Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in these Dallas-area MLK Day events
What is on your family to-do list this January? Perhaps you are looking for a family get-away and one of these cozy cabins near Dallas might fit the bill, or maybe you want to stay close to home for some family fun with these winter activities. But no matter what your January plans consist of, take a moment to recognize the life of one of America’s most prominent civil rights activists, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and there are plenty of family-friendly events happening in the Dallas area on and leading up to this federal holiday.
1. Take Part in a Wreath Laying Ceremony
Attend a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the MLK mural at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, and learn more about the legacy of Dr. King from guest speakers - Honorable Mayor Eric Johnson and Council Member Adam Bazaldua.
Learn how to become a leader engaged in civic affairs and public policy by joining the Youth Commission in the Dallas City Hall Lobby for an enlightening Youth Summit.
Hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., you can honor the life of Dr. King at this Candle Lighting Ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center.
Your kiddos can earn a reading certificate after they check out the interactive wall of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the Dallas Public Library - Prairie Creek Branch as part of the library’s MLK Celebration.
Start off the holiday by attending a parade hosted by H.E.L.P. and the City of Dallas. Featuring approximately 250 entries, this parade is full of floats, marching bands, dance and drill teams, youth groups, and community organizations all celebrating the historic accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade begins at 10 a.m. sharp.
8. Visit the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo
This community event at the African American Museum of Dallas features wellness and financial literacy workshops, health screenings, performances, a vendor marketplace, and more.
The Wall of Love is all about paying it forward. Community members can donate items to the Wall of Love event by January 7th, and then on MLK Day, free items will be available for anyone in need.
With special performances followed by a peace march, this community celebration is an excellent way to honor the legacy of Dr. King. The keynote speaker will even be the Goddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Donzaleigh Abernathy.
These Lunar New Year events have everything you need to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit or Cat
The Lunar New Year is a celebration of Asian cultures, and even though it doesn’t exactly feel like it (what’s with this Seattle winter?), it is also known as a spring festival. This year’s festivals celebrate the Year of the Rabbit and the Year of the Cat, and they’re coming up soon, so get out your calendars. It is not only a time of family celebrations honoring ancestors, but for many families it’s a chance to learn about the culture through performances, immersive experiences, and of course, food. Whether your family has plans to head out on a secret scavenger hunt to celebrate the Lunar New Year, or you want to find crafts, storytimes, and lion dances, we’ve got the scoop on all the kid-friendly events around the city. Gong xi fa cai!
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1. Watch a Lion and Dragon Parade in Bellevue Presented in partnership with Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association, The Overseas Community Affairs Council and Republic of China, The Bellevue Collection celebrates the Year of the Rabbit in style. Come early to enjoy the special decorations, take a selfie at the photo “pop spot,” view traditional Chinese garments and artifacts displays, try your hand at traditional calligraphy and painting, and enjoy live performances, including a lion and dragon parade at 2 p.m. Jan. 14, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. All ages.Event details.
2. Celebrate Tết in Seattle This year marks Seattle’s 27th Annual Tết Festival. The two-day festival celebrates the Vietnamese Year of the Cat through art, food, music. and a sharing of traditions. Held at the Seattle Center, families can enjoy live performances, lion dances, local food vendors, art exhibits, a fashion show, and plenty of hands-on, family-friendly events over the two days. Jan. 14 & 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. All ages. Event details.
3. Sit for Storytime in Kirkland Begin the Year of the Rabbit with a special story time at the Kirkland Library. A special storyteller will be sharing stories and songs in English and Mandarin while the kiddos create a special craft. Don’t be surprised if you walk home with a few new Mandarin words in your vocabulary. Jan. 17, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Free. Ages 3-12.Event details.
4. Lunar New Year on the Pier Pier 62 is where you'll find this celebration to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. Join in the tradition to bring luck and ward off evil spirits with a traditional lion dance, performed by the Mak Fai Kung Fu Club. Drums, cymbals, and jongs (poles performers balance on) are all part of the action. Once the show is over stay to shop the PRSVRNC market where you'll find a creative clothing line that aims to “bring Asian American pride, cultural items and the meanings of Asian American culture into clothing.” Jan. 22, 2-4 p.m. Free. All ages. Event details.
5. Lunar New Year Celebration Show Held at Seattle’s Central Library, the Lunar New Year Celebration Show is a celebration of Chinese dance, music and a variety of performing. In one hour, your family will experience a costume showcase, an accordion duet, a martial arts demonstration and an ensemble choir presentation. Jan. 17, 2-3 p.m. Free. All ages.Event details.
6. Make Light Up Lanterns Sign up to cut and construct lanterns that actually light up at KidsQuest Museum in Bellevue. Kids will learn about the importance of lighting lanterns during the Chinese New Year during this hands-on workshop, created in partnership with the Chinese Information Center. You'll need to register in advance. Jan. 20. 5-7 p.m. $25-$40/kid; Free for adults. Event details.
7. U Village Lunar New Year Celebration The Mak Fai dancers will be performing a traditional lion dance around U Village. Bring the kids, enjoy the day, and maybe even check out a few of the Lunar New Year deals while you're there. Jan. 19, 1 p.m. Free. All ages. Event details.
8. Chinese New Year Lantern Festival It's the first on-site festival since the pandemic happened, so you know this celebration at the Seattle Chinese Garden is going to be good. Bring the kids to explore the garden where you'll find a craft table out for kids, games for them to play, and Lunar New Year storytime. Parents and caregivers can enjoy Chinese music, tea, demonstrations, and lion dances. Feb. 5, 1-4 p.m. $5 suggested donation. All ages. Event details.
9. Attend the 2023 Lunar New Year Fair at Wing Luke Museum This year’s annual Lunar New Year Fair includes a lion dance in front of the Wing Luke Museum’s entrance to bring good luck for the New Year. After the lion is done dancing, partake is a variety of family activities including craft-making, games, art, exhibitions and a special story time. Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. All ages.Event details.
10. Kirkland's Lunar New Year Celebration Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Kirkland Parks and Recreation at Peter Kirk Community Center. Not only will this celebration be a chance for families to learn what Lunar New Year is and how its traditionally celebrated, but they'll also be able to enjoy crafts, food, dancing ,and cultural demonstrations. Jan. 28, 2-4 p.m. Free. All ages.Event details.
11. Kirkland Urban's Lunar New Year Celebration Enjoy KU's second annual event celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rabbit. Mak Fai dancers will be there to perform captivating lion dances. There will also be Vietnamese fan dances, a lantern display, calligraphy demos, and giveaways (while supplies last). Feb. 3, 6-8 p.m., Free. All ages.
12. Seattle Chinatown-International District's Year of the Rabbit Celebration One of the highlights at the Chinatown International District’s New Year Celebration is the Food Walk featuring a variety of delicious choices. Visit at least five locations on the walk and you can enter to win a CID gift basket. This celebration is one of the largest events of its kind which includes traditional dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, Japanese Taiko drumming, arts and crafts vendors and a great variety of family-friendly activities. Feb. 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. All ages.Event details.
13. PhinneyWood Lunar New The PhinneyWood Lunar New Year is a new annual event celebrating with the Asian community in Northern Seattle. This inclusive and diverse event is set to honor Asian cultures, while also supporting local Asian-led businesses and organizations. Feb. 5. Free. All ages. Event details.
14. Celebrate with the Asia Pacific Cultural Center The New Year is the biggest event of the year for the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, so if you only go to one of their events, this is the one not to miss. This community-based arts and culture festival is filled with over 20 performances, cultural demonstrations, martial arts, art displays, authentic food, plus about 100 vendors and resources thrown in for good measure. Celebrating 25 years, this celebration is being held at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall. Feb. 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.Event details.
Don’t let your kid’s bedtime hinder your New Year’s Eve fun! We rounded up more than a dozen ways to celebrate, including some great ideas to start the new year off right!
Ring in the new year with some family-friendly New Year’s celebrations in New York City! Not sure the right move for your crew? We’ve got options for every nap time and bedtime schedule out there. For starters, begin the festivities early with events in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, or check out some Dec. 31 daytime fun with the little ones who can’t stay up until midnight. Keep the party going with options for nighttime reveling made for the whole family, and then climb out of bed the next morning and start the year off right with New Year’s Day activities. No matter what, you’re sure to find the perfect New Year’s all-ages events in NYC to say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023 as a family.
Light Shows in and Around NYC Let some spectacular light shows sparkle and light your road into the new year. Visit one of the best light shows in and around NYC for a dazzling display of shimmering light sculptures, many of which are open leading up to and during New Year's eve and day. From the New York Botanical Garden Glow exhibit to a 70's-inspired drive-thru experience, this year's light shows have something for everyone in the family.
Russian New Year's Celebration This special Russian New Year's celebration at Sky Village has some guesses of honor: "Ded Moroz" ("Father Frost," a.k.a. Santa) and his granddaughter will be on-site to interact with guests from 4 to 5 p.m. The event will feature traditional games, presents, photo-ops, singing, dancing (including the traditional Khorovod dance), and more. If you bring in a wrapped gift, you can hand it off to Santa to be officially "delivered" to your child from the jolly man, himself! Adults are encouraged to bring their own booze if they want, though there will be Pelegrino and juice on-site for a non-alcoholic option.
Sat., Dec. 17, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Sky Village NYC Astoria 23-81 21st St. Online: eventbrite.com
NYSoM HolidayMania 2022 What if you wanted to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's all at once? You can, at the NYSoM HolidayMania extravaganza! For the New Year's party, head over to the New Year's 2023 Jam, where "Lady New Year's" will be leading the party as visitors sing karaoke and get a head start on the celebrations. Don't forget to visit the sections dedicated to the other holidays for fun activities like spinning the Wheel of Kwanzaa at the Kwanzaa Village, hanging out with the Dreidelator in Hanukkah Town, saying hi to Santa at the Winter Wonderland, and lots more. Plus, all visitors with kids will receive free gifts while supplies last.
Sat., Dec. 17, 2-6 p.m. East Harlem Tutorial Program 2050 2nd Ave. East Harlem Online:eventbrite.com
The Times Square NYE Wishing Wall Leave a positive message for visitors to the Times Square ball drop via the NYE Wishing Wall. Submit a wish on the digital Wishing Wall and it'll be among the thousands of confetti wishes that fall on New Year's in Times Square. Make sure to leave your wish by December 28 to have it be printed this year (any wishes submitted after this date will be included in next year's celebrations, instead).
Noon Year's Eve Dance Party at the Staten Island Children's Museum This fun party lets kids count down to the new year, even if your little ones are too young to stay up until the actual countdown. Instead of midnight, this party ends with a countdown to noon, and includes plenty of dancing and party favors. This experience is free with admission—just show up ready to party!
Sat., Dec. 31, 12-2 p.m. Staten Island Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building M Staten Island Online:sichildrensmuseum.org
New Year's Eve at Marage This New Year's bash is designed to get kids involved with all the stuff that adults do to celebrate the occasion. This includes putting on cute 2023 glasses, waving glow sticks, drinking sparkling apple cider (non-alcoholic, of course!), and even writing New Year's resolutions (that they'll hopefully have better luck keeping than most adults). A DJ will provide the festive music while kids do themed arts and crafts, and, of course, there will be a balloon drop to symbolically mark the beginning of a new year.
Sat., Dec. 31, 3-7 p.m. The Marage Space & Event Hall 111-10 Farmers Boulevard Hollis Online:eventbrite.com
New Year’s Eve Ball at CMOM The Children's Museum of Manhattan has two full days of celebrations lined up for its annual New Year's Eve ball drop and dance party. Kids will design candy-inspired silly hats and glasses for the party, make their own New Year's balls for a mini-NYE ball drop, and count down to noon in a mock New Year's countdown. The party keeps going after the "noon" new year with music curated by DJ Suce, with dancing, singing, and general festivities.
Fri., Dec. 30-Sun., Dec. 31 212 W 83rd St. Upper West Side Online:cmom.org
New Year’s Eve Evening and Nighttime Events in NYC
Dave & Buster's New Years Eve Party It's all fun and games at the Dave & Buster's New Year's event, where families can play in the arcade, enjoy delicious appetizers, pop some party favors, and enjoy a 5-hour open bar and a complimentary champagne toast (for 21+ only, of course). A live DJ will play as the scene in Times Square outside is displayed on large screen TVs so everyone in attendance can count down to 2023 and watch the ball drop live. Special VIP packages are available to purchase, which include reserved seating in case you need a space for the younger members of your family to rest amid all the excitement.
Sat.-Sun., Dec. 31-Jan. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Dave & Buster's 234 West 42nd St., 3rd Floor Murray Hill Online:eventbrite.com
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Prospect Park Back for the first time since 2020, watch fireworks explode in beautiful colors over Prospect Park. The fun begins at 10 p.m. with a performance by Quintessential Playlist. The event is free but an RSVP is required to gauge interest and space.
Sat.-Sun., Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Grand Army Plaza Flatbush Ave. Prospect Heights Online: prospectpark.org
New Year's Day Dinner Cruise See the city from a different perspective by heading out on Liberty Cruise's New Year's Day Dinner Cruise. Embark on your adventure onboard a three-deck vessel, where you'll be treated to a three-course meal with the evening NYC skyline and a live DJ to accompany the experience. Head to the Sky Deck for incredible 360 degree views and photo-ops of the city and passing landmarks.
Sun., Jan. 1, 7 p.m. Pier 36 299 South St. Lower East Side Online:libertycruise.nyc
New Year's Eve on the Lanes in Bowlero Strike out at Bowlero for an active and fun New Year's bowling session! Special family play slots are available to book right now, which include two hours of bowling (shoes included), your choice of food from the menu, unlimited soda, and a champagne or sparkling cider toast. If this sounds right up your alley, book soon: Most dec 31st time slots are already full, but at the time of this writing, there are still plenty of options on new year's day.
Sat., Dec. 31-Sun., Jan. 1, various times 222 W. 44th St. Times Square Online:bowlero.com
New Year's Day Super Hike in NYC Parks Make 2023 a year of health and fitness by starting strong on the very first day of the year. Join a New Year's Day Super Hike in any one of the five participating parks, and walk away the previous year's worries and New Year's dinner. Urban Rangers lead these long walks, and take detours from the well-worn paths to explore hidden natural wonders, explore the city's urban forests, and breathe in some fresh air away from electronics and distractions.
Salute to Vienna at Lincoln Center Based on Vienna's Neujahrskonzert (New Year's Concert), this tribute to the tradition is a great way to introduce kids to the world of Viennese music from the heights of the country's golden age of composition. Listen to well-known tunes like the Blue Danube Waltz, tap along with dances, be uplifted by overtures, and more. This Lincoln Center performance is in its 26th year, and features music played by The Strauss Symphony of America and dance by Europaballett (Austria) and champion ballroom dancers.
Sun., Jan. 1, 2:30 p.m. David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center 10 Lincoln Center Plaza Lincoln Square Online:salutetovienna.com
Harlem Gospel Choir New Year's Day Matinee Catch the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir on the first day of the new year as they sing in the new year with a New Year's Day Matinee. Held at Sony Hall, this concert features uplifting, joyous music to put you in the right mindset to tackle 2023. All ages are welcome to attend, and a brunch menu will be available for ordering.
Sun., Jan. 1, 1:30 p.m. Sony Hall 235 West 46th St. Midtown Online:sonyhall.com
The first night of Hanukkah begins on December 18th and we’ve got a great list of how families can celebrate in Los Angeles this year
It’s time for another spin of the dreidel! The first night of Hanukkah 2022 is Dec. 18 but there are a couple of events and menorah lightings that happen before the 8-night Festival of Lights officially kicks off this year. Check out our list for where to find all the Hanukkah celebrations in Los Angeles that, of course, include yummy donuts, latkes, music and crafts. And if you miss the first night of Hanukkah—no worries since Hanukkah lasts for 8 nights—giving you ample time to celebrate another holiday light displays in LA. Good to know: This year, the last night of Hanukkah coincides with Dec. 25—so if you’re looking for things to do, we’ve compiled a whole list of family-friendly activities that are open. And don’t forget, for a noteworthy nosh, don’t miss our favorite Jewish delis around LA.
Dec. 18-Dec. 25: The Third Street Promenade’s expansive Winterlit holiday celebration most certainly includes Hanukkah! Every night of Hanukkah, see a different synagogue or group lighting the lights at sundown. While you’re there, make sure to stop by the pop-up ice rink on the corner of Fifth St. and Arizona Ave.
1400 Block of Third St. Promenade Santa Monica Online:downtownsm.com
2. Palisades Unity Menorah Lighting
Dec. 18: The 35th annual lighting, held by the Chabad of Pacific Palisades, will take place in Palisades Village from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and will include a performance by local kids’ fave, the Beat Buds. There will also be crafts, treats and more before and after the 6 p.m. menorah lighting.
Palisades Village 1035 Swarthmore Pacific Palisades Online:chabadpalisades.com
3. Culver City Menorah Lightings
Dec. 18-21 & Dec. 25: If one big, public menorah lighting isn’t enough for you—Culver City is hosting five! The celebrations will be held at different locations throughout the city, including:
December 18 at the Culver Steps (9300 Culver Blvd.): See the giant menorah light up and enjoy live music, latkes, donuts and crafts at the Culver Steps. There will also be a magic show and a caricature artist!
December 19 at the Platform (8806 Washington Blvd.): The celebration features a chocolate gelt drop by the Culver City Fire Department as well as live music, latkes and donuts.
December 20 at the Shay Hotel (8801 Washington Blvd.): In partnership with Jewish Community of Culver City, the Shay Hotel will celebrate Hanukkah with a night of soup, sushi and latkes—and a menorah lighting for the third night of Hanukkah.
December 21 at Ivy Station (8840 National Blvd.): You’ll be in Hanukkah heaven at this festive celebration, featuring live music by the Klezmer Band as well as dreidels, latkes donuts, chocolate gelt, crafts—and a giant menorah lighting.
December 25 at Culver City Hall Courtyard 9770 Culver Blvd.): Looking for something to do on Christmas Day? Come close out the holiday and celebrate the last night of Hanukkah with this giant menorah lighting at City Hall.
Dec. 18: Enjoy latkes, donuts, dreidels, music, live entertainment, a golf cart parade, snow globe making, and more at this menorah lighting that begins at 3:30 p.m., hosted by the Chabad of Malibu.
Point Dume Village 29169 Heathercliff Rd. Malibu Online:jewishmalibu.com
Hanukkah Celebrations in the South Bay
Melissa Heckscher
5. Hanukkah Holiday Celebration at the Point
Dec. 11: Celebrate Hanukkah on the grass at The Point's outdoor shopping plaza—from 1-3 p.m.—featuring live music, children's activities, dreidels, donuts, balloon animals, magic and more. Hosted by Manhattan Beach's Congregation Tikvat Jacob Synagogue.
850 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. El Segundo Online:thepointsb.com
6. Hermosa Beach Menorah Lighting
Dec. 18: Hear the waves crash as you watch the lights of the giant menorah blaze on at this festive holiday event, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center. The main event starts at sundown but there are activities, donuts, music and festivities, and more prior to the lighting of the menorah.
Dec. 18: From 2-5:30 p.m., the whole family can participate in this annual festival at the Skirball Center, which will feature live music, crafts, yummy Hanukkah treats and a retelling of the story of Hanukkah by the Skirball Storytellers. Advance reservations are recommended.
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles Online:skirball.org
8. Chanukah on the Blvd.
Dec. 19: Enjoy traditional Hanukkah treats, music and crafts at this menorah lighting event (5-7 p.m.) sponsored by the Chabad of the Valley.
Dec. 19: The Beverly Hills City Council aims to teach families the “historic meaning of Hanukkah and the festival of lights" with this public menorah lighting event at Beverly Gardens Park from 6-7 p.m. Two hours of complimentary parking is available at the City Rexford Parking Structure (450 N. Rexford Dr.)
Beverly Gardens Park Lily Pond 9439 Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills Online:beverlyhills.org
10. Chanukah at the Original Farmers Market
Dec. 18: If you need another reason to head to The Grove for holiday shopping—how about enjoying the adjacent Farmers Market’s Hanukkah celebration? From 3-5 p.m., the annual event will feature a menorah ice sculpture, crafts from PJ library, live music from Jason Mesches, and a lighting ceremony hosted by the Miracle Mile Chabad.
Dec. 11: Bring the family to the Nixon library at 10:15 a.m. for a Hanukkah celebration featuring live musical performances, a menorah lighting and more. Advance reservations are required.
Dec 18: Let the littles learn about Hanukkah at Pretend City (all day, with story times at various times at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) where the history and traditions of the eight-day celebration are explained in a way kids will understand—through stories, art and movement. Plus, after they learn a bit about Hanukkah (and even if they don't), kids are welcome to stay and play in Pretend City's interactive ode to make-believe.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that goes double in Chicago, where dozens of seasonal events help the whole family get into the holiday spirit
With only a few weeks to pack it all in, choosing what seasonal activities to add to your family’s already action-packed calendar can be a stressful undertaking. There is no lack of light displays, live performances, train rides, seasonal food and drink offerings, and winter activities to choose from, so you truly have your pick of near-endless—and endlessly unique!—ways to help celebrate the holiday season. Better yet, there are even a few festivals where you can find it all in one place. So get out there and have some good ol’ fashioned festive family fun. There’s no time to waste! (Not even on Thanksgiving!)
Holiday Festivals in and around Chicago
Turns out, you can, in fact, have it all! A handful of seasonal festivals serve as a one-stop shop for a laundry list of holiday bucket list entries. Most of these venues include millions of sparkling lights, ice skating, holiday gift markets, live performances, and much more! Go for an hour or make a day of it, but rest assured there’s something for everyone.
Visit Rosemont for festive activities for the whole family to enjoy. After all, the village's slogan is "It's All Here," and no time is this truer than during the winter holidays. From ice skating at the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink in Parkway Bank Park, to a visit with Santa while getting all your shopping done at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, there's no escaping the holiday feels. And when you need a break from finding gifts for your fam, there are endless dining and entertainment options to choose from, too. Not to be missed is the Sparkle Light Festival lights display (Nov. 23-Jan. 1) at Impact Field. The popular festival will include five illuminated villages with millions of sparkling lights, custom 3D holiday features, an ice tube slide, a holiday train adventure, and plenty of festive food and drinks. Plus, there's a Rudolph's Kids Zone and Deck the Walls maze, both new this season.
Dates: Nov. 19-Jan. 29
9501 W. Devon Ave. Rosemont, IL Online:rosemont.com
Amaze
Don’t miss the chance to explore this holiday season at the Amaze Light Festival in Chicago! This wonderland of light welcomes guests of all ages to an all-immersive storybook experience highlighting themed worlds of displays and activities. At the Amaze Light Festival, you can find yourself mesmerized by colossal 3D lighted decor, dynamic live performances, an icy tubing hill, and an Arctic Express train. Visit the holiday market and then stop in and grab a treat at Sparky’s Sweet Spot.
The Jack Frost Winter Fest has something for everyone. Not only can you ice skate, drive a bumper car on the ice, axe throw, or have your fortune told, but you can even find your perfect Christmas tree in their urban tree farm. Between the 10,000 twinkling lights, the Chicago skyline backdrop, and super cute curated photo ops, you'll have plenty to share on your social posts. New this year? Winter tubing!
Winterland at Gallagher Way is sure to be better than ever this year. While the Christkindlmarket Wrigleville and Santa's Workshop will remain on the outside of Wrigley Field, they are being joined by a carousel. Head into Winterland within Wrigley Field to hop on the ice for skating or ice bumper cars. Surrounding the ice rink will be rides including a Wintertube, Hot Cocoa Cups, a Winter Whirl, and the Infield Express train. There will also be some season-themed carnival games, fire pits, and rentable private chalets.
Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremonies in and around Chicago
What better way to usher in the holiday season than by attending a tree or menorah lighting ceremony and witnessing first hand the joy on everyone’s faces as these holiday symbols are illuminated.
In the center of the 900 N. Michigan Shops, a 50-foot-tall tree will be lit by Santa himself. Accompanying Santa will be activities such as sugar-cookie decorating, live holiday performances, and take an “Elfie” with The Real Elf. Click here for tickets. Children 10 and under are free. A portion of proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish® of Illinois.
Date: Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
900 N. Michigan Ave. River North Online:shop900.com
Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millenium Park
Kick off the holiday season at the 109th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Millenium Park Christmas tree is considered the "official" Chicago tree. There will be performances by a DJ and Cabaret ZaZou, Son Monarcas, Broadway In Chicago: Wicked’s Lissa deGuzman “Elphaba” and Jennafer Newberry “Glinda” singing “For Good”, Jumaane Taylor and Chicago Human Rhythm Project's Stone Soup Rhythms; and special guests Dreezy Claus and Sister Claus preceding the lighting at 6pm. The lighting will be followed by fireworks and a performance by Adia, an Electric Violinist and DJ.
Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district kicks off the holiday season with its Light Up the Park event. A variety of family-friendly festivities will be available from 2-6 p.m., including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers, and ice sculpting viewing. The 80,000 holiday lights will be lit, for the first time, at 5:30 p.m. The ice rink will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Parkway Bank Park’s restaurants and entertainment venues will also be open throughout the day.
The event will take place at the intersection of Lincoln, Southport, and Wellington outside of St. Alphonsus Church, and it will include holiday tunes and carolers, festive gift bags, and surprise appearances from Elsa, Olaf, and Santa. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, coffee, and donuts.
Celebrate with a night of festive fun as the holiday lights are turned on at North School Park. There will be tons of family fun. Dickens era characters will be on trolleys, looping from Harmony Park to North School Park, 3:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m., sharing stories about Arlington Heights in the past. There will be ice carvers, photo stations, and even live reindeer.
Date: Nov. 25 at 4:30 p.m.
North School Park and Harmony Park Arlington Heights, IL Online:vah.com
Lakeview Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Gather around the community menorah for treats and festivities for the entire family!
Sure, you can watch them on television, but you can’t feel the beat of the drums in the marching bands, smell the popcorn from the Garrett’s parade float, or stand in awe of the giant character balloons from your couch. When you are on the street, you aren’t just watching the parade. In a way, you become a part of it.
Watch as the Co-Grand Marshalls of the parade, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, magically turn on the lights lining the road as this parade proceeds down Michigan Avenue. If you stay til the end, you'll get your first glimpse of Santa on his sleigh!
With all the excitement around Christmas and Hanukkah, let's not forget to celebrate Thanksgiving! After all, the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a city tradition since 1930. The procession travels up State Street from Ida B. Well Drive to Randolph Street.
It might not make sense, but trains and the holidays somehow go hand in hand. Go beyond the locomotive set around the tree, or the model exhibits, and board a real train themed for the holidays. It’s a unique way to see Santa, too!
Blackberry Farm Holiday Express
And what to your wondering eyes should appear? A decorated miniature open-air train that runs continuously through Aurora’s living-history museum. Catch the Holiday Express train around Lake Gregory amidst thousands of twinkling lights. It’s part of the farm’s annual Victorian Christmas celebration, Holiday Express, which includes music, storytelling in a historic schoolhouse, a visit from Santa, craft stations and a Reindeer Food Bar. Tickets go on sale Nov. 10.
Santa and his merry band of elves will make an appearance on every El line this holiday season. In fact, the big guy in red comes jingling his way through in grand style, pulled in a sled by faux reindeer. A gift from the Chicago Transit Authority, the festive El—decked out in colored lights, garland, bows and tinsel—arrives with pomp and glee, leaving you and your little ones smiling ear to ear long after your stop. You might even get a candy cane handout if you’re onboard.
Happy Holiday Railway at The Illinois Railway Museum
Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family. See and visit with Santa Claus on the train. Treats and hot chocolate will be served and gifts will be given to children. Before or after your ride, visit the Model Railroad Exhibit or some of the museum's historic train exhibits.
The Nutcracker Ballet Performances in and around Chicago
Watching this classic ballet on stage is often an unforgettable experience for kids—and this season’s Christmas showcases of The Nutcracker in Chicago are such impressive memory creators that it will be hard to choose just one.
Set in 1920s America, Alexei Kremnev's The Art Deco Nutcracker is an upbeat yet traditional take on the much-loved holiday favorite and guaranteed entertainment for all. This year's production features award-winning rhythmic dancers, stunning set designs, and added scenes and characters. Familiar favorites The Sugar Plum Fairy, Mother Ginger, and the Nutcracker Prince will all be on stage to tell the tale.
The Dance-Along Nutcracker at the Chicago Cultural Center
The Dance-Along Nutcracker is any budding ballerina's dream come true, with the opportunity to participate in a short workshop with Ballet Chicago, and then watch them perform an abbreviated version of the classic ballet at eye level. The dancers are accompanied by the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band under the gorgeous rotunda of the Chicago Cultural Center. The tiny dancers are frequently invited on stage to twirl, leap, and sachet alongside the professionals. This year's details have not yet been announced, but be on the lookout!
The Music Institute of Chicago presents its holiday tradition, Duke It Out! Nutcracker, featuring the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of the holiday favorite in a music and dance performance. The performance is a family-friendly 60 minutes and is preceded by an interactive musical instrument "petting zoo." For those who can't attend in person, the show is also available via livestream.
Dates: Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.
1490 Chicago Ave. Evanston, IL Online: musicinst.org
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House
The Joffrey Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition for many families. Christopher Wheeldon's reimagined classic follows young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on a Christmas Eve journey through the 1893 World's Fair, a dazzling spectacle of sights, sounds and enchantment. This annual holiday tradition celebrates both the magic of the season and the rich cultural heritage of Chicago.
An animated digital display of The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker will be shown as part of Art on theMART, the largest digital art projection in the world. The presentation is set to the music of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score and runs nightly on theMART’s 2.5-acre river-façade.
Dates: Nov. 19-Dec. 30 at 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza River North Online:artonthemart.com
The Nutcracker at Hyde Park School of Dance
Hyde Park School of Dance brings together fans of ballet, modern, and hip hop with its annual presentation of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker at Mandel Hall on the University of Chicago campus.
One of our absolute favorite activities! Hundreds of holiday revelers gather around Cloud Gate for a stunning view of the city in its reflection, and to join local Chicago choirs in festive songs. Each week is a different performance group, and free song books are distributed.
Insider tip: Go early and get some skating in at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink just below.
Listen to the celebrated songs of the season performed by the best musicians in the city: the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Arrangements both new and cherished will have you humming and singing along. Be ready for a visit from the man in red, too!
A world of delight and whimsy awaits families looking for a bit of over-the-top holiday fun. Cirque Dreams Holidaze is an annual tradition fusing a Broadway-style musical with contemporary circus artistry.
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party at The Station
Chicago Children’s Theatre invites families to celebrate the holidays at the company’s ever-popular, seasonal smash hit, The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party. Kids are encouraged to dress in their holiday best, or just come as they’re comfortable, to this incredibly charming, meticulously designed puppet show starring Peter Rabbit and his favorite animal friends. After the show, go on stage to gently play with the puppets and take pictures. Then, head to the lobby for a festive spread of chocolate milk and cookies!
Hershel And The Hanukkah Goblins at The Edge Theater
Strawdog Theatre Company, one of Chicago's oldest ensemble theater companies, presents a Hanukkah show for all ages. When a traveling troupe of actors comes to town only to find no one celebrating Hanukkah, they try to figure out a way to save the Hanukkah spirit STAT. In this adaptation of the Caldecott Honor-winning book, Strawdog brings the cherished story to life with music, puppets, and a heavy dose of theater magic.
The Goodman Theatre's production of the holiday classic serves up a heavy dose of cheer to enliven even the grouchiest of Scrooges. There is something about this timeless story, combined with the world-class actors of The Goodman, that keeps the "bah-humbugs" away. Extra special for 2022? This year marks the Goodman's 45th annual production of this timeless tale of kindness and compassion.
Based on the hit Christmas film, Elf the Musical is the story of a human, raised as an elf, that goes on a journey to find his birth father. His birth father is your basic Scrooge, until his new son teaches him and all of NYC about the true spirit of Christmas. The show is equally full of humor and heart-warming moments.
Take a break from all that shopping with an afternoon holiday tea experience to rest and recharge. Our fair city offers the time-old tradition that will turn a day of shopping with the kids into a cherished memory.
If you want to feel like royalty, afternoon tea at the Drake is for you. After all, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, and the Empress of Japan—each of whom has enjoyed tea at the famous hotel—wouldn’t settle for just any cuppa. During the holiday season, Palm Court will transform into a winter wonderland complete with festive decorations, seasonal pastries, a harpist and even a merry band of carolers Reservations can be made online at OpenTable or by calling 312-932-4619.
Tea service in the Bridges Lobby Bar offers a stunning view of the Chicago River and its famous bridges. You’ll begin with a tea selection of Rare Tea Cellars and Sparrow Coffee teas and a basket of fresh scones and breads. From there, you’ll pick sweet and savory bites from a 3-tiered tower crafted by the culinary and pasty teams.
The Lobby is nothing short of spectacular during the holiday season. The menu features finger sandwiches including Smoked Salmon, Organic Egg Salad, Classic English Cucumber and Cranberry Chicken. Petite seasonal pastries with choux, chocolate and winter fruit creations as well as fruit and plain scones, house-made preserves and Devonshire clotted cream. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Holiday carolers, Mrs. Claus and a string duo provide the entertainment (note: entertainment varies based on day of the week). For Holiday Tea, make your reservation via Tock.
Dates: Nov. 25-Jan. 8 at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
108 E. Superior St. Near North Side Online:peninsula.com
Create warm winter memories with high tea for you, your little one and their best stuffed friend with Teddy Bear Tea at Hotel Zachary. On Sunday afternoons, families are invited to enjoy a festive tea service, featuring Rare Tea Cellars. Children can indulge in a pot of house-made hot chocolate, tea sandwiches and light bites, scones, cupcakes, and more sweet treats. Reservations can be made on Resy.com. While you’re in the area, stop by Gallagher Way’s Winterland for non-stop holiday cheer.
Dates: Sundays, Nov. 27-Dec. 18 at 1:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Vanille Patisserie’s French-inspired holiday tea experience will transport you and your bébés to the city of lights. Enjoy Vanille signature pastries, scones, and finger sandwiches while sipping on the finest of Benjamin’s Tea and Hot Chocolate with house-made marshmallows.
Among all the merriment that the holiday season provides, it also requires—for many families—the hunt for the perfect gifts for loved ones. Thankfully, Chicago is one of the best cities in the nation for shopping, and this season in particular provides no shortage of places to help shoppers work their way through their holiday wish lists.
Bundle up for this outdoor market (which continues to run out of its flagship location in the Loop and an outpost in Wrigleyville) that brings the cherished tradition of the Christkindlmarket in Germany to Chicago and adds a heap of local charm. Each of the market’s signature wooden cabins topped with festive red-and-white-striped canopies are packed with handmade gifts, food and drinks from around the world and many are run by native German speakers. Shop, visit with Christkind, eat, enjoy free entertainment, repeat—and be sure to say “guten tag” to Santa Claus.
Stroll the shops and businesses along Wilson Avenue and stop in at Wilson and Broadway to connect with Chicago Market and vendors offering snacks, holiday gift shopping, and more
With prices ranging from thrifty to extravagant, you’re sure to find something for even the pickiest of gift receivers this year. Peruse the market for smartly priced antique, vintage and modern goods – everything from embroidered hankies to estate jewelry to custom-made gifts.
Have a festive weekend starting with a tree lighting, shopping at one-of-a-kind boutiques, hot chocolate galore, and holiday cider. On Sunday afternoon, bring the family for children’s activities, caroling, and, of course, Santa!
Small Business Saturday in Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
Not only do many businesses in the area offer special discounts and promotions, but festive events take place throughout the day. There are pictures with Santa, Victorian Carolers, and the annual Tree Lighting.
The Southport Holiday Stroll is a longstanding tradition in West Lakeview where break out the holly and stay open late offering special holiday deals and festivities. The Southport Holiday Stroll is free to attend and includes special deals from local businesses, carol singers, photos with Santa, holiday treats, and other surprises!
Support local Chicago artists and small businesses at the city's indoor version of Sundays on State. There will be weekly entertainment and seasonal activities.
These historical sites, museums, and cultural centers are the perfect way for families to learn more about Native American culture
It’s Native American Heritage Month every November and while learning about Native culture shouldn’t be restricted to a month every year, it’s certainly a time to spotlight the many Native American communities and their rich histories. This is a time to focus on their diverse heritage and important contributions and learn as much as we can as well as teach our children to respect and celebrate the Native American communities that have always called these lands their home. Here are a few venues where you can do that responsibly, and the kids can benefit from an immersive educational experience that aids their learning as well.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site | North Dakota
North Dakota Tourism
Knife River Village was last occupied in 1845 by the Hidatsa and Mandan, and the national historic site is home to a beautiful state‐of‐the‐art museum and interpretive center dedicated to preserving their culture. Today, you can explore the museum on the site, which is filled with Mandan artifacts and art created by Plains artists, and then take a walking tour of the village remains.
Kids will love: The historic site also has a junior ranger program, where kids can explore the historical aspects of the village site and earn badges when they complete the program.
Native Americans have inhabited the region now known as New Mexico for thousands of years, and their presence is felt throughout the state. This culture is reflected in nearly every aspect of life within Albuquerque—from the city’s art and architecture to its festivals and culinary traditions. This influence extends into the present day among New Mexico’s 23 Native American pueblos, tribes, and nations, ensuring this way of life continues to endure.
Kids will love: Kids can meet artists selling handcrafted works, experience dance performances and lessons, and savor unique contemporary Indigenous meals at the on-site full-service Indian Pueblo Kitchen restaurant.
With a vast collection of southwest Indigenous people's art, history, artifacts, clothing tools, and more, the Heart Museum features one exhibit called Away From Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories telling the significant and often untold period of American history in the 1870s where American Indians were forced to assimilate into government-operated boarding schools. The newest exhibit called Substance of Starscombines digital technology with contemporary art from Haudenosaunee, Yup’ik, Diné, and Akimel O’otham Tribes.
Kids will love: Hands-on galleries offer interactive fun and many cultural learning opportunities for kids. Heard hosts the Hoop Dancing World Championships annually slated for February 18-19, 2023.
South Dakota is home to famed sites like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Old West town of Historic Deadwood, along with vast outdoor adventures, and Native American heritage. The state’s tribal nations visitor guide features a map of tribal lands, a brief history of each tribe, visitor etiquette suggestions, and destinations that provide opportunities to learn more about each tribe.
Kids will love: Powwows are one of the best ways to see Native American culture up close. Kids can learn cultural etiquette and how to participate in support of Native American tribes.
Carpinteria State Beach is on the ancestral land of the Chumash people in an area they called Mishopshnow, meaning “correspondence,” because it was a center of trade. The Spanish explorers called it Carpinteria because it was where the Chumash crafted their tomol canoes sealed with tar and pitch. Today you can still find tar seeping from rocks within the park. The Chumash Painted Cave can be visited along the way, which is a small painted rock on the hillside of a rural two-lane mountain road near Santa Barbara, featuring an interpretive panel for the archaeological site.
Kids will love: The Junior Ranger programs, self-guided explore packs, visitor center exhibits and the Tomol Interpretive Play along the accessible interpretive trail which runs between Linden Avenue and the park’s entrance.
From the Indigenous Arts of North America Gallery by James Florio
Beginning around 1925, the Denver Art Museum was among the first U.S. museums to recognize the beauty and value of Indigenous arts and start a collection. Today, it is home to more than 18,000 objects by artists from more than 250 Indigenous nations. The collection includes ancient ceramics, beaded garments, and carved masks, plus contemporary paintings, sculptures, photography, and more from artists across North America.
Kids will love: Family Central, an immersive experience with costumes, wood blocks, and more to create with. Kids can contribute to an art project about Denver in the Native Arts Artist-in-Residence Studio.
The Native American Village here honors Utah's Native tribes through interactive cultural presentations. Natives dressed in traditional regalia tell the stories of their homes, lifestyle, and contributions to Utah's heritage. The quiet beat of a drum and Native songs tell the story of the ancients. See the largest teepee in America as well as an authentic Navajo Hogan and learn the story of the Medicine Wheel, sometimes known as the Sacred Hoop.
Kids will love: There is craft-making at the Village and kids learn about designs and symbols called petroglyphs that the ancients carved into rocks. There are rock-type features to climb on and a stream to float wooden boats in.
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
South Carolina is renowned for many things: its subtropical beaches, world-class golf courses and iconic gastronomy. What visitors may not know is that The Palmetto State is also home to the Old 96 District—a monumental region whose rich history dates back to the 1700s.
The Old 96 District, which spans the Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick counties, has been drawing in families from all over. With its one-of-a-kind experiences (and of course, small-town, Southern charm) road trippers are looking to its unexpected wonders for a memorable family road trip.
For an adventure down the road less traveled, we’ve compiled a list of hidden gems throughout the Old 96 District that’ll deliver historical landmarks, scenic views, arts and culture, and more in a very unique way.
1. Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm
Remember that unicorn your tot begged for on their third birthday? Now is your chance to allow them to get up close and personal with ponies or, as your little one will call it, a “real-life unicorn.” Located in Laurens County, Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm offers pony rides and plenty of farm dogs, chickens, roosters, turkeys, rabbits, and farm dogs to see.
2. Abbeville Opera House
In 1904, Abbeville Opera House opened its door to the local community as a cultural center, hosting musicals, live stage productions, comedy shows, film screenings, campaign speeches, and town events. Today, the Opera House is fully restored to its turn-of-the-century condition, featuring a 7,500-square-foot stage and two concessions. Wow your kiddos with a behind-the-scenes look at the original rope-pulled rigging system that lowers and raises the stage’s curtains.
3. Winchester Museum at the National Wild Turkey Federation
As the only museum in the world dedicated to wild turkeys, the Winchester Museum in Edgefield provides insight into the National Wild Turkey Federation’s ongoing conservation efforts and a look at the rich history of our favorite Thanksgiving birds. Children will be amazed at the museum’s colorful dioramas and will discover more about the five different species of wild turkeys.
4. Diamond Hill Mine
Grab a rock hammer, shovel, gloves and anything else your mining crew may need to dig up stunning crystals at Diamond Hill Mine. Located outside of Due West, with over six acres of land, the mine is one of the largest in the South and is covered in gems like amethyst, smoky quartz, and skeletal elestial. Diamond Hill is also “unsalted,” meaning that every crystal you discover is true to the Earth–thanks to erosion that took place in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains.
5. Battle Of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Old 96 District is best known for its role in the American Revolutionary War in the 18th century, and fortunately for history buffs, many of these battlegrounds still remain. Head to Clinton to explore the rolling fields of the Battle of Musgrove Mill for an educational touch point on your road trip. Your children will learn the history of the battle’s surprise ending and hike the trails with historical markers.
6. Dorn’s Grist Mill
Travel back to 1898 at Dorn’s Grist Mill in McCormick where your little ones can get an up-close view of America's agricultural and industrial history. Originally built as a cottonseed mill in 1898, the two-and-a-half-story structure was converted into a flour and gristmill in the 1920s and still houses much of its old equipment. Today, the Mill is listed in the National Register.
7. The Phoenix Factory’s Old Edgefield Pottery
A half museum and half working study, the Phoenix Factory's Old Edgefield Pottery is continuing the 200-year-old tradition of making and firing high-quality pottery. Make a stop at the museum to see a wide variety of 19th and 20th century Edgefield-inspired ceramics and purchase a one-of-a-kind pot from the store for the road.
8. 25 Drive In Movie Theater
Greenwood’s 25 Drive In is one of few drive-in movie theaters left in the U.S. Delight your family with this retro experience by loading up on snacks from the concession stand and enjoying a first-run film on one of the two large screens. Don’t forget to pack pillows and blankets for a cozy dinner and movie experience like never before.
Start planning a road trip to the Old 96 District today with the Family Fun page, which provides additional recommendations for a memorable road trip. Check out exclusive deals and packages for ways to save on lodging and local attractions, or take a look at the calendar of events for insights on upcoming festivals and performances.
Heads up: Father’s Day is on its way. Looking for a gift idea that goes beyond a tie or some whisky stones? Taking a page from our Mother’s Day Gift Guide, we’re recommending experiences over things for Father’s Day in NYC. (Which is also Juneteenth this year.) From activities to do as a family to fun or adventurous outings for dad and partner or friend, here are ways to let the dad in your life know he’s the main man. For more fun this month see our favorite June events for families (many are free and consider heading out to pick some cherries, because now is the time to do it!
Joshua Bright
Picnic & Make a Tree Sculpture at Wave Hill
Enjoy the very rare opportunity to picnic on the Wave Hill House Lawn (bring your own blanket and/or folding chairs), or, if you purchase a picnic from Great Performances, in Armor Hall. (Limited space is available in Armor Hall, on a first-come, first-served basis.) You can also bring your own feast or buy a salmon lunch from Great Performances. (There’s a special meal for kids seven and under.) Reservations are required by end-of-day Tuesday, June 14. The weekend’s family art project is a tree sculpture to celebrate a father figure in your life, which you can personalize as a special gift to hold photographs or drawings. (Art project is free with admission.)
Sun. June 19, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: $12/adults; $6/kids six and older. free/kids under 6
4900 Independence Ave.
Bronx
718-549-3200
Online: wavehill.org
Huttopia
Gift Dad Some Glamping at the New Huttopia Adirondacks Located just outside of Lake George on 275 acres of serene woodlands, Huttopia Adirondacks hits that sweet spot between roughing it and over-the-top glamping. Fully-outfitted campsites feature wood-and-canvas tents with a deck for lounging, a firepit and picnic table. Head to the main Lodge to take a dip in the heated swimming pool, see some live music, take part in activities such as yoga and candle-making, or play some ping pong or foosball. The on-site bistro serves fresh bites like crepes (Huttopia’s founders are French), pizza, smoothies and more, and there’s even a kid’s club to keep the kids entertained if you want some downtime. For more fun, options include hitting the hiking trails of Adirondack Park, white-water rafting and visiting nearby Saratoga Springs and Lake George.
Rates start at $120/night
1571 Lake Ave.
Lake Luzerne, NY
518-223-8666
Online: huttopia.com
Juneteenth Unityfest
Celebrate with a Free Celebrate Brooklyn! Concert
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! presents a free concert on June 19, Juneteenth Unityfest, with performances by some of the world’s leading gospel artists, including Tye Tribbett, Deborah Cox, Israel Houghton, Mali Music and others. The event will celebrate themes of inspiration, faith, and fatherhood in Black culture and beyond.
Sun., June 19, 6:30 p.m.
Lena Horne Bandshell
Prospect Park
Online: bricartsmedia.org
Give Him a City Brew Tour City Brew Tours offers an Underground Brooklyn Brewery Walking Tour or a Brewing in Queens Walking Tour. Each tour lasts about 3.5 hours and includes VIP access to three breweries, beer sampling, a snack, brewery swag and a knowledgable local guide to boost his beer IQ. Book a date or get him a gift card to choose his own.
Visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan to See Inside Art & Make Pop-Up Cards for Dad
A brand new edition of Inside Art: Create, Climb, Collaborate opens June 18. The show encourages children to discover powerful tools of self-expression and new ways of seeing everyday spaces. Immersive site-specific installations by Isidro Blasco, Aya Rodriguez-Izumi, and BARarchitekten, and dynamic activations by CMOM’s inaugural roster of New York-based artists-in-residence, help early learners to build critical social, emotional, and motor skills as they explore, touch, and even contribute to museum-quality works of contemporary art.
On Father’s Day, kids can create a rad card that really pops for a Pop, Papa, Dad, Dada or someone special.
Sun., June 19
Tickets: $15/kids and adults; $12/seniors, free/infants and members
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
212 W. 83rd St.
Upper West Side
212-721-1223
Online: cmom.org
Do Father’s Day the CAMP Way Head to CAMP in Hudson Yards or Columbus Circle for some cool crafting, a Father’s Day photo, a sweet treat (and some really cool gift items, too). Reserve tickets in advance.
Tickets: $40/kid; $2/adult
CAMP Columbus Circle
10 Columbus Circle
Online: camp.com
Jam at Brooklyn Bowl’s Rock And Roll Playhouse This popular series bringing cool tunes to kids plays Bob Marley to celebrate Father’s Day and Juneteenth. Then stick around for Family Bowl!
Tickets: $15/person for Rock & Roll Playhouse
Sun., June 19
61 Whythe Ave.
Williamsburg
Brooklyn Bowl
Online: brooklynbowl.com
Forest Hills Stadium
Help Dad Relive His Indie Cool Days
We loved this for moms, too. Take dad to one of the nicest concert venues in the city, Forest Hills Stadium. Tucked into this leafy neighborhood of Queens (shows end early because of a noise ordinance), there’s not a bad seat in the house, and they consistently book great acts. An indie-splosion is coming to Forest Hills, including artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Fleet Foxes, The Lumineers and the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. Also: the amusingly irascible Bill Burr. Take his experience up a notch and add the “Golden Apple Premium Experience” to his ticket for $99. Benefits include exclusive access to the backstage lounge at Forest Hills Stadium, two complimentary beverages, access to a private cash bar in the backstage lounge, private restrooms and early entry into the backstage lounge one hour before doors open to the general public. If that’s not fancy enough for you, consider booking a “Speakeasy Suite.”
See Onward at the Queens Botanical Garden (On Saturday) Celebrate the night before at QBG with a dad film from Disney, and crafting a paper mushroom house and Father’s Day card.
Sat., June 19, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $17/adults; $15/kids; free/kids under 3, $55/family of four
43-50 Main St.
Flushing
718-886-3800
Online: queensbotanical.org
Adventure Park at Long Island
Climb at The Adventure Park at Long Island
Take dad to The Adventure Park at Long Island, where through a “Buy One Get One Free” promotion, he can climb for free on Father’s Day. You’ll have three hours to tackle your choice of 14 trails and 49 ziplines. To book, head to the park’s website and enter code “Father’s Day BOGO” or call 631-983-3844.
Tickets: $64/14 and up, $54/seven to 13 Fri.-Sun, April 1-June 16; Daily, June 20-Sept. 5
Adventure Park at Long Island
75 Colonial Springs Rd.
Wheatley Heights, NY
613-983-3844
Online: myadventurepark.com
Looking to register for low-cost and free summer camps in NYC—and even snag some early-bird rates? We’ve rounded up some of the more affordable summer camps in NYC, including favorite camps in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, as well as the city’s Summer Rising program from the DOE and STEM summer program in all boroughs. Some camps are free, others offer a sliding scale, and still more have prices not as sky-high as so many other camps around NYC. Save more cash with our favorite free and fun things to do this month in NYC, NYC museums that are always free, and NYC’s best playgrounds, which never cost a cent!
Register for NYC's Free Summer Rising Program
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It is not too late to register for Summer Rising, the New York Department of Education's free summer academic and enrichment programming for all students in grades K–12! The Summer Rising Enrollment Portal opens on April 25, 2022. The program provides academic support and enrichment activities, giving students daily opportunities to play, create, explore and develop new interests. (Translation: some learning, lots of fun.) Programs run from July 5 to August 12, with options for all students, including English language learners and those with special education needs. All current K-8 NYC students are eligible to enroll in Summer Rising.
The New York City Department of Education is offering free summer enrichment programs for kids entering grades 1-12. Priority is given to children who attend Title 1 Schools. Camps run from July 5 to August 19.
Kids can get their hands dirty in the garden, encounter amazing animals, or design an art or engineering project. Students will meet and work with field experts in programs that feature real-world learning experiences. Choose from a wide range of programs offered at sites throughout the city! Click here to view the programs.
Programs are offered at cultural institutions such as the Department of Ed's Environmental Study Center; Audubon New York; Bronx Zoo; MakerSpace NYC; New York Aquarium; New-York Historical Society; Prospect Park Zoo; Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden; Staten Island Museum; Staten Island Zoo; The Battery Conservancy; The Green-Wood Cemetery; and UrbanGlass. Click here to see the locations.
Greenwich House is offering in-person STEAM Summer Camp in July an August for kids ages 6 to 14. Activities include arts and crafts, engaging science and technology activities, recreation and outdoor summer fun. Cost is $2,500 for July, and $2,600 for August, plus $80 supply fee. Need-based financial aid and scholarships are available. Registration is open now.
Campers at the Henry Street Settlement can enjoy art, music, drama, sports and swimming, as well as field trips to cultural institutions like New York Hall of Science, Queens County Farm, and art museums. The program is open for kids ages five to 10 and deadline is June 7, with aid offered on first-come, first-served basis.
Camp is in two sessions, July 5-July 21, and July 25-August 8, with days running from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an after-care option. Rates are $1,305 for the first session, $1,425 for the second, with a discounted rate of $2,600 for both. (There is also a $50 registration fee.)
Income-based tuition assistance is available to households whose annual income is less than $50,000 annually. Those who qualify and apply in time will receive a 50% discount for tuition.
Discounts are also offered for returning campers, campers' siblings, and those who refer a friend. Henry Street has a commitment to working with anyone to make camp an affordable experience. Find a helpful FAQ on the camp here.
Unfortunately, like the name indicates, it's for boys only (ages seven and up). In the past, the BCNY hosted a six-week long summer program in the city, encompassing swimming, athletics, music, arts and field trips. (The cost was nominal: $25 for one member, $35 for a family of several sons, with breakfast and lunch included.)
The Boys' Club will also be offering camp programs in the city, BCNY’s Summer Cycle at Abbe Clubhouse or Gerry Clubhouse for campers entering 4th to 12th grade. You must become a member to register. To join BCNY, select your child’s age group on this page and register. (If you’re already a member, your local clubhouse will be in touch about BCNY’s Summer Cycle.) For membership or program inquiries, contact Meredith Gray, director of program development.
Brooklyn's NIA Community Services Network operates two free K-5 camps at P.S. 247 in Bensonhurst and P.S. 179 in Kensington. Typically elementary summer camps run Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes free breakfast and lunch. NIA also offers several free middle school camps, as well as a fee-based camp at P.S. 30 in Bay Ridge.
Exact details for summer 2022 are still being determined, and programming and dates are contingent on city funding. Sign up here (scroll to the bottom of the page) to get notification of camp and registration info when it becomes available. You can read about 2019 offerings here.
Located at various community centers and public schools in the Bronx and Brooklyn, once school is out for the summer, Good Shepherd becomes a free, all-day camp with arts & crafts, dance, sports and more. Contact each, individual center for hours and programming details.
Chances are, there's a YMCA Camp near you. The non-profit organization has more than 70 summer camps throughout the five boroughs, including camps for little ones (four and five-year-olds), overnight camps, and specialty camps dedicated to all kids of activities, including dance, STEAM, and sports. General camp activities include swimming, sports, themed days, games, and more, along with special field trips to area attractions, and the Y also runs inclusion camps.
Rates vary depending on the type of camp and location, but standard day camp is $750 per two-week session. Sessions begin July 5 and end August 26. There's a 10 percent sibling discount, and if you register before April 30, you also get a 10 Early Bird percent discount. Finally, financial assistance is also available. You can download an application for aid here. The Y is holding information sessions for camp over the next few weeks.
Held on the 37-acre, tree-lined campus of Lehman College in the Bronx, this summer camp operates two, three-week sessions for kids ages six to 12. Activities are designed the goal of developing children’s academic, social and athletic skills and include everything from water safety, self-defense and arts and crafts, to sports, math games and dance. In the past, full-day and half-day sessions in July and August have been offered, with early bird discounts and payment plan options. Previous rates were $1528 per session for full-day, and $764 per session for half-day. Free breakfast and lunch are provided for all campers.
Summer 2022 camp is pending, dependent on the state of the COVID pandemic and the full opening of Lehman College.
A classic summer day camp in the city, Oasis prides itself on its affordability. Oasis operates camps in Central Park, East Village, Bayside, Queens, Long Island and Westchester. Kids ages three to 15 enjoy sports, games, crafts, drama, and more for the bulk of the day outside (although there are indoor facilities as well).
Ages: 3-15 Locations: Central Park, East Village, Bayside, Long Island University, Dobbs Ferry Camp dates: 6/27-8/19 Fees (starting at): Varies by location. Central Park: $1470 (entering nursery - K); $1420 (entering grades 1-6) Online:oasischildren.com
Trail Blazers
Now in its 135th year (!), Trail Blazers' tag line is "Building Values for Life." Both a day camp, held in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Riverside Park and Morningside Park, and an overnight camp (in Montague, New Jersey) Trail Blazers is all about unplugging, learning and playing. (You can read about some of the camp's core beliefs here.) Each week has an environmentally-focused theme with related skill instruction (orienteering, knot-tying, plant identification) and kids spend the entire day in the park, only heading inside if the weather gets really unforgiving. Trail Blazers also holds a Farmstead overnight camp at which kids live and work on the Stony Creek Farmstead in the Catskills. Base rate for day camp is $700, but families pay on a self-reporting, sliding scale according to income. Scholarships are also available.
The Cathedral at St. John the Divine runs several programs for kids ages 3.9 to 15, including summer day camp and specialty week-long camps. Day camp, in July, featuring classic activities like arts and crafts, games and day trips, requires a five week commitment. Single-week specialty camps for campers eight years old and up are dedicated to activities such as soccer, floor hockey, performance, wearable art, DIY and mosaic and sculpting. Day camp is $3,000 for five weeks; specialty camps are $650/week. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. with early drop off and late pickup options. There is a sibling discount of 10 percent, and a $100 discount if you register for the whole summer. Financial aid may be available. Register and pay in full by May 2. Download registration form here.
ACT at Cathedral at St. John the Divine 1047 Amsterdam Ave. Morningside Heights 212-316-7530 Online: stjohndivine.org
