Every year it seems like Philadelphia gets better and better with more things to see and do for local families and tourists alike. Major initiatives for the city include expanded green space, which often means new opportunities to get out and play. Outdoor events are always a big draw and each year the calendar seems to have more to offer in terms of destinations to experience art and culture. 2018 is no different, in addition to the usual festivals and events that you can look forward to year after year, there are some exciting openings and events that make it a good year to be in Philadelphia.

Prospect Heights is a small Brooklyn neighborhood that's in the middle of all the action. Nestled between Crown Heights, Boerum Hill, and Fort Greene, it's brownstone Brooklyn at its best, with tree-lined streets, eateries galore, and a mix of longtime residents and new transplants. Much like the rest of the borough, the community has seen its fair share of gentrification; however, it remains quite diverse, and is a wonderful place for families to live or visit.

An array of kid-friendly cafes, bars, restaurants and shops line Vanderbilt Avenue, and Washington Avenue is another thriving commercial strip. The southern periphery of Prospect Heights features some of Brooklyn’s most famous landmarks: the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (also covered in our Crown Heights guide), along with the central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library and the northern edge of Prospect Park. Meanwhile, Barclays Center (also covered in our Fort Greene guide) is located in its northwestern corner.

In New Orleans, it's Mardi Gras. In Venice, Italy, it's Carnevale. In Austria they call it Fasching, and in England Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, or just plain old Fat Tuesday. Whatever the name, it's a party; and with its traditions of masks, music, and bling, this party deserves to be shared with kids. We've collected LA's most family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations below, and they're mostly FREE. Let the good times roll!

When you have a 4-year-old jumping bean like I do, the idea of taking him or her to a quiet, please-stay-in-your-seat performance is a little intimidating. But it'll never get better unless we practice, so we headed to Midtown—Times Square, to be exact—to try out a performance of the brand-new The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Jack Ezra Keats. With a runtime of 45 minutes, I was hopeful we could make it through this special series of tales from one of NYC's homegrown literary legends. 

Read on to find out all about the creative and inventive play/musical hybrid perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and even elementary-age kids.

After a long winter, families are eager to get outside with their kids.  While sledding and ice skating are fun, being stuck inside for four months is not, so springtime is always welcome for families with energetic little ones!  So, when you're ready to kick off the snow boots and to lose a few layers of clothes, and get outside in Connecticut, check out a few of our top spring activities in the Hartford area. And for more springtime fun make sure to check out our Mommy Poppins spring fun guide. 

Little explorers, artists, chefs, and sports fanatics will all find adventure at the Garden State Discovery Museum, a South Jersey gem filled with imaginary-play zones that attracts Philly and Jersey families. Where else can kids serve up diner meals, care for sick animals, and dig for dinosaur bones—all under one roof? Throw in original live performances, hands-on arts and crafts, and cultural celebrations from around the world, and this Cherry Hill museum is worth a day trip for families with curious kids to entertain. 

For more NJ museums, check out our list of kid-friendly museums in North Jersey—or for more action, let your crew burn off some serious energy at a mega indoor play space in New Jersey. 

The seasonal perks on Governors Island, long one of our favorite favorite summertime playgrounds, just keep getting better. New in store for summer 2018: Luxury tent camping, or glamping, and an expanded Adventures at Governors Island are two big developments announced by the Trust for Governors Island on Wednesday.

Read on to learn all about the additions coming this summer.

If you have a little thrill-seeker like I do, Dutch Wonderland might be just the right place to go this summer. The quaint, fairy tale-themed amusement park in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country caters toward the small but fearless like my ride-loving toddler.

In spite of the name and location, there isn't much Amish about Dutch Wonderland, aside from a photo opportunity with a horse and buggy statue. If you're in the area for more traditional Amish Country fun, Dutch Wonderland is nearby all of it, so the amusement park makes a great addition for a trip to Dutch Country. With over 35 rides, attractions, and shows, as well as a 15-acre campground right on site, you can easily fill a whole day here with the kids, or even a long weekend. Read on for our review of this theme park. If you're heading to Pennsylvania for a weekend or day trip, also check out our review of Hershey Park. For even more family fun with pint-sized rides, don't miss our round-up of NJ amusement parks that are perfect for preschoolers.