Rollercoasters, funnel cakes, waffle cones, hotdogs, oh my! Theme parks scream summer. If you’re looking for adventure on your next family vacation, theme parks offer rides and attractions but also old-timey activities, special events, character meet-and-greets and more. These mega Midwestern theme parks are packed with enough fun for at least a two-day stay and each is within driving distance from Chicago. One is located along a beach, another immersed in the Ozarks, and one is the summertime home of Santa Claus. Here are our picks for Midwestern theme parks worth the road trip from Chicago.
The lowdown Holiday World is a combo theme park and water park located in Santa Claus, IN, the summertime home of the Man in Red.
When this tiny town applied for its first post office in 1856, the application was refused as there was already a Santa Fe. The town then voted to change its name to Santa Claus in honor of the holiday hero. As a result, it receives thousands of letters addressed to Santa from around the world every holiday season.
Holiday World celebrates the holidays all summer long with its "four lands": Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Fourth of July. The Raven wooden coaster mimics a bird's acrobatic flight pattern in Halloween land. The Voyage in Thanksgiving land is widely considered one of the best wooden coasters for its 154 ft. vertical drop and is a tribute to the Mayflower's epic journey. The costumed character George the Eagle can often be spotted in Fourth of July land, where Holidog's FunTown 7 is encircled by the Holidog Express mini-train. Rudolph's Reindeer Ranch offers toddler-friendly rides like Comet's Rockets and Prancer's Merry-Go-Round in Christmas land.
Also on site is Splashin' Safari, a safari-themed water park home to two of the world's longest water coasters, Wildebeest and Guinness World Record Holder, Mammoth.
The lowdown 16 adrenaline-rushing roller coasters, including the 74mph Steel Vengeance, make Cedar Point the roller coaster capital of the world. For kids not quite ready to conquer the coasters, both Planet Snoopy and Camp Snoopy feature puppy-sized rides.
Nestled on a mile-long sandy stretch of beach on Lake Erie, Cedar Point has been thrilling visitors since it inaugurated its first ride, a water toboggan, in 1890, making it one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S. It will likely take at least two days to conquer the park's 70+ rides spread out on over 364 acres of lakeshore.
Roller coaster fanatics love Cedar Point for its extreme roller coasters like the classic wooden Blue Streak and the steel-track Corkscrew with three inversions. Four designated kiddie areas have all the rides little ones love, like junior-sized bumper cars and two mini coasters that prep kids for the bigger coasters down the road.
Cedar Point also has an 18-acre water park and its very own beach, so you can cool off between rides.
Driving distance A little under 300 miles from Chicago
Entry fee $49.99/daily admission. The Cedar Point Pre-K Pass grants complimentary admission to ages 3-5.
Lodging Maximize your time by staying on-site at the historic Hotel Breakers, located steps from the park's main gate. The all-new Castaway Bay, a Caribbean-themed hotel with an indoor waterpark, debuted in 2022.
Don't Miss Start your day with a ride on the park's Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad, one of the last authentic coal-fired steam locomotives still in operation in the U.S.
The lowdown Silver Dollar City is a 61-acre theme park immersed in the Ozarks in the live entertainment capital of the U.S., Branson, MO. Themed to recreate the aura of a circa 1880s mining town, the park is centered around Marvel Cave, the deepest cave in Missouri at 500 ft. below surface level.
Silver Dollar City’s eleven "districts" offer 40 thrilling rides and attractions, live shows and concerts, specialty boutiques, and over 100 craftspeople demonstrating heritage arts and crafts such as blacksmithing and basketweaving. While some coasters cater to thrill-seekers above 52 inches, like Outlaw Run, a wooden coaster with a 720-degree double barrel roll, Half Dollar Holler is a play zone designed for ages 3-7.
In the dining department, Silver Dollar City goes beyond the standard (read: greasy) theme park fare with its 18 award-winning restaurants. While BBQ reigns, Silver Dollar City's beloved skillets mix fresh veggies and handcrafted sausages in a giant iron skillet over an open fire.
No visit to Silver Dollar City is complete without a visit to its natural wonder, Marvel Cave. You'll descend 700 steps as you travel below the surface to the Cathedral Room, the largest cave entrance room in the U.S. at 204 feet. You'll then descend even further as you follow sometimes narrow passageways to the cave's other rooms. A circa 1950s cable train takes visitors 1,070 feet back up to the surface at the end of the tour.
Driving distance 550 miles from Chicago. American Airlines also operates direct flights from Chicago ORD to nearby Springfield/Branson (SGF), MO.
Lodging Perched high above Table Rock Lake, Chateau on the Lake offers suites with outstanding views of the surrounding Ozarks. After a busy day at Silver Dollar City, unwind at the in-hotel Spa Chateau.
Don't miss Grandfather's Mansion is an off-the-beaten theme park path funhouse with slanting floors, wacky displays, and other dizzying effects.
French fries are delicious. They are also world record holders
You’ve consumed a fry or two in your day, but we’re betting you’ve never had one as long or eaten them as fast as some of the world record holders. Read on to learn a few fun facts about french fries, perfect for dipping in and out. When you’re done, check out our list of fun facts for kids.
1. The most considerable helping of fries was served at Twin Oaks Farms in Eagle, Idaho on Sep. 20, 2014. It weighed 1003 lbs. It used 1256 lbs. of raw potatoes and 110 gallons of oil to fry them up.
2. In many parts of the world, French fries are known as American fries.
3. The world’s longest French fry is 34 inches, discovered at Taffy’s Hot Dog Stand in Buffalo, NY by diner John Benbenek in July of 2010.
4. Thomas Jefferson is said to have requested that the White House chef, a French man, prepare for him “potatoes served in the French manner” for a dinner party. These are believed to be some of the first French fries in the United States. The year? 1802.
5. Here’s a fun fact about French fries—the Belgians eat more fries per capita than any other European country.
6. Hugh Rutherford of Oakland, CA set a record on Aug. 25, 2011, for eating a medium-sized order of fries (from Burger King) in a record-breaking one minute and 46.40 seconds. In 2013 in Hamburg, Germany, a woman known only as Caroline E. ate 20 french fries in 2 minutes, and 21.70 seconds without using her hands.
7. We call potatoes spuds after the spade-like tool once used to harvest them by hand.
If your kids have heard of Babe Ruth but aren’t sure if it’s a kind of candy, don’t worry! We know kids love fun facts, and from facts about Wilma Rudolph to the actual diameter of a basketball hoop, we’ve rounded up some fun sports trivia for kids.
Wikimedia Commons
1. In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single NBA basketball game. No one has broken this record (not even Steph Curry!).
2. Babe Ruth began his career as a pitcher: Ruth was both a left-handed pitcher and left-handed batter.
3. The record for the long jump is held by Mike Powell: 29 ft. + 4 inches. That’s like jumping the length of two minivans!
4. The most medals won for Olympic basketball (male or female) are both held by women: Teresa Edwards and Lisa Leslie with four gold medals each.
5. Here's some amazing sports trivia for kids: Wilma Rudolph (who set the world record in 1960 for 100, 200 and 4x100-meter relay) had polio, scarlet fever and pneumonia as a child, leading doctors to believe she’d never walk again.
11. Golf is one of only two sports every played on the moon. In 1971, Alan Shepard hit a ball with a six-iron while on the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission. The other sport was a javelin toss, during the same visit.
When it’s time to hit the road, just say “no” to bland accommodations. These resorts have so much to offer families that you won’t have to plan a ton of off-property excursions. You’ll find stargazing parties, encounters with rescued dolphins, over-the-top themed rooms and so much more. Your family adventure awaits!
Hyatt Regency Maui
Be a Mermaid Hyatt Regency Maui Resort - Maui, Hawaii
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort has something for everyone. Adventurous families can feed the resort’s resident African Black-Footed Penguins in the only habitat in the Hawaiian Islands of its kind. Older kids who want to explore Hawaii's natural beauty can get a closer glimpse at the stunning creatures that surround the resort on a wildlife tour. At night, kids will love the Drums of the Pacific Lu’au. For a unique experience, families can participate in a Tour of the Stars activity led by a NASA Solar System Ambassador. This program earned the resort the title of World’s Top Hotel for Stargazing. Then check out the Hawaii Mermaid Adventure that comes complete with insta-ready GoPro photos.
Whether your child is going through a serious LEGO phase or is more of a casual fan, a visit to the LEGOLAND California Resort is a must-do. Visit the LEGO theme park and splash your way through the water park. Then, head to the LEGOLAND Hotel for even more fun with bricks. Every room features a LEGO theme and kids can choose from Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, LEGO NINJAGO or LEGO Friends. Bonus: each has a separate sleeping area for kids. There are even more LEGO activities throughout the hotel as well as nightly kids' entertainment. Similar LEGOLAND resorts are in Orlando, Florida; Goshen, New York and elsewhere around the world.
Give kids the ultimate glamping experience by going Under Canvas. Sleep in a safari-inspired tent in one of several national parks. By day families can enjoy guided hikes, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and a variety of outdoor games. By night, watch outdoor movies and enjoy live music and fireside chats. Another option is always to just kick back and gaze at the stars. Kids will be having so much fun getting back to nature that they may not even miss their screens.
Be Grand at Moon Palace The Grand - Cancun, Mexico
Moon Palace The Grand believes that more is more! Start your day at the immense water park with simulated surfing, a lazy river, a wave pool and elaborate water slides. Then, kids can try their hand at one of the several rooms dedicated to play that include neon mini-golf, a 3-floor labyrinth, arcade, bumper cars, laser maze, a bowling alley, interactive sports, sky trail, mirror maze and more. There is so much to do that you could never leave the resort and still not do it all, but staff can arrange tours of nearby attractions.
Unleash Your Inner Phoenix and the Phoenician - Scottsdale, Arizona
The Phoenician Arizona is the perfect family escape in the Southwest. With multiple pools and a huge, twisty waterslide it's a great way to get in quality time in the lap of luxury. Once kids are ready to get out of the pool, head to The Kids Zone with a treehouse complete with swaying bridge and a splash pad with spray guns, falling buckets of water and shooting water spouts. There is also an indoor Funicians Kids Club with plenty of activities and a full game room.
The Four Seasons Hualali resort in Hawaii has so much to offer that you may never set foot off the hotel's expansive grounds. Go snorkeling with a marine biologist, swim in a 1.8-million-gallon aquarium or watch sea turtles on the beach. If you must see more of Hawaii, the resort can arrange a variety of experiences from tours of nearby farms to a helicopter ride with majestic views of the island's volcanos.
Lots of Laughs at the Cartoon Network Hotel - Lancaster, PA
Fulfill your child's greatest dream and become immersed in the Cartoon Network universe. From Ben-10 and Adventure Time-themed rooms to Powder-Puff Girls water slides, this resort has it all. Of course, lodgings include big-screen TVs with custom Cartoon Network showings, but there is so much to do you won't find yourself spending much time in your room. Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor movies, firepits perfect for making s'mores and more. The on-site Cartoon Kitchen features dishes from favorite shows like Total Drama Pizza and Steven Universe's Together Breakfast. If you want to venture out, Dutch Wonderland full of rides of the pint-sized crowd is just down the street.
Graduate Hotels embrace local culture and capture the fun of being in college. These boutique hotels feature game rooms with a billiards table, video games, board games and more. Family suites with bunk beds are a fun way to spend the night and have plenty of space for the entire family to spread out. Some locations have other amenities, like a rooftop pool and bicycle rentals, for even more family fun.
Great Wolf Lodge resorts were designed with kids in mind. From an enormous waterpark to bowling alleys, laser tag, climbing walls, MagiQuest and nightly dance parties there is non-stop action all day long. It's impossible to wander around the lodge without running into a Great Wolf Lodge character meet-and-greet, storytime, yoga or craft. In the summer, head outside to enjoy a large outdoor pool. When it's time to hit the hay, head to a cozy themed room with bunk beds.
Just because you are visiting the big city doesn't mean you can't have fun glamping in your room. Book the Urban Camping package at the Canopy located just outside of the nation's capital for a bug-free glamping experience. Kids will catch some shut-eye in sleeping bags in their very own tent. Set up the star machine and make your own treats with an electric s'mores maker. Once the young campers are snoozing away, parents can retreat to their own king-size bed in the suite to enjoy the included bottle of wine. The only problem is that the kids may not want to leave the room!
Kimptons are stunning, quirky hotels that go the extra mile to welcome families. Each location has its own twist. You will find a fun Little Explorers package at the Kimpton Palomar in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania complete with "kid currency" that can be used to buy warm chocolate chip cookies and milk, insta-print camera to capture a kids'-eye view of the city, a scavenger hunt and coloring book. They even throw in a bottle of wine for the parents! The Kimpton Cardinal in Winston-Salem, North Carolina has a huge recreation room complete with a multi-story twisty slide and bowling alley. It's always worth exploring what a Kimpton Hotel at your destination has to offer.
Beaches Turks & Caicos truly has something for everyone. Kids who are part fish will love the watersports including snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking and more. Other kid favorites are Pirates Island, the resort's expansive waterpark including gigantic waterslides, a long lazy river, kid-friendly pools and swim-up soda bars. Need more? Daredevils can try the water cannons, whirlpools and one-of-a-kind Surf Simulator. Land lovers can choose from activities including beach volleyball, soccer, board games and more. Kids who need a break from their parents can head to Beaches' Kids' Club and hang out with their favorite characters from Sesame Street.
There are, quite possibly, a thousand great reasons why visiting Disney Aulani with kids should be on your bucket list. For starters, there is a man-made reef, filled with fish, on the premises, that was built solely for your snorkeling pleasure. Kids under 11 must be accompanied by an adult but feel free to swim for however long you want to snorkel to and fro. We also love the Painted Sky Studio where your little keiki (Hawaiian for kids) can get made over into a luau boy and girl. If they want to channel a more Disney-like character, they have Ariel from the Little Mermaid, Moana and more traditional Minnie Mouse Buns they can choose as well.
Of course, no visit to a Disney resort would be complete without QT with the big guy himself, so be sure to make reservations for the Disney Character Breakfast. Before sitting at your table, you’ll be able to grab a photo-op with Mickey himself who personally greets each and every guest before they head to their table and take their first bite. Get more info about the Disney Aulani Resort & Spa by checking out our Insider's Guide here.
For many families, visiting Orlando is all about theme parks. But, the themes shouldn't end when you head back to your hotel. Loews Portofino Bay and Loews Royal Pacific has a variety of kids' suites meaning you can be fully immersed in the magic throughout your trip. Whether your kids love Minions or the dinosaurs from Jurassic World, they will be thrilled with their unique vacation digs. After a hard day at the parks, enjoy the resort's beach pool complete with a Roman aqueduct-themed water slide and sandy beach. Look for regular poolside activities including a water balloon toss, hula-hoop contests and arts and crafts.
Swim With the Dolphins at Atlantis Paradise Island - Bahamas
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas is best known for Aquaventure, the resort's iconic water park. With 141 acres of high-speed water slides, a mile-long river ride and 11 swimming pools, everyone will find something they love. But the water activities don't end there. Younger children can participate in Atlantis’ Sea Squirts program where they can hand-feed baby stingrays. Children eight and up can "Snuba"-dive and participate in a safe, modified form of scuba-diving. Families can head to Dolphin Cay where they can swim with dolphins and learn about dolphin conservation, including learning about the dolphins rescued from Hurricane Katrina. For any kid who needs a break from the water, the resort offers tons of other activities, including games, cooking lessons and jewelry making.
Spend the Night in Eloise's Suite at the Plaza Hotel - New York City, New York
In the Eloise Suite, named for The Plaza's famous resident in Kay Thompson's Eloise books, your capricious kiddo will love the outrageous and fun décor by Betsey Johnson. The suite is decorated with an Eloise-approved palette of pink black with her name in big neon lights. Fans will be delighted to find the room stocked with themed books, dolls, and clothing as well as a letter from Eloise, treats and pink lemonade. A night in this one-of-a-kind room includes an Eloise-themed tea, gift bag robe, and other fun Eloise gifts. Just be sure to check the Eloise calendar so you don't miss any opportunity!
Join the Circus at Club Med Punta Cana – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Club Med has been doing the family all-inclusive experience for years, and they've perfected the equation. Possibly the most unique offering is Club Med Circus School, an acrobatic playground for adults and children alike. Trained performers safely challenge, support, and entertain guests as they test the limits of their comfort zones through acrobatic trapeze, suspended bungee and trampoline. More comfortable with your feet on the ground? Club Med Circus School also engages participants in the circus arts, including face painting, choreography and music.
Are your kiddos too little to participate? No worries. The resort offers Baby Club Med, where babes ages four months to 24 months are cuddled, fed and put down for naps (their kind of vacay!). For tots three to four years old there’s Petit Club Med with caretaker-led outdoor play including golf and tennis. Mini Club Med is designed for kids ages four to 10, with sports and activities (a fave is kiddie Zumba).
Enjoy the Ultimate Kids' Club at Iberostar Paraíso Complex—Playa Paraíso, Mexico
Iberostar has completely re-invented what it means to go to a kids' club. Star Camp is inspired by the Scout movement and incorporates the theory of multiple intelligences. The new program combines fun with core values and includes a range of activities (over 140, based on age!) that utilize and cater to the different ways kids learn: linguistic, musical, interpersonal, mathematical, naturalistic and more. There are 12 different categories including team sports, group challenges, science and cooking activities, board games, arts, crafts, physical leisure and even tech!
Star Camp is cheerfully designed, with many sustainable features, including the outdoor playground made of recycled plastic. There’s an indoor climbing/play structure, puzzles, crafts, Imagination Playground blocks for little kids and a mini trampoline park, climbing wall, lounge chairs and video games for the older crew. Find out more by checking out our insider's guide here.
Hotel perks have reached new heights at the Limelight Hotel, located in the Snowmass Base Village Plaza. The plaza is home to an open-air community space where families ice skate (in the winter only), enjoy fire pits, pop-up activities, and casual dining. But even cooler, kids of all ages can also try their skills on the rock climbing wall that adorns the front of the hotel all year long. Six stories up, it's a great way to hang around when not on the slopes or hiking.
Bonus: There's also a kid's room for younger guests inside the Limelight: you'll find toys, books and maybe a new friend or two.
Hang with the Birds at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino in Palm Beach, Aruba
When you visit the Hilton Aruba in Palm Beach, Aruba, you'll have access to a long list of kid-friendly amenities, including the daily bird interaction, where guests can have an encounter with the resort’s 11 macaws, and the snorkeling instruction that’s perfect even for beginners. There’s a waterproof library for pool lounging opportunities, a family movie night on the South Pool deck, s’mores and campfire night and even stargazing! If you’re still looking for more, check out their endless list of wellness activities including ping pong, bocce ball and paddleboarding for the older set (16 & up).
When it comes to baseball there are a few names that ring out louder than the sound of the ball hitting the bat. Arguably one of the most famous is Babe Ruth. Read on for some interesting history about the Sultan of Swat.
Wikimedia Commons
1. Babe Ruth was born on February 6, 1895, as George Herman Ruth.
2. But for decades he thought his actual birthday was February 7th, 1894. He only discovered his real birthday after applying for a passport for a trip to Japan in 1934.
3. Ruth was sent to a Catholic Boys Reformatory school at the age of 7. Each child was trained with an industrial career. Ruth was trained to be a shirt maker.
4. Young George Ruth played baseball at the school, thanks to encouragement by the monks.
5. For a time, young Ruth lived above what is now Camden Yards in Baltimore, above one of his father's saloons.
Wikimedia Commons
6. He was signed to the major leagues at the age of 19.
7. He is the only baseball player in history to have the last name Ruth.
8. He was the first baseball player to hit a home run in the All-Star game, at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in 1933.
9. Why Babe? Some say it’s because Ruth was so young when signed to MLB he required legal guardianship and was “adopted” by one of the monks. Others say it was just because he was still merely a babe.
10. His other nicknames included Bambino, the Home Run King and The Sultan of Swat.
11. He began his career as a pitcher: Ruth was both a left-handed pitcher and a left-handed batter.
12. He was the first highest plaid player when in 1930, his salary hit the $80,000 mark.
13. Ruth played for the Boston Red Sox (1914-1919), the New York Yankees (1920-1934) and briefly the Boston Braves (1935).
14. In six seasons with Ruth, the Red Sox won three World Series titles. In 107 seasons without him they have won four.
15. Babe Ruth had what many consider to be his finest season in 1921. He hit .378/.512/.846 with 59 home runs, 171 RBIs and 177 runs scored. The home run and RBI totals were single-season records.
17. At an exhibition game (a “for fun” or charity game) on April 2, 1931, a 17-year-old female pitcher named Jackie Mitchell struck Ruth out (Mitchell then went on to strike out Lou Gehrig.)
18. Babe Ruth was knocked unconscious during a game at Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C. He hit a concrete wall trying to catch a foul ball.
19. Although many believed him past his prime, on May 25, 1935, Babe Ruth played one of his final games in the major leagues hitting 3 home runs in a single game. He retired the next week.
20. In 1914, he married Helen Woodford, a coffee-shop waitress he met on his first day in Boston.
21. Babe Ruth only had one child in his lifetime. He had a daughter named Dorothy Ruth with Juanita Jennings.
22. Babe Ruth retired in 1935 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. He was one of the first five players to be inducted. The Yankees retired his famous number 3.
23. Upon his retirement, he was the career record holder in home runs, RBIs, total bases, walks and strikeouts.
24. The Sultan of Swat played 2503 games in his Major League career. During that time he had 2174 runs and stole 123 bases. Of his runs, 714 were home runs. In 1927 alone he scored 60 home runs. (This was the world record until Hank Aaron hit 755 in 1974 and Barry Bonds reached 762 in 2007 for the all-time record.)
25. In 1922, you could get chocolate-covered ice cream balls called Babe Ruth Home Runs. They cost 10 cents.
26. The candy bar, Baby Ruth, is most likely named for Babe Ruth. The bar was formerly called Kandy Kake but the name was changed right around Ruth’s rise to popularity. Because “official” permission was not requested, the company (then the Curtiss Candy Co.) denied that Babe Ruth was the namesake. However, in 1995, the Babe Ruth estate licensed his name and likeness for use in a Baby Ruth marketing campaign with Nestle.
27. Babe Ruth appeared as himself in four different movies. In one, he lost 40 pounds in order to play a younger version of himself.
29. Yankee Stadium opened on April 18, 1923. Ruth hit the first home run there, earning it the name “The House that Ruth Built.” In 1947, Happy Chandler declared April 27 officially Babe Ruth Day, and Ruth addressed the crowds at Yankee Stadium. At the time, Ruth had already been diagnosed with throat cancer.
29. Babe Ruth died at the age of 53 in 1948. For two days, his coffin was laid in state (open casket) at Yankee Stadium for fans to pay their final respects. More than 100,000 people attended.
Seeing a show during the holidays is a tradition for many families. Lucky for New Yorkers, there’s lots to choose from here. From shows for little ones to modern circus, or perhaps an outdoor light show this year. We’ve rounded up the best holiday shows this season here! (Looking for Nutcracker shows? They’re here!) [Editor’s note: with the recent Covid surge in NYC, some shows are suspending or ending runs. Double-check a show’s status before making plans!]
(Don’t forget: Starting December 14th, children aged 5-11 will be required to show proof of one vaccination dose for indoor dining, fitness and entertainment. Starting December 27th, New Yorkers aged 12 and older will be required to show proof of two vaccine doses, instead of one, except for those who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.)
Theatrical Productions
Radio City Christmas Spectacular with The Rockettes
MSG Productions
[The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring The Rockettes canceled the remainder of its 2021/22 season run.]
The Rockettes are back, baby! And they’re even bringing back a beloved number to celebrate. The addition of “Snow”, which turns the stage into a winter wonderland, brings the total of numbers in the classic, 90-minute holiday show to nine. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring The Rockettes runs from November 5 to January 2, 2022, and tickets are on sale now.
$49 and up Nov. 5, 2021- Jan. 2, 2022 Radio City Music Hall 1260 Sixth Ave. Midtown Online: rockettes.com
Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas
Based on Jim Henson’s beloved television special, this show takes audiences to Frogtown Hollow where Ma and Emmet Otter risk what little they have to make each other’s holiday dreams come true. Featuring a cast of performers with puppets from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, and a toe-tapping score by legendary songwriter Paul Williams, this merry musical is recommended for ages five and up.
Tickets: $25 and up New Victory Theater 209 W. 42nd St. Times Square 646-223-3010 Online: newvictory.org
'Twas the Night Before…By Cirque du Soleil
Errisson Lawrence
Cirque du Soleil’s exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas tale returns to the Hulu Theater for the holidays—its previous run at the venue sold out all 25 performances. The production marks Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever Christmas show and is a flurry of Christmas cheer, rip-roaring fun with hugely lovable characters and of course, incredible and entertaining physical feats.
Dec. 9 - 27 Tickets: $40 and up Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden 4 Penn Plaza Midtown 212-465-6000 Online: msg.com
Big Apple Circus
Robert West
Heads up: Big Apple Circus is returning to Lincoln Center with a new show, “Making The Impossible, Possible!”, helmed by world-renowned aerialist, high wire artist and Guinness World Record holder, Nik Wallenda. Acts joining Wallenda include Johnny Rockett, a combination of Evel Knievel & Charlie Chaplin (shown here), and Alan Silva from America’s Got Talent who will act as the circus' Ringmaster. Plus: an incredible cast of circus acts from around the world. Snag your tickets now—the show debuts on November 11!
Nov. 11 - Jan. 30, 2022 Tickets: $25 and up Lincoln Center Midtown Online: bigapplecircus.com
CocoMelon LIVE! JJ's Journey
Image courtesy of Moonbug Entertainment and EMC Entertainment
This live production is a journey through the world of CoComelon, featuring all the favorite characters and over 20 songs, including new original music. When JJ and his family are putting on a show, JJ needs some help writing his own song. Along the way he learns that by using his imagination, he can create, solve problems and have wonderful adventures.
Dec. 4 & 5, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m Tickets: $51 and up Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden 4 Penn Plaza Midtown 212-465-6741 Online: cocomelonlive.com
The Elf On The Shelf: A Christmas Musical
Ken Ek
Yes, the holiday tradition is now a musical. The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical is a spectacle of music and dance that transports audiences to the North Pole to glimpse the magical lives of Santa’s Scout Elves. Featuring an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and heartfelt moments, this joyous show celebrates the splendor of the season.
The 30th Annual Double Dutch Holiday Classic presented by the National Double Dutch League, returns to the Apollo stage—bringing together national and international communities of jumpers. Act fast! This sells out and tickets are getting snapped up!
Sun., Dec. 5, 1 p.m. Tickets: $25/individual, groups of 10 or more $25/person 253 West 125th St. The Apollo Theater Harlem 1-800-745-3000 Online: apollotheater.org
Light Shows & Displays
Winter Lantern Festival
Winter Lantern Festival
This lantern display returns to the New York City area with three locations for 2021. At Snug Harbor on Staten Island, check out ESCAPE: over eight acres of luminescence you can walk amongst and through. (It's back for the third year at this spot.) In addition to the lantern display, there will be a live DJ, projection mapping, food vendors, and more.
Starting Nov. 25, the Queens County Farm Museum will host Illuminate The Farm, an immersive and radiant world of color. It's a dazzling display of festive holiday lights and handmade lanterns in the shape of flowers, tractors, favorite farm animals and more.
Finally, Long Island's Nassau County Museum of Art hosts "A Bug’s Night", a drive-through immersive experience. Roll through over 20 acres of vivid lanterns and holiday lights in the shape of flowers, bugs, animals.
ESCAPE Oct. 22-Jan. 9, 2022 Tickets: $25/adults; $17/ages 3-12; Holiday week, $30/adults, $17/ages 3-12 Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY Online: nycwinterlanternfestival.com
A Bug's Night Drive Through Adventure Oct. 22-Jan. 9, 2022 Tickets: Wed.-Thurs., $35/car, Fri-Sun, $50/car; Holiday week (Dec. 24-Jan. 2)/$60/car Nassau County Museum of Art One Museum Dr. Roslyn, NY Online: nycwinterlanternfestival.com
Illuminate the Farm Nov. 25-Jan. 9, 2022 Tickets: $25/adults; $17/ages 3-12; Holiday week, $30/adults, $17/ages 3-12 Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Parkwy Queens Online:nycwinterlanternfestival.com
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Julie Larsen Maher
This popular animal-themed light and lantern display returns to the zoo starting November 19. See 260 lanterns representing almost 70 animal and plant species from around the globe. This year, 79 new lanterns representing 30 new animal species will make their debut at the zoo. But the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights is more than a display: activities and entertainment include ice-carving demonstrations, stilt-walkers, puppet shows, a holiday train and even treats like s’mores. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
The LuminoCity Festival, a spectacular display of larger-than-life figures lit from within returns to Randall’s Island this winter. ‘Shine Again’ is the theme of the event, which features exhibitions of spectacular light art displays inspired by the traditional art of Chinese lantern festivals. “Lumio”, the LuminoCity Festival mascot serves as your guide through the fantastical landscape, which features new displays for 2021. The all-new ‘Lumi’s Utopia” will include 3D sculptures made from drawings by six young artists, while “Lumi’s Friends” will feature light sculptures of social media pets @smoothiethecat & @turboroo.
Nov. 12 - Jan., 2022 Tickets: $22-$76, timed entry Whitney Pond Park 133 Valley Rd. Manhasset, NY Online: luminocityfestival.com
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Lightscape is coming to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden this winter. A new after-dark, illuminated spectacular lightscape celebrates the beauty of nature in winter with a festive one-mile trail winding through the garden’s 52-acre landscape, animated by dazzling light, color, and sound. More than 18 distinct works of light art will be on view, among them the Cathedral of Light tunnel, a Fire Garden on Lily Pool Terrace, and the Field of Light, an animated light installation covering Cherry Esplanade. A series of new light-based artworks by local artists will be featured as well. Lightscape was launched at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London in 2014, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the show’s only U.S. East Coast venue.
Select dates, Nov. 19- Jan. 9, 2022 Tickets: $34/adults; $18/ages 3-12, free/age two and under Brooklyn Botanic Garden 150 Eastern Pkwy. Prospect Heights 718-632-7200
This walk-through light experience debuted in 2020, and it’s back and bigger for the 2021 holiday season. Glow is billed as “an outdoor color and light experience”, along a 1.5-mile winding path. Expect washes of brilliant color, thousands of dazzling LEDs, illuminated plant stories, and whimsical, picture-perfect installations that reflect the surrounding gardens and collections. Make it a double feature and check out the popular New York Botanic Garden Holiday Train Show while you’re there. (The garden offers a combo ticket.)
Gingerbread houses have all the elements of a family activity for the holidays: messy, fun, creativity, candy. Sure, you can grab a gingerbread house kit from Trader Joe’s (no judgment; it’s a fun one), but we found local NYC kits, as well as online and in-person events where you and the kids can make a gingerbread house together this season. Looking for more ideas on what to do with the kids during the holidays? Click here!
GingerBread Lane at Long Island Children's Museum
NYSCI
Traditionally installed at Queens' New York Hall of Science, this mini city has relocated to Long Island. (The museum sustained damage during Superstorm Ida and is currently closed.) Chef Jon Lovitch spends nearly a year building all of the 700 magical gingerbread houses that make up Gingerbread Lane. In fact, he holds the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread village. This year, the houses reflect the community around LICM, including a replica of the museum, Jones Beach and the Big Duck.
Nov. 26- Jan. 2, 2022 Tickets: $14/adults & kids, $13/65 and over, free/1 and under 11 Davis Ave. Garden City, NY 516-224-5899 Online: licm.org
Gingerbread City at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
CMOM
CMOM is introducing its own gingerbread metropolis tradition this year, with related programming all month long! Kids can help build a decadent life-size city by designing dessert-inspired homes, stores, and structures. (Wed. – Thurs., Dec. 1 – 30)
Other activities include making Gingerbread People Puppets (Dec. 8 – 12); creating ornaments to adorn Gingerbread City's Christmas tree (Dec. 8 -12); using cardboard to create trains, trucks, or planes to get around Gingerbread City (Dec. 15 – 17 & Dec. 19); creating a colorful nutcracker puppet (Dec. 15-19), and making toys for Gingerbread City (Dec. 22-24).
Tickets must be reserved online in advance.
Tickets: $15/adults and kids; $12/seniors, free/kids under 1 Children's Museum of Manhattan 212 W. 83rd St. Upper West Side 212-721-1223 Online: cmom.org
Taste Buds Kitchen
Vanessa Shuster-Raizberg
No matter how you want to do your gingerbread house, Taste Buds Kitchen has you covered. Pick up a DIY kit or get it shipped to your door; sign up for an in-person Child & Caregiver workshop (kids two to eight years old), or opt for a Hanukkah House building experience! DIY Kits are $75; classes start at $79 for one child and one adult. Choose from multiple dates and times.
Want some pro guidance but prefer to work in the comfort our your own kitchen? Learn from a gingerbread house Master during this online course with King Arthur Baking Company's Kristen Fenn. During the class, you'll learn how to make King Arthur Baking Company's gingerbread cookie recipe and build and decorate a beautiful gingerbread house. Can't make it to the live event? You can still register and receive a link to view a recording at a later time.
The iconic candy shop offers a fun, easy way to make a gingerbread house. Grab one of their Gingerbread House Kits—including a preassembled house and lots of decorations—and create your own holiday-themed house. You can order online or visit their shop in Hudson Yards to pick one up. Available now through the end of the year.
For more than 30 years, Church Street School for Music & Art has been selling Gingerbread House Decorating Kits to help fund outreach programs, free community classes and scholarships.
For 2021, you can attend a Gingerbread Family Workshop which includes live music and refreshments, host a private decorating party, or get a kit to go to decorate at home.
Each kit has one homemade gingerbread house assembled, a variety of candy, freshly made icing, and one foiled round to set your house up on. You can also order up extra candy, icing or a whole bunch for a group. Pick up is at the school if you are getting one to go.
Tickets: $100 for in-person workshop; $85/kit Weekends in December Church Street School 41 White St. Tribeca 212-571-7290 Online: churchstreetschool.org
Do you ever wonder what happens to those crayons your kid gets for pre-dining entertainment at restaurants? Unfortunately, many get thrown into landfills—and the wax takes decades to decompose. In better news, the non-profit Crayon Collection is taking action to solve this problem.
Gently used crayons still have lots of life! So the Crayon Collection recruits restaurants to pair with local high-poverty Title I schools and Head Start centers. Each month, the recipient schools pick up the left over crayons from the restaurants to bolster classroom supplies. Schools that want to partner with a restaurant can email the non-profit to get started.
Crayons can also be redirected from schools and homes with plenty of supplies to schools in need. The Crayon Collection helps facilitate crayon drives around the country, which helps kids learn about eco-consciousness. You can also help out by collecting your gently used colors and donate them in your community.
Sheila Morovati, a first-generation Iranian American, is the president and founder of the Crayon Collection. She helped the organization set a Guinness World Record with the largest crayon donation in history—more than one million were donated to schools and Head Start Centers in Los Angeles. To learn more about the Crayon Collection and get more info on how you can be involved, visit crayoncollection.org.
Challenge yourself or your kids to break a world record. Guinness World Records is looking to support families staying home by expanding their digital portfolio and taking record-breaking indoors. With all this extra time on our hands, why not become a world record holder?
Become a record holder at home with #GWRChallenge. This weekly record challenge will be hosted across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Every Monday, a new challenge will be announced. All you have to do is follow a simple set of rules for each record.mAlso on Monday, the #GWRChallenge from the week before will conclude and the record holder will be named at the end of the week.
There are a few things you can do to ensure your attempt gets recognized.
Be sure to follow ALL rules
Tag Guinness World Records and use #GWRChallenge
Call out the number or score you’ve achieved in your caption
All attempts utilize household materials, making this an exciting and accessible record-breaking experience for anyone who wants to try. Challenge #1 involved toilet paper!
Do you find yourself googling what a VSCO girl is or do your teenagers cringe when you don’t use “Yeet” correctly in a sentence? Then we have the resource for you. This past Christmas, 16-year-old, L.E. Acuff, daughter of author and speaker Jon Acuff, gifted her dad a handmade guide to all things social media.
“It is the most amazing thing ever,” Jon Acuff wrote in an Instagram post about the gift. “She spent weeks making this and each page is funnier than the last.”
While Jon Acuff received the guide a few months ago, he only recently shared his epic gift on Instagram. He wrote, “The table of contents includes phrases I should know, memes I should know and even a special note about TikTok.” She thought of everything, even including an “About the Author” page.
L.E. Acuff created the guide to help her dad out with today’s popular slang and memes. She said that she wanted to make him a gift that was both useful as well as funny. She said, “Also, I felt like he needed to be educated on the current memes.”
One of the memes L.E. Acuff highlighted is the “Woman Yelling at a Cat” which features a screen capture of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast members Taylor Armstrong and Kyle Richards followed by a picture of a confused-looking cat sitting behind a dinner plate. This meme took off last June and still remains popular.
If you need a refresher on the World Record Egg, JoJo Siwa or Peppa Pig, L.E. Acuff has you covered. Next to each topic, there is a detailed explanation.
L.E. Acuff tried to encompass memes that she felt were important and popular but also funny, such as the Area 51 memes. She liked that she could find so many high quality variations.
As for Jon Acuff, one of his favorite memes is the video of the “Calm Down” lady simply because she has crazy eyes!
