Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on
From scaling rock walls to zipping down those twirly slides, what kid doesn't love to swing, slide and climb at playground? And, with so many great options right in Fairfield County, we thought we'd zero in on some of our favorites for you to check out with your family. And, be sure to check out our list of Ten top Playgrounds in the Hartford Area.
Submitted by Karlyn on
Long before my kids laid eyes on Pixar movies, they were obsessed with cars. Big ones, little ones, toy ones—as long as they were fast and sleek, they'd want to play with them or, better yet, ride in them.
Growing up as public-transit-taking New Yorkers also means a healthy obsession with trains. So no matter the mode of transportation that piques your kid's interest, we've got a party recommendation for you. We've rounded up seven party places in or near NYC where kids can enjoy car- and train-centric activities, from driving go-karts, calling all aboard on a vintage train, and even slot-car racing. Best of all, there's no driver's license required.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
New Yorkers often bemoan rapid changes to old-school spots such as Coney Island, where recent "upgrades" seem to have wiped away the grit and charm of old Gotham. Anyone who yearns for the New York of yesteryear needs to head directly to Playland in Rye, New York. Somehow, the amusement park in southern Westchester, in operation since 1928, has managed to revitalize itself with modern standards while maintaining the original charm of the last century. It’s among the most underrated gems for summer fun in the area.
Submitted by Petek on
Manhattan's only outdoor amusement park, Victorian Gardens, opens for its 14th season on May 27, 2017. It's one of those annual summer attractions you think all New York City families know about and go to—until you realize a bunch of your friends have never even heard of it.
Victorian Gardens is especially wonderful for younger children, which is why we included it in our roundup of best theme parks for preschoolers (although elementary schoolers should enjoy themselves, too). The rides are contained in a small, enclosed space so you don't have to worry about kids wandering off like at Coney Island, and there's little walking between attractions. Most of the rides are gentle (a few have height requirements), and there aren't any teens rushing through the crowd. Plus, you can't beat the location at Wollman Rink in Central Park, just steps from the zoo, Heckscher Playground and the carousel.
Submitted by Kelly O on
Flushing Meadows Corona Park is already jam-packed with cool kids' attractions like the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Zoo, and a historic carousel. But there's always room for more. Fantasy Forest at the Flushing Meadows Carousel, the only amusement park in Queens, has been a welcome addition to the park since its opening in 2013.
Before you start thinking Fantasy Forest is the next Coney Island, be advised: It's much more modest. In addition to the carousel, there are eight fairly tame rides, best for younger children, as well as a few games. The park has expanded in recent years, adding a Twirling Teacups attraction this spring and Bouncy Baja Buggies last season.
Though not destination worthy, Fantasy Forest is certainly worth a stop during your day out in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, especially if you have preschoolers in tow. Bring a picnic lunch, hang out under the shady trees or plop down on one of the many benches and stay a while.
Submitted by Rachael Cherry on
If there's one thing that I've come to appreciate as a native Houstonian, it's that there is no shortage of rich and varied cultural experiences waiting around every corner. One solid example of this is the Sam Houston Boat Tour, which takes passengers on a FREE 90-minute guided tour of the Houston Ship Channel. I took this tour several years ago with my husband and parents and was eager to take my transportation-obsessed son when the opportunity arose.
Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on
A water park is hard to beat on a hot summer day. With summer's heat on the horizon, I'm re-living the fun my family had at SplashDown Beach in Fishkill, New York last summer. We hardly noticed the blazing temperatures as we coasted along the lazy river and enjoyed the waterslides and other thrill rides. Dubbed "America's Biggest Little Water Park," this Hudson Valley park, about 90 minutes north of NYC, offers all the fun of its larger counterparts, with a solid family-friendly vibe, attentive staff, and fun rides for all ages. There's a reason we included SplashDown in our roundup of best water parks for toddlers, but really the fun extends to big kids, teens, and parents, too.
Don't forget to check out the Mommy Poppins Theme and Water Park Guide for more amusement park fun—and waterslides.
Submitted by Dana Zepeda on
Easter, Valentine's Day, heck, why not Flag Day? Any holiday, birthday, or random down-in-the-dumps day can provide an excellent excuse for a sugary treat. Orange County offers plenty of places to satisfy a sweet tooth, and we were brave enough to take on the task of sampling and sharing some of our favorites. From unicorn hot chocolate to gourmet cookie shots to zombie-themed donuts, there's always some new and exciting way to indulge in decadent treats. Here are five of OC's hottest—or coolest.
