plenty of live music, food, and South Side love. And that's just one of the big block parties this weekend: You'll also find kid-friendly fun at Elmhurst's Rock the Block Party, Barrie Fest in Oak Park, the Prairie District Festival, and the awesomely old-school Winfield Good Old Days festival.
Family-friendly art fairs this weekend include the Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival with a kids' booth hosted by the YMCA, the West End Arts Festival in LaGrange with jazz, local food, and art activities, the huge Renegade Craft Fair in Wicker Park, and Frida Fest on Sunday at the College of DuPage, celebrating the famous painter's life and works.
Cultural celebrations also take to Chicago's streets this weekend with the Ukrainian Village Festival on Saturday, the Fiesta Latina in Berwyn, and the Eid Al-Adha Fest all weekend at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. And Oktoberfest season kicks off this weekend with oompah-and-bratwurst-fueled fun in Tinley Park and Oak Park.
If you still have room after all that schnitzel, the Forest Park Ribfest promises to be a belly-buster, and Oak Park's Great Food Truck Rally is a tasty change of pace from cooking at home. Active kids will love running off the extra treats at the Brookfield Zoo Run Run or the BBQ Bolt in Downers Grove, or digging in to help plant trees on Grandparents' Day Sunday in Glen Ellyn.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg—there's also trucks, a circus, birdhouses, and Moana, among other assorted activities. See below for even more weekend picks, and keep an eye on our bursting-at-the-seams event calendar.
Submitted by Kimberly Chacon on
Does your daughter dream of being a princess or pop star for a day? When planning birthday parties, Long Island parents have a variety of choices to make a little girl's dreams come true. So we've rounded up a list of birthday party venues that offer everything a little girl can imagine.
We realize that from the cake, to the theme, to the decor, there are lots of decisions to make. Many times, it all begins with finding the right party package for the birthday child. So read on.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Anyone who's raised kids in New York City knows what a hustle it is to get them into a good school, and the process only gets more complicated as they grow.
The city is hoping a significant change to the middle and high school admissions process will make it a little easier. Gone are the Round 2 applications, instead replaced by a waitlist system DOE officials claim will make the process shorter, easier, and more transparent. Read on for the details, and how this may affect your child's middle school and high school application process.
Submitted by Susan Miele on
While the transition from summer to fall has its share of sadness, we’re here to tell you not to pout just yet! With so much to do in fall and generally more comfortable temps, we encourage you to turn your weekend attention to the numerous destinations in our area that make for lovely fall day trips from Westchester.
Below we’ve listed more than a dozen worthy drives (or train rides) that will transport you to fall fun. Many of these follow along the Hudson River, as savoring the gorgeous fall foliage for which the area is well known creates a showcase backdrop. We’ve also paired these destinations with family events, like fall festivals, so you might time your visit to coincide. And stay tuned for all the Halloween fun that’s heading our way!
