Stuck in a rut bringing your family to the same old places in Philadelphia? Step off the beaten path and discover Philly’s best-kept (and completely free) secrets. From quirky museums to unique non-touristy attractions to awe-inspiring nature spaces, we’ve compiled our favorite free family-friendly spots in Philly that you (probably) didn’t know existed. Avoid crowds — and admission fees! — with these kid-approved hidden gems that reveal the history, culture, and wonder of Philadelphia.

Looking for more free fun? We've got you covered with our Free Activities Guide.

Buckle up for a soaring ride on a zip line through the treetops in New Jersey, or gear up for an outdoor adventure at one of our exhilarating obstacle courses. Swaying bridges, wobbly balance logs, cargo nets, high wires, and rope ladders are among the features at these sky-high ropes courses, along with tree climbers and platforms built right into tree trunks.

Many treetop courses are best for older kids and teens, but some also offer tyke courses closer to the ground.

We've rounded up some of the coolest zip lines and ropes courses in New Jersey, plus a few in Pennsylvania, and added a couple options just over the border in New York, including one year-round pick.

Check out our New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide for more thrills, which includes our rundown of the state's best amusement parks. 

Find fun in each and every season at Bishop's Orchards in CT!

Pen & paper games are great screen free boredom busters that require no money or equipment—just paper and some pens, crayons, or pencils! That makes them both affordable and perfect for when you're on the go. Many pen & paper games are simple enough for kids but lots of fun for adults, too, so the whole family can get in on the fun.

Here are 35 of the best pen & paper games for kids of all ages, including games that require one, two, or multiple players. This list includes math games, word games, logic puzzles, and even classic games we used to play as kids—remember MASH? Our Games & Activities Guide for Kids has even more screen free boredom busters, including our list of the 100 best board games for family game night. Let the fun begin!

The Hudson Valley is a year-round destination for families throughout the tri-state area, and it's no surprise, as there are tons of activities in the Hudson Valley that cater to kids. It boasts natural beauty, delicious food, and wonderful museums, historic sites, theaters, and play spaces.

With events timed for nearly every holiday, and enough attractions to suit any family's interest, the Hudson Valley beckons visitors searching for a family getaway or day trip. Keep reading for our list of the top 50 things to do in the Hudson Valley with kids, which ranges from the obvious (hello, Legoland New York!) to the under-the-radar.

If you're looking to spend more than a day in the region, be sure to peruse our top picks for family-friendly hotels in the Hudson Valley, and find more family-friendly destinations nearby in our Adirondacks, Catskills, and Hudson Valley Guide.

How does a busy mom of three get each of her kids between different schools, afterschool programs, playdates, birthday parties, and all the other things little New Yorkers do? That’s exactly what Upper West Sider Charleen was desperately trying to solve for herself when she teamed up with her friend Martine to start ShuttleCub.

ShuttleCub is a game-changing child transportation solution built by and for NYC families with safety, professionalism, and care at its core. With its thoroughly vetted fleet of transportation companions, parents can pay reasonable rates to have trusted escorts get their children from point A to point B anywhere in Manhattan.

If a family trip to Spain is on your bucket list, it’s totally worth the trek across the Atlantic! From sunny beaches to magical cities, Spain is packed with kid-friendly adventures, delicious food, and culture packed into every plaza.

If traveling abroad feels daunting, read on for our travel tips and itinerary ideas for how to plan a trip to family vacation in Spain.

If you've got a child in public school, you live by the public school calendar. Many local NYC preschools follow the public school schedule, too. The New York City Department of Education's calendar for the 2025-2026 school year is below, and you'll want to bookmark it now for reference—and to help with planning family vacations and school break camp coverage.

Once again, there will be no snow days. Plan on logging your NYC kiddos on for a day of remote learning whenever buildings are closed for snow or other emergencies.