All the Family Movies Hitting Theaters in 2024

by DeAnna JanesApril 3, 2024

This may be true every year, but this time, we mean it: 2024 is THE year of the sequel. It appears nearly every film-favorite character—from Michael Keaton’s nostalgic bio-exorcist to Jack Black’s kung fu-fighting panda, to Disney’s Kings of the Pride Lands—is furthering their storyline on the big screen. No bother to us, though—we are here for it!

Ahead, we break down the new family movies in 2024 that you and your littles can enjoy together. They start early next year and continue through the ball drop, so no matter when the kids utter those dreaded two words, “We’re bored,” there’s a family-friendly title just waiting to whisk them away to another time and place. Plus, we all know there’s nothing a bucket of buttered popcorn and a great story can’t resolve.

"Kung Fu Panda 4"

Everyone's favorite kung fu master panda, Po, returns to the screen after nearly a decade for another adventure—this time with a clever corsac fox as his sidekick. On the cusp of becoming the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, Po must train someone to take his place as the Dragon Warrior, priming the two floofs for a knockout action comedy the whole family will love.

Starring: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: March 8, 2024

"Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire"

Fans of The Real Ghostbusters animated series are in for a treat with the latest installment of the Ghostbusters franchise. According to one of its stars, Kumail Nanjiani, the action comedy will play out like a feature-length episode of the cartoon. The gist? It's summertime, but a massive cold spell is threatening another Ice Age. So, who they gonna call? You got it.

Starring: Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, Annie Potts, Paul Rudd, Bill Murray, Celeste O'Conner, Dan Aykroyd, Finn Wolfhard, Kumail Nanjiani

Rated: PG-13

Theatrical release: March 29, 2024

"The Ark and the Aardvark"

A silly animated affair with a religious bent, The Ark and the Aardvark follows the dictionary's leading animal on a quest to get a ragtag group of mammals onto an ark. His name is Gilbert, and he's an outcast among the animal kingdom, but his reluctant mission to save his buddies from impending doom leads the ant-eating cutie to believe in himself and the power of one.

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Miles Teller, Jenny Slate, Rob Riggle, Craig Robinson, Stephen Merchant, and Charlie Tom

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: April 30, 2024

"Thabo and the Rhino Case"

Meet Thabo, an 11-year-old Sherlock Holmes who calls a peaceful savannah in an African village home. Though he loves sharing the grassy reserve with elephants, giraffes, and rhinos, he's thirsting for a really good mystery to solve. One day, when he spots a rhino that was killed for its horn, he gets his wish. A beautiful way to introduce little ones to heavy issues including animal rights and poaching, Thabo is a thoughtful and fun new kids' movie the whole family will love.

Starring: Litlhohonolofatso Litlhakayane, Ava Skuratowski, Kumkani Pilonti, Nissi Bodibe, Vitihari Sibisi, Andrea Sawatzki, and Kenneth Nkosi

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: May 3, 2024

"IF"

If is a new family movie coming in 2024 — Paramount Pictures

Hey, moms, remember Drop Dead Fred? Think of this new kids' movie as its cuter, more ingenious modern offering for your kids. The title of this new family movie is an acronym that stands for Imaginary Friends, and it's the latest from writer/director/The Office alum John Krasinski. About a dad and daughter who discover a world of pretend playmates left behind by their grown-up companions, this family movie coming in 2024 is a wealth of talent wrapped into a brilliant family-friendly fantasy.

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Awkwafina, Steve Carell, Maya Rudolph

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: May 17, 2024

"The Garfield Movie"

The Garfield canon is bursting at the seams with specials, remakes, and reboots, but the latest in the fat-cat anthology takes a new approach, providing origin stories for both how toon town's OG orange feline met his hooman, John Arbuckle, and who his father is, a gray cool cat named Vic. Of course, you don't have to be a cat person to enjoy this animated addition—just a fan of whimsical charm and hilarious hijinks.

Starring: Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Brett Goldstein, and Bowen Yang

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: May 24, 2024

"Robot Dreams"

Spanish director Pablo Berger's Robot Dreams was a surprise nominee at this year's Oscars. It lost the best-animated film award to The Boy and the Heron, but that doesn't make it any less magical. About a city pup who orders a companion robot to stave off loneliness, the '80s-set musical has little dialogue but oodles of charm. It's one of those viewing experiences that will entertain all the eyeballs in the room, but go a step further with the adults and have them crying buckets.

Starring: Ivan Labanda, Albert Trifol Segarra, Rafa Calvo, Jose Garcia Tos, Jose Luis Mediavilla, Graciela Molina, and Esther Solans

Rated: NR

Theatrical release: May 31, 2024

"Inside Out 2"

Pixar rarely misses, and the studio's original Inside Out managed to leave all the uppity Cannes Film Festival buffs in fits of tears. Now that's an accomplishment! With the second iteration, protag Riley has entered teen-dom, and Joy, the bright-eyed leader of her inner spectrum of feels, faces a new era, as a demolition team makes room in their headquarters for new, more complex emotions—like the dreaded anxiety. Oh, and Riley is barreling toward puberty.

Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Maya Hawke, and Lewis Black

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: June 14, 2024

"Despicable Me 4"

Gru and his adorable family are back for another vibrant animated escapade on the big screen. Though the fourth film's premise remains locked behind tight lips at the moment, you can almost definitely expect the introduction of a new super-villain, plenty of Minions mockery, and a world-saving toon-venture that only Gru and his kiddos can take care of.

Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, and Pierre Coffin

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: July 3, 2024

"Harold and the Purple Crayon"

The children's picture book, on which this new family movie coming to theaters in 2024 is based, was published in 1955. Written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson, it's a wonderfully magical story about a little boy who goes on a nightlong odyssey through the woods, over the sea, and past dragons—all imagined with his singular purple coloring stick. Here's hoping the newest adaptation is just as imaginative.

Starring: Zachary Levi, Zooey Deschanel, Lil Rel Howery, Camille Guaty, Tanya Reynolds, Ravi Patel, and Caleb Black

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: August 2, 2024

"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"

Beetlejuice 2 is a new release family movie coming in 2024 — Plan B Entertainment

It's finally showtime! After years of rewrites and delays caused by the pandemic and writers' strikes, the sequel to Tim Burton's 1989 hit afterlife comedy is just months away from possessing the big screen. And a lot has changed: Beetlejuice is now married, Lydia has a daughter, and there's a new detective in the Netherworld—one who might be able to tell us more about how the freelance bio-exorcist bit the big one.

Starring: Catherine O'Hara, Jenna Ortega, Monica Bellucci, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, and Juliana Yazbeck

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: September 6, 2024

"The Wild Robot"

Based on Peter Brown's award-winning children's book, The Wild Robot tells the story of Roz, an intelligent hunk of metal plopped into the great outdoors where only Mother Nature's creatures dwell. Unsure of why she's there, Roz learns to adapt and wins over the animals' friendship, until her past threatens to destroy everything. A comment on the intersection of nature, technology, and acceptance, this is just the first tale in a series of three. So we may expect sequels in the future.

Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O'Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Kit Connor, Alexandra Novelle, Ving Rhames, Mark Hamill, and Matt Berry

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: September 20, 2024

"Paddington in Peru"

The lovable, marmalade-crazed bear whose iconic blue duffle coat, impeccable manners, and twee English accent win over hearts every time he makes an appearance is getting another chapter in his self-titled film franchise. Always rife with adventure, the Paddington movies are as charming as they are fun to look at, and this Brown family addition is no different, as the P-bear and his humans head to his native Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy, unaware of the mystery that awaits them.

Starring: Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, Imelda Staunton, Jim Broadbent, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw, Julie Walters, and Hugh Bonneville

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: November 8, 2024

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

An adaptation of the 1972 best-selling family book by Barbara Robinson, this humorous holiday film is sure to bring the necessary cheer and laughter this next season. It's about the Herdman siblings, a group of misbehaving misfits who take over their church's annual pageant and, to everyone's surprise, deliver a show about the true meaning of Christmas. This is one kids' movie coming out that we're especially excited to see.

Starring: Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, Elizabeth Tabish, Pete Holmes, Stephanie Sy, Lorelei Olivia Mote, Molly Belle Wright, and Matthew Lamb

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: November 15, 2024

"Red One"

Every year, Christmas comes under attack. And every year, its saving is hoisted upon someone's shoulders. This year, that job falls to two someones: an E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative and an expert tracker. Their goal: to find Santa and rescue him from the clutches of a villain with no holiday spirit. According to Dwayne Johnson, who stars as the E.L.F. op, you can expect an action comedy that's a mix of Jumanji, Miracle on 34th Street, and It's a Wonderful Life.

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Kristofer Hivju, Kiernan Shipka, J.K. Simmons, Bonnie Hunt, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Nick Kroll, and Gabriel Rodriguez

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: November 15, 2024

"Wicked Part 1"

movie poster for Wicked a new family movie 2024 — Universal Pictures via Instagram

When news that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were starring as Elphaba and Glinda in the movie version of the award-winning Broadway play Wicked, mics dropped the world over. Thankfully, we don't have long to wait to see what these tonsil powerhouses can do with the musical that spills the details about how two friends became adversaries in the Land of Oz. The tale will be stretched over two parts, with the first movie coming to theaters in late 2024.

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang.

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: November 27, 2024

"Moana 2"

Your favorite seafaring voyager is back. This time her wayfaring ancestors are sending her even further from the shore. Namely, Oceania, where the waters are perilous and the adventure is action-packed. Those are about the only plot details we have so far, but don't worry, November will be here before we know it and we'll all be bopping along to tunes sung by Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, both of whom are reprising their roles as Moana and the demigod Maui, respectively.

Starring: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, and Alan Tudyk, with more to be announced soon.

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: November 27, 2024

"The Untitled Karate Kid Movie"

In 2010, producers resurrected the beloved, butt-kicking '80s franchise with a modern retelling of a fish out of water who embraces the teachings of a kung fu master. Fourteen years later, the dōjō is again open for big-screen business. Fans of the martial arts franchise are probably familiar with Netflix's Cobra Kai, which has continued the Karate Kid-verse with aplomb, so it will be interesting to see how the new movie ties into those events—if at all.

Starring: Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, Ming-Na Wen, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ben Wang

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: December 13, 2024

"Sonic the Hedgehog 3"

He's blue, he's fast, he's full of one-liners as quick-witted as his feet, and he's back for another blazing romp. In this new family movie for 2024, Sega's iconic hero, along with his pals Tails and Knuckles, embarks on an adventure that picks up where the second film left off. Word is conflict will come in the form of Shadow the Hedgehog, who appeared in the last movie's mid-credits stinger.

Starring: Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Cristo Fernández, Tika Sumpter, Tom Butler, James Marsden, Alyla Browne, and Jim Carrey

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: December 20, 2024

Mufasa: The Lion King

Mufasa is a new family movie 2024 from Walt Disney Studios — Walt Disney Studios via Instagram

The story of Mufasa picks up after the events of the original, with Simba parenting a cub of his own. It also serves as a prequel, as it looks back on the legend of Mufasa, the original king of the Pride Lands. Another of Disney's live-action films, this one will also be styled with photorealistic, computer-generated animals, like the 2019 version starring the voice of Beyoncé. Fingers crossed Queen Bey is on the marquee for this soon-to-be hit, too.

Starring: Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and John Kani, with more to come.

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: December 20, 2024

15 of Our Favorite 90-Minute Movies for When You’re Winding Down

by DeAnna JanesMarch 26, 2024

Poor Things: 141 minutes. Beau Is Afraid: 179 minutes. Oppenheimer: 180 minutes. Killers of the Flower Moon: a whopping 206 minutes. Guys, Hollywood is out of control. What parent has time to sloth out in front of a glowing rectangle for three hours in the name of film buffing?

Obviously, shredding a desert wave with Zendaya and Timothee Chalamet in the planet-hopping saga that is Dune sounds like 321 minutes well spent. And, yes, the aforementioned films are all mesmerizing, well done, and worth every inch of their lengthy reels. But let’s get serious here: You want really good movies under 90 minutes you can watch while the kids are down.

Short movies may be relics of the past, but their versatility can’t be understated. Perfect for consuming when you have time to yourself, when you’d rather watch a movie instead of the last three episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm you’re saving to watch with your partner, or when you’d like to get through a whole movie without a hundred bathroom breaks, these quickies are a godsend. Ahead, 15 of our favorite movies under 90 minutes that should win an editing award.

Once

John Carney’s musical about the brief but life-changing connection between an Irish street busker and a Czech pianist who make beautiful music together hits all the right notes. The soundtrack is brilliantly constructed, the love story is gut-wrenchingly believable, and the indie’s brief runtime is deftly reflective of the protagonists’ relationship.

86 minutes

Watch it on Prime Video

Enemy

Dune’s Denis Villeneuve is The Director of the moment, but before he was world-building with big-studio bucks, he was crafting an impressive resume with stylish indies. One of them is this thrilling puzzler starring The Character Actor of our times, Jake Gyllenhaal. He plays a professor who spots his exact look-alike in a movie. Curious, he searches for the man, and things get dark.

90 minutes

Watch it on Hulu/Cinemax

Rye Lane

Unlike every romantic comedy you’ve ever seen—in a good way—Rye Lane follows a guy and a girl who meet in the most unromantic way: He’s crying in a public bathroom stall; she spots his pink tennies from under the stall door. Meeting officially in a museum shortly after, the two embark on a colorful, joyous, and eye-opening trek across South London you won’t want to end.

82 minutes

Watch it on Hulu

Palm Springs

What do you get when you combine a Lonely Island star, a time-loop narrative, and a wedding? This bonkers comedy starring Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and J.K. Simmons made a killing at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival when it set the record for the biggest deal ever made in Park City. The rest of the plot is better left in the dark if you haven’t seen the movie already. Trust us.

90 minutes

Watch it on Hulu

Love at First Sight

Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy star in this Netflix Original about two strangers who spark up a romance while waiting for their flight to London at JFK International Airport. Once aboard, they get closer. Once they land, they lose track of each other. A charming adaptation of Jennifer E. Smith’s novel, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, this one is short, sweet, and swoon-worthy.

90 minutes

Watch it on Netflix

My Octopus Teacher

You never know where your next life-changing lesson will come from. For Craig Foster, a cold-water free diver who has spent eons under the ocean surface, this comes in a kelp forest off the coast of Cape Town. The teacher? A curious octopus who after nearly a month of Foster slowly earning her trust invited him into her world. The tender bond they form will touch your soul.

85 minutes

Watch it on Netflix

Fruitvale Station

Ryan Coogler, the director of Black Panther, made his directorial debut with a raw and unflinching indie film that tells the story of Oscar Grant, the 22-year-old Black man who was shot and killed in a subway station in Oakland on New Year’s Eve 2009 by a police officer. Rather than approach the film with a wider lens, Coogler keeps his focus narrow, painting a picture of who Oscar was—a son, a father, a boyfriend, a human being—on the day he died.

85 minutes

Watch it on Max

Brief Encounter

Just as its title suggests, this David Lean classic charts the ever-so-brief romance between two married commuters who meet at a railway station and fall in love. Every Thursday, their affection deepens as they spend time together at the nearby cafe, knowing a future together is impossible. One of Greta Gerwig’s favorite films, it also had a profound impact on Sofia Coppola‘s Lost in Translation.

86 minutes

Watch it on Prime Video Freevee

Frances Ha

Greta Gerwig and Mickey Sumner (whose father is Sting, BTW) star in this black-and-white comedy helmed by Noah Baumbach. Like Barbie, Baumbach and Gerwig co-wrote the script, so the pair’s humor quirks are on glorious display throughout. This movie under 90 minutes is about a dreamer (Gerwig) who lives in New York and won’t allow the reality of life to sour her delusional optimism.

86 minutes

Watch it on Netflix

Shiva Baby

Emma Seligman, whose most recent campus comedy, Bottoms, was an instant hit, made her directorial debut with Shiva Baby, a funeral riot that also stars Rachel Sennott. She plays Danielle, a student who attends a shiva with her family and while there, runs into her ex-girlfriend, as well as the cheating husband she’s having an affair with. It all makes for a hilarious hot mess.

77 minutes

Watch it on Hulu

Gravity

More a movie you experience, Gravity is a gorgeous and thrilling action ride with Sandra Bullock at the helm. She plays an engineer cosmonaut who fights to survive in space after a debris storm sends her flailing off into the black abyss. Battling not only extreme tangible elements, she’s forced to confront her inner demons if she wants any chance of putting her foot on the ground again.

90 minutes

Watch it on Prime Video

Zola

One of the best movies of 2020, Zola is the cinematic retelling of a string of tweets that went viral in 2015. They were posted by a professional dancer named Aziah “Zola” King and included profane details of a gonzo road trip she took to the seedy underbelly of Tampa. Stripping, suicide, bad actors: She was lucky to make it out alive. Colman Domingo, Taylour Paige, and Riley Keough star.

86 minutes

Watch it on Tubi

Before Sunset

In Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, Before Sunset falls in the middle; it picks up nine years after Jesse and Celine meet in Vienna (Before Sunrise) and nine years before their trip to Greece (Before Midnight). Watch the entire series at some point, but if pressed for time, the 2004 film, which sees the pair charm the pants off each other in Paris, is the concise watch you’re after.

80 minutes

Watch it on Prime Video

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On

Unless you’ve been living under your pet rock, then you know about this adorable little shell. He goes by Marcel and is the subject of a pseudo-documentary that includes an effort to find his family, a chat with Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes, and a whirlwind brush with fame. Experienced through the single eye of our mini marvel, it’s so charming that your heartstrings don’t stand a chance. They will be tugged.

90 minutes

Watch it on Netflix

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

a movie poster of Fantastic Mr. Fox — Fox Searchlight Pictures

Don’t let the animation fool you; this Roald Dahl classic brought to stop-motion life by Wes Anderson, the maestro of quirk, is a grown-up’s witty playground. About a sly fox whose food raids have farmers on his tail, Anderson’s rendition is brimming with dialogue so clever and crafty, that it can only land with adults. Watching it without the intermittent, “Why’s that funny?” makes this movie under 90 minutes a real treat.

87 minutes

Watch it on Max

7 Baby Name Trends Taking Over in 2024

by Jessica PayneDecember 19, 2023

My husband and I took a while to finally agree on names for each of our two kids, and at one point we were even using a Tinder-esque app to see which names we “matched” on. Ha. There were plenty of shared notes with long lists of monikers paying tribute to late grandparents and family members. And, of course, I poured over the annual lists of the most popular names, which are always fun even when you aren’t expecting. Well, ’tis the season. The baby name experts at Nameberry have put out their trend list for 2024, and we bet you’ll have a lot of thoughts. Here are 7 baby name trends that’ll be everywhere next year.

Feminine Feminist Names

Barbie was everything this year, sparking lots of conversation about feminism and the double standards women (and mothers!) are subjected to, so it’s no surprise that her influence will spill into next year. But that doesn’t mean a ton of parents will be naming their daughters Barbie—they’ll more likely be seeking inspiration from other famed feminists, especially the ones whose names are a little more overtly girly. Some feminine feminist names include:

Althea
Billie
Conley
Dorothea
Isadora
Lulu
Matilda
Tabitha
Theodora

Main Character Energy

a baby sitting and chewing on a teether for a story on teething tips — iStock

Elsa and Mirabel have been the main characters in so many of our lives for the past too, too many years, but Nameberry predicts a host of new leading men and ladies joining the fold in 2024. Whether they’re from anime, mythology, or movies, these bold and dramatic names are sure to draw attention. Some of our fave names with main-character energy include:

Athena
Elio
Galilea
Kenzo
Namari
Ophelia
Raya
Thaddeus
Zaire

Girl’s Names for Boys

Last year grandpa names were it for little girls (we’d bet you’ve met some Lous and Arlos), but in 2024 we’ll see more feminine names for boys—both of which beg the question of whether there are even still “boy” and “girl” names, but that’s another story for another day. While the grandparents may be stumped by his one, don’t let them bring little Florence down. You’re bound to see some of these gender-benders in 2024. Here are a few girls’ names for boys:

Blair
Cleo
Fern
Harlow
Izzy
Juno
Romy
Sunny

Atmospheric Names

Parent holding a baby with pierced ears who had infant ear piercing — istock

Inspired by the open skies, there’s a whimsical quality to these names and earthy parents will love how they pull from elements like snow and air. Because some of them are quite new, there isn’t much precedent to color people’s ideas of who Aero or Lumi are as people, so your kid can chart their own course. Others, like Sunny and Rain, may be more familiar. Atmospheric names include:

Air
Aura
Celestial
Icelynn
Keilani
Lluvia
Sky
Storm
Zephyr

-ai Names

Nope, this has nothing to do with artificial intelligence (we’re not seeing ChatBot on any name lists quite yet)—this trend is all about monikers that end with the letters ai. We’re sure you’re familiar with the OG, Kai, and RHONY fans have gotten to know Sai. If you never missed an ep of Gilmore Girls you’re already loving Lorelai. But there are so many more -ai names that fly under the radar, and they’re about to have a moment. We love that parents from so many backgrounds can find inspiration in this list (names come from Japan, Hawaii, Europe, Indigenous cultures, Africa, and more). Some -ai names include:

Azakai
Cai
Esai
Jasai
Kenai
Masai
Sakai
Shai

Musical Icon Names

Smiling baby with headphones on in front of a microphone — Alireza Attari via Unsplash

Elvis took over the big screen last year (Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker might name their baby after the King of Rock & Roll), and Priscilla had her moment on this year’s film festival circuit. Both names are ripe for the plucking in 2024, along with some other iconic musical monikers like Zeppelin, Joplin, and Pixie. Parents looking for names with a little edge will love this list. Here are a few names inspired by musical legends like the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, The Stooges, David Bowie and more:

Bowie
Collins
Elton
Guthrie
Iggy
Jett
Lennon
Rhiannon
Stevie
Ziggy

Gentle Parenting Names

While it’s sometimes hard to keep your cool, a lot of parents today are leaning into the gentle parenting philosophy, one that encourages calm reactions to our kid’s big emotions coming from a place of support and understanding. With that in mind, a wave of mellow, gentle-sounding names will bring some serenity to the naming pool in 2024. For gentle parents, it’s all about vowel names and fluid consonants like C, L, F, and S. Here are some names gentle parents will love:

Ansel
Casper
Ellis
Fia
Ione
Lianna
Oona
Rhys
Selah
Willa

Three more categories rounded out Nameberry’s list, including adult names for babies (after all, they’re only little for a fraction of their lives); STEM monikers like Cosmo, Edison, and Nova; and names inspired by natural glamour (think Cormac, Gaia, and Orson). Head to Nameberry to see the complete list of trending baby names for 2024.

If you’re planning for your new arrival, there’s no better time to download the Tinybeans app. The secure platform allows you to share special moments with friends and family near and far and puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their littles.

The First Trailer for ‘Inside Out 2’ Is Here—and Anxiety Makes Her Entrance

by Julie ScagellNovember 9, 2023

A teenage Riley in Inside Out 2 means all sorts of new emotions

Get ready for some serious teenage angst. Disney and Pixar Studios have just dropped the trailer for Inside Out 2, and in this first look, it seems as though emotions Joy, Anger, Disgust, and Fear have things running smoothly at HQ (aka Riley’s mind) when all of a sudden—it’s demolition day. When the dust clears, we get a sneak peek at a few new emotions about to take up residence. Anxiety arrives first, and boy does she make an entrance. Voiced by Maya Hawke, she immediately starts apologizing for her very presence, as someone with anxiety is apt to do. Inside Out 2 is slated to hit theaters in 2024, and if the trailer is any indication, it’s going to be a hit.

When announcing the sequel in 2022, Poehler said that the new film will “take place inside Riley’s head, only this time she’s a teenager.” Anyone who either has been, known, has parented, or come into contact with a teenager understands this will be a tall—and important—order to get right.

Poehler announced she would return as Joy, while Meg LeFauve, who co-wrote the original with Pete Docter and Josh Cooley, will write the script. Mark Nielsen is on board to produce the film.

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A post shared by Disney•Pixar's #InsideOut (@pixarinsideout)

Directed by Pete Doctor and co-directed by Ronnie Del Carmen, Inside Out follows the young girl Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), who leaves the comfort of her Midwest life and moves with her family to San Francisco. Each of her emotions is voiced by different actors: Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), and Sadness (Phyllis Smith), and we watch as she tries to navigate all that comes with moving—school, home life, and meeting new friends. Docter conceived Inside Out in late 2009 after noticing how his daughter was growing and changing as she grew up as a middle schooler. The film was released in 2015.

The original Inside Out premiered at the 68th Cannes Film Festival, grossing nearly $859M worldwide upon its release. The film also received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. It ended with Joy finally recognizing that Riley needed to experience a life with more complex emotions, and we think she’ll be on a wild ride trying to fit into Riley’s life as a full-blown teen.

100 Things to Do in Chicago with Kids

by Debra FlanaganJuly 23, 2023

Be a tourist in your own city with our picks for the best things to see, eat, and do in Chicago with kids

Little-known nuggets about Chicago: spray paint and Twinkies were invented in Chicago, we are the owners of the first-ever skyscraper and our city features one of the only rivers in the world that flows backward—in fact, it was reverse-engineered to do so in order to (ahem) keep sewage from flowing right into Lake Michigan. Fun facts about this great city are plentiful, which makes exploring all the great Chicago family activities so much fun.

From stepping onto a glass box atop a skyscraper to peering into a giant mirrored bean to standing in the shadows of beloved dinos Sue and Maximo, there are simply so many incredible things to see and do for kids of all ages in Chicago—including some spectacular only-in-Chicago hidden gems. How about (indoor) skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel? Camping with the lions, tigers, and bears at the zoo? Or even descending into a coal mine? Your family can do all these things and more in Chicago!

We’ve identified the top 100 best things to see, the best places to eat in Chicago, and, of course, the best things to do with kids in Chicago—don’t worry, we grant you full permission to be a tourist in your own city.

The Best Chicago Parks Made for Playing

From big and bold to private and perfect for little ones, city to ‘burbs, Chicago has the best playgrounds for every age.

1. When the heat of summer is blasting, take a cool down at a free beach, cool watering hole, or neighborhood pool (there are even a few with pretty cool slides). And when winter starts to feel endless, pretend it away at an indoor water park near Chicago.

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2. Maggie Daley Park is arguably the best park in downtown Chicago. Kids can climb, swing and crawl on a massive playground, with panoramic views of the city in the background.

3. Millennium Park stands as Chicago’s unofficial playground par excellence. Get doused at Crown Fountain and give a little wink and a wave at Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) while you’re at it.

4. Walk or ride your bikes along The 606, an elevated trail that connects six neighborhood parks and offers great city views. If you don’t have your own bike you can Divvy or let Four Star Family Cyclery loan you a ride.

5. Visit Garden of the Phoenix at Jackson Park, a southside Chicago gem. This Japanese-inspired garden will set the tone for a relaxing stroll through nature. In the spring, the cherry blossom trees here burst into bloom.

6. A colorful oasis in the heart of Lincoln Park, learn about a variety of plants—from near to far—at Lincoln Park Conservatory.

7. Do you have a little shredder in your family that enjoys flying around on a skateboard? Slip on your safety gear and check out these local skateparks for your little ripper.

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8. Run away and join the circus . . . or just watch family-owned and performed Midnight Circus in the Parks (that benefits the parks!).

Chicago’s Best Cultural Gems

Chicagoland’s many family-friendly cultural gems offer learning opportunities disguised as fun.

9. Walk around the stunning grounds of an architectural marvel, the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette, and learn about the other six temples around the world by touring the basement museum (free and open to the public.)

10. If your child loves to play “Doctor”, take her to the International Museum of Surgical Science where she can learn about medicine and medical equipment. Be sure to stop in the gift shop for unique gifts.

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11. Kickstart a lifelong love of dinos with a visit with Sue and her new neighbor Maximo, a cast of the largest dinosaur ever found, at The Field Museum. Be sure to crawl down into the Underground Adventure where you’ll shrink to 1/100th of your size to get a bug’s-eye view of the world.

12. Listen to music and laugh during the silences at a Blue Man Group show, hosted at Briar Street Theatre. Special birthday packages are available for groups of 10 or more.

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WNDR Museum Chicago #wndrmuseum #chicago #choosechicago #travel #traveltiktok #travelwithkids

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13. Head to the West Loop to check out the immersive WNDR Museum. Your kids will get to experience art like never before!

14. Expose your kids to outside-of-the-box art at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The best part: anyone under 18 can visit for free, all Illinois residents are free on Tuesdays, and they have loads of family events.

15. Work side-by-side on an art project with your mini artist at Lil Street Art Center.

16. Visit the colorful Ed Paschke Art Center for free in Jefferson Park for an uncrowded and memorable museum experience.

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17. Inspire a love of performance art by taking your children to see a kid-friendly show at Chicago Children’s Theater.

18. Learn new bedtime songs and relaxing movement routines at Old Town School of Music and explore our bucket list for Chicago babies.

19. See beautiful and skilled dancers, as they lead you through stories via dance at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

20. Catch a film or two at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, the largest annual film festival entirely for kids. From feature-length live-action to child-produced, this film fest is set up at theaters all around Chicago every fall.

21. Walk the streets of Chinatown for an experience like no other, which can even include a kid-squeal-inducing ride on the water taxi. Eat at any one of the authentic restaurants and take photos under the red gates.

22. For wiggly kids that just can’t sit still, introduce them to theater through improv shows that are designed to keep them interested and engaged.

23. Bring your camera, maybe even a real non-camera-phone one, and discover one of these colorful murals created by talented street artists throughout the city.

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24. Spend a day exploring Chicago Children’s Museum where kids can tackle the Cloud Buster, a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking, excavate dinosaur bones, and more!

25. The award for the nation’s biggest collection of impressionist artwork goes to Chicago. Introduce your kids to the greats, like Claude Monet and Van Gogh, at The Art Institute of Chicago.

The Best Outdoor Adventures near Chicago

Head into the great outdoors and say hello to nature.

26. Learn outdoor skills like wilderness first aid, hiking, biking for beginners, and camping basics for families with REI Co-op’s expert advice section on their website. And put your new knowledge to work after reading this guide to the best hikes with kids, no matter the season.

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27. It’s big, it’s gorgeous, it’s ever-changing with the seasons, and with rotating exhibits and activities, it’s never a bad day when you’re hugging trees at The Morton Arboretum. Take a walk along a well-groomed trail, visit the museum shop, and climb on the woodsy playground and tree house in the children’s play area.

28. Dust off those bikes, grease the chains, strap on a brain bucket and get those legs pumping on a bike path. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the furthest reaches of the suburbs, there are tons of options for family biking in Chicago.

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29. Thrill seek at The Forge: Lemont Quarries, a 300-acre adventure park, home to the largest aerial adventure course in North America, over-water ziplines, 5 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, paddle sports, and a dedicated kids’ zone.

30. Smell flowers, walk around greenhouses, breathe fresh air, and run around outside at the Chicago Botanic Garden. There are a plethora of year-round events and exhibits to enjoy.

31. Practice your bouldering and climbing skills at one of our favorite rock climbing spots in Chicago for kids. Your kids will feel so proud of themselves when they master climbing techniques and make it to the top of a pitch.

32. Explore the Chicago River on land—by walking along the riverfront. And don’t forget to visit the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum.

33. Prefer to get a little wet? Paddle a kayak along the Chicago River with the help of Kayak Chicago. On the guided architectural tour, you’ll circle the loop, glide past the spot where the first settlers to Chicago set up their home base, and discover the location of a former Capone-era hideout.

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34. Autumn certainly brings the chill, but that doesn’t scare a Chicagoan from the great outdoors pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and harvest fests keep us busy even after that last leaf falls.

35. Spend a fun day keeping score and triumphing over your kids at one of Chicago’s mini golf courses. Or, you can just let them win. (Nah!)

36. When summer’s in town, keep tabs on our guide for the best street fests and make it a goal to hit up as many as possible.

The Best Indoor Activities in Chicago

Don’t let a rainy day get you down. Head into the great indoors for a fun family adventure.

37. Play old-school games like Skee-Ball and Bozo Buckets at Northbrook’s Nickel City where, you guessed it, games are a nickel.

38. It’s never too early to begin getting your baby comfy in the water and if you have an older toddler or school-aged kid, swim lessons are a fun way to learn water safety.

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39. If your kid has a need for speed, take them indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel at iFLY. You’ll love the insta-worthy photos of your kids making super silly faces in wind suits and helmets and it’s an adventure that’s thrilling for the whole family.

40. Try out broomball, similar to hockey but you run instead of skate or go ice skating indoors at Robert Crown Community Center and Ice Complex.

41. Sun, rain, snow. . . whatever the weather brings you can still practice your swing at Topgolf, a perfect intro to the game for kids that are newbies to the sport.

42. Out with the old and in with the new, we say! Shop at Fashion Outlets of Chicago for a great selection and deep discounts on clothes for the kids. Take note, they always have one of the coolest setups for Santa photos and their neighbors with Parkway Bank Park who has fun family programming.

43. Get out of the house and let your kids burn off energy at one of these amazing indoor play spaces in Chicago, many of which offer coffee for bushed parents that need a perk-up.

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44. What parent hasn’t accidentally stepped on beloved little LEGO plastic bricks? Take the playtime out of your home and off your floors with a visit to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago.

45. A morning spent at Skokie Exploritorium is a great way to get kids moving and learning through interactive play. Meet here for a play date with pals or bring along the grandparents.

46. Being a kid is hard and having a kid is equally so, so de-stress alongside them with a day of beauty—a fresh haircut and style, manicure and pedicure, and even a mini facial can do wonders to unbundle those nerves.

47. Horse and knight fans will no doubt love the fest and jest of Medieval Times. This suburban castle hosts a dinner show like no other, with jousting matches, jolly kings and queens, and fork-free dining.

48. If you’re wrapped up in toy nostalgia and you want to share some of your childhood with your kids, visit Dad’s Slot Cars for old-school family fun. Test your driving skills on two tracks of model race car racing.

49. Calling all American Ninja Warrior fans: Go through a mini obstacle course designed to challenge your kids at Ultimate Ninjas and keep the good exercise vibes going at one of these other great spots for kid-sized workouts.

50. Experience the next level of interactive gaming at Activate. Collaboratively, or competitively, teams engage in high-tech games that require both physical and mental agility. Touch-activated games include anything from moving laser mazes to wack-a-mole on a climbing wall.

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51. Toss a ball down the lane at Waveland Bowl during their glow-in-the-dark Cosmic Bowl and nosh on snacks in a casual family-friendly environment.

52. Pretend you’re on a beach vacation without ever leaving Chicago by visiting one of these local hotspots where winter doesn’t exist.

53. Fly around old school on quads and impress the kiddos when you take your family roller skating. If you go on “Skate Nights!”, (Friday and Saturdays 7:30-10:30pm), at Aurora Skate Center, you’ll get to see skilled dancers show off their moves.

54. Try a mommy-and-me yoga class at Bloom Yoga Studio or Sweet Pea’s Studio and bond with your baby or toddler.

The Best STEM Experiences in Chicago

Introduce little learners to topics like science, technology, engineering, and math through engaging activities.

55. Coding is a foreign language kids will have a leg-up knowing and Codeverse is making it approachable and fun for ages 6-13 with their proprietary KidScript language, state-of-the-art technology.

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56. Get messy and test your ideas at Kids Science Labs, a hands-on instructional program geared toward inspiring little scientists.

57. Stroll through one of the many exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry, where your kids will learn from in-house scientists through hands-on stations and immersive experiences.

58. Wonderworks Children’s Museum introduces kids to STEM through imaginative play at its outdoor organic garden, construction zone, science labs, and more.

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59. Gaze at the stars and sit in awe as you watch a Sky Show at Adler Planetarium.

Things Everyone in Chicago Must Do at Least Once

Purchase a CityPass and enjoy entrance and discounts into Chicago’s top attractions, all of which are essential visits for Chicagoans at least once.

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60. If you’re brave enough, walk 4.3 feet into a glass box—The Ledge—at Skydeck Chicago, which is the heart-pumping attraction at Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower). Don’t forget to open your eyes!

61. See a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field, one of the most iconic ballparks in America. Shoot for a Sunday afternoon game when the first 1,000 kids, 13-and-younger, have a chance to run the bases. If you can’t score tickets, it’s worth a trip to see the renovations that have taken this area to the next level in terms of outside-of-the-ballpark entertainment.

62. Shoot 94 floors high at the Hancock Building and lean, (squeal and maybe cry a little) 30 degrees over the city with 360 CHICAGO and TILT.

63. The baseball allegiances are split in town. For a south side lover, a running of the bases at a Chicago White Sox Family Sunday is a pretty cool to-do.

64. Cruise Lake Michigan on a vintage Chicago fireboat captained by two fun-loving Navy veterans who are licensed captains. The Fred A. Busse used on the Chicago Fireboat Tour was the largest diesel-powered Fireboat in the world and served the Chicago Fire Department from 1937–1981.

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65. Chicagoans love their sports, (and their hot dogs), so it’s no surprise that Chicago added an American Association of Independent Professional Baseball team in 2018 paying homage to hot dogs: Chicago Dogs. The ballpark experience is a fun, low-key, and approachable intro to the sport for kids.

66. Ignite that hockey passion by taking the kids to see the Chicago Blackhawks or Chicago Wolves absolutely dominate the ice. Be sure to make it before the National Anthem is sung at a Hawks game . . . there’s nothing quite like it in sports.

67. Visit one of Chicago’s amazing hotels with a special focus on kids for a little staycation.

68. Show your kids the cool-factor of their hometown by taking them on a scavenger hunt of Chicago landmarks. From the tippy-top of the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel to strolling the Chicago River to see moveable bridges, you’ll check off all of our city’s must-sees.

The Best Food in Chicago for Kids

Hot dog! Celebrate Chicagoland’s culinary greatness by taking a bite into these delicious ideas.

69. Did your kid just score an A on their report card? Watch your kid’s face light up when she receives ice cream for free after showing old-school-cool Margie’s Candies her grade.

70. Fresh food is forever heavenly and Green City Market never disappoints no matter the season with a great selection of produce, artisanal eats, cooking tips, yummy tastings and interesting demos. They even get the kids involved with Club Sprouts!

71. Love ’em or leave ’em, hot dogs are big in Chicago, and if your kids haven’t begged for one yet, they will soon. We love the on-the-go ease (no silverware!) and colorful condiments (kids get a pass where the sacrilege of using ketchup is concerned). Grab one at a legendary local hot dog joint and turn eating into an adventure.

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72. Tiny sandwiches delivered on tiered trays, mint chocolate tea, and fancy dining outfits are all the rage when it comes to having a special day out with mom. Indulge in one of Chicago’s best afternoon tea at: The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, The Peninsula Hotel, The Drake, or The Langham Hotel.

73. Stop at the historic Patio at Café Brauer, before visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo, for delicious bites. They are constantly hosting date night events, so check their website often for those updates.

74. Treat your kids to a sugar-heavy adventure at one of Chicago’s best candy shops. Don’t worry, we won’t tell if you buy some sweets for yourself, too.

75. Shop a candy department store. IT’SUGAR opened an 11,400-square-foot candy department store on Michigan Ave that’s unapologetically a mecca of sugar. They have extravagant displays, over-the-top sweets, one-of-a-kind gifts, and immersive experiences. . . there’s even a TikTok-trending candy section.

76. To instill a love of the culinary arts and new-food-trying, take your kids to a Little Diner’s Crew event, an avenue for teaching kids where their food comes from, how it was prepared, what we can learn about its uses, and encourage good restaurant habits.

77. The Midwest might not be known for its light meals and juices, but Chicago actually has a number of healthy juice bars that will make you rethink those juice boxes in favor of the fresh stuff.

78. No midwest autumn is complete without a trip to an apple farm and we have you covered with our favorite spots for picking apples. Just don’t forget to leave room for those delicious apple cider donuts!

79. Watch your food be delivered by a train at The Choo-Choo, a favorite for birthday celebrations and free cupcakes with train whistles.

80. If autumn is reserved for apples, then spring is all about those sweet, sweet berry picking farms.

81. Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studio offers family and kid cooking classes, so little chefs can learn to cook up restaurant favorites at home.

The Best Animal Encounters in Chicago

Feed a giraffe, hang with a sea lion for an afternoon, get close enough to smooch a coyote. Make your kid’s dreams come true with wildlife encounters at Chicago’s zoos, aquariums, and an animal rescue park.

82. Visit Brookfield Zoo for animal encounters, a large indoor playground, rare and exotic animal sightings, and seasonal programming (think breakfasts with Santa and the Easter Bunny, holiday lights, and fun after-dark programming in the summer.)

83. Spend the night camping at the Lincoln Park Zoo and see behind-the-scenes after all of the daytime crowds have gone home.

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84. Walk through Amazon Rising, Caribbean Reef, Polar Play Zone, Underwater Beauty, and other exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium. See a 4-D show, attend a diving session to learn about sharks and penguins that live at the aquarium, and see an aquatic presentation.

85. Sometimes you just need to interact with and pet (maybe even hug) animals—it’s the cure-all for most woes. Take your kids to a nearby petting zoo or farm and learn about how to care for gentle animals.

86. The Adventure Playground at Blackberry Farm in Aurora is designed to inspire natural play for kids in a charming farm-like environment, complete with rope swings and ride-on trains.

87. Bring binoculars, hiking sticks, and a sense of adventure to Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary. Kids will love trying to spot songbirds throughout the 15-acre park.

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88. Flowers, trees, and butterflies are the stars of the show at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, open year-round. Be sure to go during the daily butterfly release for an extra magical experience.

89. Watch as sheep are sheared, feed the chickens, or help out with the ice harvest at Kline Creek Farm, a working, circa 1890s farm.

The Best Road Trips from Chicago

Chicago is great, for sure, but sometimes you gotta get out of the city. Lucky for us, we have the Michigan shoreline, Wisconsin Dells, Indy, and St. Louis all within driving distance to give us that scenery change-up we need.

90. Catch Thomas the Train when he makes his annual summertime visit to Chicago at the Illinois Railway Museum in July. Even when the famous train and his pal Percy aren’t in town, you can ride on a one-of-a-kind mainline train, hop aboard an old-fashioned trolley coach, or make a loop in a vintage streetcar.

91. Spin, twirl, hang upside down, and give yourself permission to eat funnel cake at Six Flags Great America, perfect for all ages. Be sure to not only visit during summer but for Fright Fest which happens mid-September through Halloween for a spooky good time.

92. Pack a lunch and spend the day at Independence Grove, a wooded park centered around a 115-acre lake, for time well spent in nature.

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93. Costumed characters, period music, jousting tournaments, acrobatic and comedy acts, rides, games, and food make Bristol Renaissance Faire a must-do experience! And the dress-up fun isn’t just for the staff, join in by wearing your favorite Elizabethan-era England garb, or buy gear while you’re there.

94. Stay the night at Great Wolf Lodge for water park family bliss. If you want to keep your fins dry, you’ll find loads of options like highly addictive mini-bowling, 9 holes of mini-golf, a slightly terrifying ropes obstacle course, arcade games, and the interactive MagiQuest game.

95. Visit Door County, a short drive away, and have a little vacation with your family any time of the year. Door County’s 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline mean you’re never far from the water, so you can swim, fish, or paddle to your heart’s content. Or, stay in Madison at the Edgewater for ice-skating and family-friendly programming.

96. Venture out to Lake County and see a large collection of classic cars at Volo Auto Museum. You’ll even notice a few cars from famous Hollywood movies.

97. Take a short road trip to Starved Rock and explore land that was once home to Native American tribes. It has 13 miles of well-marked walking trails that cut down and around rugged rock formations.

98. The holidays are prime for tradition making, so how about adding cutting down your own Christmas tree at a local tree farm to the agenda?

99. Take a hike to the top of the dunes, where stunning Lake Michigan vistas await, at the nation’s 61st national park: Indiana Dunes National Park.

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100. Chicago’s one and only National Park site, Pullman National Monument, honors not only early Chicago industrialist George Pullman (1831-1899), and his railway car-manufacturing empire, but also the many Pullman employees who helped usher in new rights for workers. Spend a morning or afternoon exploring this vibrant, living community – not your everyday museum but a Chicago neighborhood packed with history.

—additional reporting by Amy Bizzarri

Pick a Flick! Outdoor Movie Venues for Summer Nights

by Debra FlanaganMay 10, 2023

Lakeside views, drive-in throwbacks, or perched on a rooftop—we’re sharing where to keep things reel this summer

While an air-conditioned theater might be just what a sweltering summer ordered, the best way to watch a movie in Chicago is outdoors. There are parks, nature centers, drive-ins, hotels, and historic attractions reeling family favs all season long. And their lawns or rooftops are yours for the taking (BYO chairs, blankets, and maybe even your own popcorn). Watch a flick while fireflies dance with our guide to summer outdoor movies.

ChiTown Movie Drive-In

Watch a movie old-school-style under the stars in your car at ChiTown Movies in Pilsen. Order popcorn, tacos, wings, pizza, kids meals and more to be delivered to your car from the ChiTown Grille.

Upcoming films include:

April 30 @ 8:15pm – Top Gun: Maverick
May 3 @ 11:00pm – Star Wars: A New Hope
May 4 @ 8:15pm – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
May 5 @ 8:15pm – Encanto
May 5 @ 10:30pm – Nightmare on Elm Street
May 6 @ 8:15pm – The Sandlot
May 6 @ 10:30pm – Nope
May 11 @ 8:30pm – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
May 12 @ 8:30pm – Shrek
May 12 @ 10:30pm – Friday the 13th
May 13 @ 8:30pm – Spiderman: No Way Home
May 13 @ 11:00pm – Nightmare on Elm Street
May 14 @ 8:30pm – Top Gun: Maverick

2343 S. Throop St.
Pilsen
Online: chitownmovie.com

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Millenium Park Summer Film Series

Free movies! And in the heart of downtown in the shadow of the pretty skyline, at that. Every Tuesday, Jul. 11-Aug. 29 at 6:30pm you can take a seat at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion or plop down on the Great Lawn to fixate on a 40-foot-tall screen. (Gates open at 5pm.)

July 11 – Fast Five
July 18 – Turning Red
July 25 – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
August 1 – Summer of Soul
August 8 – Clueless
August 15 – Top Gun: Maverick
August 22 – Barbershop
August 29 – Everything Everywhere All at Once

201 E. Randolph Street
The Loop
Online: chicago.gov

Drive-In Movies at Little Beans Cafe

Little Beans Cafe will transform its parking lot into an old-time drive-in theater. Fill your car with kids and snacks and head out for a perfect summer evening. Movies start at 7:30pm but get there early for special character Meet & Greets. Book your space in advance as these are sure to fill up fast!

June 9 – Live Action Beauty and the Beast (with a live appearance from Belle)

July 14 – Moana (with a live appearance from Moana)

September 15 – Frozen (with a live appearance from Elsa and Olaf)

430 Ashbury Ave.

Evanston

Online: littlebeanscafe.com

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Movie Night at Gallagher Way

Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field has teamed up with the new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to hand-select a schedule of free outdoor movies on most Wednesdays, May 17-Sep. 27. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring carry-out food from Gallagher Way restaurants. Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, popcorn and other snacks will be for sale. Gates open at 6 p.m., movie starts at 7:30 p.m.

May 17 – Ferris Bueller
May 31 – E.T.
June 7 – Mitchells vs. The Machines
July 5 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
July 12 – Clueless
July 26 – Top Gun: Maverick
August 23 – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
August 30 – The Dark Knight
September 13 – Back to the Future
September 27 – The Blues Brothers

3635 N. Clark St.
Online: gallagherway.com

Cantigny Park

If you have a kid that likes trucks and tanks and things that go boom, Cantigny in Wheaton is a must-visit. Along with the First Division Museum (which documents the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division with soldier uniforms, weapons and more), it has nicely landscaped gardens and a “tank park” spangled with army vehicles kids can climb on. It all adds up to perfect pre-movie entertainment. Speaking of movies, weekly, you can enjoy a movie at the bandshell.

1 S. 151 Winfield Rd.
Wheaton
Online: cantigny.org

Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Parks

The mother of all outdoor film events is put on by Chicago Park District and spreads across your favorite green spaces throughout Chicago over the entire summer. Best of all, it’s free! All movies begin at dusk.

Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase

The Chicago Park District’s Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase will return, Aug. 28-Sep. 2, for another year of featuring films by local filmmakers throughout local parks across the city.

Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

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Golden Age Cinemas McHenry Outdoor Theater

Experience movies like they did in the 1950s, in your car watching under a canopy of stars, beginning May 5. At Golden Age Cinemas McHenry Outdoor Theater, kids can stay snug in their pajamas and your family can watch two movies for less than the price of one. Beginning May 31st, tickets will be $12/carload on Tuesdays only.

Upcoming films include:

May 5 – May 20: Fridays & Saturdays @ 8pm – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
May 26 – June 1 @ 8pm – The Little Mermaid

1510 N. Chapel Hill Rd.
McHenry
Online: goldenagecinemas.com

Moo-V-Night.com

Moo-V-Night.com is a traveling outdoor movie business in Chicago that brings the drive-in experience to you. Oftentimes, park districts will hire their services to host outdoor movies in their parks. Follow Moo-V-Night’s Facebook to keep tabs on where they’re popping up throughout the summer.

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Movie & Food Trucks at Geneva Commons

Enjoy movies and food trucks on the center green all summer long at Geneva Commons.

602 Commons Dr.
Geneva
Online: shopgenevacommons.com

Rooftop Cinema Club

Emily Hotel in Fulton Market has partnered with Rootop Cinema Club to transform its 5th-floor terrace into an open-air cinema. The summer movie lineup includes cult classics and new releases, including some Chicago-based favorites. Emily Hotel will provide a full food and drink menu and each guest receives wireless headphones to fully immerse themselves in the movie experience. Movies 4:30 p.m. and after are 18+.

311 N. Morgan St.
West Loop
Online: rooftopcinemaclub.com

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Water Flicks at Navy Pier

Water Flicks returns to Navy Pier with Lake Michigan and the beautiful Chicago skyline as your backdrop. Once a week, bring your blankets and lawn chairs as the Pier presents family-friendly films.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Online: navypier.org

Wednesday Night Live!

Once again, The Davis Theater will partner with the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce to convert Ainslie Arts Plaza into a beer garden and outdoor cinema for free movie nights on select dates this summer. Each week a different beer will be featured, along with wine and other refreshments for purchase. Films begin approximately 30 minutes after sunset. Dates/shows to be determined.

4836 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Square
Online: lincolnsquare.org

Movies in the Park with the Wrightwood Neighbors Association

Enjoy free movies in the park provided by the Wrightwood Neighbors Association. Pre-movie, kids can play on the splash pad, so bring a bathing suit and/or change of clothes, along with your picnic.

June 16 – Sleepless in Seattle

July 29 – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

August 19 – Crazy Rich Asians

Jonquil Park

1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.

Lincoln Park

Online: wrightwoodneighbors.org

Additional reporting by Maria Chambers & Amy Bizzarri

11 Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Los Angeles

by Jennifer O'BrienJanuary 7, 2023

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, discover MLK events, celebrations, and local volunteering opportunities for you and your kids around LA

Each year, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Americans unite to honor his legacy and tireless work as a champion of civil rights. So when is Martin Luther King Day? MLK Day takes place the third Monday in January each year. Fun fact: King’s actual birthday is January 15 (he was born in 1929). In addition to celebrating King’s legacy, this holiday has also become a National Day of Service—encouraging Americans to volunteer and do good in their communities. So whether you want to celebrate MLK at a parade or spend the day giving back to others, here are all the things to do on MLK Day in Los Angeles.

How to Celebrate MLK Day in Los Angeles

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1. Long Beach Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration

Jan. 14: This beloved event returns for its 35^th year to celebrate Rev. Dr. King and the diverse community of Central Long Beach. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. and Anaheim St., followed by the park celebration from noon-5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The park celebration will include a main stage with live performances, a health and wellness area, youth area, and tons of food and vendors.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
1950 Lemon Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: longbeach.gov

2. Santa Monica Symphony MLK Holiday Concert

Jan. 14: In partnership with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition, the Santa Monica Symphony honors the legacy of Rev. Dr. King with its annual MLK concert conducted by Gary Pratt. The concert opens with Coleridge-Taylor’s Danse Negre and Price’s rousing Symphony No. 1 and concludes with Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue with Jason Stoll on piano. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Doors open at 2 p.m. with the performance running from 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

John Adams Middle School Performing Arts Center
1630 Pearl St.
Santa Monica
Online: smsymphony.org

3. Minecraft March on Washington (Virtual Event)

Jan. 14 & 16: As part of LA Works MLK Day of Service, this virtual event builds upon the anti-racism movement through an interactive march on Washington in Minecraft and an in-person event at LA Memorial Coliseum. Tour a virtual exhibit of the 1963 March on Washington and interact with civil rights leaders like Rev. Dr. King himself. The event takes place from noon- 9 p.m. on Jan. 14 and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Jan. 16. Advance registration is required and closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11. Once you register, LA Works will email a link to attend the event. Access to Minecraft (Java or Bedrock edition) is required. Event details.

4. LA Works Martin Luther King Day of Service at LA Memorial Coliseum

Jan. 16: In 1964, Rev. Dr. King passionately addressed 15,000 Angelenos at LA Memorial Coliseum on the issues of race relations and human dignity. This year, LA Works continues Rev. Dr. King’s legacy by empowering LA volunteers to fight for food and climate justice. The day of service schedule starts off at noon-1 p.m. where volunteers will sample vegan food at booths hosted by local restaurants and learn about local activity to combat climate change. From 1:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m., there will be a keynote speaker, and from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., volunteers will rotate through eco-action stations, including creating urban greening kits, assembling disaster preparedness materials, and making a climate action pledge. There will also be a family zone with volunteer activities designed with kids in mind. Register online to volunteer.

LA Memorial Coliseum
3911 S Figueroa St.
Los Angeles
Online: laworks.com/mlk

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5. King Day at California African American Museum

Jan. 16: From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., on Jan. 16, CAAM celebrates Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of festivities. This year’s theme of “MLK: A Legacy of Service” will include a performance by the Inner-City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, the King Study Group, and family activities provided by the LA Public Library. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP to the event ahead of time.

CAAM
600 State St.
Los Angeles
Online: caamuseum.org

6. Kingdom Day Parade

Jan. 16: Known as America’s biggest and oldest birthday celebration of MLK, the 38^th Annual Kingdom Day Parade features this year’s theme of “America, The Last Best Hope of the World.” If you are wondering what time does the MLK parade start in Los Angeles? The parade takes place at 11 a.m. and provides a festive, family-friendly opportunity for the LA community to gather and celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With over 250,000 spectators expected to line the parade route filled with floats, marching bands, and tons of fun, this is must-do event. It will also be broadcast on TV at 11 a.m. on ABC-7.

Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: kingdomdayparade.org

7. A Walk to Remember MLK in Redondo Beach

Jan. 16: Join fellow community members in a Day of Service by walking to honor the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The walk begins at 101 W. Torrance Blvd. in Redondo Beach and ends at the MLK Jr. memorial located in front of the Redondo Beach Police Department. While the walk is free, event organizers ask all participants to bring a child or adult/teen kit filled with necessities (see website for specific needs) to donate at the event or any time prior to that at the RBPD. All kits will go to the RBPD Domestic Violence Advocacy Program. Attendees should meet at the Pier Sub-Station at 10:00 a.m.

Redondo Beach Pier Sub-Station
101 W. Torrance Blvd.
Redondo Beach
Online: eventbrite.com

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8. Big Sunday MLK Clothing Drive and Community Breakfast

Jan. 16: Big Sunday is hosting their 11^th Annual MLK Day Clothing Drive and Community Breakfast on Jan. 16 from 10 a.m.—1 p.m. at 24^th St. Elementary School. This big block party will feature a community breakfast, arts and crafts projects to benefit local nonprofits, entertainment from the Blue Breeze Band, a Civil Rights Exhibit, and Big Sunday’s Something in Common project. They will also be putting together 2,023 winter clothing kits for folks who are struggling. They are happy to accept donations of any new clothing or shoes, or you can sponsor a new clothing bag for $25. All ages are welcome!

24^th St. Elementary School
2055 W. 24^th St.
Los Angeles
Online: bigsunday.org

9. Leadership Long Beach MLK Day of Service

Jan. 16: For 13 years, Leadership Long Beach has coordinated the largest MLK Day of Service in LA County, bringing together thousands of volunteers to complete dozens of community service projects. If you have a project idea, Leadership Long Beach welcomes suggestions on their website. All service projects must be completed between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Jan. 16 and be easy enough that volunteers can quickly jump in to make a difference. Projects must be completed within the cities of Long Beach or Signal Hill and have a dedicated leader who will guide and supervise volunteers to complete the work.

Online: leadershiplb.org

10. National Park System Free Entrance Day in Honor of MLK

Jan. 16: In honor of MLK’s birthday, National Park service sites will waive entrance fees for everyone on Jan. 16. Many national parks also host a variety of service projects that people can sign up for as volunteers, so be sure to check the park’s website for any opportunities.

Online: nps.gov

11. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-A-Thon

Jan. 16: Join the African American Historical Society for a Walk-A-Thon in honor of MLK. This year’s theme is “A Legacy of Strength, a Future of Action.” The 5K walk starts at the Stratton Center and ends at the Main Library Breezeway across from the Civil Rights Institute with a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue along the way. Early registrants have an opportunity to receive one of a limited number of commemorative coins to celebrate the grand opening of the Civil Rights Institute, as well as a family pack of tickets to an Ontario Clippers game at Toyota Arena. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at Stratton Center and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Afterwards, there will be booths, entertainment, and performances. Proceeds from the Walk-A-Thon will benefit the Riverside African American Historical Society’s initiatives. Online registration prior to the event is encouraged, but on-site registration will available too. Tickets are $35 for participants ages 13 and up and include a t-shirt.

Stratton Center at Bordwell Park
2008 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Riverside
Online: raahsinc.org

12 Ways to Celebrate MLK Jr. Day in San Francisco with Kids

by Christine LaiJanuary 3, 2023

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, here are all the best celebrations and local volunteering opportunities for you and your kids around the San Francisco Bay Area

Each year, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Americans unite to honor King’s legacy and tireless work as a champion of civil rights. So when is Martin Luther King Day? MLK Day takes place the third Monday in January each year. Fun fact: King’s actual birthday is January 15 (he was born in 1929). In addition to celebrating King’s legacy, this holiday has also been designated a National Day of Service—encouraging Americans to volunteer and do good in their communities. So whether you want to celebrate MLK at a parade or spend the day giving back to others, here are all the things to do on MLK Day near San Francisco.

How to Celebrate MLK Day in San Francisco

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1. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service 2023

Jan. 13-15: The Golden Gates National Parks Conservancy will be celebrating the Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and legacy all weekend with volunteer projects starting on Friday, Jan. 13 at the San Francisco Habitat Stewards, continuing on Jan. 14 at the Presidio Habitat Stewards, and ending on Jan. 15 with Fort Mason Maintenance. Event details.

2. Martin Luther King Weekend at Filoli Gardens

Jan. 15: On Sun., Jan. 15, Filoli’s Stories in Bloom series kicks off with a program featuring Tureeda Ture Ade Mikell, a poet, storyteller, and the author of SYNCHRONICITY: Oracle of Sun Medicine. She will share stories and songs weaving historical accounts of social justice with African American folktales. Event details.

3. 2023 Caltrain NorcalMLK Celebration Train

Jan. 16: The Caltrain NorcalMLK Celebration Train will depart from San Jose's Diridon Station at 9:30am (65 Cahill St., San Jose 95110), making stops at Palo Alto Station at 9:50am (95 University Ave., Palo Alto 94301) and the San Mateo Station at 10:10am (385 First Ave., San Mateo 94401) before heading in to San Francisco by 10:40am. Once there, celebrants will be able to immediately take part in the MLK2023 March or head directly to Yerba Buena Gardens to take part in a full day of festivities. All of the day's events are free and open to the public. Reserve your complimentary commemorative tickets for departure from one of the above stations today, and pick up your tickets at your point of departure on Mon., Jan. 16, one hour before travel. Event details.

4. MLK March and Parade

Jan. 16: Join the 1.5 mile parade to honor those who marched from Selma to Montgomery by marching from San Francisco’s CalTrain station to Yerba Buena Gardens where a music festival will continue the celebration. Event details.

5. Annual MLK2023 Music Festival

Jan. 16: The MLK2023 Music Festival celebrates its thirteenth year, bringing fabulous talents to perform on the Esplanade stage at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, MLK2023 Music Festival features multi-Grammy Award-winning artist Tony Lindsay, the multi-talented RyanNicole, the spoken word of San Francisco’s Poet Laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin and the comedy of Tony Scott. Enjoy an afternoon of live music with the team from the hit television show "I Remember That Song!" with host, Gerry Dove, and the team of guests, featuring Big Russ and DJ Flash of “The World Famous Rick & Russ Show” and radio personalities and artists. Event details.

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6. Bair Island Volunteer Work Day

Jan. 14: Join Peninsula Open Space Trust and San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory for this fun and unique opportunity to volunteer at Bair Island. Event details.

7. Free Admission at National Parks

Jan. 16: In celebration of Dr. King's birthday, all national parks are waiving admission in the year's first fee free day of the year. Event details.

8. MLK Day at MoAD

Jan. 16: Celebrate with MoAD on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service. The museum will be providing free admission and family activities with the Prescott Circus Theater, Sidewalk Chalk Art with Jamie Treacy and a Scavenger Hunt in the galleries. Event details.

9. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Mitzvah Day 2023

Jan. 16: Bring your friends and family to work together on various fun and meaningful projects to bring to life Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s inspirational legacy of community service, justice and equality for all. Projects will be held in person this year at the Oshman Family JCC, Mitchell Park and a few other satellite locations with an exciting closing ceremony at Mitchell Park. Event details.

10. MLK Jr. Day of Service

Jan. 16: Recreation & Parks is hosting a clean-up at MLK Park (1208 Hendley St.), where volunteers can help beautify this neighborhood park through tasks such as litter pick-up, spreading mulch, weeding and more. Tools and light refreshments will be provided. Event details.

11. Martin Luther King Day at San Tomas Park

Jan. 16: In honor of Martin Luther King Day, the City of San José and Campbell have partnered to help beautify San Tomas Park. Event details.

12. More Volunteer Opportunities in California

To find a volunteering opportunity nearby, visit californiavolunteers.ca.gov and plug in your city or zip code to be connected with various organization searching for in-person or virtual volunteers.

Good to Know: Each year the NorCarl MLK Foundation partners with local and regional transportation agencies to provide transportation with special, commemorative passes, to and from a variety of MLK Day celebration events.

If you live on the peninsula, you can catch the Caltrain NorcalMLK Celebration Train—dedicated to continuing the legacy begun by the late Coretta Scott King by providing special, free commemorative MLK train service for south Bay and peninsula celebrants.

Bay Area Rapid Transit annually commemorates Dr. King by partnering with the NorcalMLK Foundation in developing commemorative MLK BART Passes, which provides complementary, round-trip travel to the MLK Celebrations.

If you live in or near San Francisco, you can register for MLK2023 Muni Commemorative Passes. San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency commemorates Dr. King by providing annual passes through NorcalMLK and via complementary shuttle service during the annual MLK march and parade.

Live in Marin? Since 2004 the Golden Gate Transportation Authority has partnered with the NorcalMLK Foundation to provide complimentary service to the MLK Celebration events on TheMLK2023 Freedom Ferry.

Online: norcalmlkfoundation.org

11 Wintry Destinations That Are Easy for Seattle Families

by Natalie CompagnoDecember 2, 2022

Winter getaway near Seattle, anyone? These 11 destinations go all out for families

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And there’s no better place to experience it than in the PNW. We have everything from storytime by the fireplace to storm watching, northern food festivals to mountain shushing, and from crafting gingerbread houses to sipping hot cocoa on a sleigh ride, depending on where you travel in Washington. Find something special for your family to do by taking a winter getaway near Seattle soon. So grab those skis, sleds, and mittens, and dive into powdery adventures at any of these eleven fairy tale destinations.

Winter is a great time to plan a family weekend getaway to a nearby destination

Bainbridge Island

Winter Play
Bainbridge Island has something for everyone from tiny tots to the merry at heart. The magic begins with a ride on a Washington State Ferry, a unique escape unto itself. First stop, Pleasant Beach Village, with a glide around the winter wonderland skating rink. Mix in a Gingerbread House party, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and sumptuous après skate fare from Joe’s Restaurant and your group will burst into “Deck The Halls” from holiday cheer. A complimentary shuttle runs from the ferry terminal to Pleasant Beach Village and back so families can bed in town or treat themselves to a luxurious stay at The Inn at Pleasant Beach (a real vacation within your vacation).

Bainbridge has wonderful parks, views, and inlets to explore. Bloedel Reserve is a peaceful place of solace and natural beauty. Take your group on the slow, easy one-hour walk through this serene garden, where you’ll spot the former home of the Bloedels, straight from a fairy tale, and the gorgeously groomed Japanese Garden. Dress warmly and participate in Bloedel's Winter of Wonder—meandering along the reserve’s illuminated trails.

Kids Discovery Museum hosts the Holidays at KiDiMu in December. Ditch the ice for sock skating and special winter and holiday-themed STEM activities from November 25 to January 1. Back by popular demand, ring in the new year by joining the KiDiMu Noon Year’s Eve Party from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 31. Don your finest and bring your tinies for a pre-2023 confetti and countdown soiree.

While on Bainbridge, visit book and record stores like Eagle Harbor Book Co. and Backstreet Beat as well as specialty stores like Dana’s Showhouse and the popular Calico Toy Shoppe. Wind down at Eagle Harbor Wine Co. at their winery (tastings available by appointment) or hop over to Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse. Winslow Way is a smorgasbord of indie shops, so pop in and support local during this season.

Where to Stay
Stay at The Marshall Suites, named after the juicy Marshall strawberries that used to cover the island. It’s perfectly placed near chic, walkable Winslow Way. The large, comfy suites are family-ready and the staff is very welcoming. As always, guests get 10% off at partner restaurants including the kiddo-tested Plate & Pint directly across the road.

Find out more: visitbainbridge.com

British Columbia, Canada

Winter Play
British Columbia is bigger than California, but Seattleites are ready for the challenge. It’s been some time since Washingtonians have been able to hop the border and enjoy some snow-filled, Canuck-style fun and there are wonderful winter wows awaiting families throughout the province. For the adventurous group head to Northern BC from November through March for a chance to see the aurora borealis and drive on parts of the historic Alaska Highway. Fancy a downhill shred? BC’s 13 major ski resorts are waiting along with snowshoeing routes, cross-country ski tracks, and trails for wintery walks. Tofino is known for surfing and in the winter its storm watching is truly epic. Haida Gwaii islands are a special place where kids can learn about the local culture and the people who have been stewards of the place since time immemorial. Engage with locals and explore the Haida Heritage Centre and Haida Gwaii Museum.

If your group loves food booths, entertainment, and mingling with merrymakers than check out these festivals and book your trip accordingly. The Rossland Winter Carnival January 27–29, 2023 is Canada’s longest running winter carnival. Learn to luge, sip a beverage at an ice palace, and watch the signature bobsled race. The High On Ice Winter Festival February 17-20, 2023 in Fort St. John boasts intricate ice carvings, winter sports (hello, hockey), and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Wine country calls. Okanagan’s oldest community hosts hundreds of events at the Vernon Winter Carnival February 3-12, 2023. Sip and taste, join a guided snowshoe tour, or have an aerial view from one of the many brightly-colored hot air balloons that float in the sky during the festival. For something brag-worthy, head to the Cariboo region for the annual Sled Dog Mail Run from February 24-26, 2023. These competing sled dog teams become official Canada Post mail carriers during the race. How cool is that?

Where to Stay
The SilverStar Mountain Resort is the hub for the Okanagan region’s winter entertainment. Skiiing, skating, tubing, dining, a spa, fireworks shows, snowcat tours, night skiing, comedy shows, and too much more to list are on the calendar. In Vancouver, stay at the coveted Fairmont Waterfront, a luxury hotel with children-specific perks like kids’ robes, babysitting services (advanced notice required), plus 5 year olds and younger eat for free off the kids menu. Granville Island Hotel is conveniently located on Granville Island surrounded by parks, and the colorful Aquabus provides fun transfers to downtown, Stanley Park, and Science World.

Find out more: hellobc.com

Ilwaco

Winter Play
Consider a mystical and moody winter escape. The stormy waters off the coast of the Pacific Northwest have been called the Graveyard of the Pacific, and Ilwaco’s lighthouses still brave the night and fog to keep sailors safe. Ilwaco is rich in seafood, friendly locals, and untamed natural beauty along with fantasies of adventure on the high seas. The subtle charm of this harbor town draws visitors in and allows families to have quiet together time, while still having plenty to do. Stroll the waterway and check out the quaint shops. Start with an espresso and a sweet treat of baked goodness at Ilwaco Bakery & Cafe.

Time Enough Books is a well-stocked indie gift and bookstore, RiversZen fitness offers yoga (psst…Peggy can tailor private sessions for most ages), Don Nesbitt Art Gallery has lovely souvenirs, and Sportsmen’s Cannery II offers excellent canned Pacific albacore tuna, smoked oysters and more.

Take a picnic to Cape Disappointment, weather permitting. It’s one of the most impressive state parks in Washington. The site overlooks the confluence of the world’s largest ocean and the West’s largest river. Walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, see an installation, and gaze upon the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. From there, active families can hike trails to another lighthouse, or bring bikes and ride the Discovery Trail. We recommend bundling up to watch the sunsets by the interpretive center. You just might see a bald eagle swoop overhead while the sun plunges into the Pacific. When the storm clouds roll in, head to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum. Both have hands-on displays and activities to engage young ones and oldsters alike.

Where to Stay
Stay at the Salt Hotel & Pub. Salt is delicious and offers little tummies grilled cheese and chicken strips while adults sip on craft cocktails. Adrift Hotel slightly further afield has a wonderful heated pool, beach views, and fabulous service. If your family happens to be 18-plus we can’t say enough about At The Helm, a boutique hotel with incredible food right on the marina of Ilwaco. Cue the New England setting and romantic movie score as soon as you check in.

Find out more: visitlongbeachpeninsula.com

Suncadia

Winter Play
Is it Suncadia or Snow-cadia? This family-favorite resort is a top spot for winter sports, and it’s just a short drive from Seattle. In fact, Suncadia has so many activities and fun there is no way a group can do it all. If you’re up to the challenge…better start checking off that list now. Rent a snowmobile or cross-country skis and hit the blustery trails. Nelson Farm is where you’ll find winter axe throwing for budding lumberjacks, winter archery, winter tie-dye classes, and more snow than your little city dwellers will know what to do with. It’s also the place to wow your kiddos when they see the elk herds passing through. For more traditional winter wonderland adventures Suncadia offers skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sleigh rides. December hosts Santa’s Workshop with more arts and crafts than at the North Pole, and the Intro to Winter Fly Fishing class is one of a plethora of unique outdoor experiences.

Where to Stay
Stay at The Lodge at Suncadia or rent a condo or home. For a quieter experience, couples stay at the charming Inn at Suncadia. Dine with a view of the Cascades from Portals Restaurant or of the golf course from The Stovehouse. For an escape from your escape, visit the nearby City of Roslyn, a cute village with shops and restaurants.

Find out more: suncadiaresort.com

Mt. Rainier

Winter Play
The iconic Mt. Rainier peeks out from behind the clouds on a few occasions to awe and inspire this region. Our area’s unofficial mascot, this mountain is more than just a pretty face. Winter is surprisingly great time to hit the National Park and Crystal Mountain’s ski slopes to take in the full majesty of the park and peaks. But wait, there’s more. Dine at the Summit House, Washington’s highest restaurant at 6872 feet, with fresh PNW ingredients and flavor plus a stunning view of Mt. Rainier. Cross-country skiing, elk feeding, horseback riding, sledding, snowshoe dinner tours and Mt. Rainier Winter Scenic Gondola rides round out your snow-filled weekend escape.

Where to Stay
Bring your gaggle of gigglers to the pet-friendly Alta Crystal Resort. The closest accommodation to the Sunrise entrance, this resort is ready for your group to frolic and explore. We recommend the spacious lofts with two private sleeping areas for families, or the cabins with a private hot tub on their deck. Evening bonfires with s’mores, free movie rentals, pool and hot tub, and a huge meadow for building snow people and igloos are all on the agenda at Alta Crystal Resort.

Find out more: altacrystalresort.com

Bellingham

Winter Play
Bellingham bursts with beauty—water views, food, beer, friendly locals, plus the main part of town is easily accessible and filled with shopping and sights. To get a taste of the town’s rich and colorful past we recommend taking a walking tour with The Good Time Girls. Kids love the enthusiastic costumed guides and their enthralling stories. Take a self-guided history tour, or embark on a Whatcom County Culture Crawl, a family-friendly adventure that promotes the region’s art and cultural venues. What’s new? Tweens and Teens will love the all ages music/art venue downtown called The Blue Room.

Stroll and peruse downtown Fairhaven where you’ll find Village Books, a fantastic general bookstore with a huge kids section, and the Old Independent Coffee House, a local legend. The new Farm to Table Trail pass is available and a fabulous way to savor and sip throughout the region. With 14 breweries for just 90,000 people, Bellingham has become a beer mecca. Boundary Bay was the first, and families can enjoy relaxed outdoor seating with individual fire pits that truly warm the entire table. Bellingham is for foodies, too. Whether you enjoy vegan food, have someone who is gluten-free, or just want a good deal, Bellingham has you covered.

Insider Tip: We recommend coming in or out of Bellingham by the Chuckanut Drive scenic byway for gorgeous, winding ocean views.

Where to Stay
Dine or stay at lovely The Chrysalis Inn & Spa, with views of the bay and easy access to Taylor Dock, the walking-on-water trail which connects Fairhaven to the Bellingham Farmer’s Market area, two miles north. A notable side trip? Washington's iconic Mt. Baker is a small and accessible ski resort with powder stats that make snow-lovers swoon.

Find out more: bellingham.org

Winthrop

Winter Play
Want a Western-style winter escape? Grab the little cow pokes and head to Winthrop for a snowy rodeo. The whole town is straight out of the movie, High Noon. Wooden sidewalks, saloon-style entrances, and old-timey fun make this destination unique. First stop: Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe for the small fry sweet tooth. Enjoy a scoop of ice cream or suck on old-fashioned candy. Locals love coffee and cinnamon rolls at Rocking Horse Bakery or a greasy spoon breakfast at Three Fingers Jack Saloon. Peruse the town, Trails End bookstore is a must. Then eat at Old Schoolhouse Brewery by the river or at the renowned East 20 Pizza. Afterwards, go ice skating at the Winthrop Ice Rink. The NHL regulation ice hosts a variety of events—like free skate, figure skating, and hockey—and the 6,000-square-foot changing room has rentals, hot showers, and even ping pong tables.

Where to Stay
Stay at Sun Mountain Lodge, the largest cross-country skiing resort in the country, with 60 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails just outside your resort room door. Their ski shop is open and there is snow. The Methow Valley Trails are groomed, and many are already open. Strap on those skinny skis (rentals available on-site) and get out there. After the snow angels are made, grab some hot cocoa and plan the day. Choose from snowshoeing, sledding, on-site sleigh rides, Alti Hok (a cool import from Northwest China), and downhill skiing at Loup Loup Ski Bowl. Don’t forget to check for Sun Mountain Lodge’s game room where you’ll find ping pong, foosball, and pool tables for indoor amusement. For an in-town experience, hunker down in a cozy cabin at Rivers Edge Resort.

Find out more: winthropwashington.com

Leavenworth

Winter Play
Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin’? Leavenworth should be on every Seattle family’s winter travel list, with not one, but three different sleigh ride offerings. Leavenworth dazzles with half a million lights that will be turned on nightly through December 24th. Aptly named Christmastown, the village houses a Nutcracker Museum, themed gift stores, a gingerbread house exhibition, carolers, festive outdoor restaurants, and a litany of libations for Littles and their parents. Don’t forget the sweets. New to town, Crepe Café Sisters offers savory and sweet mouth-watering crepes, or celebrate the season with baked yummies at The Gingerbread Factory.

With an average of 89 inches of snow every year, you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy the white stuff during your visit. Snow permitting, the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club has a vast array of sports for your amusement, including the only ski jumping facility on the West Coast and the uber popular tubing hill. They also host snowshoeing, sledding, and snow biking. One notable excursion is the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, open year-round. The look on the children’s faces when they see a reindeer for the first time is pure wonder.

Where to Stay
After all the excitement, there is no better place to get your hygge vibe on than Sleeping Lady Resort. Dinner is a delicious seasonal chef’s menu with locally sourced ingredients, or grab quick snacks at O’Grady’s before taking a self-guided art walk around the property, listening to Icicle Creek gurgling nearby. For beds close to the twinkling lights of town, check into Bavarian Lodge or Icicle Village Resort.

Find out more: leavenworth.org

Orcas Island

Winter Play
The best time to visit the San Juan Islands is whenever you can get there. This “off-season” destination is a quiet haven for families looking to connect with nature and each other. Hiking, mountain biking, storm watching, warm fireside drinks and games, and the “bustling” Eastsound are all a draw for families visiting the island. After a seaside drive, stop at family-friendly Orcas Island Winery set outdoors by a beautiful barn—it makes for a picturesque sip and savor. Take a hike up Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juans, for mind-blowing views. The Madrona Bar & Grill has great fish options, Mijitas Mexican take-out is a delicious win-win for the fam, and Brown Bear Baking is a staple for a quick sweet treat or sandwich. New notable restaurants—Norbu’s in the Orcas Hotel and Monti, a Roman-inspired eatery in downtown Eastsound. Shipbay Inn and Restaurant is family-owned and run, a lovely option for food as well as a place to stay. They have cottage-style rooms with balconies on a bluff with a great view. Shopping highlights include Forest Ceramic Gallery, Wanderlust + Wildhearts, and Island Thyme, although any boutique is sure to please.

Where to Stay
Stay at the Outlook Inn on Orcas Island, overlooking the much-photographed Indian Island. Explore the secret garden in back for ball games and the private lawn deck across the street for sunset and avian viewing. Consider requesting the newer addition cabins across from the main hotel with unparalleled views. Another great option is Doe Bay Resort and Retreat, well-known for its eco-friendly ethos. Guests can partake in guided ecology hikes with general manager River Augenstein. Afterall, it’s never too early to get the kids interested in the environment and the outdoors.

Find out more: visitsanjuans.com

a mom and kid on a ski moutian in idaho a nearby winter getaway for seattle families — Courtesy Sun Valley Resort, Photographer: © Sofia Dewolfe/Idarado Media

Sun Valley, ID

Winter Play
Olympic athletes, celeb sightings, and chic ski-style all help create of the mystique of Sun Valley. No wonder Seattle families have had a long love affair with this area. The snow-covered mountain provides breathless thrills with 3,400 vertical feet and over 2,000 acres of varied terrain, plus a recent 380-acre skiing expansion on Bald Mountain. The Cold Springs lift has been replaced by an express quad lift. Kids can mix it up with sledding, snowmobiling, ice biking, or cross-country skiing. Consider enrolling them in SnowSports School to improve those skills. Guests enjoy even more varied terrain this season with an additional 79 acres of gladed skiing made possible by the Bald Mountain Stewardship Project, part of the Healthy Forest Initiative.

For equipment rentals look no farther than Ski Butlers, the easiest ski and snowboard rental process in town. The ice skating rink is always a highlight, and afterwards head to Duchin Lounge for an après-ski adult bevvie.

Non-ski adventures abound as well. Try Dark Sky Watching at the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, take a stroll on the Wood River Trail, a 20-plus-mile paved, multi-use, year-round path. The Sun Valley Culinary institute offers year-round culinary classes and experiences for all palates and ages.

Insider Tip: Mark your calendar for February 4, 2023 for the Zion Bank Boulder Mountain Tour, and March 29–April 2, 2023 for the Sun Valley Film Festival. Both are great reasons to visit the area.

Where to Stay
Knob Hill Inn Sun Valley is an oasis within an oasis. Located in the heart of Ketchum, this boutique mini chalet is steps away from shops, dining and art, and Knob Hill Inn’s suites are well designed for families. Chocoholics will love the hotel’s hot cocoa station. Everyone will love the Mediterranean-style hot tub and pool with garage door walls. While you soak in the heat, the kiddos splash in the pool, as fresh air and snow swirl just outside.

Find out more: sunvalley.com

Lake Chelan

Winter Play
Lake Chelan is summer personified, but it’s during the winter when the heart of the community shows its festive spirit. Events and activities abound, and the crowds are gone. Lake Chelan’s deep, blue water is cradled by a semi-desert climate, hills and vines. This season join the locals for wine tastings, winter lights lit all season long, and the town’s annual Winterfest celebration. Running January 13-22, 2023 your tinies will be in awe as fireworks reflect off of snowy peaks during this celebration. After shopping, dining, and photographing the intricate ice sculptures around town, get your snow vibe on with cross-country skiing at the Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area, tubing at Echo Valley's Family Ski Area, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowboarding, all just a few miles away. When you’re ready to come in from the cold, it’s time to bowl at Chelan Lanes where families will find arcade games, billiards and J’s Lane Eleven restaurant.

Where to Stay
Stay at family-owned and operated since 1901, Campbell’s Resort, with guest rooms and dining right on the shores of the lake. The Lookout, which offers vacation homes for nightly rental, is another easy option for families, especially when you’ve got tots or babies in tow.

Find out more: lakechelan.com

60+ Free Things to Do With Kids in NYC All November Long

by Yuliya GeikhmanOctober 30, 2022

We searched every borough to bring you the complete list of family-friendly events and exhibits happening this month, and they have one key thing in common: they’re all free!

November might mean cooler temps and fewer outdoor activities, but that doesn’t mean the adventures have to stop. In this list, you’ll find dozens of free and low-cost events in November 2022 for families and kids throughout the five boroughs of NYC.

Join NYC as it transitions from fall into winter with beloved seasonal events and fun one-off activities: Visit the yearly winter markets, most of which are returning in November, see the lighting of the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree, celebrate Thanksgiving by giving to the community, and much more. Plus, check out fun and free events for kids and families in November that will educate, engage, and entertain everyone in the fam. And as always, discover all the museums in New York City that offer free admission to visitors, whether it’s all the time or on special days.

Free, Kid-Friendly Events around NYC in November

Bronx

Drag Story Hour for Neurodiverse Kids at Bronx Library Center
Nov. 5: Drag artists read to kids in an extra-special readalong designed specifically for kids with autism and other disabilities. The event aims to introduce kids to the idea of gender fluidity, and generally put on a fun and bright performance they’re sure to enjoy. Event details.

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Bronx Night Market at Fordham Plaza
Nov. 26: Good food and a friendly atmosphere make an evening at the Bronx Night Market a fun experience for the whole family. Purchase noms from local food vendors, or check out the kid zone, educational booths on food and nutrition, and a Instagram Wall-O-Fame. Event details.

Free Soccer Sessions at Williamsbridge Oval
Throughout Nov.: Head to the game room at the WBO for free soccer sessions for kids. The sessions are beginner-friendly and teach everything from footwork, passing, and basic drills to teamwork and a positive attitude. Event details.

Brooklyn

Bulb Planting on West Street
Nov. 5: Help beautify the new Greenway at West Street and Greenpoint Avenue in this volunteer event. Plant bulbs next to the new trees and bring even more green to the street. All tools and gloves will be provided—just bring yourself, some water, and layers in case of a chill. Event details.

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FAD Market Fall Pop-up at Empire Stores in DUMBO
Nov 5 and 6: Over 30 artists and small businesses make the FAD Market a great place to browse for unique gifts—after all, it’s almost time for the holidays! While you’re there, you can explore the parks under the bridge, go for a spin in Jane’s Carousel, or stick around in Empire Stores for lunch at Time Out Market’s 20+ food vendors. Event details.

Thursgiving Holiday Giving Event at the Brooklyn Navy Yard
Nov. 17: Give back to the community by bringing coats and clothes, and wrapped, unopened gifts for kids this holiday season. The donation event is a whole party, complete with a DJ, snacks, and raffles. The more gifts you bring, the more the community gets, but there are also prizes given out for donations, including a private tour of the Yard for families, groups, or businesses that donate 25 items. Event details.

Weekend Nature Exploration at Prospect Park
Sat. and Sun. throughout Nov.: The Audubon Center is leading kids on weekend adventures through the wild side of Prospect Park. Every weekend in November, stop by 10-12 to borrow a discovery pack—a backpack filled with tools like binoculars and nature activity ideas, 11-12 for live animal encounters, and 12-1 for a volunteer cleanup session. Event details.

BAM Kids 2022
Throughout Nov.: Foster a love for movies, music, and the arts at the annual BAM Kids festival. Join the Brooklyn Academy of Music for kids concerts and animations. Featured this year are the music and performance of Fyütch, and the whimsical animated movies “Joyful Adventures” and “Follow Your Dreams.” While the BAM kids festival isn’t completely free, most tickets are either pay as you wish or very affordable. Event details.

Manhattan

Jazz at One at Trinity Church
Nov. 1, 8, 15, and 22: Catch the final three jazz performances of the season at Trinity this month. Featuring performers The Coleman Hughes Sextet, Samara Joy, Theo Walentiny Trio, and Edmar Castañeda Quartet. Visit the space in person at 1 p.m., or watch for free online on the website. Event details.

Image from 2021 Mexico Week courtesy of Tishman Speyer and Rockefeller Center.

Mexico Week: Día De Muertos at Rockefeller Center
Leaving Nov. 2: Rockefeller comes alive with the colors and artwork of Mexican culture during Mexico Week for this year’s Day of the Dead. The event, which is leaving on November 2, will feature sculptures by Cesar Menchaca, including a huge jaguar and Quetzalcoatl, as well as some very well-dressed (and familiar!) skeletons. For more Day of the Dead fun, check out our list of Día De Muertos events in NYC this year. Event details.

Concert at One: ChamberQUEER at Trinity Church
Nov. 2: Part of their “Performances at One” series, this extra-special performance features ChamberQUEER. The artists will highlight queer figures from the history of classical music. As with their other performances, this one can be watched in person or online. Event details.

Image courtesy of Chris Lee and Carnegie Hall.

Carnegie Hall Family Day: String Fling
Nov. 5: Kids ages 3-10 are invited to get up close and personal with string instruments. Billed as a “musical adventure,” this hands-on event lets participants create a small performance, relax to peaceful music, jam along with an Afro-Brazilian capoeira band, learn about West African stringed instruments, and more. Event details.

The Rink at Rockefeller
Nov. 5: The rink at Rockefeller is reopening on November 5, officially ringing in the winter season. While a spin on the rink isn’t free (tickets start at $11), watching the skaters on the ice is a cozy winter activity for the family. Explore the area—make sure to stop by the family-favorite Nintendo Store—or get a hot chocolate from La Maison du Chocolat and sit by the rink and people-watch. Event details.

Wellness in Harlem
Nov. 5: Sample free food at this party, held at La Placita (at 116th and Park). The event will feature music, giveaways, drinks, and free food from beloved restaurants and brands, including vegan donuts from Planet Back, a Caribbean version of Caesar Salad from YAYB, and much more. Event details.

Breakaway Hoops Trial Class in Harlem
Nov. 5: Breakaway Hoops is offering a free trial class for kids ages 8-12. Get a sneak peek at what you can expect from the program, and have some fun with drills and fundamental skill development. All participants must bring their own basketball. Event details.

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Seaport Kids: Pumpkin Decorating and Pumpkin Arch
Nov. 5 and 6: Drop in and decorate some pumpkins for Thanksgiving. Led by Private Picassos, this free crafty workshop will have foam pumpkins, markers, and plenty of pom-poms for kids to get creative with their pumpkin creations. While you’re there, check out the Pumpkin Arch on Pier 17, which is leaving on November 7, for a seasonal photo-op. Event details.

Sensory-friendly Mornings and Evenings at the Intrepid
Nov. 5 and Nov. 18: The Intrepid is opening its doors early for young kids on November 5, and closing them late for teens and adults on November 18. These special openings are designed specifically with people with autism in mind, and feature sensory-friendly activities led by experts. This month, the children’s program will introduce them to airplane design, while the teen and adult program will focus on the museums’ exhibit, “Women Astronauts of the Space Shuttle Era.” Event details.

Garden Volunteer Session at Jefferson Garden and Mad Fun Farm
Nov. 5 and 19: Join other volunteers from Concrete Safaris in making the gardens and parks around the city even more beautiful. Activities vary, but some things you may find yourself partaking in include weeding, planting flowers, fruits, herbs, or veggies, shoveling topsoil, spreading mulch, picking up trash, and more. Event details.

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Closing Day at Hester Street Fair
Nov. 6: Hester Street Fair is leaving until next year, and they’re going out in style: with a shopping party! The event will have a live DJ, and will be your last chance to check out local vendors, delicious food, and more fair fun. Event details.

Silent Clowns Film Series: Charlie Chaplin at NYPL for the Performing Arts
Nov. 12: The New York Public Library pays tribute to the great star, Charlie Chaplin. Catch a screening of Chaplin’s movies from 1915, with a live piano accompaniment by Ben Model from MoMA and an intro and Q&A by film historians Model and Steve Massa. This event is free, but seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis so show up early if you want to sit. Event details.

ConEd Family Day at the Morris-Jumel Mansion
Nov. 12: Visit Manhattan’s oldest house-turned-museum for their monthly family day. This month, visitors will make their own colorful suncatcher ornaments. Note that masks are still required for attendees ages 2 and over. Event details.

Renegade Craft Fair at Chelsea
Nov. 12-13: Shop for unique items made by passionate small business owners and artisans at the Renegade Craft Fair. Event details.

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Adventures from The Shed at 14th Street Y
Nov. 12 and 19: Kids 2-5 years old are invited to Liondown’s Birthday—but first, they’ll need to help Mary-Jo and her friends come up with a present for him in time for the party. This puppet adventures feature singing, dancing, and storytelling that’ll have kids singing along and participating in the experience. Event details.

Poster Kids: Junior Fashionistas at the Poster House
Nov. 13: The Poster Kids is taking on Air-India’s Maharaja mascot, and this time the focus is his wonderful fashion sense. Kids ages 5-11 are invited to learn about the Maharaja’s style, and make their own art that they can wear using recycled textiles. Event details.

Architecture for Animals at The Skyscraper Museum
Nov. 19: The city might be home to humans, but it’s also home for many animals. In this family program from The Skyscraper Museum, participants will learn about architecture in the animal world, like beehives, dens, and bird nests. Then, kids will design an apartment with one animal’s needs in mind. This program is recommended for ages 4-8 and RSVP is required. Event details.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
Nov. 24: Whether you plan on attending or you prefer to watch it from the comfort of your own home, no list of free events in NYC in November would be complete without the world-renown Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Joining the lineup for the first time this year will be the Baby Shark family (don’t get the song stuck in your head!), Bluey the dog, and Geoffrey the Giraffe, in celebration of the return of Toys”R”Us in Macy’s stores. Plus, walk by the area in the days leading up to the parade to see the floats being inflated. Event details.

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Eldridge Arts & Learning: Stained Glass at the Museum At Eldridge Street
Nov. 27: Learn about the beautiful stained glass windows at the museum, as well as the history and purpose of stained glass windows. Then, make your own design for a window by creating a collage. This event is free for holders of a Cool Culture Pass or a SNAP benefits card. Event details.

Tree Lighting at the Rockefeller Center
Nov. 30: The spectacular Christmas Tree is making a comeback to Rockefeller Center Plaza. Standing at close to 100 feet tall and topped by a nine-foot Swarovski Star, the lighting of the tree is a huge event every year. Visit to watch over 50,000 lights light up in a spectacular display. Event details.

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Canstruction NY at Brookfield Place
Nov. tbd: The annual Canstruction exhibit is coming back to Brookfield Place this year. The event features spectacular structures made from cans, as well as a chance for visitors to donate canned goods for charity. Stay tuned to the website for dates and more details as they become available. Event details.

Queens

Making Music With Friends at Church in the Gardens
Nov. 19: Learn how friends make music together and join in the fun with this 45-minute interactive concert for kids. Kids of all ages are invited to hear chamber music and engage with the performers. If you want to attend the paid concert after this event, you can present your free ticket to get 50% off the ticket price. Event details.

Hands on History: Queens Hip-Hop at King Manor
Nov. 19: Celebrate national Hip-Hop Month at this month’s free family day at King Manor. Learn about some key 90s rap and hip-hop legends, with a special emphasis on those who come from Queens. Then, make your own trading cards and microphone for your future performances. Event details.

Staten Island

Weekend Wonders: Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe at the SI Children’s Museum
Nov. 5: To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, the Staten Island Children’s Museum will be hosting a performance by the Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe. Watch the Troupe share their heritage through music, dance, and storytelling meant for all ages. Event details.

Buckets for Blue: Volunteer Cleanup
Sat. and Sun. throughout Nov.: Help clean part of the Raritan Bay’s shoreline by collecting the trash and plastics that litter the shore. Visitors can borrow buckets and grabbers from the park’s visitor’s center. Event details.

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Toddler Time at Clay Pit Ponds

Tues. throughout Nov.: Bring your toddler (ages 0-4 are best suited for this activity) to the nature center at Clay Pit Ponds for a morning of fun and exploration. The The day begins indoors, as kids explore a different nature theme each week. Then, if the weather’s nice, the group moves outside for a short hike. Event details.

Various and Other Locations

Pumpkin Smash Events
Do you have leftover pumpkins from Halloween? Bring them to a pumpkin smash! This is chance to destroy your old pumpkins before they go bad in a fun way, but also recycle them for fertilizing! Check out all the places that are hosting pumpkin smash events.

Libraries Around the City
Throughout Nov.: Libraries all around the boroughs have something going on basically every day! Stop by your local library and enjoy their free programming. There’s something for everyone, from baby singalongs and toddler craft times to teen tech time, and more.

A few highlights for November include the Children’s Film Series at the NYPL for the Performing Arts on Nov. 10, where you can watch a classic children’s movie on a 16mm projector, and the Solar Race Cars workshop at Allerton Library, where kids will build their own solar-powered vehicles, then race them against each other (if there’s time):

Brooklyn Public Library
Queens Public Library
New York Public Library (also includes the Bronx and Staten Island)

Holiday Markets Opening in NYC in November

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November might bring in the cold, but it’ll also bring in the welcoming warmth of the city’s holiday markets. These holidays feature vendors from the city and beyond as well as delicious and comforting food. Check out these seasonal markets arriving in NYC for the winter this month:

Bank of America Winter Village: Opened Oct. 28

The Grand Central Holiday Fair: Nov. 14

Union Square Holiday Market: Opening Nov. 17

Columbus Circle Holiday Market: Nov. 28

Brooklyn Borough Hall: Nov. 28

Free Art Exhibits around NYC in November

Opening:

None this month

Ending:

Seeds (Manhattan)
Leaving Nov. 1: Just one final day in November to see this massive roots transformed into a seed sculpture by artist Jaime Miranda-Bambaren. You can view this statement on humanity encroaching on nature at Thomas Paine Park.

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The Great Debate (Manhattan)
Leaving Nov. 13: Standing at 16 feet tall, this fiberglass sculpture depicts artist Hebru Brantley’s character, Flyboy. The character is a take on the superhero genre by the artist, who drew inspiration from the Tuskegee Airmen—WWII’s first African-American military pilots—to create his vision of what a black superhero might look like. Flyboy stands proudly at The Battery.

The Giving Tree (Queens)
Leaving Nov. 23: The colorful Giving Tree by Haksul Lee, located at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, is more than just an art piece: It’s a functional piece of architecture. The installation uses wind power to generate electricity, which has powered some of the lights in the park and allowed visitors to charge their devices. It’s departing from the park in November, but hopefully its message stays on.

Going Back to The Meadows (Queens)
Leaving Nov. 23: This tribute to Queens native LL Cool J by Sherwin Banfield is fun and functional, as well: The speakers are solar powered. Visit the piece before it leaves at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

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Faces of Harlem (Manhattan)
Leaving Nov. 30: This community-centric outdoor photo wall in Morningside Park takes a look at Harlem residents private indoor spaces, highlighting the themes of connections and isolation. There are over 100 photos to look at, taken by 10 modern artists as well as three youth photographers.

Good Neighbors (Manhattan)
Leaving Nov. 30: This photo wall commemorates community members from around the Anibal Aviles Playground, by displaying their images along with short interviews. Created by J Maya Luz, this installation shares a wall in the playground with a number of other artworks, inclkuding a memorial for the park’s namesake.

Free Museums and Park Events in NYC in November

Bronx

The Bronx Museum of the Arts
Located a stone’s throw away from Yankee Stadium, this museum displays modern art with a focus on urban experiences and culture. Explore what it means to be a part of the NYC community, and specifically the demographic in the museum’s neighborhood.

The museum is always free, and has a permanent collection as well as rotating special exhibits.

1040 Grand Concourse
Concourse Village
Online: bronxmuseum.org

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Wave Hill
This gorgeous garden has 28 acres of carefully cultivated plants, flowers and woodland. Take a stroll through the indoor Alpine House, stop for a photo-op of the Hudson River and the Palisades at the Pergola, or sit and relax by the Aquatic and Monocot Gardens. The space frequently hosts family-friendly programs so be sure to check their calendar before you head out.

Wave Hill offers free admission on Thursdays.

4900 Independence Ave.
Riverdale
Online: wavehill.org

New York Botanical Garden
With over 250 acres to see, the New York Botanical Garden can definitely be a whole-day affair. The Garden is open rain or shine, and has a mix of indoor and outdoor gardens to explore. See seasonal flowers and native plants, a peaceful rock garden, an entire forest, and much more. The Garden also conducts research, hosts family and child-oriented events, and has online seminars — including one where experts will answer your questions about why your potted plant is looking a little droopy.

Free admission is available for NYC residents on Wednesdays.

2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx
Online: nybg.org

Brooklyn

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Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is like an educational playground for kids. Find exhibits created specifically for little ones to view and learn with, as well as many hands-on activities that teach through fun and play. Don’t miss the NEST, an organic playground located on the museum’s roof, the water-based play space, or the newly opened Jurassic Mini-golf.

The museum’s Amazon Free Hours grant free admission to all visitors on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m.

145 Brooklyn Ave.
Crown Heights
Online: brooklynkids.org

Manhattan

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American Folk Art Museum
The American Folk Art Museum explores the joys of self-taught artists from the 1800s all the way through today. These artworks symbolize authentic American culture and experience through time and provide a snapshot of life in different time periods. Along with beautiful photographs and arts on canvas and board, the museum has some unique collections like weather-vanes. The museum has a number of coloring and activity pages that kids can enjoy from home, as well.

The American Folk Art Museum is always free.

2 Lincoln Square
Upper West Side
Online: folkartmuseum.org

National Museum of the American Indian
Part of the Smithsonian Institution family, this museum honors American Indians. It displays modern and classic art by people of American Indian heritage, and teaches visitors about their cultures and traditions. It also frequently has performances, educational programs, and more.

This museum is free year-round.

1 Bowling Green
Financial District
Online: americanindian.si.edu

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The Skyscraper Museum
Look to the skies at the Skyscraper Museum where NYC’s iconic skyline is explored and celebrated. The museum’s exhibits look at the architecture of the city’s buildings, the literal rise of skyscrapers in NYC, and all other things related to the city’s buildings and their history. The museum also often hosts free family events both at the museum and in different locations around the city.

Admission to The Skyscraper Museum is free through December.

39 Battery Pl.
Financial District
Online: skyscraper.org

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The Jewish Museum
View a celebration of Jewish culture, heritage and artwork at this museum. Exhibits highlight art and photography by Jewish artists, from modern artists working today to key historical figures who helped shape the way art and Jewish culture intersect. The museum also hosts free special events, from museum tours for people with memory loss, to art-making workshops for children and families.

The Jewish Museum is free on Saturdays.

1109 5th Ave at 92nd St.
Carnegie Hill
Online: thejewishmuseum.org

The Morgan Library and Museum
The Morgan Library, which was started by Pierpont Morgan and is now continuously growing, hosts a collection of rare and unique books. While the books in the library itself aren’t available for visitors to browse, you can marvel at the beauty of the library and visit the exhibits, which often show old books, newspaper clippings, and other historic artifacts.

Entry into the Library is free on Tuesdays and Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m., no reservation required. Free Friday programs take place every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and these do need a ticket, which are released for reservation a week in advance.

225 Madison Ave.
Midtown
Online: themorgan.org

Museum of Jewish Heritage
This museum examines the history of Jewish people, the hardships they’ve overcome, and the hope for a brighter present and future. The museum has exhibits that discuss the history of the Holocaust through artifacts and accounts of the time, as well as artwork and sculptures by Holocaust survivors.

You can visit this museum for free on Thursdays between 4 and 8 p.m. A ticket is required, which you can get by choosing the Thursday 4 p.m. slot on the museum website.

Edmond J. Safra Plaza
36 Battery Place
Financial District
Online: mjhnyc.org

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Museum of Modern Art
The MoMA is an iconic institute, displaying modern artworks, sculptures, and media / performance pieces created from the 1880s and beyond. The art here will make you feel and think — and, although most exhibits aren’t interactive, the many bright and striking colors and interesting shapes make a great entry point for kids to talk about and explore art.

Thanks to a sponsorship by UNIQLO, the MoMA grants NYC residents free admission on the first Friday of every month, from 4 to 8 p.m.

11 West 53 St.
Midtown

Admission to the MoMA PS1 is always free to New Yorkers, thanks to The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation.

22-25 Jackson Ave.
Long Island City

Online: moma.org

9/11 Memorial Museum
This museum is a tribute to the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 (as well as the February 26, 1993) attacks on the World Trade Center. Visit to learn about the horrific event through media, personal narratives, and a collection of artifacts telling the many stories of that day.

Free admission is offered on Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m.

180 Greenwich St.
Financial District
Online: 911memorial.org

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Children’s Museum of Manhattan
This museum encourages exploration and learning through hands-on exhibits. These often mix fun movement and bright colors with conversations about serious topics like women’s voting rights. Kids can also go on quests featuring their favorite characters like Dora, use their imagination by pretending to be superheroes, discover new cultures through interactive experiences, and much more. Exhibits change often, so stop by at various times of year to see what’s new.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is free to enter on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m.

212 West 83rd St.
Upper West Side
Online: cmom.org

Queens

Queens County Farm Museum
Get away from the city for a farm visit! Meet and greet farm animals (and even get to pet some at the petting zoo), engage with the sensory wonders of the children’s garden, embark on a cute scavenger hunt for the smallest tots, and more. For a small fee, visitors can go on a hayride, and parents can browse the Farm Store for farm-fresh produce, eggs, teas, wool, and other goods created and harvested right on the farm.

The Farm Museum is free to enter every day, except on special ticketed days.

73-50 Little Neck Parkway
Bellrose Manor
Online: queensfarm.org

Socrates Sculpture Park
Founded in 1986, this park is a place where visitors can have a picnic among incredible sculptures. The artwork on display is always changing, so this is a place you’ll find yourself coming back to. Currently on viewing are sculptures like “Steel Bodies” by Maren Hassinger and “Broadway Billboard” by the park’s teen group, Socrateens.

The Socrates Sculpture Park is a public park and admission is free.

32-01 Vernon Blvd.
Long Island City
Online: socratessculpturepark.org

Staten Island

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Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Snug Harbor is a must-see if you’ve never been. It’s a beautiful, sprawling grounds have a collection of gardens and plants, while special locations like the Chinese Scholar’s Garden and the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art have their own atmosphere (as well as hours and admission prices).

The Scholar’s Garden is free for Staten Island residents, and the main outdoor grounds and gardens are always free to the public from dawn to dusk.

1000 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island
Online: snug-harbor.org

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Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase

Golden Age Cinemas McHenry Outdoor Theater

Moo-V-Night.com

Movie & Food Trucks at Geneva Commons

Rooftop Cinema Club

Water Flicks at Navy Pier

Wednesday Night Live!

Movies in the Park with the Wrightwood Neighbors Association

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On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, discover MLK events, celebrations, and local volunteering opportunities for you and your kids around LA

How to Celebrate MLK Day in Los Angeles

1. Long Beach Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration

2. Santa Monica Symphony MLK Holiday Concert

3. Minecraft March on Washington (Virtual Event)

4. LA Works Martin Luther King Day of Service at LA Memorial Coliseum