Eastern US

Sleep in a Lighthouse and More Hudson Valley Family Resorts

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Thu, 09/15/2016 - 2:30pm

The Hudson Valley is an easy weekend getaway for those in the New York City vicinity. Its proximity makes getting there a breeze, even with a car full of kids.

Once you’ve arrived, natural possibilities abound. In fall, leaf peeping is spectacular and farms are ripe with pick-your-own fruit options and stands selling warm donuts and sweet cider. The Hudson Valley is history heavy, with names such as Roosevelt and Vanderbilt prevailing. Pedestrian-friendly towns such as Hudson, New Paltz, and Saugerties attract hip New Yorkers and their kids like bees to honey. There are a variety of overnight accommodations at a range of prices, from an all-inclusive dude ranch to a stately Grand Dame hotel to a farm stay.

Get packing for a quick getaway to this wide-open region just north of NYC.

25 Things We Are Excited To Do with Philly Kids This Fall

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Thu, 09/08/2016 - 8:23pm

Summer is over, there’s a chill in the air, and the kids have settled into the school year. Before we know it, we’ll be talking holiday shopping and snow days! Until then, there’s plenty of time to take the children to some of the coolest playgrounds, check out the latest museum exhibits, and enjoy everything Philly has to offer.

We've rounded up the top 25 things we're most excited to do with the family this fall. With so many fun activities to squeeze in before the holidays, the days of crisp, autumn air will fly by in a flash!

Dolphins, Plus 30 Other Things To Do in the Florida Keys with Kids

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 09/04/2016 - 2:00am

When talking Florida Keys with kids, it's best to point straight at the dolphin in the room. Swimming with dolphins is without question one of the biggest draws in the Keys for families, and while the experience is not cheap, it is the stuff that bucket lists are made of. I confess that I grew up watching Flipper (I say "confess" because a few of you just worked out how old I am), and I've harbored a secret desire to catch a ride from a dolphin ever since. My kid got to live that dream a whole lot younger than I did when I discovered that Key Largo is barely an hour's drive from Miami and an easy add-on to a Florida vacation. Continuing to Key West adds another three hours along the Overseas Highway, a drive touted as one of the most beautiful in the country, stretching over water for seven straight miles at one point.

100 Things to Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Mon, 08/29/2016 - 4:30pm

We might be biased, but we think New York state has it all for families. From the gorgeous Hamptons beaches to the rugged state forests, serene lakes, and deafening Niagara Falls to the culture and arts found in New York City on up through the river towns and beyond—we feel pretty lucky.

Plus, we’re pretty good at making delicious food items from ramen burgers and bagels to ice cream, and even wine at family-friendly vineyards on Long Island and through the Finger Lakes. There are children’s museums galore. Kids have no shortage of water and theme parks, cool playgrounds, zoos, outdoor art, and nature, of course.

And yet, the thing about childhood is that it’s finite. The kids grow up, maybe move away. Sniff, sniff. We want to soak up every moment. So we put together this list of 100 of our favorite things to do around New York, from upstate and the Adirondacks to Long Island and NYC. We collected suggestions from the many Mommy Poppins contributors, past and former, to fuse it all together just for you (OK, for us, too). Whether you're planning a long-weekend getaway or a family day trip, you're sure to find some ideas here. Enjoy!

25 Things To Do in Provincetown With Kids

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 08/26/2016 - 12:52pm

Cape Cod is a classic summer destination for Boston families, but getting there can mean hours spent in the car. Not so if you head to Provincetown at the very end of the Cape—taking the fast ferry from Boston will have you there in no time. And once you’re back on dry land, there’s so much to do, from beaches and biking to kid-friendly restaurants. Here are our 25 top picks for family activities in P-Town.

20 Things to Do with Kids in Historic Gettysburg, PA

Submitted by Brianna Angelucci on Sat, 08/13/2016 - 12:00pm

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is known for its rich history, and is the site of a turning point in the Civil War. History buffs can get lost for days wandering the battlefields, exploring the town, and immersing themselves in the life of the 1860s in carefully restored homes and museums. But there is more to Gettysburg than just the battlefields. Beautiful open spaces, rolling hills, quaint antique shops, a bustling college town, and fine dining make this an excellent destination for your next family trip. To help you make the most out of your vacation, we've compiled a detailed list of attractions and must-do activities to please everyone in your family.

Experience NYC in True Princess Style at the Lotte New York Palace

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 08/11/2016 - 4:00pm

With a 3-year-old and 7-year-old daughter, princesses long ago took over my home. We've got dress-up clothes, dolls, movies, sing-along-microphones, and multiple tiaras, but never have my girls felt quite as regal as they did on a recent stay at the Lotte New York Palace where we were treated to a truly magical experience as royal guests with the luxury hotel's Palace Princess Package.

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Lotte New York Palace offers a perfect destination for a staycation (as we enjoyed) to celebrate a birthday perhaps or as a treat for out-of-towners looking to make their visit to NYC extra special for a certain princess.

Boston for Visitors: Must-Do Activities for Tourists with Kids

Submitted by Kip Wilson Rechea on Sat, 08/06/2016 - 1:50am

With fantastic things to do from the Cape to Concord, as well as a plethora of highlights right in the center of town, we Bostonians consider ourselves lucky that there's so much in our midst. Although we have a list of 100 things to do with kids in Boston before they grow up, we understand you may not have time for everything on it during a visit. So, we've picked our very favorite things to do—not-to-miss sights, activities, and eats for families visiting Boston. You can certainly fill up a week with the itinerary below, or choose your favorites if you're in town for a shorter stay. Enjoy our fine city!