Ride the rails, set sail for adventure, take in the big city, and so much more
We know that families are eager to get out there and see the world—and 2024 is going to be the year that they do it in a major way. We expect to see lots of families taking those big trips with both domestic and international destinations on the agenda for 2024. Airfare prices continue to remain high but there are more and more ways to find cheaper flights including a bunch of lower-cost airlines that have added US routes this past year. Road trips aren’t going away either as families pretty much have these down by now. Where will 2024 take you?
Low-Cost Airlines Can Get You Where You Need to Go for Less
Chances are you are familiar with low-cost domestic airlines like Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit but did you know that there are low-cost airlines that will take you to Europe, Tahiti, Japan, and loads of other spots beyond the U.S.? Airlines like French bee, PLAY, Norse, and ZIPAIR have been adding routes from the U.S. in recent years and they are a great option for families looking to spend less on airfare.
We've flown French bee to Paris and Tahiti with kids and found it to be very comparable to other carriers like American Airlines and United. Just make sure you know what is included in your fare and what will incur an additional cost (like checked baggage, seat selection, and meals) before you book with these airlines so there are no surprises.
Credit Card Points Offer a Way to Hack the System
Not everyone is interested in playing the credit card points game but those who know how to work the system often share that they can get some pretty great deals using signup bonuses. Websites like The Points Guy and NerdWallet are great places to start learning about what credit cards work best for travel and what deals are on the horizon. If you time your credit card sign-up right, many programs will gift you enough miles for free tickets. Plus, these travel cards often offer perks like free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck which are key in making your travel experience the best it can be.
Families Want to Ride the Rails
Wendy Altschuler
According to Pinterest, 2024 brings slow travel to the forefront. After the busyness of 2023 with everyone getting back into travel in a big way, 2024 will have families slowing it down and looking for more mellow ways to travel. We predict that this will lead to more families will riding the rails for their next vacation. Nobody has to drive, your sleeping quarters are included, and you get to see some of the most gorgeous areas of the country. Bonus: it's super eco-friendly. From trains that take you to five national parks, to those that take you from New England to Florida, there's so much exploring to do.
All-Inclusives Are Worth the Money
Club Med
Once thought of as a honeymoon-only extravagance, families are turning toward all-inclusive properties for vacations, especially when traveling with grandparents. Nobody has to cook, you know what you're going to spend in advance and kids will love getting to order mocktails from the swim-up bar. Some of our favorite spots: Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic, Villa la Valencia Beach Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, and Margarita Beach Resort Ambergris Cay in Belize.
Cruising Is Back in a Major Way
Cruising has seen a major uptick in the past year and we are looking forward to checking out new ships like Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas in 2024. Set sail for Alaska to catch the salmon run or book your vacation on the Disney Wish for a trip that's full of character breakfasts and kid activities.
Those looking to cruise on a smaller scale should look to adventure cruise companies like UnCruise and Adventure Canada where you can expect small ships, small crews, and only a few hundred passengers. Bonus: Families will find that expedition cruising offers a level of personalization that you can't get on other cruises.
Back to the Big City
Kate Loweth
The last few years have seen road trips and national parks vacations getting their time in the spotlight. According to Expedia, cultural capitals like Edinburgh, Lisbon, Tokyo, Dublin, and Sydney are going to see a lot more travel focus for 2023. We can get on board for that!
Spend Some Time in a National Park
istock
With over 400 national parks in the United States, chances are there are quite a few nearby that you have yet to explore. According to Airbnb, national parks travel will be a huge focus for 2024 and we can understand why. National park trips are particularly fun for families as they give kids (and parents!) a little history lesson and a big dose of fresh air at the same time. Check out these national parks that are particularly kid-friendly from California all the way to Maine. While you are at it, check this list to see what days are free at the national parks for 2024.
Road Trips (Still) Reign Supreme
The past few years really brought back our love of the road trip. If you are itching to find a new destination for 2024, check out this list of our favorite road trips in the U.S. and find unique Airbnb rentals you can reserve along the way. Before you head out, peruse this list of road trip hacks to get your crew prepared for the long journey, and download some of our favorite podcasts for kids so you don't have to fight over the radio station.
We want to go big with our travel plans but the actual planning of the trip is most definitely not part of the fun. Leave the planning and execution of your trip up to experts like Exodus Travels. You can book a private trip for your family, or join in a small group with other families that have similarly-aged kids to make it even more fun. Whether you go self-guided or have an expert there to show you the way, this type of travel is definitely the way to go for families.
Many of us have developed our love of the great outdoors these past few years and we'll be looking for off-the-grid adventures for our 2024 trips. Think about a kayak trip in Yellowstone or a ranch vacation complete with a hot spring pool in Idaho. There are tons of awesome options out there with no WiFi in range.
Ride Off into the Sunset in an RV
Kate Loweth
While most of us never considered RV travel as a fun option for a family, it has exponentially increased in popularity in recent years and we expect this trend to continue into 2024. If you are a total RV newbie, we suggest leaving the planning to the experts when you book your first RV trip. Think you can handle it on your own? Rent an RV, grab yourself a WiFi hotspot, and head out on the road to give road schooling a try. You can even try out the rad stylings of a camper van!
Cozy Cabins to Get Away from It All
There's something so restorative about a weekend in the woods. Cabin rentals have become super popular and we don't expect that to change in 2024. They offer families time together, many times without WiFi, and you can even bring your dog.
Make It a Micro-cation
If time and money are tight (hello, inflation), consider a micro-cation for your next family trip. These four-day-or-less trips allow you to see someplace new and get a break from everyday life. It's a good way to get the kids used to traveling without having to pack a ton of gear for everyone. Surprise the kids with a last-minute trip and see a new part of the country.
Take the Family Glamping
Mendocino Grove
Glamping gives you the best of both worlds—the smell of a campfire in your hair and an actual bed to sleep on. You won't have to schlep all of your camping gear with you, everyone gets a better night's sleep, and you still get time out in the woods away from WiFi and civilization. Check out some of our favorite spots for glamping including loads of options in California.
Looking for a perfect photo-op with the fam? Head to these immersive experiences in NYC, featuring interactive art exhibits and pop-up museums, mind-bending illusions, and terrific tech
New York City is the place for fun, interactive experiences and pop-up museums, but how do you decide which one’s for you and the kids? (not to mention worth the cash?) From immersive, sensory experiences to fun museums and the latest interactive Instagram spots, these are the best places to get seriously selfie in NYC with the family now. What’s more, these immersive experiences—that feel like a cross between a museum and a hands-on art exhibit—have something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of rainbows, a slime sensationalist, or cuckoo for candy (who isn’t?). Bonus: every single one of them features fantastic photo ops for the whole family.
This recently updated Instagram playground is dedicated to celebrating all things sweet (and sour). The experience is 24,000 square feet with 17 different interactive environments, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and delectable tastes of a variety of treats.
The candy museum includes the signature Candytopia marshmallow pit, a New York-inspired candy art gallery and a state-of-the-art candy confetti room—complete with confetti-farting pigs. You’ll also find some new experiences added last year, like an infinity mirror room, Ring Swing Garden, Sugar High Theater, and an indoor zipline.
Tickets include a variety of sweets, all of which are nut–free. Plus, if anyone in your family has dietary restrictions, ask the staff for help and they’ll be able to work with your needs, offering options that are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, kosher, and vegan.
Cost: $36/adult; $29/kid, 4-12; Free kids 3 & under
The slime trend is still going strong, and the Sloomoo Institute invites guests to immerse themselves in sensory play and revel in the world of goo. Expect artisanal, scented slime, interactive activities, a massive DIY slime bar, slime experiments, an immersive ASMR tunnel, a lake of slime to walk on, and even your own slime to take home.
For an added fee, you’ll be given ponchos and head into Sloomoo Falls, where you can experience getting slimed! Whether you opt-in for the full slime experience or just get general admission, wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
The institute is working with the Center for Architecture, Science and Ecology (CASE) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to come up with a way to responsibly dispose of slime. They’re currently in the middle of a study that will hopefully lead to the first slime recycling program! Plus, percentage of sales goes to mental health charities.
3. For Crafting Your Own Candy: Cricket’s Candy Creations
Founded by chef, author, and educator Cricket Azima, Cricket’s Candy Creations provides hands-on sweets and candy making classes. Candy Coaches lead kids through candy-making experiences, making everything from fun seasonal treats (like candy hearts and edible love letters for Valentine’s Day) to candy frames and sugar shakers.
Classes are designed for all ages, so everyone from the youngest candy creators to the adults can enjoy the experience. The space also frequently hosts special events like “Candy After Dark”—a 21+ social night featuring candy cocktails—teen movie nights, school holiday camps, and more.
4. For a Magical Interactive Art Experience: Wonderland Dreams
Step through the looking glass into a wonderland full of art. The 26,000-square-foot space is covered by art by Alexa Meade, featuring some truly magical ways to interact with art.
Swirling colors and trippy visuals inspired by Alice in Wonderland fill 20 rooms floor to ceiling. There are giant playing cards, wonky chess board designs, a mad hatter tea party, a garden with red-painted white roses, and many different things to look and play with. Visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with the art, and, of course, take plenty of pictures.
Cost: $33-$39/adult; $27-$33/kids (3-12), veterans & seniors Dates: Through April 2023
Color Factory NYC is a vibrant and interactive experience that celebrates hues of all kinds in myriad ways, and it’s one of the first immersive experiences to bring a massive ball pit to NYC. This experience is all about creativity, play, joy, discovery, and yeah—lots of color.
You’ll explore 20,000 square feet and 16 installations of Technicolor, Instagram-friendly fun, such as ombré floating balloons, a walkable infographic leading you to your “secret color,” a palette of colorful treats featuring a custom ice cream scoop, a unique activity on color and human connection, and a luminous dance floor.
Color Factory collaborates with artists like Jason Polan, Lakwena Maciver, Molly Young, Tosha Stimage, and Tom Stayt to create unique rooms. The gift shop on the way out features quirky souvenirs made by the artist partners.
Artechouse combines art, science, and technology into an interactive space where STEAM subjects collide in a magnificent way. Projects rotate throughout the year, so you can explore different experiences every time you visit.
Currently on display at the NYC branch of Artechouse is Magentaverse, an exhibit that celebrates the Pantone Color of the Year 2023, Viva Magenta. Become immersed in the color and dive into a cinematic exploration of hue and healing that spans from the earth under our feet to the space above our heads with NASA—and beyond.
The space then takes it a step further with their “Extended Reality” experience: Download the app and use it in various locations around the exhibit to see the art come to life in incredible ways through augmented reality.
Cost: $25/adult; $17/kid, 4-15; Free, kids 4 & under
The Museum of Ice Cream is an immersive walk-through experience dedicated to the sweet treat. You’ll leave the space knowing much more about ice cream than you ever did, and recovering from a sugar rush. That’s because the museum has 12 multi-sensory exhibits across three floors that teach the history of the sweet, as well as unlimited ice cream samples of five different types. Plus, take a ride on the animal cookie carousel, stop for a photo-op in one of the color-themed rooms, or take a dip in the sprinkle pool.
CAMP is a multi-sensory experience that places kids in the middle of their favorite franchises, from Paw Patrol to Disney’s Mickey Mouse.
At the moment, CAMP has opened its doors to visitors who want to explore the Casita from the hit Disney movie, Encanto. Visit the home of the Madrigal family in person and experience the different rooms—including Antonio’s rainforest to Isabela’s floral wonderland, and even, quite possibly, the room of He Who We Don’t Talk About…and more. Look for hidden passages, play with interactive magic, enjoy live music, and find many other magical surprises around every corner of this whimsical experience.
This installation was created with kids in mind, and is full of opportunities for playing, dancing, climbing, and more as they’re guided through the narrative adventure.
Put on your best spy outfits and grab your gear: It’s time to transform into super spies at NYC’s Spyscape! Right now, you can take part in a Batman-themed interactive adventure where you help the caped crusader and other DC heroes save Gotham from nefarious villains. Use the special app on your phone to hack into security systems, solve riddles, and more.
While all are welcome, the Batman experience is recommended for teens and adults—and the adventure continues beyond Spyscape in your own neighborhood using GPS to create a real-time experience on your own turf. You can also enter Spyscape without participating in this exhibit, where you can also run surveillance, dodge lasers, and learn about real spy tech.
10. For a Shift in Perspective: Museum of Illusions
Created in Zagreb, Croatia (with additional outposts in Vienna, Kuala Lumpur, and beyond) this museum is less technicolor extravaganza, and more exercise for your brain (in a good way). But don’t worry: fun photo ops still abound.
Visitors can explore more than 70 elements and experiences that include “illusionistic rooms,” optical illusions, and puzzles. Every “piece” in the museum is accompanied by a clear and concise explanation of what’s causing or creating the illusion; mathematical, biological, and psychological concepts are all touched upon, as are perception, vision, and how the human brain works.
This museum is an outstanding (and very fun) way to engage kids with complex scientific principles, and help them understand through experience. The well-curated gift shop allows you to take home some of the brain-bending fun.
Cost: $24/adult; $18/kid, 6-13; Free, kids 6 & under
Pay a visit to theaters throughout the ages at this Broadway extravaganza. This museum celebrates the rich history of Broadway, featuring defining moments in the famous street’s existence, behind-the-scenes peeks at its past, and a deep dive into the most iconic shows.
The space is interactive, a total immersive experience in NYC, giving visitors a chance to get hands-on with installations. And, of course, there are plenty of sweet spots for photo ops for the ‘gram.
RiseNY is part ride, part gallery, and all immersive experience. Its centerpiece is a world-class, state-of-the-art flying theater that gives visitors a unique bird’s-eye view of the Big Apple and creates the sensation of flight.
Seated guests are lifted 30 feet in the air and glide over NYC’s skyline and landmarks while inside a 180-degree, 40-foot projection dome. Before the ride experience, visitors journey through seven distinctly themed galleries that show NYC’s pop culture impact on the worlds of Finance, TV/Radio, Fashion, Music, Broadway and more with collectibles and photo-ready sets (you can be a guest of The Tonight Show, for example). RiseNY begins with an immersive film by award-winning documentarian Ric Burns and narrated by famed actor, Jeff Goldblum.
One of the newest additions to the NYC experiences roster, the Hall des Lumières merges art with technology. The inaugural exhibit will showcase its high-tech approach to classic art with an exploration of Austrian painter, Gustav Klimt. Digital renderings of Klimt’s artworks were custom-made and mapped to the space at the Hall des Lumières, making the imaging completely unique to this exhibit. Incredible wall-to-ceiling displays place visitors directly into the world of the paintings, while a special soundtrack completes the feel.
Tickets get you entry into the main exhibit, as well as smaller digital experiences. At the time of this writing, that includes a small installation on Friedensreich Hundertwasser, an audio-visual 5-minute experience titled “5 Movements,” and “Recoding Entropia,” a film about the human mind and the concept of endless void. Exhibits on display will change throughout the Hall des Lumières’ lifespan, so stay tuned for cool things in the future.
Winter is coming, which means we’re daydreaming about chairlift rides and carving lines. If you’re hoping to get your kiddos excited about powder days and ski slopes, we’ve rounded up the best skiing lessons in and around Seattle to help get your kids comfortable on their boards and sticks. Before long, your little skier will be yelling, “Pizza pie and French fries!” and bombing down the hill. You better get ready to keep up! Read on…these lessons are filling up fast!
Kathryn Mueller
Summit at Snoqualmie
Meet the Mountain The Summit at Snoqualmie offers a variety of skiing lessons for every age and ability, and great terrain for beginners and experts alike. Easily reached by traveling up I-90 through Snoqualmie Pass, you won’t miss the sprawling slopes. Summit at Snoqualmie is the closest ski area to Seattle, only about 45 minutes if you hit good traffic. It’s a perfect place to get some practices, and when tantrums inevitably hit, the car ride home won’t be too long. There are four different ski areas, all with a different tagline and thousands of skiable acres to explore. Summit West is the place to learn. Summit Central has something for everyone. Summit East is a fun playground ready to be discovered. And “when you’re ready” for a challenge, hop on over to Alpental.
Ski School Scoop Winter programs for your little shredders sell out fast, but the good news is spring is just around the corner. Spring ski season offers great conditions to learn how to ski and snowboard and also gives little fingers and toes a bit of a reprieve from the chilly, wet weather. The snowpack is also at its highest, so falls can be like landing on a snowy pillow. It’s a great way to minimize meltdowns–fingers crossed.
Multi-week skiing lessons are open now for registration. If your little ones are just starting out, we got an inside tip to book Thunderbirds (ages 4-6) in March or Central6 for spring. The four-week sessions for Thunderbirds occur on Saturday and Sunday, and Spring Central6 is a six-week program filling up for the end for February. Just remember, for multi-week lessons, you will need a pass or ticket, as those aren’t included in the lesson price. Plus, students must provide their own gear, or rent gear, and purchase a lift ticket or season pass.
Insider tip: If you plan to rent equipment, Summit recommends renting take home rentals and bringing them back for multi-week lessons. It will save you from standing in rental lines and losing precious minutes on the slopes.
Daily Lessons Daily beginner lessons are tailored to meet your family’s unique needs and are offered to kiddos 4 & up. Booking is available online. Lessons are available at Summit Central and Summit West. Reservations are required, and they are in high demand and may sell out fast. We’re sensing a theme–book early! It’s a pretty popular place, especially on the weekends, so don’t fret about braving the crowds. Even if you can't get into a lesson, they have ample places to ride the magic carpets. It's a great way to learn!
Insider tip: Remember to reserve online or over the phone before loading the skis on the rack. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours before the lesson date and time. Weekends and holiday book-up early, so sign up in advance!
West Kids Club and Central Kids Corral Days: Daily, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets: $199/per person
While you’re there, check out snow tubing. All the equipment is provided for a slipping and sliding good time. You’ll definitely want to bring your snow pants, jackets and gloves though! But if you happen to forget something, they have retail shops you can peruse.
COVID Info: Masks are required in all indoor facilities. Social distancing is also recommended.
Meet the Mountain Get ready to learn to ski at one of the most majestic resorts in Washington. With expansive views of Mt. Rainier, kiddos will be awed. Starting on Thanksgiving Day and running through mid-March, Crystal Mountain offers skiing lessons for all ages and abilities, starting as young as 4 years old. Daily youth lessons, for kids ages 4-12, provide an opportunity for young skiers and riders to gain confidence on the slopes as well as make memories that will last a lifetime. Taught by passionate and experienced coaches, half-day and full-day lessons are available.
Ski School Scoop Your little skier and snowboarder will learn at a designated area at the base of the mountain, and their indoor meeting area helps keep kids active and engaged when they are not out on the snow. Younger children are typically grouped in groups of three. The littlest future Olympians need more hands-on support as they get used to their boots and boards, but class sizes for older kids, who are likely more experienced, are larger. For the full-day classes, lunch is included—so don’t worry about packing that PB&J. Kids also get hot cocoa. Yum! Parents can check their kids in 30 minutes before the resort opens (8:30 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends.), so get there early! Plan to pick up your kids between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., after your day of solo schussing. Don’t be surprised if they don’t want to leave—your kiddos will be having too much fun!
Insider tip: Gear rentals are available for all ages as well, so don’t worry if you don’t have tiny boots, bindings and skis. Crystal Mountain takes the hassle out of all your equipment needs.
Good to know: Multi-week lessons are no longer available for skiers, but programs for snowboarders are. Cost starts at $499/per person.
Group Lessons Hours: Half-day lessons, 10 a.m.-noon & 1-3 p.m.; Full-day lessons, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $175/child for half-day; $225/child for full-day
There are also lots of fun activities to enjoy after class. If you’re looking to kick off your boots and enjoy the scenic views, don’t miss out on the gondola. And dinner at 6,800 feet (with a killer view) is always a hit. Grab a bite at Summit House, Washington’s highest elevation restaurant at the top.
COVID Info: Masks are required indoors for all guests, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must meet CDC guidelines—no single layer buffs or perforated masks. Masks are recommended in outdoor areas such as lift lines, walkways and the base area, but are not required.
Ski School Scoop The KOMO Kids Program is a longstanding tradition at Mt. Baker. Geared toward kids ages 7-15 years old, the ski program is split into four-week sessions, and kiddos ages 4 and up are divided into groups by ages and abilities. To asses your ability, Mt. Baker has a handy ability guideline so you can find the right lesson that's right for you and your family. The sessions are fun and focused on safety and learning.
KOMO Kids Program Dates: Jan. & Feb. Days & Hours: Sat. & Sun., 9-11 a.m. Cost: $145/per child
Daily Lessons Private daily lessons ($225/per person) are also available, which is great for one-on-one instruction. These lessons are for kiddos ages 7 and up at last about two hours. Your kiddos will get to try their skills on the beginner terrain and tow their way along to hone their ski and snowboard skills—hold on tight! Reservations are strongly encouraged, as walk-in lessons have limited availability.
Insider tip: There are lots of great lodging options nearby the mountain, but parking is very limited. If you’re hoping to get a prime parking spot, get to the mountain early, or come for an afternoon ski session. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends, so plan accordingly.
COVID Info: Facial coverings are required for everyone when indoors, regardless of vaccination status, unless actively eating or drinking. They're also strongly recommended outside, when physical distancing isn’t possible.
If slipping and sliding in the snow and frosty fingers and toes don’t sound like an ideal place to learn to ski, head on over to Bellevue. Mini Mountain isn’t like the other resorts included here. For starters, it's indoors. They have three rotating carpets that can help little skiers get comfortable on skis, load and unload from a chairlift and have fun, all while learning from instructors with more than 30 years of experience. No need to bring anything, which makes getting out the door super easy. The indoor facility helps set kids up for success so when they finally make it to the snowy peaks and majestic slopes, they are ready to go. Mini Mountain has a boot fitting area, lounge and an area for gear rental. An added bonus, parents can relax on comfy leather couches and watch as kiddos perfect their pizza pie.
Lessons The great news about Mini Mountain is that you don’t need snow to learn how to ski—you can practice year-round, and many people do! Weekend lessons are currently booked out through January, but they have lessons throughout the week. Each lesson is about 20 minutes long, and kiddos get one-on-one attention from an instructor. They are able to teach kiddos starting from when they start to walk, but most children who enroll in lessons are 2 and up. Signing up for classes is a breeze. Simply call or register online. No need to worry about brining anything easier—everything is provided. Just sit back and imagine hauling down a mountain with your little one in tow.
Meet the Mountain Whistler Blackcomb, located in Whistler British, Columbia, is a majestic winter wonderland. With areas specifically designed for families, Whistler Kids Snow School offers an incredible atmosphere for your Littles to learn to ski or snowboard. And the snow school is just one of many family-friendly adventures you can embark on while visiting the mountain. From outdoor ice skating to tubing, there are plenty of other things to do that will bring a smile to your kiddos’ faces. Plus, there are hundreds of shops and dining options—more than 150 restaurants catering to all tastes and appetites, and 200 shops that will delight your inner window-shopper. If you needed more reasons to book your next family vacation to Whistler, they also offer camps, childcare and babysitting services. So, if you need a little time away after a long day on the slopes, your little adventurers are in good hands.
In between ski lessons and epic après ski adventures, check out the Magic Castle on Blackcomb, the Tree Fort on Whistler and the Enchanted Forest. These play areas are great for families of little ones, and a perfect excuse to kick off your skis and explore the magical outdoor playgrounds. The Magic Castle is located on Blackcomb Mountain in the Children's Adventure Park. The Tree Fort is located on Whistler Mountain, near the Big Red Express chairlift.
Ski School Scoop If you’re looking for weekday, multi-day ski lessons, Whistler Kids Adventure Camp is a great option for your youngest little skiers and snowboarders, from 3 years old to 12 years old. Kids get to learn from the same instructor throughout the duration of the camp, and they will also make lots of friends in a program packed with events, themes and activities. The camp also includes a hot lunch and snacks. Kids will ski for a full five days with instructions, starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 3:15 p.m. Plan to drop them off between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m. and picking them between 3 and 3:15 p.m.—plenty of time for you to get in more than a few sweet runs on the mountain!
Where:Skiers Plaza, Whistler Village Cost: $1,255/child
Daily Lessons If you’re looking for less of a commitment than a week-long camp, Whistler offers teen group ski and snowboard lessons, child group ski and snowboard lessons and private lessons for families and children, which can all be booked in advance. Group lessons are a full-day excursion, meaning you’ll have lots of time on the mountain and ski runs. Private half-day lessons are also available. As spaces are limited, Whistler recommends booking well in advance to ensure you don’t miss out. By booking in advance, you’ll also get all the paperwork out of the way which will save you time at drop-off. Don’t forget to bring a helmet and also lots of layers. Nothing ruins a fun day on the slopes like cold fingers and toes.
Good to know: Children ages 6 & under ski for free. Tickets can be collected from a conveniently located ticket window in the village.
Insider tip: If you’re planning on renting equipment, Whistler Blackcomb makes it incredibly convenient. They even have complimentary delivery! If you want to make getting out the door a breeze, it’s recommended that you pick up equipment the day before. That way you won’t have to rush the first day of ski school.
More Whistler Magic If you’re looking for something to get your heart racing, look no further than Blackcomb Mountain’s bubly™ Tube Park. No equipment is required, but you may need to be a bit brave and ready for an exhilarating rush. It's open weekends and holidays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on week days.
COVID Info: Face coverings are required in indoor settings including restaurants, lodging properties, restrooms, retail and rental locations. Face coverings will not be required outdoors but are required in gondolas.
Meet the Mountain Mission Ridge is located only about 12 miles outside of Wenatchee. It’s a great mountain for family skiing, and you’re likely to get lots of blue bird days—it boasts 300 sunshiny days a year, so pack your shades. The direr, higher and east-sidier (it’s on the eastern slope of the Cascades) destination means your family will enjoy light, dry powder when you’re bombing down the mountain. With more than 36 designated runs spread over 2,000 beautiful acres of skiable terrain, we can’t wait to book our trip!
Ski School Scoop Mission Ridge offers lots of different lessons for kids of all ages and abilities, but reserve your spot soon because space is filling up fast. Most of the multi-week lessons are already full, but here's the inside scoop to get in: call them today and get on a waitlist. If your little one is a snowboarder, there is still space. The Flyers programs are a great option for kiddos just starting out in the sport. The program is tailored towards the littlest skiers (ages 3-5) and snowboarders (ages 4-6) and the package includes lessons, lift tickets and rentals. What a deal! Your child gets paired with a youth instructor and gets a personalized one-on-one experience.
Mission Ridge also offers Kids Lessons for children ages 6-12. These lessons are a great way to introduce children to skiing and snowboarding. Kiddos will be grouped with other children of the same ability and age, so they’ll learn to ride and also make friends along the way.
For older kids who have more experience and are interested in becoming instructors, Mission Ridge offers a program called Cadets. It’s a unique offering that lets teenagers 13-15 improve their skills while learning to teach. The multi-week program prepares students to pass a Level 1 instructor certification and goes from December through March.
Kids Lessons Cost: $79 for lessons only; $119 for lessons, lift ticket & rental gear
Cadets Cost: $554/per person; includes season pass Dates: Sat. & Sun., from Dec. 11-Mar. 13
Insider tip: You won't find this online, but another awesome kid's program is the Night Bombers. The class will be offered for kiddos ages 6-12 and will open on their website shortly. The classes will have a ratio of five students to one coach, and skiers and snowboarders will be grouped by age and ability. Kids will be able to make friends and have fun exploring the mountain at night. More details will be coming soon.
Meet the Mountain About two hours from Seattle, Stevens Pass can be accessed through the beautiful and winding Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. Perched at the top of sweeping mountain views, right off the highway, Steven’s Pass is a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders alike. It offers 1,125 acres of diverse skiable terrain. Children of all ages and abilities have learned to ski there for decades, which is one of the reasons the mountain is so popular. Kids can enroll in both full- and half-day ski and snowboard lessons. Group lessons are small and offer a chance for kids to get comfortable on their skis and boards. Before too long, they’ll be cruising along–probably faster than you!
There are also lots of family activities in and around the resort. Bring a sled and explore the free family sledding hill and snow play area at the Steven’s Pass Nordic Center, located just five miles from the resort. Other activities including cross country skiing, skating and snowshoeing are also just minutes away. And if skiing at night sounds like a good time, don’t miss out on adventures after dark skiing with the family.
Ski School Scoop The group lessons are a great opportunity for children to engage in small groups with an instructor specifically trained to teach little ones, toddler temper tantrums and all. Group lessons are capped at a maximum of three to six participants, depending on the age group. Half-days are only available for the littlest skiers and snowboarders, and for those enrolled in the full-day group lessons (think: older kiddos) lunch is included. Stevens Pass recommends reserving ski and snowboard lessons in advance by booking through their website. You can also purchase a three-pack if you want to ensure you get your kiddos up at least a few times this year.
If you’re hoping to experience the mountain on quieter days, be sure to visit mid-week. Arriving early, before 9 a.m. also helps ensure parking is available and kiddos get to their lesson on time. Renting equipment ahead of time will also help alleviate some stress and keep you from waiting in lines. Morning check-in will be much smoother if your equipment is ready to go and sized correctly ahead of time.
Insider tip: Lift tickets are complimentary for kiddos ages 3–6.
Good to know: If private lessons ($539/per person for full-day) sound like a better fit for you and your family, this personalized approach to learning is also available. Included in private lessons is an expert instructor and also a nice perk of not waiting in lines. Yes, please!
Three-Pack Three Maximum Cost: $465/child (ages 3 &4); $555/child (ages 5 & 6); $585/child (ages 7-14)
Group Lessons Ages 3 & 4 Days & Times: Daily, Half-day, 9:30 a.m.-noon or 1-3:30 p.m. Cost: $149/child, mid-week; $169/child, weekends and holidays
Group Lessons Ages 5 & 6 Days & Times: Daily, Half-day from 9:30 a.m.-noon or 1-3:30 p.m.; Full-day from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $149/child, mid-week; $169/child, weekends and holidays; $189/child, full-day mid-week; $209/child, full-day weekends and holidays
Group Lessons Ages 7-14 Days & Times: Daily, Half-day, 9:30 a.m.-noon or 1-3:30 p.m.; Full-day, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $139/child, mid-week; $159/child, weekend; $179/child, full-day mid-week; $199/child, full-day weekends and holidays
COVID Info: All tickets, passes, lessons and services must be purchased online and masks are required in all indoor facilities. They're not required outdoors but are recommended in lift lines.
Summit Stevens Pass 93001 US Hwy. 2 Skykomish, WA Online: stevenspass.com
Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort via yelp
Expert Advice for Beginning Skiers
Mark Music, Mission Ridge’s Ski School Director, offered up some great tips to help set kiddos up for success on the mountain. He says to focus on comfort and to set realistic expectations. Bring lots of layers, never keep boots out in the cold (your kiddos toes will thank you) and bring hand warmers. That’s the secret he says, having a balaclava or neck gaitor ready, both hand and feet warmers ready to deploy at any moment, and a pair of spare mittens to keep hands dry on a damp day. Also, make room for lots of breaks during the day and head to the bathroom before gearing up in the many, many layers you’ll be packing on your tiny skiers.
It’s also never too early to get a child used to their boots and skis. Before making a trip to the mountain, have your kiddo walk around the living room in their ski gear. It can be a fun way to make believe while also getting them comfortable with what will hopefully be their favorite winter attire.
Music says just getting to the mountain is something to celebrate. “Congratulate yourself for getting to the hill,” he says. “Don’t be hard on yourself. The primary goal is more about getting outside together and making some great memories you’ll be talking about years from now.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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):
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is a lot of things—actor, producer, businessman, tequila maker, former professional wrestler, father, and husband. He’s also known as one of the most generous men in Hollywood, as one high school sophomore (and her entire school) found out— after she waited over two hours to meet him.
“This awesome girl (Carol) waited two hours to finally meet BLACK ADAM,” Johnson wrote on his Instagram page. “His heart may be cold and black, but it still beats 🖤. Especially, for kids.” The video shows an ecstatic Carol trying to hold it together while meeting The Rock. She can’t stop smiling or crying as he stops to take a selfie and other photos with her. He asked her what school she goes to and how her grades are and then posted the video of the pair meeting along with a special surprise.
“Great to meet you, Carol and tell all your friends at Crosstown High, that I’m giving ALL OF YOU FREE TICKETS TO WATCH BLACK ADAM⚡️at your local theater on OPENING NIGHT!!!” he said.
Black Adam is a comic book legend, and Shazam’s archrival. According to IMDB, “Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods-and imprisoned just as quickly-Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.” Producers will be depicting Johnson’s character as an anti-hero more so than the supervillain he’s portrayed as in the comics, with all the sparkle and shine he brings to any role he plays.
“The Justice Society was the FIRST superhero team in the comic world – even before Justice League,” Johnson wrote of his character. “It’s a very cool and perfect time to build out the DC UNIVERSE with these awesome new characters from the DC pantheon.”
The much-anticipated movie hits theaters in October, and the lucky students of Crosstown High will all be in attendance. “My team will be in touch with you and your family for details,” Johnson continued. “Thanks for being awesome and SURPRISE! Enjoy the movie on OCT 21st!! He’ll go back to being ruthless and full of rage tomorrow.”
From trains and forests to science and art, these Portland museums offer educational experiences at the right price
Your child has already asked you a million questions today, and you’re ready for a break. Why not let a museum take over with answers to everything they’d ever want to know about history, science, and art? We’re happy to report Portland families can celebrate curiosity and encourage a lifetime of learning at the city’s many excellent museums without breaking the bank. How? Simply, mark your calendars for free and discount days at these popular family destinations.
You don't need to wait for special free and discount museum days here because The Oregon Historical Society is free year-round for Multnomah County residents (with proof of residency). The museum also offers free admission to families with EBT cards, active duty military personnel through the Blue Star program, and kids 5 and under.
This spot features three floors of rare documents, artifacts and permanent, and traveling exhibits. You and your family can check out permanent exhibits like History Hub, designed to help families explore the topic of diversity in Oregon through interactive objects and pictures. Current exhibits for 2022 include "The Immigrant Story," a narrative and photographic exploration of Asian American experiences, and "A Century of Wonder," documenting the beauty and diversity of Oregon's 254 state parks in celebration of their 100th birthday.
Every day is a free day at this outdoor museum, accessible year-round, and home to more than 2,000 species of trees and shrubs from six continents spread over 190 ridge-top acres. A one-mile stroller-suitable route and covered picnic areas make it family-friendly, with regular tours geared toward kids and families to further sweeten the deal. Free Pop-up Nature activities created by volunteer naturalists allow kids and families to engage with the arboretum on self-guided tours, and guided Tree Time! Preschool Walks are held at 10 a.m. on Mondays and Saturdays. For the low cost of $3 to $5 per child, preschoolers and their caregivers can learn about their natural surroundings on this tour that ends with a nature-themed craft. Looking for more family and youth programming? You can find it online.
Just about every small child goes through a train phase, and this is the perfect place to take them. Located near the waterfront in the Brooklyn Roundhouse, this working facility houses three vintage steam locomotives, lovingly rebuilt and maintained by expert volunteers. You can take a tour of the Southern Pacific 4449; the Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700; and the Oregon Railway & Navigation 197, and maybe even watch repair work in progress. Plan your visit for a Saturday to take a ride along the Willamette River on the Oregon Pacific Railroad: Tickets are $14 for adults ($10 one selected Saturday a month) and $6 for kids. For young engineers with busy hands, there’s a train table with miniature trains to play with near the entrance.
Good to Know: Although this museum is free every day, donations are appreciated.
This sprawling museum offers delights for the senses, with galleries containing more than 42,000 objects. The permanent exhibit of modern art features many large paintings in bright colors that captivate young eyes, including several installations with neon and colored lights. A special exhibit open through mid-November features more than 60 pieces by local BIPOC photographers made during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. And a rotating selection of visiting exhibits keeps things fresh, so you’ll always find something new to come back to. Pack paper and colored pencils and encourage older children to sketch what they see.
Editor's note: World Forestry Center reopened in June 2022, and isn't currently offering any regular free days yet.
Free day: Always free for kids 2 & under. Plus the Center will be participating in Smithsonian Magazine Free Museum Day on September 17.
A must-see for locals and tourists alike, the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum teaches visitors of all ages to see trees in a new light. With a focus on environmental sustainability and the essential role of trees and forests in our ecosystem, the museum brings Oregon’s long history of forestry to life with exhibits on how to plant, maintain, and protect forests. But it goes even further than that, teaching visitors how people manage and interact with trees and forests around the world. Spend your free and discount museum days on board a simulated jeep ride to tour the world (with stops in Siberia, China, South Africa, and Brazil) or check out the 10,000-pound petrified tree stump at an incredible 5 million years old.
Discount day at OMSI is a popular choice with local families because this museum is perfect for the insatiably curious kid in all of us. Take preschoolers to the Science Playground, where sensory exhibits allow little ones to explore water and sand. Kids ages 4-8 can try their hand at windpower or make music at the Curium. Or head to one of several Innovation Stations to challenge older kids’ STEM design skills. Check the calendar for upcoming exhibits, such as James Cameron - Challenging the Deep, an immersive experience following the famous filmmaker's explorations and achievements in deep-ocean science. You can also take in a film in the Kendall Planetarium or step aboard a real submarine docked just outside in the Willamette.
Free day: Family Free Mornings, 10 a.m.-1 p.m, second Saturdays each month (March-November)
Formerly the Washington County Museum, this historical museum showcases stories and objects from the Tualatin Valley. Tours, special programs, and ongoing learning activities geared toward families bring this place's history to life in a range of community voices, with a Guest Curator program that allows local people to design their own exhibits to tell their own stories. Exhibits like This IS Kalapuyan Land help children and adults to connect to the complex layering of local history and its interaction with the natural environment.
It’s time to show your wicked Pride, families, because Pride Month is in full swing around the city. Showing your Boston Pride is all about supporting and celebrating the many LGBTQ+ folks that call Beantown home. And even through there won’t be a parade this year showcasing Boston’s LGBTQIA+ community, there are still plenty of ways families can make Boston Pride a prominent theme in June. Drag Queen storytimes, craft sessions and even a Disney concert are in the mix. The hard part will be choosing which family-friendly events to attend.
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Pride & Drag Storytimes
During the month of June, the Boston Public Library is bringing Drag Storytime to families on Tuesdays. This fabulous event features singing, dancing and illustrious queen, Miz. Diamond Wigfall. She’ll be there to read stories to kids and lead the programming too. Get in on the action at the Connolly Library on June 21 and at the Jamaica Plain Branch on the 28th.
Celebrate Pride with the kids at the Peabody Essex Museum. Weekends in June (with the exception of June 19) are when kids can show off their colors and support for the LGBTQ+ community when they make rainbow posters with squishy sponges.
If your kiddos are curious about rainbows and how Pride's rainbow flag came to be, head to the Waterworks Museum for a drop-in workshop. You'll not only make light-refracted rainbows and paint some too, but you'll get to listen to a read-aloud story too (at 12:30 p.m.).
A dusk hike around Oak Knoll with other members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community (plus their friends, families and allies) is what’s in store at the Pride Night Hike & Hangout. After the night hike, everyone will retire to the firepit. You’ll need to register in advance for this program.
Green is For Nature is a Pride hike where LGBTQIA2S+ community members can enjoy a summer morning, soak up the colors of nature and create a healing space where everyone can gather safely. If you want to explore Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary with your friends, families and other allies, it’s recommended that you register in advance.
Gather with LGBTQ+ role models at the Mosesian Center for the Arts for Let’s Say Gay! A Community Pride Event. Visual and performing arts activities that celebrate creativity, inclusivity and self-expression are what families will find here. Plus, there’s an all-ages read-along with Drag Queen Story Hour performers. Wrap it up with a Pride-themed dance party (anyone else thinking disco ball?).
Good to know: Most activities will be geared towards 3rd-5th graders, but everyone ages 5 and up is welcome to attend.
June’s PlayDate at the ICA is all about Pride. The day of family-friendly activities highlighting LGBTQIA+ communities and allies includes a special Drag Queen storytime with Missy Steak. Get your free tickets to this event in advance using the code “PLAYDATE.”
Sometimes showing your pride is all about celebrating the simple things with the kids. Bring them to this playground meet-up and bring your picnic basket and blanket when you do. We’ll hope for sunshine so you and the kids can also splash at the spraydeck when you’re there.
The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is going all out for Pride this year (after a long COVID hiatus) singing the iconic music of Disney in collaboration with Disney Concerts. What you’ll get? Over 250 singers, 43 songs and a 25-piece orchestra to accompany memorable clips from your favorite Disney films celebrating diversity and perseverance.
Seattleites know that summer doesn’t really start until after July 4th, right? It seems we’re right on track for that time frame this year. While we’re all itching for more of summer’s sunny days, the upside is there’s still plenty of time to check these amazing outdoor activities off your summer bucket list. From secret beaches and spectacular water parks, to new museum exhibits, summer festivals and celebrations, here are our top 75 kid-friendly summer activities happening in and around the Emerald City. How many outdoor activities you can get through before the rain returns.
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1. Although we haven't seen much of the sun lately, we know it'll show itself eventually. When it does, outdoor activities are back on! Keep everyone cool at one of Seattle’s many wading pools, or head to one of the city's sprayparks or beaches that stay open rain or shine.
2. Learn about the sharks that live in Elliott Bay and other cool marine facts with a trip to a waterfront favorite.
7. Whether your kids love wild roller coasters or epic waterslides, Wild Waves Theme & Water Park is the place to go on a hot day. Don't forget the park's Dive-In Movies on Thursday nights this summer.
10. Immerse yourself in the C-ID where you can find urban chickens, Seattle's oldest Chinese restaurant and rice hot dogs. Our suggestion? Plan your visit during one of the Summer Food Walk Days. Because yum!
14. Seattle's strawberry u-pick season may have gotten off to a slow start, but the blueberry picking season promises more fresh fruit than your berry lovers can handle. Stock the freezer or prepare to bake through the summer!
17. Lead llamas, feed snakes or just cuddle with some cute barnyard animals—petting farm playdates never get old.
18. Plan a summer trip to Seabrook on the scenic Pacific coast. Between the miles of sandy beaches and the town's many amenities, there's always something fun for families to do.
19. Put your wallet away! These summer activities are free (or super cheap!).
20. August is all about sunflower festivals. You can bet your oversized flower petals you'll snap the cutest pictures ever of your crew here.
21. Lions and tigers and bears. Oh my! A trip to Woodland Park Zoo is a summertime must, especially now that the Zoomazium and Molbak's Butterfly Garden are both open again. Plus, the kid-friendliest concert series in town, ZooTunes, starts this week. Get tickets while you still can!
25. Go in search of a Hobit House on a lazy summer day.
26. There are oh so many reasons to plan a date night with your parenting partner this summer, and the return of Hamilton in August is just one of them. Before you get to be in the room where it happened, plan a night to check out The Art of Banksy: Without Limits, heading to Seattle in July.
27. Snag tickets to the hottest train ride in town before they're gone. That's right, everyone's favorite blue tank engine, Thomas, will be rolling through the Snoqualmie Valley in July.
29. Take the kids out to a ball game at T-Mobile Park, with perks live value games and menus, fireworks nights and Run Around the Bases Days (mark your calendars for July 3, 10 and 24 if your kids want to run), it's as family-friendly as it gets.
30. The Champions of Magic are coming to Seattle in September. Get your tickets to this super hot and family-friendly show while you still can.
32. Sure you’ve been camping, but have you been yurt camping?
33. Find summer inspo from these Seattle IG moms you totally need to follow.
34. Although Argosy isn't running to Blake Island anymore, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a boat cruise as a family this summer. Trust us, bringing out-of-town visitors along with you is a much-appreciated plus.
35. You never know what you'll find when you wander along Whimsy Way at this hidden sculpture forest.
42. There’s a reason the Seattle Center is one of the top visitor destinations–it’s a blast! And you don’t have to spend a dime to keep the kiddies engaged here. Let them wander around the sculpture garden, create cool sounds at the Sonic Bloom solar-powered art installation, run around the International Fountain, play at the Artists at Play playground and emote on the stage.
43. Make like the Swiss Family Robinson with a treehouse rental this summer. Fair warning—your kids may never want to leave.
47. Head to Waterfront Park for tons of family fun. With programming by the Seattle Aquarium, free walking tours and more, you can keep coming back all summer long. Don't forget to take a spin on the Seattle Great Wheel to get a bird’s-eye view of the city like no other. Then, head next door to Wings Over Washington where you can soar like an eagle over Washington state while you're there.
48. Whether you've got out-of-town guests or just need an excuse to be outside, these patios were made for dining.
58. Make a pilgrimage to the original lavender farm in Sequim. July is the prime time to enjoy this fragrant bloom with your little sprouts. Hint: grab a scoop of the lavender ice cream that's sold right there.
59. Need a break from the sun? Chill out at an indoor theater. The Regal Summer Movie Express is only $2 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through the end of August.
60. This summer's festival season is going to be epic. With everything from music fests to city fairs, there's something for everyone.
62. Whether you're planning a family reunion or you just want to vacation with friends, these group campsites are as cost-effective as they are fun for families.
66. Splish and splash at these Eastside waterparks that make for great playdate meet-ups or family outdoor activities. When you're there, we've got lots of other places to check out too.
70. Nothing says outdoor activities like getting on your bikes and riding... along Lake Washington Boulevard on select weekends this summer. Nothing beats the view and your kids will thank you for this family adventure.
71. Take the bus downtown and stroll through the Pike Place Market to pick up dinner fixings and a bouquet.
72. There are some seriously cool donut shops that call Seattle home. We're thinking summer donut odyssey... how 'bout you?
73. If you’re itching to get out of the city, head to this seaside town that boasts an amazing food scene (including the world’s best waterside pizzeria), weird and wonderful art and the best hide-and-go-seek spot this side of Hogwarts.
74. When the need to become one with nature strikes, head out to one of these tranquil gardens chock-full of blooming blossoms, rushing waterfalls and plenty of places to relax and rejuvenate.
75. Go on an urban art adventure when you need something fun to do with the kids. Best part? It doesn't cost a cent.
Summer is coming in hot, hot, hot. That means it's time to snag tickets for the best performances coming to the DC area. Enjoy al fresco sing-alongs at Wolf Trap, score free tickets for kid-friendly jams at the Strathmore or trade movie night for the concert version of your favorite cinematic score. If you want to know when Hamilton is hitting the stage or where you can belt out Encanto, scroll down.
Free Concerts for Kids
Strathmore
Black to the Future Join Pierce Freelon on Strathmore's front lawn to hear this Grammy-nominated artist blend elements of Afrofuturism, Black history, and archival voices. This "Black to the Future" concert will be fun for the entire family.
When: July 28, 7:00 p.m. Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda,MD Online: tinybeans.com
Elena Moon Park Korean-American musician Elena Moon Park will perform traditional songs, including Japanese sea shanties, Tibetan jump rope rhymes and joyous Korean harvest sing-alongs with her own twist. There will plenty of opportunities to sing and dance along in multiple languages.
When: July 14, 7:00 p.m. Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD Online: tinybeans.com
Somos Amigos: Songs on Common Ground Sonia De Los Santos and Americana folk duo The Okee Dokee Brothers join forces to bring a joyful message of friendship, This bilingual performance includes songs, old and new, that span the musical traditions of North America.
When: Aug. 11, 7:00 p.m Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD Online: tinybeans.com
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince In Concert The music in the Harry Potter films is just as magical as the stories themselves. The National Symphony Orchestra, led by Steven Reineke, will be playing along on-stage to the 6th installment of the Harry Potter movie series to add an additional layer of beauty to the beloved film.
When: July 22, 8:00 p.m. & July 23, 8:00 p.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert Star Wars would not be the same without it's incredible soundtrack. In this special showing, The National Symphony Orchestra presents John Williams’s iconic Oscar®-nominated score from The Empire Strikes Back performed live along with the full feature film. Even if you have seen The Empire Strikes back 100 times already, you have never seen it like this!
When: July 29, 8:00 p.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Disney and Pixar's Toy Story in Concert
Hear the score for "You've Got a Friend in Me" and other songs from Toy Story in an entirely new way. In this performance, the National Symphony Orchestra will play along with the popular movie featuring the Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score by Randy Newman.
When: July 30, 8:00 p.m Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
John Williams at 90: ET in Concert If you have a soft spot for an adorable Extra Terrestrial who just wants to "phone home" head to the Kennedy Center to hear the score to ET performed by the National Symphony Orchestra. Listening to the movie's music played live as the action unfolds on the big screen will renew your love of this classic film.
When: June 22, 8 p.m. Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
Encanto Whether your child belts out "We Don't Talk About Bruno" on the regular or you secretly sing "Surface Pressure" alone in the car, you will not want to miss this Encanto Sing Along. The entire film will play onstage accompanied by a live band. Best of all, singing every word to every song is strongly encouraged. Check out special VIP packages with perks, including the opportunity to walk the Encanto-themed red carpet.
When: Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Sound of Music If you can't stop yourself form singing along to the Sound of Music this performance is for you. Not only is singing along encouraged, but costumes are too! Best of all, you don't need to worry about forgetting any words to the songs since they will be displayed on the screen as the movie plays.
When: July 16 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
ABBA The Concert Mama Mia! Sweden’s ABBA The Concert continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling audiences with fantastic performances of ABBA’s iconic hits.
When: Aug. 7 at 8:00 p.m Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online:tinybeans.com
The Original Kings of Go-Go Every DC kid should be familiar with the city's homegrown musical style. This performance will feature a collection of the best go-go groups in DC and invites audience members to come ready to dance and sing!
When: May 28 at 7:00 pm Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
A Juneteenth Celebration with Thee Phantom and the Illlharmonic Orchestra Juneteenth is finally getting the recognition it deserves as an essential date in American history. This is an all-ages show, focused on celebrating Juneteenth. Since it takes place on Father's Day it's also a great option to celebrate the special Dad in your life.
When: June 19 at 6:00 p.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Mr. Popper's Penguins Mr. Popper, a painter of modest means, dreams of taking an Antarctic adventure. Soon the patter of 20 baby penguin feet are afoot. To feed all of these mouths, the imaginative Mr. Popper and his wife turn his talented penguins into a must-see traveling vaudeville act full of song and dance.
A Monster Calls Based on the popular novel by Patrick Ness, this stage adaptation brings to life the story of thirteen-year-old Conor who goes through a hard time after moving to America. One night, at seven minutes past midnight, Conor is woken up by a monster at his window. The monster has come to tell Conor stories about where it has been before. Then, Conor needs to tell his own story and face his deepest fears.
When: May 25-Jun. 12 Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Pigs You know the Big Bad Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood. You know the wolf from The Three Little Pigs. Have you ever considered that the wolf might be the same in both classic tales? Have you ever considered that maybe he's not so bad and is just misunderstood? Catch this puppet show to see if you've been wrong this entire time.
When: June 2- July 3 Where: Puppet Co. Theatre, Glen Echo Park, 7300 Macarthur Bouvard, Glen Echo, MD Online: tinybeans.com
Ravel Dance Company Presents Cinderella This version of Cinderella is based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, features over 80 dancers and is sure to delight the entire family. The ballet will feature the original ballet score by Sergei Prokofiev.
When: Jun. 5 Where: Capitol One Hall, 7750 Capital One Road, Tysons, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Fantastagirl and the Math Monster
Fantastagirl, a second-grade superhero who uses words to save the day, comes face to face with her worst nightmare: the Math Monster! When confronted with problems too big for words alone to solve, Fantastagirl must accept help from her friendly, furry, fraction-loving foe. While Fantastagirl and Math Monster use words and numbers to help her friends and scientist moms, something far more sinister than Math brews on the horizon.
When: June 17 – August 21 Where: Adventure Theatre, Glen Echo Park, 7300 Macarthur Bouvard, Glen Echo, MD Online: tinybeans.com
Children's Theatre In the Woods The beloved Children's Theater In The Woods program returns this summer. Kids can enjoy music, dancing, theatre, puppets and more. Stay after the performance for a walk through the woods and a picnic lunch.
When: Tues.-Sat. at 10:30 a.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
New York City Ballet: A Midsummer Night’s Dream This Shakespearian comedy is adapted beautifully by the New York City ballet. Although this performance is not technically a children's production, this version of the classic ballet is very family friendly.
When: June 7-12 Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
A Different Kind of Show
Feld Entertainment /Monster Jam
Start Your Engines! Watch Monster Truck drivers (and their trucks) perform tricks, jumps and more at Monster Jam. You can even vote for your favorite using an app.
Blue Man Group Experience eclectic music and art performed by men covered in blue from head to toe. This unique experience with a cult following will be fun for everyone.
When: July 19-31 Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
Cirque du Soliel Cirque du Soliel Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities tells the story of an inventor who defies the laws of time, space and dimension. His goal is to reinvest everything that surrounds him. In doing so, the visible becomes invisible, perspectives are transformed, and the world is literally turned upside down.
When: July 29 - Sept. 25 Where: Tyson's Corner, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Six Six has it all from Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses. Want more? This sensational broadways how tells the story of all six wives of Henry VIII. These women (even the ones who were beheaded) take five hundred years of historical heartbreak and turn them into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power.
When: July 5 - July 10 Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
Hamilton Unless you have been living under a rock you are already familiar with this legendary musical telling the story of Alexander Hamilton. If you have a Hamil-Kid bring them to see Hamilton when it returns to DC.
When: Aug 2 – Oct 9 Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
With everything from gas to milk prices on the rise, saving money is more important than ever before. Skiing, snow tubing, amusement parks, even rides on the Metro, we’ve rounded up the 9 best free passes available to kids and their families in the DMV. They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but guess what, we even found that too!
The Kids Ride Free program allows students to ride for free on Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator while traveling within the District. Thanks to Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation, students ages 5-21 who reside in the District of Columbia, and attend school in the District, are eligible to receive a SmarTrip card to cover their transit trips within DC. The 2021-2022 Kids Ride Free SmarTrip cards will remain valid through Sept. 30, 2022. Cards are sent to all DC public and charter schools for distribution.
Ticket to Discovery Book Club: Port Discovery Museum
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Baltimore City children, 5th grade and younger, can earn free tickets to Port Discovery Museum by reading (or listening to) five books of their choosing. Books read are logged on the Ticket to Discovery Bookmark. Port Discovery is Baltimore's Children's Museum geared towards babies to 10 year olds. Kids will experience sensory play, music, story time and art, with activities separated by age groups. Children who complete the 5 book challenge will get 2 free admission tickets. They can be used through Aug. 31, 2022.
Kids in 5th grade or below that live in Baltimore City can earn up to 4 tickets for 1 visit to the National Aquarium located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor by enrolling in the Enoch Pratt's Read to Reef Bookmark program. Kids must read (or listen to) five aquatic or conservation themed books that are age-level appropriate and log them in their bookmark. Kids 2 & under do not need tickets, if not all 4 tickets are used for the visit the remaining tickets are forfeited. It's too late to register for the spring, but mark you calendar to register in early Oct. for the fall season. The National Aquarium is home to thousands of animals and hundreds of species. You can see ones that live in the depths of the ocean to the tops of the rainforest trees. Don't miss the resident dolphins in the Dolphin Discovery area with underwater viewing!
Insider tip: If you don't live in city limits, you can still score a deal. Every Fri. admission to the aquarium is half-priced and if you visit during the holiday season, the National Aquarium participates in $1 days.
Take them out to the ballgame...for free! With the purchase of an adult Upper Deck ticket to a Baltimore Orioles game, adults can add up to 2 free kids' tickets for guests aged 9 & under (kids under 3 do not require a paid ticket to attend). You must book through the Kids Cheer Free link. Every Sunday kids aged 4-14 can run the bases after home games. There is also a Kids' Corner in the Park, located near Gate C, with a playground, kid friendly concessions, additional seating and televisions for keeping up with the game. All kids participating in the Kids Cheer Free program are eligible for any giveaway items available on the day they are attending.
Kids ages 3-5 (at time of registration) are eligible for a free season pass to Kings Dominion & Soak City, located east of Richmond off 95 about 1 hour 45 minutes from DC. Parents must register online by Sept. 5, 2022 and take the printed pass to the park along with a passport or birth certificate (original or copy) to receive the Pre-K Pass. Free entry will be allowed with no restrictions through the end of 2022. Check out the season pass options for adults and children over 5 (kids 2 & under are always free) to make frequent visits a breeze. Don't miss the kid-sized replica of an authentic steam locomotive, Snoopy's Junction, located in Planet Snoopy. The entire family is sure to love Woodstock Whirlybirds (think teacup ride at Disney) and the wooden carousel that has over 66 hand carved horses. Look for Ruby, the special horse added to the carousel to celebrate Kings Dominion's 40th birthday in 2015.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Water Country USA Preschool Pass
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A trip to Busch Gardens, located about 2.5 hours from DC, just got more affordable! So start planning a weekend trip and use the Preschool Pass for your kids ages 3-5 to get free tickets (kids 2 & under are free). You must register online and visit the park by May 31, 2022 to activate your pass (which grants unlimited free admission through Oct. 31, 2022). Pass numbers are limited so book soon. Busch Gardens is separated into lands based on Countries around the world. Your kids will love Land of the Dragons in Germany and you'll find some familiar friends in England at the Sesame Street Forest of Fun. Use the train and sky ride to give little feet a break when navigating around the park. Don't forget your Pre School pass also includes admission into Water Country USA, Virginia's largest water park! The H2O UFO, Cow-A-Bunga and Kritter Korral are all designed for little swimmer and splashers. Spray jets, waterfalls and slides will keep everyone cool this summer.
Calling all 4th graders! You can take your family to explore National Parks throughout the US with the Every Kid Outdoors National Park Pass. Just fill out the online diary entry about things you would like to do and see at National Parks, read it to someone and then print your pass (electronic passes are not accepted so make sure you keep that printed copy on hand). The current pass expires Aug. 31, 2022 and the new season will correspond with the 2022-2023 school year. Fourth graders were chosen for this park pass because research shows that kids ages 9 to 11 are beginning to learn about the world around them, are open to new ideas and likely to connect to nature and our history. Don't worry if you don't have a 4th grader yet, the program runs every year. Virginia is home to 22 National Parks. Great Falls National Park is right in our back yard and Shenandoah National Park is an easy day trip from the DMV. Use your park pass to visit Greenbelt Park in Maryland where you can camp just 10 miles from the Washington Monument and enjoy 9 miles of trails. Or plan a summer road trip and hit some of the iconic National Parks that dot our Country!
Free skiing and snowboarding in West Virginia can be scored by fourth and fifth graders (almost free, there is a $35 administration fee for each passport). Designed to introduce 4th and 5th graders to winter sports in West Virginia, and open to everyone regardless of residency, the 2021/2022 season offered 3 lift ticket coupons at Winterplace, Oglebay, Canaan Valley and Timberline Mountain, while Snowshoe provided 1 lift ticket to pass holders. Canaan Valley and Timberline Mountain are the closest to DC. The program runs Jan.-Mar. and includes blackout days for holidays such as MLK and Presidents Day weekends. Anticipate the 2022/2023 program to begin registration in Nov. You can sign up for emails via the Sky WV website here to get the official word on the start of the new pass season.
If you remember earning a pizza from Pizza Hut® for reading as a kid you are one of the first generation members of the Book It! reading incentive program, and now your kids are the second generation participants (how cool is that?). Founded by Pizza Hut® in 1984, it is the largest and longest-running corporate supported reading program (and for good reason...who doesn't love pizza?). Students in Pre-K through 6 grade in classrooms and homeschool are eligible for the program. Educators must sign up (let your school know if they aren't currently enrolled). Book It! also offers a Camp Book It! Summer Program designed to keep students reading through the summer. It is open to kids ages 4-12. Parents set reading goals online and kids earn an Award Certificate, good for a one topping Personal Pan Pizza® from Pizza Hut®, when met. Registration for Camp Book It! began in Mar. of 2022.