Get out of the house this winter and discover three amazing winter getaway destinations
Staycations are great, but being away is sometimes just what we need. Kids dig hotel stays for the chance to sprint down long hallways and jump like monkeys on the bed. Parents love vacation for the squad-bonding opportunity, replacing the same ole for a new scene and having someone else make the bed for a change. Find great winter destinations that allow for time in the great outdoors and lots of memory-making.
Buckle the kids in for a drive 145 miles north of Chicago to the city best known as home to the Kohler company, recognized for its high-quality faucets and bathroom products. But you don’t need to come for the potty talk, folks. Sit back and enjoy all this town has to offer.
For a romantic couples getaway or girlfriends' retreat to the spa, the five-star The American Club and the contemporary The Carriage House guest rooms are your go-to spots. The adults-only atmosphere provides a nice break from any school-year chaos and you and your travel mates will be treated to complimentary yoga, indoor cycling, a Himalayan salt stone lamp, Peloton stationary bikes are provided in select suites and a Wellness Concierge helps to maximize your time and experience.
Families will be more comfortable in the private cabins with gorgeous views, or at the Inn on Woodlake, which features boutique-style guest rooms as well as multi-bedroom suites. They even have a limited number of dog-friendly rooms, so the family pet can tag along.
Kids stay happily entertained with oodles of family activities that include zombie dodgeball, TopGolf swing simulator, indoor tennis lessons, ice skating, hiking, snowshoeing, sledding, and fat tire biking. If you're in need of time in the kid-free zone, register for the Saturday evening Kidz Dinner and Movie. Kids will enjoy a night of food, movies, and games, while you dine, explore the onsite spa or just catch some much-needed zzz’s. As a bonus, when receiving services at the spa, you can utilize the childcare for at Kids Core at the Sports Core Health & Racquet Club just minutes away.
Add a little culture to your itinerary and visit the John Michael Kohler Arts Center located just five minutes away. With the Art Center's help, stay outside, by taking The Sheboygan Project Walking Tour, which brings the street art movement to Sheboygan. The urban landscape and available wall space is the canvas for works that reflect the city's people and culture.
Peace. Quiet. Relaxation. You might have forgotten the meaning of the words, but you’ll quickly recall them at the French Lick Resort in this quiet town snuggled aside a sulfur spring in the southern Indiana woodlands.
This sprawling getaway spot is known for KidsFest, an indoor-outdoor area dedicated to little travelers. Activities include bike rentals, bowling, an arcade, arts and crafts projects, cooking classes, horseback riding, and video games. There’s also an indoor pool, footgolf, horse-drawn carriage rides, and several family-friendly restaurants onsite.
If you find yourself with kid-free time and can resist the urge to nap, bathe in the rejuvenating mineral springs, leave your stress at the spa, shop the Promenade or play the odds at the casino.
You can easily spend days without leaving the hotel, but it’s worth exploring the area. Nearby Hoosier National Forest has miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails; Patoka Lake is a pretty place for anglers-in-training to cast a rod; and Morengo Cave is full of gems that you can mine for and take home.
For western-style fun, check out a working cattle ranch and go ziplining, ATV-riding, see a drive-thru lights show, and experience a Drive-Thru Safari Park to see more than 40 species of animals at Wilstem Ranch. Even if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can put on your swimsuit and dive into 40,000 square feet of slides, drops, lazy rivers, and wave pools at Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park.
This getaway spot has a history that is 130 years rich and is situated in tranquil woods 90 miles northwest of Chicago in Delavan, Wisconsin. Evidence of the land’s Native American beginnings can be seen in the property’s 40 remaining effigy mounds, the largest collection in southern Wisconsin. It was also once the longtime headquarters of the largest traveling circus of its day, Mabie Brothers US Olympic Circus.
A great time to plan a Lake Lawn Resort adventure is in the winter for all of their winter fun activities. Take the kids sledding down the Rudy Lange Sledding Hill or go explore a historic site or museum and learn something new.
No matter when you make your way north, there are plenty of activities to keep this vacation from heading south. With four restaurants (ranging from fine dining to classic bar and grill), an arcade to display your Dance Dance Revolution prowess, and a spa to massage any twerking injuries, you never need to leave. Go for a swim in the heated indoor pool, make a craft in the Kids Zone, or go cross-country skiing, ice skating, or snowshoeing.
You could easily hole the family up in the resort and never leave, but The Dancing Horses Theatre located nearby is worth venturing away from the cozy fire. Trainers treat guests to a parade of equestrian showmanship, followed by the mischievous antics of an exotic bird show that will leave the kids in a fit of giggles.
Nearby Lake Geneva hosts the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition during the village’s annual Winterfest, Feb. 1-5. Festival-goers are treated to the intrigue of snow sculpting as well as music, helicopter rides, laser tag, s'mores, bonfires, and dog sled races.
Bring the kids to these Boston events to learn about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King have a history in Boston. After all, it’s where they met. And many know King considered Boston his second home. So it only makes sense that the city host so many meaningful ways for families to celebrate and remember the legacy of the prominent Civil Rights activist and leader. What events are we most looking forward to this year? It’s gotta be the unveiling of The Embrace as it’s added to the list of artwork honoring Black history in the city. But that’s just one of many family-friendly Boston MLK Day events happening around January 16. Take your pick of concerts, volunteer opportunities, and more as you make your plans. It’s time to turn your day off into a day on.
Free Events on MLK Day in Boston
Pretend City Graphic
1. The Boston Common is where folks will gather to watch the unveiling of The Embrace. The memorial, designed by conceptual artist, Hank Willis Thomas, commemorates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, who met in Boston. Watch the action on the large screens near the Parkman Bandstand or from home on NBC10 Boston (it'll be livestreamed). There will be a DJ and refreshments served. Jan. 13, 10 a.m. Event details.
2. Bring the kids to experience art making, performances, and informative talks at MFA Boston during their MLK Day Open House. Tickets are free and available to Massachusetts residents on a first-come, first-serve basis. Kids will love the drop-in art making and tunes spun by DJ WhySham. Also included is the LIFE Magazine and the Power of Photography exhibit. Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Event details.
3. Spend the day at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on MLK Day. Throughout the museum families will find tons of meaningful activities geared toward kids like sign making and a musical story hour that's all about Dr. King's legacy and mission. Admission is free for the day. Jan. 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Event details.
4. Although the zoo may not be the first place that comes to mind for MLK Day celebrations, families can enjoy free entrance to both the Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo on MLK Day. Keeper chats, animal encounters, and storytimes will keep the kids busy as you wander from spot to spot in search of cool animals. Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Event details.
5. Another favorite for families looking for ways to engage kids on MLK Day is the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra MLK, Jr. Tribute Concert. Enjoy the concert at Faneuil Hall, and although it's free, you'll still need to get tickets in advance. Jan. 16, 1 p.m. Event details.
6. Volunteer with Boston Cares as a way to give back to the community on MLK Day in Boston. Families with young kids (ages 5 and up) can make Valentine's Day cards for seniors. And those with older kids (ages 10 and up) can sign up to make safety kits for Fenway Community Development Corporation residents. Registration is required for both opportunities. Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-noon. Event details.
7. Part of the Celebrate! series at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, the multicultural Benkadi Drum and Dance will perform on MLK Day. Signing, dancing, and drumming are at the heart of this family-friendly event focused on the spirit of coming together, in honor of Dr. King. The event is free, but you'll need to reserve a spot. Jan. 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Event details.
8. Head to Cambridge for the Annual MLK Day Commemoration and Remembrance at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Members of the Cambridge community will share readings that call for peace and transformative justice. There will be musical performances and a shared lunch after the ceremony is over. All are welcome to attend. Please be sure to sign up before you go. Jan. 16, 11 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Event details.
9. Returning after its pandemic hiatus is the Multicultural Arts Center's annual King Day concert in Cambridge. This year, the concert has been reimagined. It will focus on Coretta Scott King and her role in the Civil Rights Movement (hint: she held concerts to fund things). Hear Her Sing for Freedom is a chance for listeners to experience what it may have been like to hear her at one of those concerts. Jan. 13-16. $35. Event details.
10. Sit back and experience the Boston Children's Chorus as they perform Becoming King: The 20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert at Symphony Hall. Jan. 16, 4 p.m. $15-$75. Event details.
11. Whether you're a Discovery Museum member or not, MLK weekend is a great day to plan a trip to this kid-friendly hot spot. They're hosting a Small Acts, Big Impact: Day of Service where families can drop in to make welcome cards and drop off supplies to assemble "Friendship Baskets" to support the Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center. Bring items like dish soap, sponges, paper towels, toothpaste, lotion, and more to donate. Jan. 14-16, 10 a.m.-noon. Included with admission or membership. Event details.
There’s no better place to celebrate Black History Month than Atlanta
As the birthplace of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a stronghold of the Civil Rights Movement, and the home of the late Congressman John Lewis—not to mention the scores of historic sites and personal accounts of Black History on nearly every corner—consider Atlanta the spot to be during Black History Month. From historic spots to visit with the kids to community programs and events, you can learn about and celebrate Black history in the city and beyond all February long in 2023.
1. Celebrate Black History Month at The Children's Museum
Celebrate Black History Month with the Children's Museum of Atlanta. During your visit, stop by the Stage, Science Bar, and Creativity Café to learn about prominent African Americans in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and art. You'll find interactive story times, hands-on activities, and exciting experiments all month long.
Opened in November 2021, the New Black Wall Street Market is located in Stonecrest, 20 minutes east of Downtown Atlanta. Here, you’ll find 100+ shops and restaurants to explore. Shop everything from retail, gourmet groceries, and fine dining to entertainment and family fun. The Market’s mission is to increase the number of minority and women-owned businesses while fostering operational excellence. All are welcome to visit, shop, support their mission, and enjoy.
Throughout February, Historic Oakland Foundation hosts free guided walking tours of Oakland Cemetery’s historic African American Burial Grounds, with stops at the final resting places of a few Atlanta pioneers, including Carrie Steele Logan, founder of Atlanta’s first orphanage for African American children; William Finch, one of Atlanta’s first African American city councilmen; Bishop Wesley John Gaines and Julia A. Gaines, pastor and First Lady of Big Bethel A.M.E. Church; and Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African American mayor. While the tour is free, donations are greatly appreciated. Registration is required.
Designated as Atlanta’s Art Park by the city of Atlanta, Freedom Park's ELDER Project honors the trees and the people that make up the community surrounding the David T. Howard School. The school is important in Atlanta history as a reflection of the Old 4th Ward neighborhood, with graduates including Martin Luther King, Jr, Walt Clyde Frazier, Maynard Jackson, Lonnie King and many notable others. Since the closure of David T. Howard High School in 1976, the alumni have acted with pride and passion to preserve the legacy of this school and its place in the community.
Moreland Ave. NE & North Ave. NE Atlanta Online:freedompark.org
Be a part of the largest Black History Month celebration in the Southeast. Head to the Historic Sweet Auburn District in Downtown Atlanta for a day filled with fun and fanfare. Details will be announced soon for 2023. In past years, the parade has included marching bands, floats, drum lines from HBCUs, and much more.
6. Explore the City of Roswell Celebrates Black History with Exhibits & More
Celebrate Black History Month throughout February in Roswell. You'll find an abstract exhibit at Roswell Cultural Arts Center, a student art exhibit at Roswell City Hall, a quilting exhibit in remembrance of lives lost at the River Landing, a virtual black history student brain bowl, a Super Sunday at 3 museums, a Black History 101 mobile museum at the Bill Johnson Community Building, and an African-American Inventors exhibit at Mimosa Hall.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights believes in justice and dignity for all, and the power of people to make this idea real. They inspire visitors with immersive exhibitions, dynamic events and conversations, and engagement and education/training programs. Be sure to download their “Across Generations” intergenerational conversation starter for you to use on your visit.
What do you know about the Civil Rights Movement? Learn something new about the people from the past—famous and not so famous—who played a part in the movement. The Visitor Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The Birth Home is open for tours Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for small groups of at most 10 people. Fire Station No. 6 is staffed by park volunteers and is open when volunteers are available. All sites are free to the public.
Not sure you can make it to midnight? These family-friendly New Year’s Eve events in Chicago happen well before bedtime (and even the day before!)
Who’s ready for a fresh start in 2023? Break out the noisemakers because the kid-approved New Year’s Eve activities for families in Chicago are about to kick off. We rounded up live performances and family parties on both the Eve of the Eve (ahem, Dec. 30) and early enough on Dec. 31 to help your family ring in the new year without even missing bedtime. And you know what all these daytime events mean: Once the kids are tuckered out from their New Year’s fun, you can still have some adult time well before the clock strikes midnight. That’s plenty of champagne-sipping time—or, let’s be honest, a nice snooze on the couch as the ball drops—for you!
Celebrations Happening on the Eve of New Year’s Eve in Chicago
Noon Year's Eve
Ring in 2023 at this fun family event! Festivities include dancing, games, prizes, crafts, Exploritorium play, count down and balloon drop at noon.
Date: Dec 30, 10 a.m.-noon
Oakton Community Center 4701 Oakton St. Skokie Online:skokieparks.org
Ring in the NOON year at Bubbles! Jam out to a concert with Miss Mel, create your own NYE crown, and countdown to the new year with a Bubble-filled finale!
Ring in the new year early. . . kid style. Little Beans will have a fun NYE celebration with a DJ, pizza, punch, play, NYE swag, and a countdown to a balloon drop.
BlueMan Group Chicago will host four festive New Year’s Eve performances Saturday, December 31 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Families with young children can take advantage of BlueMan Group’s early performances at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. These shows feature early “midnight” countdowns after the show complete with party hats, noisemakers and a special performance of “Auld Lang Syne” by the BlueMen. Other festivities include pre-show face painting where children will be transformed into members of BlueMan Group’s band.
College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center is ready to help you ring in 2023 with New Philharmonic and Maestro Kirk Muspratt and a celebratory program of Pops and Viennese works, champagne toast and more.
Date: Dec. 31, 1:30 p.m., 5 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
425 Fawell Blvd. Glen Ellyn (1:30 p.m. show can be streamed live or on-demand beginning Jan. 1.) Online: cod.edu
The Trickery Chicago hosts the city's most entertaining magic show! Fun, intimate, sometimes outrageous, and always hilarious, this will make for one magical night to remember! Best for date nights with the older kids, as the content is recommended for ages 12+.
Ring in the New Year with a countdown to noon celebration! Families can spend time together exploring the Museum’s hands-on exhibits, creating wearable art, grooving to music with Miss Jamie’s Farm, counting down to early New Year's with confetti, bubbles, and more!
Let the kids show off all their Tik Tok moves at this dance party with a kids buffet and cocktails for the parents. Show off some moves of your own on the dance floor.
Date: Dec 31, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
5304 West Devon Ave. Edgebrook Online: dakota94.com
Join all your favorite characters from Paw Patrol at Just for Fun Roller Rink. There will be skating, pizza, drinks, games, photos and, of course, a noon balloon drop. What more could you ask for?
Sail smoothly into 2023 with a family cruise aboard a 3-story luxury yacht with a dance floor and full bar including soft drinks for the kids!
Date: Dec 31, 1-3:30 p.m.
1559 South Lake Shore Drive Burnham Harbor Online:anitadee.com
Family New Year's Eve at Roots Pizza
There is no charge for admission, however you must reserve tickets. Tickets include a "countdown" to the new year, party favors, a complimentary toast (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and sodas for the table. Ticket-holders also receive a free order of Mozzarella Sticks with the purchase of a 16" Pizza and a Salad.
Cheers Heard Around the World at SafeHouse Chicago
Families can ring in the New Year with "Cheers Heard Around the World" at SafeHouse Chicago. If your little spies have an early bedtime, they can celebrate the New Year with cities around the world at SafeHouse. Every time a new city rings in 2023, like London and Paris, SafeHouse will have a toast! Regular dining will be available along with all the fun interactive activities you can always experience at SafeHouse.
New Year's Family Friendly Dinner & Toast at The Green Post
Bring the whole family to The Green Post, a British pub and gathering place, for a kid-friendly New Year’s dinner complete with a UK countdown from across the pond that culminates at a respectable 6 p.m. A welcome drink, “midnight” toast beverage, and party favors are included in the three-course prix fixe dinner price ($55/adult; $10/child), and non-alcoholic options are available for kids upon request.
Date: Dec 31, seatings at 5 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Roll into the new year skating or bowling at MLK Park & Family Entertainment Center. There will be plenty of games and a character parade at this fun, friendly, clean, and safe facility.
There will not be a dull moment in your night with unlimited Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Catapult Thrill Ride, Bumper Cars, Mini-Golf & Quest II Adventure Playland. You will also play unlimited select video games and get a $15 game card. It wouldn't be New Years without a countdown & balloon drop, plus a buffet, New Year's Eve toast, and party favors.
Celebrate with a family dinner that includes pizza, pasta, salad & ice cream and ring in 2023 early with an explosive Kid's Video Countdown, Balloon Drop, Confetti, Party Favors, Party DJ & Dancing.
Book a one-of-a-kind virtual family experience with Scott Green's Magic Show-in-a-Box. After you purchase your ticket, a mysterious box arrives at your door. Don't open it until showtime (no peeking!) when the surprises in the box and the live, interactive 90-minute Zoom performances combine to make the magic happen in your family's hands.
Looking for where to celebrate New Years 2022 in the Bay Area? We’ve gathered 14 family-friendly New Year’s Eve 2022 events all in one place—most of which don’t require staying up late
Instead of googling “New Year’s Eve events for kids” take a look at our list below to see all the fun things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area on the very last day of 2022. Depending on your kids, you can ring in the New Year with your little ones with loads of mid-day celebrations (and avoid those close-to-midnight meltdowns) or opt for some nighttime adventures if they can hang late night. Ready to check out our favorite Bay Area spots for New Years Eve events for kids and get ready to say hello to 2023? Insider Tip: Some of our favorite Bay Area holiday light displays are only up through New Year’s Day so you can always pull a two-for-one on your winter bucket list by adventuring to one of our must-go experiences.
Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events near Me
1. First Night Monterey
This year's theme celebrates 30 years of First Night Monterey! First Night Monterey and Kids' Night Out kicks off at 3 p.m. and then continues with 9 hours of fabulous art, music and New Year's fun all the way into the New Year! Be part of this family friendly, alcohol-free celebration ringing in 2023!Event details.
2. 'Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!' at the Schulz Museum
Celebrate the New Year with the Peanuts Gang! Enjoy fun crafts for kids, make a balloon Snoopy, and watch Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! on the big screen. Plus, do your best Snoopy dance and ring in 2023 with an Up Down Balloon Drop and Baby Balloon Drop (for children 4 and under and their families) at noon, and a second Balloon Drop at 3:00 p.m. Doors open at 10:00 am, and capacity will be monitored; admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Event details.
3. 23rd Annual Balloon Drop at the Chabot Space & Science Center
Ring in the New Year without staying up all night! Celebrate strokes of midnight around the world at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Kids will count down and celebrate with hundreds of colorful balloons dropping from above. Insider Tip: This popular annual event regularly sells out, so be sure to get tickets early. Event details.
4. Noon Year's Eve at the Bay Area Discover Museum
Ring in the new year without keeping your family up past bedtime. Celebrate the start of 2023 at Bay Area Discovery Museum with this beloved annual affair. This kid-friendly celebration is where you can enjoy the countdown without the midnight meltdown! Watch the ball drop at noon, enjoy a live DJ and join in a dance party, plus explore more winter festivities and new programs at Bay Area Discovery Museum, including iceless skating! Event details.
5. City of Piedmont’s Noon Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year with Piedmont Recreation Department at a family-friendly hour! Celebrate with music, magician show, a countdown to noon, balloon drop and a whole lot of fun! Event details.
6. Noon Year's Eve at the Hiller Aviation Museum
Music, dancing, puppet shows, and giant balloon drops at noon will are sure to bring excitement into the new year. Event details.
7. New Year's Eve Celebration at Gilroy Gardens
Ring in the new year at Gilroy Gardens! You'll find ice skating under the stars, sparkly light displays, dance parties, and festive food throughout the park. Event details.
8. 37th Annual Bell Ringing Ceremony at the Asian Art Museum
The first in-person bell-ringing ceremony since 2019: after two years of ringing the bell virtually, one of the museum’s most popular and long-running annual events is happening in person again. Ring in the New Year by taking a swing at a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell. Led by Reverend Gengo Akiba, this inspiring ceremony will include a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Reverend Akiba will begin the bell-ringing, and then it’s your chance to ring the bell to leave behind any unfortunate experiences, regrettable deeds or ill luck from the previous year.Event details.
9. Noon Year's Eve at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
The countdown to midnight may (typically) belong to the adults, but Happy Hollow’s Noon Year’s Eve celebration is all about outdoor fun for the little ones. Event details.
10. New Year's Eve Kid's Party at Kid's Play Zone
Celebrate the New Year at Kid's Play Zone, an indoor children’s play space with a glow party and balloon drop. Entry includes a glow necklace, apple juice for the kids (cider for the adults), plus pizza for all to enjoy. Event details.
11. 2022 Grand Finale at The Lawrence Hall of Science
Join the annual New Year's Eve celebration with confetti cannons. With several daily launches, you’ll be showered with joy and laughter as you close 2022. Event details.
12. New Year's Eve Party at Swings & Wings
This cute New Year’s Eve party will have music, play, a photo booth and yummy treats for kids. Event details.
13. Noon Year's Eve Family Storytime at the Danville Library
Families can enjoy stories and songs, festive favors, even a celebratory bubble wrap stomp on the floor at the Danville Library. Event details.
14. Winter Wonderland Walk with East Bay Regional Park Disctrict
On Dec. 31, discover what animals and plants do to prepare for cold months while you warm up with apple cider and walk a one-mile wintry trail. Event details.
Take some time to learn about another race and you just might learn something about yourself as well
Raising kids in one of the biggest melting pots in the world comes with a responsibility to acknowledge and celebrate all of our differences. From talking about the civil rights movement to exploring cultural traditions, it’s important we help kids learn about their own identities while also developing respect for those from other backgrounds. As a first step, visit one of these amazing historical sites and museums that help kids understand the complex realities of race and cultural appreciation.
Hibulb Cultural Center | Tulalip, WA
Kate Loweth
Driving north from Seattle you will notice all the cities and businesses named after the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish tribes and that tells you that the indigenous history is powerful in this area of the country. Head to the Hibulb Cultural Center where you can learn all about the history, traditional cultural values, and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes (who are the successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish tribes and other tribes and bands signatory to the Treaty of Point Elliott). Start your visit in the longhouse where you can hear stories told by Tulalip’s storytellers before heading to the main gallery for interactive exhibits the kids will enjoy.
National Museum of the American Indian - Washington, D.C.
National Museum of American Indian
ImagiNATIONS Activity Center at the National Museum of the American Indian was designed for kids to not only tucker themselves out but to also organically explore native culture and lifestyle. Little ones can weave a huge basket, surf a virtual river in a tippy kayak, or hunker down inside a real teepee. A library and kiddie craft center will keep bookworms engaged. The Mitsitam Cafe downstairs in the museum—serving native foods from around the Americas like fry bread and succotash—is well known and worth a visit.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Cincinnati, OH
Courtesy of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Located just a short walk from the beautiful Ohio River, this museum's mission is to "reveal stories of freedom's heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times." From permanent exhibits to new and rotating exhibitions, the museum illuminates the concepts of freedom, what it means to be free, and issues of both historic and current slavery. Read the letters home from a Black soldier in WWII, see what a slave pen really looked like, and learn about the journey from being enslaved by a family to emancipation, in pictures and letters. You'll find an array of online learning resources including exhibits, lesson plans, and videos.
Jackson, Mississippi, is famously known for the renowned Civil Rights Museum, But Jackson is also home to many lesser-known Civil Rights sites you can visit and more than one iconic walking trail, making it a great place to experience Black history any time of the year. You'll find the Mississippi Freedom Trail with ten important sites as well as the Mississippi Blues Trail which highlights the history and significance of the Blues in Jackson.
At El Museo del Barrio, kids can learn the history of stickball, talk about Mexican social issues, celebrate Carnival, and view the artwork of everyday life in Puerto Rico. Plus, special ArteXplorers Activity Cards from the Museum help families identify and learn about the artworks in the galleries. Super Sabado (Free Third Saturdays) teaches the vibrancy and diversity of Latino Culture through free art-making workshops, storytelling, concerts, and more.
This highly-anticipated museum is the only museum dedicated to educating, preserving, and celebrating more than 50 music genres and styles that were created or inspired by African Americans. The 56,000-square-foot museum is in the heart of Nashville, and includes artifacts, objects, memorabilia, clothing, and state-of-the-art technology to showcase different narratives and genres.
On your way to Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills, be sure to take a detour to the Wounded Knee Museum in Wall South. There you'll find exhibits and pictures that vividly present the massacre of over 300 men, women, and children from the Lakota nation by the 7th Calvary of the United States Army on December 29th, 1890. Your kids will see firsthand the tragic events that are, sadly, a common narrative in Native American history. You can also visit the actual historical site, geared up with information from the museum. The museum is also home to "Lakota Ways: A Cultural Experience," which celebrates the Lakota Nation, which is still active in the area today.
Belle Meade Plantation- Nashville, TN
You’d think the last thing you’d want to do to understand race in America is to visit the grounds of a plantation that once used enslaved people to make its wealth. But after a recent visit to Belle Meade Plantation in the Nashville area, we can report first-hand that this historic property is at the forefront of talking with the public in a truthful way about the horrors of slavery while honoring the African-American history of the property. The Journey to Jubilee tour follows the story of the African-Americans who were brought to the plantation in 1807, but who stayed on the plantation through the early 1900s. It shows their vital presence on the property, their story of enslavement and provides visitors with an understanding of the times from the African-American viewpoint. This tour is not recommended for kids under 12 due to the graphic reality of slavery, however, the general tour of Belle Meade also incorporates the story of the African-Americans who came as enslaved people but stayed on as hired workers after the abolishment of slavery. The property itself is very kid-friendly and an excellent respite from the bustle of the city.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site - Little Rock, AR
The Little Rock Central High School was the most prominent example of the desegregation of public schools in 1954 when nine African-American students attended school here for the first time in history. You have to arrange a tour to enter the school, now designated a National Historic Site, but it’s relatively easy to do and a great way to help kids understand the significance of this school as well as the history of desegregation in the U.S.
Ellis Island - New York, NY
Ellis Island
A quick boat ride from the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island (now known as the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration) is where 12 million immigrants were processed before moving on to New York City and beyond to make a new life between 1892 and 1954. The museum's showpiece is the Great Hall, where all of the immigrants were processed. The museum shows how the hall changed over the years, in addition to a slew of artifacts, photographs, prints, videos, and interactive displays. One of the coolest things about this museum is that thanks to the American Immigration History Center, you and the kids can try to trace your own heritage back to Ellis Island and a relative who may have been processed there.
Now a state park, Angel Island boasts some of the best views of San Francisco and Marin counties around, but don't just go for the photo opps. In 1905 an Immigration Station was constructed, which began operating in 1910. Because of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, a law passed limiting the number of Chinese immigrants into the US, anti-Chinese sentiment, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California, was rampant. While the station at Angel Island was meant to be a processing center, many immigrants primarily from Asia (and most from China) were held for interrogation. While they were supposed to be held for just a few days, in some cases they were held for nearly two years. Detainees expressed their feelings in poetry carved into the wooden walls of the detention barracks, still legible today. The Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation is an excellent resource to learn more. Find our guide to Angel Island here.
Learn and connect with First American History at this center for arts and culture. Performances, reenactments, classes, demonstrations, collections, and interactive exhibits all work together beautifully to educate and inform visitors of the story of the Chickasaw people. This is one of the largest and most extensive tribal cultural centers in the United States and is operated entirely by the Chickasaw Nation. Located on 184 acres, you'll find not only the exhibit center but The Center for the Study of Chickasaw History and Culture, a theater, the Inchokka' Traditional Village as well as First-American foods and goods for purchase.
The museum depicts the history of black people in the United States, beginning with slavery, through Jim Crow laws and segregation, to current issues of mass incarceration. The memorial, a quick walk away, honors 4,000 victims of lynching and racial violence. By filling in the gaps in the history that many Americans learn in school, the content presented may help families initiate discussions related to race and inequality in the United States
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site - Atlanta, GA
Take your kids back to where this leader of the Civil Rights Movement was once a kid. At the Martin Luther King Jr. site, you can visit his birth home, play where MLK played as a child, and learn all about his early years in the movement. Get inspired to fight inequality in your neck of the woods.
Get a recount of daily life from more than a hundred years ago in America in a preserved tenement building at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Tour the preserved building that housed 7,000 working-class Irish and Jewish immigrants from 1863 until 1935.
Museum of African Diaspora - San Francisco, CA
Museum of African Diaspora
Celebrating the universal connection of all people through their association with Africa, this must-visit museum showcases exhibitions aimed at representing work that may be under-represented in other U.S. museums. For example, as soon as you walk in, you're greeted by a three-story mural comprised of 2,100 photographs submitted by people of the Diaspora.
A visit to Chattanooga, TN is full of opportunities to learn about Black history.
Founded in 1983 as the Chattanooga African American Museum, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center celebrates the African Diaspora and pays tribute to Chattanooga’s African American culture with an emphasis on Bessie Smith, “The Empress of the Blues.” While there, you can also visit the Ed Johnson Memorial, a permanent public site that strives to promote racial healing and reconciliation by acknowledging the lynching of Ed Johnson, honoring the courageous work of his attorneys, and recognizing the resulting U.S. Supreme Court case that established federal oversight of state-level civil rights issues.
National Museum of American Jewish History - Philadelphia, PA
National Museum of American Jewish History
Located on historic Independence Mall, this museum brings to life the 360-year history of Jews in America. Through more than 1,200 artifacts, films, and interactive exhibitions, this family-friendly museum tells the struggles of an immigrant population that ultimately flourished in a foreign land.
In Greensboro, NC , your kids can visit the site of the first Civil Rights sit-in and learn about the A&T Four—four young Black students who sat at a “Whites Only” counter inside the Woolworth restaurant on Feb. 1, 1960, and refused to move. At the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, a guided tour helps your family learn and relearn important facts about America’s history before, during, and after the Civil Rights Movement. The Greensboro Cultural Arts Center houses the African America Atelier where you will find moving exhibits that the whole family will enjoy. And you'll want to visit the Guilford College Underground Railroad trail, which simulates how fugitives seeking freedom navigated in the woods of the Guilford College community with assistance from free and enslaved Black Americans and European-American Allies.
Richmond is steeped in important Black history and here are just a few of the ways you can experience it with your kids.
Visit the home of Maggie Lena Walker, a newspaper editor, bank president, and champion of civil rights for Black Americans and women. Join a tour of her home and an exhibit hall, watch a short film about her life and walk in the footsteps of a great activist of the early 20th century. There's also a Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza.
You can also explore Richmond’s monuments: Virginia Civil Rights Memorial on the Capitol grounds, Slavery Reconciliation Statue, Henry Box Brown, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson monument, and the Arthur Ashe monument on Monument Ave. There's also a self-guided Richmond Slave Trail: Walk along and discover seventeen different markers that display the somber truth about slavery in Richmond.
At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts entrance along historic Arthur Ashe boulevard, you'll find Rumors of War, a powerful sculpture by Black artist Kehinde Wiley.
National Museum of African-American History and Culture- Washington, D.C.
National Museum of African-American History and Culture
The stunning building, inspired by Yoruba art and filigree ironwork, is filled with presentations and artifacts that give visitors a glimpse at all aspects—the good and the gut-wrenching—of the African American experience. It’s a must-visit for the entire family. See our in-depth guide here.
Wing Luke Museum - Seattle, WA
Grace S. via yelp
"The Wing," as it is affectionately called by locals showcases the history, art, and culture of Asian Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Check out KidPlace, the Museum’s dedicated gallery to kids and families that is always open and filled with colorful and playful interactive exhibits.
Rosa Parks Memorial - Montgomery, AL
Rosa Parks Memorial
Smack dab on the corner where Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks boarded a public bus and where she was infamously arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger, this museum focuses on Parks' story and its place in the Civil Rights Movement. The Museum includes a permanent exhibit, “The Cleveland Avenue Time Machine,” a replica city bus that uses fog, lighting, sound, hydraulics, and a robot bus driver to guide visitors on a series of “time jumps” from Jim Crow to “Separate But Equal.”
Japanese American National Museum - Los Angeles, CA
Japanese American National Museum
Whether your kids know very little about Japanese American culture or they have a budding interest in the country that invented sushi, this is a perfect place to begin their journey. JANM hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as Free Family Fun days to bring to life the interesting, fun, and sometimes grounding aspects of Japanese American history and culture.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park - Auburn, NY
If your kids don’t already know who Harriet Tubman is, the national park that bears her name is the perfect place to learn all about this incredible woman who emancipated herself from slavery at the age of just 27 and went on to help dozens of slaves find freedom. Before you go, the kids can become an Underground Railroad Junior Ranger to learn about the system of secret houses and way stations that helped enslaved people find freedom in terms they can understand. Harriet Tubman National Historical Park includes her home, a visitor’s center, the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, and the church she raised funds to build. Her burial site is also nearby.
—additional reporting by Kate Loweth & Amber Guetebier
From costume parties to pumpkin carving (and catapulting!), check out more than 20 Halloween events in NYC for family-friendly, spooky fun
Hey, boo! Explore New York City’s spooky side this October. Halloween is coming, which means that New York City is about to be filled with festive events where you and the kids (ahem, you and your little superheroes, witches, monsters, and princesses) can celebrate with gusto! And by celebrate, we of course mean with creepy stories, haunted houses, ghouls, and ghosts of all kinds. Join costume parades (or have your dog join one), make Halloween-themed crafts, learn about the traditions and animals that are associated with the holiday, carve some pumpkins, and so much more!
Or, if you’re looking for something a bit different, participate in some more unconventional Halloween activities, like spooky slime making and pumpkin flinging. Whatever you decide to attend, you can be sure that the kids will get a kick out of 2022’s spooky Halloween NYC family events! Pro tip: remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint, to All Hallow’s Eve!
Halloween Festival at Bleecker Playground
The Friends of Bleecker Playground are hosting a fundraising Halloween festival, raising money to benefit the community. Join a mini-parade perfect for the little ones, that starts at Abingdon Square at 10. The playground will be decked out with entertainment for the kids, including face painting, crafting, music, and more.
Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated
Sun., Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bleeker Playground
Bleecker St. & W 11th St.
West Village Online:bleeckerplayground.org
Halloween Extravaganza at Franz Sigel Park
Get tricks and treats at the annual Halloween Extravaganza. In addition to the usual Halloween fun—cool costumes, pet parade, and creepy crafts—this park party also has slime making, Tarot readings, and an interactive Story Walk from Emit Theatre.
Cost: Free
Sat., Oct. 29, 1-5 p.m.
Franz Sigel Park
East 158th St.
Concourse Online:eventbrite.com
The Music of Halloween Spooktacular at Brooklyn Bowl Have a rocking good time with the Rock and Roll Playhouse, where the sounds of classic rock meet Halloween classics. This family-friendly concert encourages kids to dance and sing along, and is a great first introduction to classic rock.
Cost: $15, free for those 1 year old and younger
Sun., Oct. 30, 12 p.m.
61 Wythe Ave.
Williamsburg Online:brooklynbowl.com
Boo Bash at Randall’s Island Pre-party on Randall’s Island for an extra chance to show off your cool costumes. Dress up and visit the island for the annual Boo Bash, which features themed crafts, games, treats, and more.
Cost: Free
Sun., Oct. 30, 12-3 p.m.
103rd Street Footbridge
Randall’s Island Online:randallsisland.org
Halloween Harvest Festival at Socrates Sculpture Park
Heads up: This Halloween Harvest will send your pumpkin creation soaring to great heights… literally! Carve out an epic pumpkin then send it flying with the pumpkin catapult at the second annual “Flight of the Gourds.” It’s pumpkins galore, with pumpkin art workshops, a creative spin on costume creation, and face painting. Plus, bring your pooch in his best costume and join the dog costume contest—or just stand back and watch other people’s dapper doggos!
Cost: Free
Sat., Oct. 30, 12-5 p.m.
32-01 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City Online:socratessculpturepark.org
Halloween Costume Party at Westchester Square Don your favorite costumes and head over to this costume party for a fun family bash. Kids ages 2-15 are invited to participate in games, win prizes, make arts and crafts, and more. There will be vendors on site for food, drinks, and, of course, dessert and candy.
Kids Costume Party at Dazzled Art Join the Dazzled Utopia Art Studio for a pre-Halloween costume party. Kids will create art, dance, sing, chow down on pizza, and have the chance to win prizes. The party is open to kids ages 3-12 years old.
Cost: $30
Sun., Oct. 30, 3-5 p.m.
1261 Ralph Ave.
East Flatbush Online:dazzledart.com
Dumboween at the Dumbo Archway This charming Halloween mini-parade and party is, by its own admission, “sometimes spooky, always adorable.” March over to the Dumbo Archway and kick off with a children’s party, complete with a lively brass band, arts and crafts from the Creatively WILD Art Studio, a photobooth, and more. Enter costume competitions, go trick or treating among over 50 participating businesses in the area, and take spooktacular photos throughout the evening.
Cost: Free
Mon., Oct. 31, 4:30-7 p.m., march to the Archway begins at 4 p.m.
Dumbo Archway
155 Water St.
Dumbo Online:dumbo.is
Monstrous Museums, Gardens, and Centers around NYC
Halloween Costume Dog Show at Williamsbridge Oval Watch costumed pooches strut their stuff at the Pet Fashion Show at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center. Bring the family pet, or just come and watch as dogs show off their costumes, participate in obstacle courses, and pose for furry photo-ops.
Cost: Free
Fri., Oct. 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
3225 Reservoir Oval East
West Bronx Online:nycgovparks.org
Hands on History: Spooky Season at King Manor This month’s Hands on History features a spooky twist. Learn about the author Washington Irving and his famous 1820 story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Make a craft to take home inspired by the scary story: Headless Horseman paper pumpkin masks!
Monster Bash at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan CMOM has a packed October, full of creepy and fun Halloween fun and activities. Here’s just a small sample:
Oct. 22 & 23: Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun, according to MakerSpace! Create your very own monster using “junk” like socks, boxes, fabric, and other mixed media materials.
Oct. 25-28: Dress up with PlayWorks in the Monster Party Hats event, where kids can design hats and headbands, then wear them as they play and pretend.
Oct. 25-28: Make some fancy eyewear with Inside Art, at the Monster Vision Goggles workshop.
Every day has different events to explore! Plus, throughout the Monster Bash, kids can participate in scavenger hunts, listen to read-alongs of scary (but not too scary!) stories, play Halloween-themed party games, and much more.
Price: Free with admission
Tues., Oct. 18-Sun., Oct. 31
The Tisch Building
212 West 83rd St.
Upper West Side Online:cmom.org
Hallowscream at Chelsea Recreation Center This Halloween event is a scream—literally! The Chelsea Recreation Center has been spookified, turning it into a haunted house. Brave the “Fright Walk,” where scary special effects, frightening images, jump scares, spooky audio, and an eerie fog cover the path. Only bring your bravest family members for this one! Adults are urged to make sure their little ones are handling the frights fine, especially if they’re under 13 years old.
Cost: Free
Sat., Oct. 22, 1:30-6 p.m.
430 West 25th St.
Chelsea Online:eventbrite.com
Living History: Cooking Spooky Treats at the NY Historical Society Go back in time with historical interpreter Cheyney McKnight and make your own treats to enjoy this Halloween. Families will work together to create an edible cookie dough “sandpit” that hides yummy surprises. No baking required! Then, dig in while you listen to family-friendly scary stories.
Cost: Free with admission
Sun., Oct. 23, 1-3 p.m.
170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th St.)
Upper West Side Online:nyhistory.org
Haunted House at the Williamsbridge Oval Oh no! The Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center has been overtaken by ghouls, witches, ghosts, and other creepy critters that go bump in the night. Visit the space for a haunted house event that’s appropriate for all ages.
Cost: Free
Fri., Oct. 28, 7-9 p.m.
3225 Reservoir Oval East
West Bronx Online:nycgovparks.org
Irish Halloween at the Irish Arts Center Learn about Irish traditions and the annual Halloween / Oíche Shamhna festival through this interactive experience held by the Irish Arts Center. The Arts Center’s new building appears to be haunted! Kids (and their caretakers) are invited to dance, sing, and scare the ghosts away. Browse the spooky location and explore Ireland’s myths, legends, language, and history. This hour-long program is free but requires a timed entry ticket.
Halloween at the Garden at Queens Botanical Garden Wear your costume to the Queens Botanical Garden for an afternoon full of Halloween fun. Walk along the Trick-or-Treat Trail, make themed arts and crafts, learn about creepy crawlies that live in your compost pile, listen to live music, and watch a magic show. Adults can enjoy harvest beers and ciders from the Beer & Wine Garden, and purchase food and refreshments for the family from local food vendors.
Cost: $7.39/adult, $3.18/child, free for those 3 years old and under
Sun., Oct. 30, 12-5 p.m.
43-50 Main St.
Flushing Online:queensbotanical.org
Fall-O-Ween at the NY Botanical Garden The New York Botanical Garden has a packed Fall events calendar, with tons of seasonal harvest- and Halloween-themed programs and special attractions:
Oct. 15 & 16: Join the Pumpkin Carving Face-off Weekend to design your own pumpkin or watch three pumpkin carving masters face off for the most intricate—and terrifying—creation.
Oct. 22 & 23: It’s the Pumpkin Parade Weekend! Wear your best costume and participate in a festiva parade in the garden. Kids can help decorate before the parade, then check out giant pumpkins, watch a pumpkin carving demonstration, and learn about how growers get their pumpkins to grow to such enormous sizes.
Oct. 22 & 29: Stay after hours for the Spooky Pumpkin Garden Nights, and explore the gardens by flashlight, meeting giant skeletons and spooky scarecrows along the way.
In addition to these events, throughout autumn the children’s garden will be decorated with cute and scary scarecrows, and pumpkins of all shapes and colors will be on display.
Cost, date, and time varies; events throughout October
2900 Southern Boulevard
The Bronx Online:nybg.org
Spooky Crafts, Readalongs, and More at Your Local Library If you’re looking for a free Halloween- or fall-themed activity for your little ones, look no further than your local library. Various branches across all the boroughs have scheduled festive events and workshops for kids (and adults) of all ages. Make spooky crafts (either at the library or through to-go kits), listen to scary stories, watch movies, make slime, and much more!
Halloween Programs at Alley Pond Alley Pond has a full weekend of spooky events planned for kids, starting with the Not-So-Spooky Spiders and Snakes—an exploration of these amazing and often misunderstood animals and arachnids, with some live guests! Other events include chances to meet more animals considered “scary,” make Halloween-themed snacks, read spooky stories, create themed artworks and crafts, and participate in a Halloween party.
Cost, date, and time varies by program
224-65 76th Ave.
Oakland Gardens Online:alleypond.org
Halloween on the Farm at the Queens County Farm Museum Celebrate Halloween on NYC’s oldest working farm. Get lost (or rather, try not to) in the Amazing Maize Maze, a three-acre labyrinth among corn stalks. Your ticket also includes access to a spooky farmhouse, Halloween hayrides, a DJ dance party, an Adopt-a-Worm composting program, and a trick-or-treating event with the farm animals, which sends you on a hunt to find nine special stations throughout the farm. Local food vendors are on hand to feed hungry tummies and fresh produce will be available to purchase at the Farmstand.
Cost: $22.16, free for those 3 years old and younger
Sun., Oct. 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy.
Little Neck Online:eventbrite.com
Haunted Island Race at Governors Island Celebrate in style and stay in shape at the same time at the annual Haunted Island Race. The race offers both a 5K and a 10K option, and awards will be given out to the best runners by gender (male, female, non-binary) and age brackets. The race will take you all around Governors Island, giving you a chance to take in the views as you go. After the race, you’re welcome to explore the island and enjoy Halloween goodies. Your ticket nets you a ferry ride, a t-shirt, and a post-race meal. Costumes are encouraged!
Cost: Starting at $40
Sat., Oct. 29, 5K begins at 8:30 a.m., 10K begins at 9 a.m.
Governors Island, Colonels Row Online:nycruns.com
Spooky Castle Yoga at The Skyscraper Museum What do castles and yoga have in common? Both can be spooooky! At least, they can when you join this all-ages event for families. Discuss what makes up the architecture of a castle, then use what you learned to form yoga poses that draw inspiration from spooky castles and Halloween. RSVP is required and costumes are encouraged!
Cost: Free
Sat., Oct 29, 10:30 a.m.
39 Battery Pl.
Battery Park City Online:skyscraper.org
Haunted Halloween East River Dinner Cruise The National Lighthouse Museum’s Haunted boat tour will regale you with spooky stories as you enjoy a three-course dinner. The cruise will take you from Lighthouse Point, through Hell Gate, to Execution Rocks—all while sharing tales of the haunted history of key points along the way.
Cost: $97.54/adult, $54.98/child
Fri., Oct. 28, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
National Lighthouse Museum
200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point
Staten Island Online:eventbrite.com
Halloween Kids Spooky Cruise See the city from a different perspective at this Halloween-themed and kid-oriented spooky cruise. Trick or treat on the water as you enjoy incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. The ship will be decked out in seasonal decor, have plenty of candy on board to satisfy little trick-or-treaters, and will keep the kids entertained with performances from costumed characters. Food and drink will be available to purchase—or you can upgrade to the Premium experience for a complementary food and drink package that also gets you a children’s goody bag with party favors and treats.
Cost: Starting at $45/adult and $40/child
Mon., Oct. 31, 1:30 p.m.
Departs from Pier 36
299 South St.
Lower East Side Online:eventcruisesnyc.com
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor
This amazing display features over 7,000 lit Jack o-Lanterns, arranged into sculptures from architectural marvels to dinosaurs and the Statue of Liberty. Expect bright synchronized lights, jaw-dropping displays, and an original soundtrack. And yes, they’re real: The pumpkins are designed and carved by a team of artists. This year, the Blaze features an animated “Jack” Smith Shop and glowing bees.
Tickets are selling out fast, with some nights already unavailable or limited to a small number of tickets. If you’re considering attending this event, you’ll want to secure your tix sooner rather than later! The Blaze is coming to Long Island, too—buy tickets for that here.
Cost: Starting at $44/person, free for those 2 years old and younger
Select evenings, Sep. 16-Nov. 20
525 S. Riverside Ave.
Croton-on-Hudson, NY Online:hudsonvalley.org
Legoland NY
Brick-or-Treat Presents Monster Party
LEGOLANDs across the nation are partying for Halloween, but unique to the New York location is that it will be debuting the world’s first wheelchair-accessible giant LEGO pumpkin! Without stairs, all guests will be able to join in on the photo opportunities. Not only that, the Monster Party will transform the Dragon Coaster into the “Disco Dragon Coaster” complete with a groovy monster soundtrack and party lights. There’s also a ghostly scavenger hunt in MINILAND where you can wander through the Haunted Nature Maze and discover candy along the LEGO Friends Nature Trail. And, of course, grab loads of sweets at trick-or-treating stations located along dedicated paths. Don’t forget your costume!
Cost: Starting at $85
Sep. 24-Oct. 30
1 LEGOLAND Blvd.
Goshen, NY Online:legoland.com
Halloween Fest at the Liberty Science Center
The Halloween Fest is back and it’s better than ever, full to the brim with both indoor and outdoor activities. Pick out your favorite pumpkin at NJ’s largest indoor pumpkin picking patch—or just take a peek inside of one with an endoscope! Beyond the patch, you’ll learn about creepy crawlies like roaches, spiders, scorpions, and millipedes, as well as traditionally “spooky” Halloween icons like bats and skeletons. Then, head outdoors to make your way through the spider maze, dig for fossils, and find fall drinks and treats (no tricks here!).
Special events for the season are available for an additional fee. catch a spooky planetarium show that highlights the Monsters of the Night Sky, like the Witch Head Nebula and the Medusa constellation. Hop into a Halloween-inspired laser show, or watch a creepy 3D movie, “Haunted House,”and get delightfully freaked out. If you visit on Oct. 30 or 31, make sure to wear your best Halloween costume, because the Center is hosting it’s wrap up party all weekend long with trick or treating, costumes, and more excitement.
Cost: $29.99/adult, $24.99/child, $26.99/senior
Throughout October during center hours
222 Jersey City Blvd.
Jersey City, NJ Online:lsc.org
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place
A good choice for the tiniest of trick-or-treaters, Sesame Place is turned into a family-friendly Halloween haven between September 17 and November 6. Guests can trick-or-treat around the park, take in Halloween-themed shows and parades, participate in an interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and take advantage of unique photo opportunities with Sesame’s furry friends dressed up in costume on Halloween-themed floats! Kids can also meet and greet Spookley, the square pumpkin, as he makes two weekend visits from Holiday Hill Farm.
If you live here, you know Atlanta is a great place to raise a family. To prove it, here are our favorite things to do in Atlanta with kids
When you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta with kids, the incredible Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and Center for Puppetry Arts come to mind. But you don’t have to look too hard to find amazing things to do in the city when you need an impromptu plan. As far as we’re concerned, you could live here for the rest of your life and still never get to all the cool, kid-friendly offerings the city has. These are just a few of our favorite things to do, whether you’re a local or you’re just passing through.
iStock
1. Shoot the 'Hooch with the kids when you rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or tubes to make a splash in its icy water. It's a local tradition you gotta do at least once as a family.
3. You'll have to maneuver around a pirate ship and waterfall at this outdoor sporting spot that's a "hole" lot of fun. And when you're done you can take in the latest blockbuster with the kids.
4. Parents know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Don't skip it. Instead, head to one of our favorite breakfast joints that open before the sun is up.
6. Bring the kids for an educational experience at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park. A must on everyone's list, you'll get to see where the civil rights leader lived as a child, where he often preached, and where he's buried. Entrance is free, and the junior ranger activities for kids will keep them engaged.
7. There's no better place to be on second Sundays than this museum that's home to more than 18,000 works for art, housed in a building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects, Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. Why second Sundays? Because admission is free.
12. Pack a picnic for Centennial Olympic Park, and plan on a run through the Fountain of Rings—formed in the shape of the Olympic rings symbol—if it's hot outside.
13. Head to storytime in a garden with the kids on a not too hot day. Who knows? You might even get to see some of the insects and plants you read about when you're done.
16. Meet a baby kangaroo, cuddle with an otter, or have a 150-pound boa constrictor draped over your arm at a wildlife park that pulls triple duty; it's part petting zoo, part animal conservation program, and part rescue facility.
18. While it's not always easy to find free events around the city, we love heading out to spots that are always free like the Oakland Cemetery, where you'll find the final resting place of Civil War soldiers, Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones, and other notable Atlantans.
19. Chastain Park, Historic Fourth Ward, Brook Run. What do all these spots have in common? They're just a few of Atlanta's best playgrounds for kids and families.
22. Quiet coves and uninhabited islands are the key features of Lake Chatuge. An easy two-hour drive from the city, it's just what families need to combat Hotlanta's notorious summers.
23. Catch free movies in the park at Atlantic Station, Town Brookhaven, Bobby Dodd Stadium, The Battery, and other spots. Just don't forget your bug spray and blanket for this outdoor family activity.
24. Located in the historic Sweet Auburn district, the APEX Museum is devoted to Black history. Older elementary children and teenagers will appreciate exhibits on Africa, the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and the history of Atlanta neighborhoods.
25. Experience Fire on the Mountain storytelling, a family dinner around the bonfire, and an old-fashioned wagon ride when you go to pick apples in the North Georgia mountains.
26. While we can't guarantee you'll spot Queen Latifah, Faith Evans, or Beyonce here, they've been known to frequent this spot that pampers both kids and adults.
27. Be intentional with your spending beyond August (Black Business Month) when you shop one of our favorite local Black-owned businesses that sell things families need.
28. Take a two-mile long hayride around a farm in the fall. It's Atlanta's longest and (as far as we're concerned) most entertaining ride around.
29. Let the grandparents take a lead for a bit when they head out to explore the city with the kids in tow. We're all about places that are accessible to both generations—whether they'll want to play all day or need plenty of spots to sit for a spell.
30. Fish and paddle in Lake Trahlyta, or hike to nearby waterfalls like Helton Creek Falls and Desoto Falls with the kids during RV season.
34. Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and stay in a rustic treehouse when you do. There you can hike, camp, or just take in the views from this 469-mile long park.
35. Take the kids and explore Doll's Head Trail—a true city oddity, it's one that appeals to folks of all ages.
36. Need a plan for Taco Tuesday? Get what you need to cook up a feast at Brito Supermarket.
37. When you need a break from dinner prep, let a local take the lead. All you have to do is the dishes!
38. Georgia's known for its scrumptious peaches. Why not pick your own with the kids at a local farm? (Hint: you'll find more than just stone fruits here—we're talking strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and more. Stock up while you can.
41. Turn the heat up on your next family camping trip when you book a lakeside cabin at this state park that also has a kids splash pad, gorgeous golf course, and a private pool.
42. Bring your lords, ladies, and court jesters (hey, every family has one, right?) to cheer on knights of the realm who are busy jousting and sword fighting while you enjoy your dinner.
44. Home to the Atlanta History Center, Blue Heron Nature Preserve, and a playground that will leave your future pilots flying high, Buckhead is a not-to-miss Atlanta neighborhood that deserves your attention.
45. Get to know Atlanta moms with a knack for everything from DIY home projects to fashion to food. They'll dish the dirt with a healthy dose of humor, local Atlanta flair, and parenting truths that ring true for all of us.
47. Make Atlanta's weather part of your team when you take the kids to enjoy dinner al fresco. Many of our picks features spots for kids to play (think: lawns and courtyards) alongside kid-friendly fare they'll actually eat.
48. Speaking of feeding the kids, why not save a few bucks the next time you go out to dinner as a family?
49. Plan a trip to a re-creation of a Bavarian Alpine village, complete with cobblestone streets and local history linked to the Cherokee Indians and early settlers who came to mine for gold and work in the lumber industry.
50. Visit Georgia's own Area 51. While you won't find any aliens here, you will find an educational nature center, lots of hiking trails, historic homes and gardens to tour, and The Fresh Pickle.
51. Find treetop adventures right here in the city. Thrill seekers of all ages will love these courses, and a brave few will choose to tackle the largest zip line adventure park resort in the world. For real!
62. Even if you've lived here your whole life, you've got to ride the SkyView ferris wheel 20 stories above Centennial Olympic Park at least once. It'll convince you that Atlanta is rightfully called The City in the Trees.
64. If you live in Atlanta, there's a good chance you've flown Delta. Visit the Delta Museum, where you can learn about our hometown airline and get up-close and personal with some massive airplanes.
65. For an inexpensive adventure that helps you avoid the hassle of driving in the city's notorious traffic, take MARTA to your next destination (or make it a destination in itself).
66. Explore Pullman cars, vintage buses, a steam locomotive, and other types of transportation at the Southeastern Railway Museum. Be sure to check their calendar for an expansive list of excellent family events.
67. We think your kids will flip for a stack of flapjacks at one of our favorite spots. It's hard to beat Nutella pancakes on a weekend morning when everyone is feeling a bit lazy.
73. If you live here, you may think you know Georgia Aquarium, but there's always something new going on here. From the dolphin encounters kids and parents love to the newly opened 1.2 million-gallon shark tank that's mesmerizing everyone who sees it, this Atlanta favorite never gets old.
75. Explore the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and then head to the Summer Waves Water Park on your next family camping trip.
76. Bring the kids for a trail ride adventure. Plan a one-time trip or if they fall in love with the animals, sign your little rider up for lessons.
77. Battle the brr's with a cup of hot coca that's as creamy as it is chocolatey. Our tip? Share a few sips with your kiddo or grab a cup of your own.
78. Hike to the top or take a shuttle bus to the top of our giant monolith, Stone Mountain, and enjoy spectacular sweeping views of Atlanta. There's always something going on at this destination that attracts visitors from all over. Whether you want to ride the train, explore dinosaurs, or stay for the evening fireworks, a trip is always a blast.
79. Take a trip down memory lane when you race go-karts, play mini-golf, and challenge your kids to a little Dance, Dance, Revolution competition.
80. Make your next weekend getaway truly epic by renting a house with a pool. Each one of our vacation picks includes things to do nearby so you don't have to look too far to find family activities.
81. Go glamping in a log cabin built in the late 1700s. Your kids will be fascinated with each of the old buildings on the property (there are four in total), and you'll find plenty to do at nearby Clayton and Lake Rabun.
82. Whether you use a flashlight, find one that's haunted, or a just-right size one for kids, Atlanta's corn mazes will keep everyone entertained.
83. Catch a family improv show at the award-winning Dad’s Garage improv comedy theater in Atlanta’s Historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Trust us, it'll leave you in stitches.
86. A visit to the pumpkin patch is a must for families every fall. Find out which one has the best prices, best kids zone, and best overall experience before you go.
87. Truly experience The City in the Forest with a walk or bike ride through Piedmont Park, home to Atlanta Botanical Garden and Lake Clara Meer. Whether you are going to a festival, taking a sunset stroll, or walking your pooch to the dog park, this is the place to be on a beautiful day.
90. When you spend a day in this Atlanta historic district, you'll be surrounded by historic sights and places. It's where Atlantans go for to celebrate Sweet Auburn Springfest, watch the Caribbean Festival & Parade, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade.
94. Trade your waterskis for snow skis, and head to one of our favorite nearby ski hills for the day (or the weekend). Another trade that'll go far here? Trading your water tube for a snowy run to make the runs.
95. Hit this artist-designed playscape near 10th and Piedmont that's as visually engaging as it is physically engaging. On a hot day, hit the nearby Legacy Fountain splash pad that features more than 70 jets, reaching up to 30 feet in the air, with LED-lighting.
97. Visit the 110-acre Brook Run Park, home to a large playground, two-mile trail, skate park, dog park, community garden, and a self-guided zip line course, called Treetop Quest.
99. Margaritaville at Lanier Islands continues to attract families in big numbers every summer thanks to its lakefront beach and waterpark—perfect for warmer weather entertainment. Our suggestion? Avoid the crowds and go on a weekday morning, if you're able.
Is it any wonder the city that boasts the country’s third largest Chinatown district is home to tons of great Asian American-owned businesses too? With so many great local shops out there to support, we thought now was a great time to highlight some of the area’s best Asian American-owned businesses that keep parents and families in mind. From a local publisher to a sweet boba tea shop to an arts center, you’ll find what you need here.
You’ll find all your Hawaiian favorites at this poke shop in Somerville including Spam musubi, lumpia, suafa’I and of course poke. Our suggestion? Plan a head to enjoy this treat. They’re currently taking orders Thursday through Saturday for dinner (5-8 p.m.) and lunch on Saturday afternoons.
Art, education and creative programming is at the heart of Pao Arts Center in Boston’s Chinatown. Established in 2017, Pao Arts Center just celebrated its fifth anniversary this past weekend, and will open its new exhibit to the public on May 27. Be sure to put the outdoor summer performances celebrating the Year of the Tiger, hosted by Pao Arts Center and the Greenway Conservancy, on your summer calendar. The next one, The Ghost of Keelung, a radio play presentation, is scheduled for June 25.
Every parent knows the value of a great café. One where you can stop in with the kids, grab a bite to eat and a get a great pour over. You’ll find that and more at this Asian American-owned coffee shop that’s just a hop skip and a jump from the Greenway carousel. Don’t forget to swing by the Boston Children’s Museum when you’re in the area.
If your kids are as obsessed as ours with Asian street food (thanks, TikTok), blow their minds with Dakzen’s authentic Thai street noodles. Khao Soi, Boat Noodles and Tiew Pak top our list, but it’s hard to go wrong with their Pad Thai and Pad Kee Mow if familiar feels better to your crew.
Head to this beauty bar in Chinatown for a little “me time.” Offering an array of facials (bubble cleansing, anyone?), hair treatment and color options, picking out a rejuvenating new look is easy. The hard part? Finding the time with your busy schedule.
Because there’s always a birthday around the corner, families can order a custom cake from Bao Bao Bakery in Chinatown. But if you walk in off the street, expect typical Chinese bakery goods like crepe cake, egg tarts, buns and ube-flavored sweets. Our suggestion? Go early to get the good stuff.
Because there’s always time for boba, head to this shop in Quincy where you’ll find refreshing milk tea enhanced with house-made boba. These colorful teas will delight your kids, and maybe even earn you a chance to sit and relax while you sip on yours too.
The summer tour includes 32 cities and kicks off on Mon. July 18th in Ridgefield, WA and ends on Aug. 28 in Chicago, IL. While live characters will not be part of the concert, you can choose from several VIP ticket packages that include premium seats, VIP parking, photo opps on the red carpet, a special Encanto gift and much more.
Disney Concerts
The 32-city Encanto Sing-Along concert tour includes:
Monday, July 18 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Tuesday, July 19 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Thursday, July 21 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion
Saturday, July 23 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
Sunday, Julu 24 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tuesday, July 26 – El Paso, TX – Plaza Theatre
Wednesday, July 27 – Lubbock, TX – The Buddy Holly Hall
Thursday, July 28 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Friday, July 29 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Saturday, July 30 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Sunday, July 31 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
Tuesday, August 2 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
Wednesday, August 3 – Pelham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Friday, August 5 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Saturday, August 6 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sunday, August 7 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Tuesday, August 9 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Wednesday, August 10 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Thursday, August 11 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
Friday, August 12 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Saturday, August 13 – Greensboro, NC – White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Sunday, August 14 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Tuesday, August 16 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann
Thursday, August 18 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Friday, August 19 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
Saturday, August 20 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
Sunday, August 21 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Tuesday, August 23 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Thursday, August 25 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Friday, August 26 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Saturday, August 27 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sunday, August 28 – Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – CHI
Pre-sale tickets began on the Live Nation website on Wed., Apr. 27 and general public ticket sales begin Fri., Apr. 29 at 10 a.m. PST. You can check individual cities for prices and seats that include everything from boxes to lawn options.
