My kids and I recently spent an afternoon at The Florida Mall, and it quickly reminded me why this spot remains a favorite for Orlando families. Between hands-on attractions, interactive stores, and delicious treat stops, the mall hits that sweet spot of "getting things done" while keeping kids genuinely entertained.

Visiting in December adds an extra layer of sparkle, with holiday décor, festive photo ops, and Santa sightings, creating an easy, low-stress way to celebrate the season without the theme park crowds. But even outside the holidays, The Florida Mall is packed with family-friendly experiences year-round. Whether you’re escaping the heat, avoiding a rainy afternoon, shopping for back-to-school essentials, or squeezing in fun between theme parks, The Florida Mall delivers plenty of entertainment for kids of all ages.

New Jersey is brimming with unusual—even downright weird—holiday events and experiences, and we are here for it. From the edgy holiday punk-rock flea market to the world’s largest model train exhibit, and a scuba diving Santa, we rounded up 12 offbeat and creative ways to enjoy the holidays with your family in New Jersey.

Find more seasonal fun in our New Jersey Kids' Guide to Christmas and the Holidays, where we've got curated lists of fun, FREE holiday activities, drive-through holiday light shows in New Jersey, and many more seasonal must-do's.

There is nowhere in the DC area that has more Christmas in one place than Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor. From the annual ICE! event to visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus to over-the-top lights and decorations, there are activities to suit all ages. You'll truly feel like you've stepped into a holiday movie.

My family has come to experience Christmas at Gaylord National nearly every year since moving to the DC area 11 years ago, and it only seems to get more magical each year. One year we even stayed overnight to ensure we'd get to do everything!

This year, only my 11-year-old daughter was able to attend with us. Read on to learn all about our 2025 visit to Christmas at Gaylord National, all the holiday activities the resort is offering, and my tips and tricks for getting the most out of your experience. Then check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids for more holiday fun!

When you think of LA, it most likely conjures images of sunshine, palm trees, and Hollywood. But did you know there are dozens of amazing family-friendly holiday activities in Los Angeles? As your resident Los Angeles mom of four (ages 2 - 9), I've tried them all and curated a list of the best and most unique holiday activities in LA.

We're not talking your average overpriced light display or kitschy Santa experience. We're talking genuine, quality fun that the kids will talk about for years to come. So skip out on the mall Santas and pass on Candy Cane Lane (it's become too commercialized for my taste, and the parking is a nightmare); this list of unique Christmas events for kids in LA will set you up for the best December ever. 

Don't let the cold stop you: We've got indoor, outdoor, and at-home picks for winter fun.

Find holiday magic at these CT spots where Hallmark movies were filmed!

If you’re looking for something to do this holiday season beyond the usual outdoor markets and light shows, look no further. In this guide, we highlight eight offbeat holiday activities in the Westchester and Hudson Valley area, from performing arts to Legos!

Take a look at our Guide to Holiday and Christmas to get the most out of this holiday season.

Looking for something out of the ordinary to add to your list of holiday must-dos? Long Island is full of traditional holiday fare like light shows and decorated neighborhoods, but maybe you're looking for something a bit more off the beaten path. If so, we've rounded up Long Island's most unusual and underrated holiday events that Long Island families won't want to miss. 

Take a look at our Guide to Holiday and Christmas to get the most out of this holiday season.