Best Museums for Kids in Philly: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums

Explore Franklin's life and character in the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Photo courtesy of NPS

Museums are some of the best places for kids to learn more about the world around them, practice new skills, and have a safe place to play during wintry or rainy weather. Luckily, Philadelphia is home to a host of museums that are sure to entertain any child, no matter their interests. From history to science and nature to art to cars and trucks, there’s something for everyone and for every budget. Check out our favorite children’s museums and family-friends museums in the Philadelphia area.

Don't forget to check out our Museum Guide for reviews and more. Our Indoor Activity Guide also has tons of great indoor fun for days when the weather has you down.

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Ballet's gorgeous Nutcracker production soars. Photo by Reed Hutchinson

Seeing a Nutcracker Ballet is a Christmas tradition for so many families. In a city like Los Angeles, there are over twenty Nutcracker shows for your pick of performance from Hollywood to Long Beach and so many places in between. 

To answer two of the most common questions posed by parents in search of a Nutcracker ballet in Los Angeles: Yes, there is a condensed version specifically for kids offered by the Festival Ballet Theatre down in Costa Mesa. And yes, there are local performances with full orchestra—​the Long Beach Terrace Theater is one of the best. There's even a fantastic and very LA production by Bob Baker's Marionettes, which is light on the dancing and heavy on the post-show ice cream, for little kids looking for a fun introduction to the classic Nutcracker Ballet. 

When you've had your fill of the Mouse King, let us direct you to some nifty Polar Express and Christmas train rides, neighborhood Christmas lights displays, and more in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families

Veterans Day Weekend 2023 in Los Angeles: 20 Best Things To Do With Kids

Veterans Day celebrations take place across LA. Photo courtesy of the City of Santa Monica

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles this Veterans Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this long weekend!

We have so much to be grateful for in this country, and we owe so much to our veterans—those who have put themselves in harm's way to defend the liberties we hold dear. This year, many celebrations are being held on Veterans Day Friday (including that kid favorite: three-day weekend). This weekend also marks the start of several limited experiences and holiday-favorite events, such as Bluey x CAMPKidspace Winter Frolic, and the Dr. Seuss Experience. We even have our first official tree lighting

With a three-day Veterans Day holiday ahead, more upcoming holidays are top of mind, like restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Los Angeles, and must do LA Christmas Events and Holiday Activities. Plan for more holiday fun in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families

Best Christmas Light Shows and Holiday Drive-Thrus near NYC

The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.

If you're ready to add a little extra sparkle to the holiday season, take note: The tri-state area boasts some pretty spectacular Christmas lights and holiday lights drive-thrus where your crew can enjoy twinkling Christmas lights displays from the warmth, comfort, and safety of your car.

We've compiled a list of 15 must-see Christmas lights displays to drive through in New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut that are guaranteed to bring smiles to your family's faces. So, pack some snacks, cue the Christmas music, and get ready to make some priceless holiday memories.

Find tons more ways to celebrate this season with those you love in our jam-packed Holiday Guide. Consider it our seasonal gift to you.

Top Travel Games for Kids

You don't have to worry about UNO Splash cards getting wet! Photo courtesy of Mattel Games, via the UNO Amazon Store.

Family vacations are all about having fun and making memories together, and travel games are a great way to do just that. Whether it's car games to keep kids busy on a road trip, games for the family to play together at the hotel or rental home, or fun games to play at the pool or beach, the best travel games are compact, lightweight, and easy to toss into a carry-on bag.

Here are some of our favorite travel games for kids and families that are sure to bring the fun to your next family vacation, from card and puzzle games to more active pursuits.

If you've got some extra room in the car, you can add in some of the games on our list of the 100 best board games for family game night—some of them come in travel size! And if you're planning a road trip and could use a little extra help, our Ultimate Road Trip Guide for Families has you covered.

Veterans Day Weekend 2023 in Boston: Best Things To Do with Kids

It's a salute to service with plenty of fun things to do with kids this Veterans Day Weekend 2023 in Boston. Veteran's Day photo by Sergeant Yesenia Barajas, via Flickr.

Get outside and enjoy nature this Veterans Day weekend! Explore the National Parks for free, then salute our veterans at parades in Norwood and Natick. Comic enthusiasts will love getting into character at Kids Con New England in Concord, NH. This is also the last weekend to check out Art Ramble in Concord, where young appreciators of art (including Fido) can explore installations by local artists on a walk through the woods.

Check out our picks for the best November events for kids and free November activities for families, as well as our events calendar and Facebook page. We hope you, your family, and all of our wonderful U.S. veterans enjoy this long weekend!

Veterans Day Weekend 2023 in Connecticut: Top Things To Do with Kids

Salute those who served and find fun things to do with kids this Veterans Day Weekend 2023 in CT! Photo by Michael Miller, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

This weekend is the special time when Connecticut families will celebrate Veteran's Day. Grandpas, Uncles and Aunties, Sisters, Brothers, Dads and Moms will all be honored at several ceremonies all over the state from New Britain to Newington to New Haven. Other ways to honor those who have served include free admission at the New England Air Museum and running in a 5k. This is also the weekend when you can get outside to snuggle with a piglet, gaze at the stars and get out into nature. The temperatures may be dropping, but there's plenty to for kids of all ages!

Be sure to check out our guide to the Best of November: Top Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids. For even more ideas, make sure that you subscribe to our weekly newsletters and follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that you won't miss any of the fun. Have a great weekend!

 

25 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in New England for Kids

New England kids have so much to smile about, with a season full of holiday activities and Christmas events! Photo courtesy of the I Love Wickford Village Facebook page

The holidays are coming fast, and we've rounded up the best holiday activities and Christmas events in New England for kids. What better place to celebrate the Christmas season than New England? There's a reason all those classic holiday movies were filmed here. From snow-blanketed landscapes to quaint, historical towns, to nature in all its winter-wonderland glory. Choose from 25 Christmas-time events and activities in New England that kids and grown ups can enjoy. These holiday activities can be found in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Enjoy sleigh rides, hot cocoa, sparkling lights, and festive traditions galore. Read on for our guide to the 25 best holiday activities and Christmas events in New England for kids!

Are you getting into the holiday spirit yet? Us, too! Check out our list of favorite towns that go all out for Christmas. Get started on your holiday shopping, and remember to explore our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide.

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