Submitted by Brianna Angelucci on
Recently, I had the opportunity to take my children, ages 11 and 13, to the new Robot Revolution exhibit at the Franklin Institute. This was, hands down, the best and most interactive exhibit I have taken them to, and I would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone with children of any age.
Submitted by Roberta B on
I didn't grow up in Los Angeles; and although I have Latin American family, we are not of the Mexican or Guatemalan variety - meaning I arrived in SoCal knowing next to nothing about Day of the Dead. I've gradually pieced together the whole fascinating cultural and historical puzzle, discovering how many Halloween traditions we actually owe to the Native Americans who were in the city of angels before us, before the Spanish, before Christianity. El Día de los Muertos is a rare opportunity to understand several layers of angeleno culture, while celebrating something that looks a heck of a lot like Halloween.
While LA offers many Day of the Dead celebrations, the most authentic may be the novenarios, the nine nights of revelry leading up to November 2. Many Spanish-speaking countries have novenarios leading up to Christmas, but there is a similar build-up to the Day of the Dead, and here in LA it is most celebrated, not surprisingly, on Olvera Street. I've been curious to check out this traditional celebration for years, but between ghost trains and haunted houses our last week of October has always been booked solid. Not to mention that whole parking downtown thing. This year I finally decided to take the sugar skull by the horns and go see what it's all about. Curious?
Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on
Halloween is fast approaching, and while you're counting down to the big day and enjoying all the fun haunted happenings around town, why not consider adding a multicultural flair into the mix? Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is technically not a Halloween event; however, it falls right around the same time of year and shares many similar customs and themes.
This Mexican tradition may sound somber and spooky, but it’s actually a joyous time of year, meant to honor family and friends who have passed on. Revelers prepare special foods, don colorful outfits, and create alters adorned with flowers, smiling skulls (calaveras) and candles to celebrate lost loved ones. Festivities include dancing, joyful skeletons (calacas), masks, plenty of candy, skulls made out of sugar, and marigolds, the traditional flor de los muertos (flower of the dead). Day of the Dead is observed on November 1 and 2, but events are already taking place. Read on for ways to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Westchester. The best part—all events are FREE.
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Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on
There comes a time in every parent’s life...when you’re afraid you’re going to lose your mind if you don’t get a break.
At first, the idea of leaving your newborn baby might seem impossibly out of the question. But as parenthood rolls on year after year, getting away becomes essential. A lengthy overseas vacation of your pre-kids years might be out of reach, but a quick overnight? Yesssss!
So when your mini-me is driving you up the wall, you feel the need for quiet to collect a thought or two, or you just want to reconnect with your partner, check out these seven destinations for those in the greater New York City metro area. No need to hop on a plane. These trips are all within a 2½-hour drive of Midtown Manhattan, and several are reachable by public transportation. Many offer R&R perks, including in-house spas.
Find more weekend getaways, including those of the family variety, in our travel section, including Hudson Valley resorts for families.
Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on
Where can you find a vintage guitar, the jaw of a shark, and just about every action figure ever made? Elephant's Trunk Country Flea Market in New Milford of course! Tucked in the northwest corner of Connecticut, New Milford is just about as quintessentially New England as it gets, from the town green to the sprawling farmland. Since 1976, they have been the home of Elephant's Trunk Country Flea Market which runs from April to December. What started out small has grown and grown and these days every Sunday is a festival. Before you load up the family and head out, read on for some tips to make your day at Elephant's Trunk the best it can be with little ones in tow.
Submitted by Sona Charaipotra on
Looking for a new take on holiday lights displays this year? Head to Battery Park where The Luminaries once again lights up Brookfield Place in a seasonal art display with a decidedly downtown feel.
A canopy of 650 gorgeous lanterns bathes Brookfield's glass-enclosed, Christmas-spirited Winter Garden in a glow of lights as families and holiday shoppers gather below. Adding an interactive element to the display, kids can control the lights via the installation's multiple Wish Stations—and each interaction equals a donation to the GRAMMY in the Schools music education program.
Submitted by Felissa Allard on
There’s nothing worse than a rainy Halloween. Especially for kids. Who wants soggy candy and running from house-to-house to avoid the raindrops? Plus, princesses and superheroes don’t need raincoats covering up their cute costumes. I know my kids don’t. From safe trick-or-treating to costume parties, Long Island offers a ton of fun activities and alternatives if the weather turns stormy this year. The best part? These events are fun for kids (and adults) even if the weather stays fair.
Submitted by Jennifer Coe on
When you are looking for something to do with your toddler, there are two priorities: that your child will be allowed to touch things and that you don't have to drive too far to get there. There is nap time to think about! Below are twenty-five awesome places to take your little ones before they start Kindergarten. For further reading, don't forget to check out 120 Things to do with Kids Before They Grow
