Got a restless baseball enthusiast at home? Check out a few good kid movies about America’s pastime
If you have a baseball fan in your family and are seeking a good film to watch on the weekend, these top 20 best baseball movies for kids should cover all the bases. From historical documentaries about baseball icons like Babe Ruth to timeless comedies like The Sandlot andA League of Their Own, one of these terrific PG movies for ages 12 and younger will be a home run. Pop some popcorn, round up the kids, and start planning the perfect family movie night that’ll soon have everyone asking “Have you seen my baseball?”
This heartwarming, family-friendly remake of the 1951 original about hope and baseball stars a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Danny Glover, Adrien Brody, and Matthew McConaughey. A foster child (Gordon-Levitt) prays that the Anaheim Angels, his favorite team, makes it to the World Series after his estranged father promises to reunite the family should this unlikely success occur. A real angel (Christopher Lloyd) responds to the child's prayers, and his favorite team launches off on a surprising winning streak. This baseball movie is rated PG and recommended for ages 7 and older.
Jackie Robinson plays himself in this baseball film that follows his time as a sports star at UCLA and a coach in the military to his success in helping the Dodgers win the 1947 championship. His time in the major leagues is fraught with racial bigotry as he struggles to break the barriers of segregation. While somewhat dated, this is one of those good kid movies that shines a light on overcoming prejudice. It's rated PG-13 for language and recommended for children ages 7 and up.
This is a wholesome, Canadian made-for-television baseball movie about an autistic 18-year-old named Mickey who becomes a winning pitcher in the minor leagues. It's based on a novel about the real-life Mickey Tussler, who played the game well but didn't fit in with his teammates during a time when there was little awareness about autism. While the film focuses on Mickey's baseball talents, it also emphasizes the importance of treating people with autism with respect—making it one of those good kid movies to watch on the weekend. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 8 and older.
If you think the best movies for tweens are comedies, you're probably right! This 1990s comedy follows a baseball-challenged little leaguer who breaks his arm but then discovers when his cast is removed that he can now throw a ball like a champ. The Chicago Cubs want to get in on this action and make the 12-year-old its star pitcher. The plot is a bit far-fetched, but it's also entertaining and light-hearted, which makes for a good kid baseball movie. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 8 and older.
Sometimes the best kid movies are also the realistic ones that teach us all something about talent and perseverance. This is a great feature-length documentary baseball film about Hank Greenberg, America's first Jewish baseball star. He faced ethnic and religious prejudice during a time that Jewish athletes weren't welcomed but transcended this bigotry to become a community hero during the 1930s. This flick is rated PG and recommended for ages 8 and older.
This is a classic baseball movie that pays tribute to the life of legendary Lou Gehrig, who played first base for the New York Yankees before dying tragically at age 37. His teammates Babe Ruth, Bob Meusel, Mark Koenig, and Bill Dickey play themselves in it, along with sportscaster Bill Stern. The film is less about sports than it is about Gehrig's charisma, family life, and accomplishments as he worked his way up from the streets of New York to the minor leagues and eventually become a Yankee fan favorite. It also chronicles his health struggles and premature death from ALS, a disease that was unknown at the time but became more notable to the public as "Lou Gehrig's disease." The movie is unrated (although it can be considered a good PG movie) and recommended for children ages 8 and older.
One of the best movies for tweens who love baseball, this inspiring true story follows the life of Jim Morris, a high school baseball coach who was injured before getting to the major leagues. However, he gets a second chance at the age of 35, making him the oldest rookie at the time. The movie stars Dennis Quaid as Morris and Brian Cox as his father. It's rated G and recommended for ages 8 and older.
This is a coming-of-age sports comedy movie about a small group of baseball players during the summer of 1962. It focuses on the new kid in town, Scotty Smalls, a 12-year-old who joins a local pick-up team to make friends. The film has a nostalgic feel and some critics have compared it to A Christmas Story because of its narration and tone. It's a good kid movie that parents will also enjoy, is rated PG, and is recommended for ages 8 and older.
Tom Hanks and Geena Davis star in this classic (and one of the best, in some people's opinion!) baseball movie about a girl's baseball team in the 1940s. It's based on a true story about women during this time trying to break gender stereotypes and prove that they have as much of a right as men to be on the field (and be respected as athletes). The characters are fun, the storyline comedic and engaging, and there are many other stars, including Madonna, Lori Petty, Rosie O'Donnell, and Jon Lovitz. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 10 and older.
In another star-studded baseball classic, this often-forgotten film features the comedic talents of Richard Pryor, James Earl Jones, and Billy Dee Williams. It's about a team of former Negro league baseball players in the 1930s struggling with racial tensions as they find success on the road and give the established teams a run for their money. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 10 and older.
Based on a true story about baseball pitchers discovered after winning a reality show competition, this film stars Jon Hamm as an independent sports agent who recruits talented Indian cricket players to play Major League baseball. He takes them to Los Angeles, where the now-baseball players struggle with a new game and culture. This is a good (and somewhat recent) PG-rated movie recommended for ages 10 and older.
This is another, more recent, movie about baseball legend Jackie Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman), who broke through the sport's racial barriers during the 1946 and 1947 seasons after being recruited by Branch Rickey, general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers (played by Harrison Ford). It's a basic and crowd-pleasing baseball movie that'll appeal to teens and mature tweens whether they are baseball fans or not. It's rated PG-13 and recommended for ages 11 and older.
Considered an all-time baseball movie classic, The Natural stars Robert Redford as a sports prodigy who lost the chance to try out for the Chicago Cubs but, 16 years later, returns to professional baseball with the downtrodden New York Knights. He plays well and helps the Knights become a winning team, but the team's owner wants him to lose. This is one of the best PG movies about baseball and is recommended for ages 11 and older.
A former minor-league hopeful begrudgingly agrees to coach a misfit Little League team in this funny, slightly-edgy film that is one of the best movies for tweens. In an effort to change his bad luck with the team, the coach brings in a feisty female pitcher and attempts to whip all his outcasts into shape. This baseball movie pushed some boundaries when it was made in the 1970s, and it's rated PG-13, and recommended for ages 12 and older.
Kevin Costner plays an Iowa farmer who hears a voice in his cornfield telling him (the now famed suggestion) "if you build it, he will come." Although everyone thinks he's crazy, he builds a baseball diamond that is soon visited by the ghosts of great players. This film is about reconciling relationships and following your dreams and will appeal especially to older teens and adults. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 12 and older.
San Francisco Bay Area baseball fans should not miss this flick, based on the excellent nonfiction best-selling book about the Oakland A's. Brad Pitt plays the general manager, who is assisted by an Ivy League graduate (played by Jonah Hill), as they recruit flawed but talented players in an attempt to change outdated baseball traditions. The adults will get as much entertainment out of this winning movie as the kids, and it's rated PG-13, and recommended for ages 12 and older.
In this animated feature set during the 1932 World Series, a boy considers whether to take a chance and become a hero or play it safe. Guess which one he chooses? You're right — he decides to fight the odds, taking a cross-country journey to return Babe Ruth's baseball bat. This is one of those feel-good kid movies for all ages, rated G and recommended for ages 5 and up.
This sports drama is based on true events and a 2008 book of the same name about a group of boys struggling in Monterrey, Mexico who discover baseball and then go on a winning streak. Their dreams of making it to the 1957 Little League World Series lead them across the border to compete and become the first team from outside the US to win. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 8 and up.
A gambler (Keanu Reeves) becomes a Little League coach for a team of children in Chicago's housing projects to help pay off his debts. He surprises himself by becoming attached to the troubled fifth-graders and their teacher (Diane Lane). This inspiring baseball movie has some tough language and themes and is rated PG-13. It's recommended for ages 14 and up.
This direct-to-DVD baseball movie is one of the many sequels to the original 1997 film Air Bud, about a dog who plays basketball. This one focuses on Andrea, the younger sister of Josh (the boy who adopted the talented golden retriever in the first movie). Andrea is trying out for her high school baseball team and Josh's athletic canine helps out as an extra catcher. Meanwhile, dognappers have their eye on him. This movie didn't get the best reviews—descriptions of it include the words "pointless" and "slow"—but it's rated G and recommended for ages 5 and up.
Yes, this can be considered a baseball movie! While its main focus isn't sports, the lead character named Brewster (Richard Pryor) is a minor-league pitcher who loses his position just before his great-uncle leaves him $300 million. But before Brewster can inherit, he must follow complicated rules to spend $30 million in 30 days. This is a fun film that does, in fact, involve baseball games. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 11 and up.
This New Jersey town is giving argumentative parents a taste of their own medicine—by making them work as umpires for their kids’ little league games
There are a lot of great things about youth sports: the teamwork, the exercise, the lessons in sportsmanship and hard work. But because we can’t have nice things, there is one thing that absolutely sucks about youth sports: the over-the-top parents. You know the ones—they treat little league like it’s the World Series, they push the kids too hard, and they argue with coaches and umpires. Now, one town has come up with the perfect solution.
In Deptford Township, New Jersey, a suburb of Philadelphia, parents who argue with or abuse umpires have to take over the role themselves. The decision came after two volunteer umpires quit the town’s little league due to abuse from parents.
Now, if a parent gets in a fight with an umpire, they’ll be banned from entering the sports complex until they’ve signed up for and completed three volunteer umpire assignments themselves. These parents may get a taste of their own medicine (though hopefully not because seriously, who is still abusing umps at kids’ games?! Y’all need to calm down).
“People are very comfortable making officials uncomfortable, so it’s about time that we’ve reversed the trend and started making people uncomfortable who are harassing officials,” Brian Barlow, who founded Offside, a Facebook page that calls out bad behavior among youth sports parents, wrote on Facebook.
While (ahem) certain parents probably won’t love this rule, the level-headed ones are all for it.
“If the parents are going to be sitting there, yelling the whole entire game, they might as well use that energy out on the field,” mom Kateland Tokley told a local news station.
Even the nationwide little league president has weighed in.
“Little League International expects its participants and fans to adhere to the highest level of sportsmanship while attending local league events,” said Little League International President and CEO Stephen Keener. “We applaud the volunteers at Deptford Township Little League for coming up with a creative, fun solution to shine a light on the importance of treating everyone with respect, on and off the Little League field.”
Now what do we have to do to make this an official policy everywhere?
They’ll learn about RBG, Mary Shelley, Dolly Parton, and other famous women in history
Children learn by example, and when it comes to connecting concepts to reality, books are often the key. Whether it’s Women’s History Month or routine bedtime stories, it’s always a great time to teach your kids about female leaders (like these incredible female scientists) and equality. Here are our favorite women’s history books for kids.
Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist
When Mary Anning was a child, she loved combing the beach for treasures. One day, she finds something that'll change the world forever. This gorgeous picture book tells the tale of one incredible woman who smashed the glass ceiling and helped to create the study of paleontology. A must-read women's history book for any curious kid. Ages: 5-7
Celebrate the life and voice of poet Gwendolyn Brooks with this thoughtful story that combines both Brooks' legacy with her life story. Known for being one of the foremost poets on the Black experience and the role of women in society, Gwendolyn Brooks went from a young child writing all the time to become the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize and authoring 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel. Celebrated author and children's librarian Alice Faye Duncan makes Brooks come to life on the page for the young reader. Ages: 5 and up
Rosalind Looked Closer: An Unsung Hero of Molecular Science
Do you know who first captured the structure of DNA and its double helix form? Or who pioneered the research of RNA? Rosalind Franklin, a Jewish scientist! Highly detailed but written so even the youngest of readers can understand, Lisa Gerin's book is here to educate everyone on the world-changing work of this amazing scientist. Ages: 5-8
Dolly!: The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream
You've likely heard of Dolly Parton, but do you know her origin story? The songwriter and performer, who first sang at the Grand Ole Opry at 13 came from humble roots as one of 12 children in her family. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and determination as she paved the way for women in the industry and beyond. Ages: 4-8
You may have never heard of Elizabeth Stott, Tara Chklovski, or Radwa Rostom but after this book, you'll know exactly who they are. Filled with "solution stories," Catherine Thimmesh explores stories of female entrepreneurs that will inspire the next generation.
Ages: 10+
Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women
At one time, homeless shelters were only for men. Seeing the need for women, Kip Tiernan tirelessly fought to provide them with a place they could find a warm meal, a bed, and no judgment. After years of trying, she opened Rosie's Place in an old supermarket. Christine McDonnell's story shares the world-changing story of Kip and how she changed the face of services for unhoused women forever. Ages: 7-10
Like a Diamond in the Sky: Jane Taylor’s Beloved Poem of Wonder and the Stars
Jane Taylor was a trailblazer for women in poetry, but do you know who she is? The beloved author of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" has an amazing life story of triumph, perseverance, and creativity that only makes the famous lullaby all the more special. Ages: 4-8
The 19th book in the "Ordinary People Change the World" series is all about Marie Curie, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize. A physicist and chemist, Curie is featured in adorable illustrations as she attends the Flying University and begins her science experiments at the young age of 18, to her meeting with the President of the United States. Ages 5-8
Little ones can hear about the Supreme Court justice's greatest moments, hear quotes and parents will enjoy the message at the end (and cool mirror): just be you. Ages: baby to 3
This board book by Chana Ginelle Ewing, the Founder, and CEO of Geenie, a women's empowerment platform, makes learning about concepts like gender, immigration,n and ability accessible to even the youngest of readers. Flip through the colorful pages to find letters like D is for difference or J is for justice explained in a way anyone can grasp. For any parent hoping to teach their child about multiculturalism and acceptance, this book is for you.
Ages: 3+ (as recommended on Amazon but this book is suited for any reader)
"When someone opens a door to you, go forward." Young Frances Perkins spent her life heeding the wise words her grandmother taught her as a little girl. Kathleen Krull's The Only Woman in the Photo tells the story of Frances Perkins, the first woman to ever sit on a presidential cabinet. Perkins became Franklin D. Roosevelt's trusted advisor, and it is Perkins you can thank for such things as child labor laws, unemployment insurance, and social security. Illustrations by Alexandra Bye bring the life and times of this persistent, fearless trailblazer to life.
Ages: 4-8
This picture-book retelling of Gloria Steinem is as inspiring as it is enjoyable to read. The perfect, abbreviated biography written by Jessica M. Rinker is beautifully illustrated by Daria Peoples-Riley and offers kids a summary of the important events that shaped Steinem's childhood and lead her down the path of changing women's rights, and changing the world.
Ages: 4-8
This alphabet book stars women artists including iconic painters like Georgia O’Keefe and Frida Kahlo but also puts the spotlight on lesser-known artists like Mirka Mora, Judith Leyster, and more. Each page has a short explanation of the works that define each artist (for example, legendary photographer Dorthea Lange is X is for EXposure), and if older kids want to learn more, the back pages have extended biographies. Beautiful illustrations complete this lovely picture book that's bookshelf worthy.
Ages: 3-7
She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein
Written by Lynn Fulton with fab illustrations by Felicita Sala, She Made a Monster pays tribute to Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the literary genius who brought the world Frankenstein. It was 200 years ago when Shelley gave birth to this infamous monster, and this book will let the young audience know not only the significance of writing it but how important it is to follow one’s own dream.
Ages: 4-8
African-Americans didn't have the same rights as others, and Katherine Johnson knew that was wrong. As wrong as 5+5=12. This book tells the story of how Katherine fought for equality as she surpassed her classmates and went on to make history by helping NASA to put America's first manned flight into space and the world's first trip to the moon. Award-winning author Suzanne Slade and illustrator Veronica Miller Jamison tell the story of a NASA "computer" in this delightfully written, richly illustrated book.
Ages: 6-9
This story is based on Malala’s childhood wish to have a magic pencil that would “make everyone happy,” and could “erase the smell of garbage from her city.” As she grew older she learned that she would need more than a magic pencil to initiate change, and this book explores every person's power to change the world through the strength of character and determination. Illustrated by Kerascoët Kerascoët.
Ages: 5-8
This is the sweet story of Parker Curry, a young girl who went to the National Portrait Gallery one afternoon with her mom. She saw a prancing horse, blooming flowers, a bushy mustache... but before she went twirling off toward home, Parker Curry looked up. There on the wall, she saw the magnificent portrait (by Amy Sherald) of Michelle Obama. Parker didn't just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen, a woman with regality, beauty, truth, and self-assurance, a woman who looked like her. This moving story will delight any young dreamer. A great addition to any home library or classroom.
Ages: 4-8
Women in Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World
This beautifully illustrated anthology of women artists from Rachel Ignotofsky, author of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science, features 50 pioneering female artists; some you'll recognize (Frida Kahlo, Georgia O'Keefe) and some you'll never want to forget (19th-century African American quilter Harriet Powers and Hopi-Tewa ceramic artist Nampeyo). For any kid out there with a love of art or history or both, this book is a gorgeous addition to any shelf.
Ages: All ages; Probably best for 5 and up
In 1966 Bobbi Gibb changed history by running in the Boston Marathon, despite being told that she couldn’t, because women weren’t allowed. This powerful new book takes you on an illustrated journey alongside brave Bobbi Gibb, from a girl who loved to run to a woman who defied and altered history forever. Written by Annette Bay Pimentel and illustrated by Micha Archer.
Ages: 5-8
The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague
This story introduces readers to Raye Montague, a hidden mastermind who made a huge impact in the U.S. Navy. When she was growing up in the 1940s, Raye decided to become an engineer. A culture of sexism and racial inequality challenged her plans but never deterred her from accomplishing her dream.
Ages: 5-10
Why pick one women's history book when you can have an entire set? This collection for early readers includes biographies about famous women in history like Amelia Earhart, Frida Khalo, Jane Goodall, and more. Ages: 6-9
Greta's Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet
This chapter book chronicles the incredibly timely and motivating true story of young Greta Thunberg and the global movement she has inspired. This young readers' (unofficial) biography can also educate adults on the eco-activist and what we can all do to help save the planet. Written by Italian writer Valentina Camerini and translated and illustrated by Morena Givannoni.
Ages: 8-12
Before Hermione and Katniss, there were brilliant queens, clever villagers, and brave girls who were saving the world around them—even if you’ve never heard their stories. Now is their chance to shine in this lovely collection of folktales from China, Russia, Persia, India, France, Germany, and more. These strong protagonists are ideal role models for young girls.
Ages: 9-13
Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Journey to Justice
This graphic novel will enlighten tweens, teens, and grown-ups alike with the story of how RBG grew from a shy little girl to the Supreme Court. Written by NY Times bestselling author Debbie Levy, and illustrated by Whitney Gardner (Fake Blood).
Ages: 10 and up
This historical novel by J. Albert Mann is based on the life of Margaret Sanger, a young activist for women's health and the founder of Planned Parenthood. The novel explores the early years of Sanger's life as she dealt with the adversity of forging her own path: she grew up poor at a time when women had the choice of being wives and mothers, whose career choice was a teacher (and that was usually just until you got married). But Sanger did none of the above and this spirited imaging of what her life was like will encourage children of all genders to go their own way.
Ages: 14 and up
— with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Karly Wood
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You don’t have to ride the rails to enjoy a train experience when you book an overnight in a caboose
If you are looking for the ultimate vacation for the train enthusiast in your family, look no further. This list is full of vintage railroad car vacation rentals, a WWII troop kitchen train car, and loads of cabooses—all of them decked out for sleeping. There’s even a whole resort in Northern California full of train car rentals. All aboard for some major railfan fun!
This boxcar was built in 1941 and your family will love booking it for a few nights. You will have the entire boxcar to yourself with a pool and beach chairs in the backyard. There also is a firepit, a charcoal grill, and a patio table. Sit outside and enjoy the Kansas sunsets!
Conveniently located near Interstate 80 between Williamsport (home of Little League World Series) and State College (home of Penn State University). Everything in the Caboose has been restored to its original condition. This unique space has all the comforts of home while being able to enjoy history.
You get the best of both worlds with this rental that comes with a cabin and a caboose. You also get to experience farm life as this property has free-range chickens, an emu, 4 Muscovy ducks, and a Great Pyrenees. Send the kids to sleep in the two bunks in the caboose and you can enjoy the queen bed in the cabin!
How totally cool is this? You can stay in your very own train caboose in the South Bay that comes with three beds and a kitchen. There are lots of nearby hiking and biking trails, as well as other exciting outdoor activities. Being so close to Silicon Valley, yet feeling so far from it all is a truly unique experience unlike anywhere else.
A wonderful and spectacular fishing adventure awaits you on the Yellowstone River. This unique opportunity is all yours AND you get to head home for the night in your own personal Northern Pacific Railway Parlor Car. You will experience all that Montana has to offer on this breathtaking 13 acres of private property and 1000 feet of Yellowstone shoreline.
Wake up to this gorgeous view in your green caboose. The caboose is located behind an original Train Depot built in 1906 which used to be located in Enterprise, Oregon. It was moved in 1980 to its present location, one mile north of the town of Joseph, to serve as a residence. The caboose is completely self-contained with a small fridge, electric stove top burners, table and stools, a shower with rainfall shower head, linens and towels, cooking utensils, and an RV-style toilet room. There is one main bedroom with a full-size bed with a memory foam mattress. There are two twin bunk beds that are separated from the main bedroom with drapery.
This ultra-cute caboose has the coveted sleeping spot in the cupola. You'll find that the caboose is located near lots of outdoor recreation spots like swimming holes and waterfalls, as well as a number of restaurants.
Just 10 miles from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this 1926 wooden train caboose has been transformed into one of the most unique vacation destinations in the area. This bright red storybook caboose was part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. The caboose cottage itself is located on a private 20-acre residential farm. It sits atop authentic 1920s railroad tracks and joins with the incredible bath house also known as the Depot.
Platform 1346 is a WWII troop kitchen train car turned into a luxe overnight Airbnb space at the base of the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is beautifully decorated and has free WiFi and streaming TV. This posh destination is only 29 minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a very short ride to Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport. Two beds are perfect for families, and you'll be amazed when you see the train car's gourmet kitchen!
This 1940s-era caboose has been beautifully transformed into a tiny home. Cap's Caboose is a one-of-a-kind overnight rental in a quiet, friendly community. It is a 30-minute drive to the beautiful Cheaha Mountains and the town of Ashland is only 6 miles away.
Looking for a unique getaway to the mountains? Kids and adults both will love to sleep in this completely-renovated 1960s train caboose. To add to the fun, this caboose is located in the Smoky Mountains of NC on a 65-acre buffalo ranch. Help feed the buffalo, hike to the BC Corral, play in the Pigeon River, and more.
This historic railcar was built in the '30s by The Budd Company and is located on Skaneateles Lake. Enjoy morning coffee and evening barbecues overlooking this most beautiful of lakes. Ideal for train enthusiasts, boaters, swimmers, fishermen, and those wanting to simply kick off their shoes and relax in this most unique property on Skaneateles Lake.
Northern California is home to Railroad Park Resort where you can bed down in vintage railroad cabooses that sleep up to five people. You’ll have a fridge, full bathroom, WiFi, and microwave as well as an on-site pool, restaurant (serving breakfast and dinner in a rail car!), and a creek for exploring. The nearby area is full of railroad history, waterfalls, fishing spots, and lakes for boating.
Sleeps: up to 5 guests Cost: $120/night and up Online: rrpark.com
Ride in on Amtrak's Empire Builder and stay in a caboose off the tracks in Glacier National Park. Enjoy modern amenities in surprisingly well-appointed cabooses with decks that overlook the spectacular scenery and the train tracks. Kids will especially love sleeping in beds in the train's cupola with a view of the gorgeous property beyond. Spend the day hiking in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter.
Sleeps: up to 4 guests Cost: $169/night and up Online: izaakwaltoninn.com
The Canyon Motel - Williams, AZ
Canyon Motel & RV Park
The Canyon Motel & RV Park is located on 13 acres in the City of Williams, AZ on the famous Route 66. Surrounded by the mountains of Northern Arizona, the Kaibab National Forest adjoins the property, and Grand Canyon National Park is 52 miles to the north. Choose to sleep in one of the cabooses that accommodate up to six people, or pick a spot in the 1950s Pullman classic that has three separate railway car suites, fully modernized with all of the conveniences of any motel room.
Made up of authentic train boxcars renovated into guest accommodations, the Northern Rail Traincar Inn is nestled in the wilderness near Two Harbors, Minnesota. Guests enjoy quick, convenient access to all of the North Shore's amazing activities including the Superior Hiking Trail, Split Rock Lighthouse, and much more. Northern Rail features 16 rooms in authentic train boxcars, and each room has its own theme. The depot-style main building serves as the breakfast area as well as a place for guests to play games or sit by the fireplace with a good book.
Sleeps: up to 4 guests Cost: $159/night Online: northernrail.net
Seaboard Coast Line at Buffalo Creek - Clyde, NC
Buffalo Creek
Choose between two fully-renovated cabooses when you come to stay at Buffalo Creek Vacation Rentals in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains. The cabooses each sleep up to five people and have full kitchens, A/C, charcoal grills, decks, and everything you'll need for a railfan vacation. Best of all, lucky guests just might catch a glimpse of bison walking by in the field from the caboose windows! Kids will love the property's playground and model railroad.
This KOA campground in New Hampshire's scenic White Mountains is the perfect spot for railfans looking to do a little "glamping." The property's caboose can sleep up to six people and includes a charcoal grill and picnic table for outdoor dining. Take advantage of the KOA's many amenities, including a heated swimming pool, game room, store, and dog area. Kids will love the activities like mining for gems, riding the barrel train, and the jumping pad in the playground.
These turn-of-the-century train cars are ready to be your home away from home in Minnesota. Choose from a room in one of the three railway cars or bunk down in the 1893 caboose. All rooms have private baths and a queen bed with rollaway and inflatable mattresses available for kids. Breakfast can be taken in the house or served in your railcar if you wish.
Sleep in one of 38 cabooses at this spot that goes all out for train fans. Many of the cabooses have bunk beds for kids, and some have two bedrooms to allow even more privacy. The on-site Casey Jones' Restaurant offers breakfast all day in addition to lunch and dinner with all sorts of train paraphernalia available for purchase in the gift shop. Climb to the top of the 50-foot silo for a spectacular unobstructed view of the surrounding farmland, the Strasburg Rail Road and, of course, the Red Caboose Motel. Kids will also love spending some quarters at the Whistle Stop arcade.
Wildlife Prairie Park is the Central Illinois spot where you can spot elk, bison, eagles, otters and more wild animals. You can also spend the night in the park near the elk and bison range. Here the park has a number of vintage cabooses available for guests, each sleeping up to five people. Each unit has a bathroom, microwave, small fridge, and A/C to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
This unique cottage is in a real railroad caboose and includes a bedroom with a queen-size bed, satellite TV, wireless internet access, a kitchenette, a dining area, a bathroom with shower, heating, and A/C. For the adventurous types, you may climb up to the cupola to look around at the beautiful scenery, or sit up there and read or play a card game on the little fold-down table. The dining table folds down into a twin-size bed for a child. A full country breakfast is served in the 40-foot dining room when you wake in the morning.
Sleeps: up to 4 guests Cost: $110/night and up Online: masonhouseinn.com
Caboose Inn - South Haven, MI
Old Harbor Inn
Step back in time with a stay at the historical Caboose Inn, featuring refurbished cabooses from the 1920s and the original Pomeroy Building, located right next to the draw bridge on the Black River. These unique accommodations feature an in-ground heated pool, private parking, decks, covered porches, and more. They are located at the original train depot in downtown South Haven, just steps from all the beaches, shopping and dining South Haven has to offer.
Sleeps: up to 2 guests Cost: $189/night Online: oldharborinn.com
The train cars at The Antlers Inn were once actual working railroad cars. Choose from one of three identical cabooses or a wooden rail car. Refurbished within the original framework of the car to provide family fun accommodations, each caboose houses the original cupola with seating, so little ones can oversee the train just like a real conductor. All have climate control, beds, baths, living area with TV, efficiency kitchens, and an outdoor gas grill with a picnic table.
Sleeps: up to 6 guests Cost: $130/night and up Online: theantlers.com
The Caboose Motel is on the tracks next to the Perry Street Station in Titusville, PA. Each of the 21 caboose cars has its own heat and air conditioning unit, television, telephone, and bathroom with shower. Cabooses have one king-size bed with cupola-style windows or two full-size beds with bay windows. Deck chairs are provided so you can relax during your evenings in the Oil Region. Located one block from downtown Titusville and five minutes from Drake Well Museum and Park, be sure to enjoy the Historic Titusville Walking Tour while in town.
Sleeps: up to 4 guests Cost: $91.95/night Online: octrr.org
Please note, prices listed were valid at the time of publication but rates can fluctuate at different times of the year. If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
Your little kids will love the two from Brad Meltzer’s I Am series
Did you know that African American inventors are responsible for the modern-day supermarket and for cell phone microphones? Or that a nine-year-old was arrested at a Civil Rights protest in 1963? Here are 35 Black History books for kids that celebrate the rich history of Black people in the United States. Enlighten, encourage, and inspire your kids with these titles.
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
If you want to talk about Black History with your kids, this book will take you back to the beginning. Told from the point of view of a 100-year-old African-American woman, Heart and Soul takes kids on a journey through the history of slavery to Jim Crow laws to the quest for equality and freedom in our schools and beyond. It shows them the reality and the inspiring truth about the men, women, and children of all colors who rallied to change education laws and end segregation and who fight still for truth, justice, and the American way. Kadir Nelson is an award-winning author and illustrator whose honors include the Coretta Scott King Author and Illustrator Award.
Do your young ones know the story of Juneteenth? Originating in Texas, this holiday marks the day slaves were finally free: June 19. Told in a simple poetic style and coupled with beautiful illustrations, this is the perfect Black history book for little kids.
A poem about the reality of slavery and all of its trauma, the power of the civil rights movement, and the determination of some of our country's greatest heroes, this historical book is a must for your bookshelf. Kids will get a deeper insight into an integral period of our nation's history and learn the words of change-makers like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gwendolyn Brooks.
Sweet Justice: Georgia Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
It was Dec. 5, 1955, and Georgia Gilmore no longer had to boycott Montgomery, Alabama busses alone. After Rosa Parks was kicked off a local bus, things had to change. With her cooking skills by her side, Georgia uses her love of justice (and her friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) to make sweeping changes for integration. This book by Mara Rockliff is accompanied by stunning illustrations by Caldecott Honor Winner R. Gregory Christie.
In Brad Meltzer's Ordinary People Change the World series, we learn the story of Harriet Tubman and her bravery as she fought to abolish slavery. She helped hundreds of African Americans escape slavery and find freedom through the Underground Railroad and is and this is one book that will inspire your kids to become heroes themselves.
Segregated Skies: David Harris’s Trailblazing Journey to Rise Above Racial Barriers
After serving for years in the United States Air Force as a B-52 bomber pilot, David Harris began applying to be a commercial airline pilot. He was turned down until, in 1964, American Airlines hired him, making him the first African American commercial pilot in history. The story itself discusses a lesser-known hero in the fight for justice, and perhaps most importantly, the book itself is exquisitely written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and renowned journalist Michaelell H. Cottman, who spent more than two years researching, interviewing, and getting to know David E. Harris.
Speak Up, Speak Out!: The Extraordinary Life of Fighting Shirley Chisholm
Coretta Scott King Honor Winner Tonya Bolden introduces kids to the first Black woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives: Shirley Chisholm. Expertly researched, this story follows Shirley on her journey of speaking up and out.
Before there was Misty Copeland, there was Aesha Ash, Debra Austin, Raven Wilkinson, and so many more. Copeland's book, filled with stunning illustrations by Salena Barnes, shares how each Black ballerina who came before her influenced the dance community, and how Misty herself has changed the world for Black dancers.
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth
Alice Fay Duncan shares the straightforward and inspiring history of Opal Lee and her journey of advocating for this important day to become an official holiday. She was 94 years old when Juneteenth was finally acknowledged as a holiday and has no plans to stop fighting until everyone is free. Illustrations by Keturah A. Bobo.
The New Black West: Photographs from America's Only Touring Black Rodeo
While this is not a children’s book per se, this stunning collection of photographs is both about Black history and Black history in the making. It belongs on every bookshelf (or coffee table) in America. The collections of full-color photographs by Gabriela Hasbun showcase the modern Black cowboys of the annual Black rodeo in Oakland, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. Simultaneously it brings to life the legacy of Black cowboys, including Bill Pickett, in America.
The beloved My Little Golden Book series celebrates the history-maker Kamala Harris, the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first Indian American woman elected as Vice President. The simple format is ideal for young children.
This collection from Tamara Pizzoli celebrates Black womanhood with Monica Ahanonu's 50 different gorgeous illustrations of 50 different Black activists, leaders, and artists, all accompanied by powerful quotes.
This picture book is a kid-appropriate version of the New York Times' groundbreaking 1619 project. Created by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones, bestselling author Renée Watson, and Artivist Nikkolas Smith, it chronicles the consequences of slavery in America.
In this gorgeous picture book by award-winning Author Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrator Laura Freeman, kids are introduced to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The story follows the life of Franklin as she overcomes shyness as a child to become a legend, and of course, as she earned a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T along the way.
The summer of 1963 was an important time in America. Not only did Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington take place, but the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Maryland became desegregated and open to everyone. As the first African-American child to ride the carousel at the park that day, co-author Sharon Langley shares her story about how a community came together for positive change.
When debut author Angela Joy set out to teach her children their first Black History lesson she was not expecting her preschooler to say, "But Mama, we're not black, we're brown." It was then that she realized that she wanted her children, and all children, to understand that being Black was about culture as much as color. Vibrant, stained-glass-like artwork by Coretta-Scott King Award-winning illustrator Ekua Holmes accompanies Joy's poetic text as we join a little girl on a journey to discover all the wonderful things that Black is. It's an exceptionally designed, written, and thoughtful new book appropriate for kids of all ages and ethnicities.
Recommended age: Suggested age, is 4-8, but we think even older kids can benefit from this book due to the important historical talking points at the back of the book.
Celebrate the life and voice of poet Gwendolyn Brooks with this thoughtful story that combines Brooks' legacy with her life story. Known for being one of the foremost poets on the Black experience and the role of women in society, Gwendolyn Brooks went from a young child writing all the time to become the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize and authoring 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel. Celebrated author and children's librarian Alice Faye Duncan makes Brooks come to life on the page for the young reader.
Written by Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author Brenda Woods, The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA, tells the story of a unique friendship between a young white boy and a black WWII veteran. Mr. Meriwether Hunter returns to Jim Crow South in 1946; when he saves little Gabriel’s life during a bike accident, Gabriel’s father offers Meriwether a job as a mechanic at their family garage. Gabriel and Meriwether form a friendship that endures despite the extreme prejudices in the world around them. A beautiful read.
Little Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, and tomorrow is the big parade where three-time Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph will be riding on a float. Just like Alta, Wilma was once the quickest kid in Clarksville, and just like Alta, Wilma once had holes in her shoes. What will happen when a new girl comes to town, a new girl with shiny brand new shoes, and challenges Alta to a race? This clever story teaches kids about Wilma Rudolph and the power of dreams and grit, in a manner that they'll get (and remember).
This little book packs a big punch! Featuring forty trailblazing women in African-American history, each entry is accompanied by a beautiful illustration. From pilot Bessie Coleman to crooner Nina Simone to poets, inventors, athletes, and more, this book will inspire children of any gender to be bold, and beautiful, and make history.
Recommended ages: 3 and up, but we think you should read it to your baby.
Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson was starstruck when he first visited his local planetarium in New York City as a young boy. His quest for knowledge knew no bounds, and this is the story of how young Neil went from stargazer to one of the most respected astrophysicists in the world. Beautifully illustrated and excellent for young readers.
We Are the Change: Words of Inspiration from Civil Rights Leaders
Sixteen award-winning children's book artists illustrate the civil rights quotations that inspire them in this amazing book. With an introduction by Harry Belafonte, words from Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the book includes illustrations by Selina Alko, Alina Chau, Lisa Congdon, Emily Hughes, Molly Idle, Juana Medina, Innosanto Nagara and many, many more.
Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten
Chronicle Books
Singer-songwriter Laura Veirs brings the story of the folk singer Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten to life in this beautiful book illustrated by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh. Libba, best known for the song g Freight Train, taught herself to play guitar as a child: upside down and backward no less (Libba was left-handed and did not have a left-handed guitar). She wrote the song Freight Train when she was just 13 but wasn’t really “discovered” until she was in her 60s. Learn about the woman behind the song and teach your children that creativity and productivity are important no matter your age.
Who was Katherine Johnson? This book will tell you: she is said to be one of the greatest minds of all time! She worked in the 1950s for the NASA space program and was such a brilliant mathematician that she figured out the math needed to send a rocket to the moon in her head. She didn't even use a computer or a calculator. This book will teach kids about her early life as a child growing up in a small town in Virginia that didn't have a high school for African Americans (schools were segregated then), how her family moved to a town with a high school she could attend, and her incredible career as a scientist and mathematics marvel.
Afro-Puerto Rican immigrant and hero Arturo Schomburg was a law clerk with a passion: he collected books, letters, art, and music from Africa and the African diaspora. When the collection got too big for his shelves, he turned to the New York Public Library where, in 1905, he curated a collection known then as the "Negro Division." Not only does this book take you through the life and times of Schomburg, but it also details critical and often overlooked African Americans and African American history throughout events in the forming of the United States of America, including revolutionaries, the woman who wrote poems in praise of George Washington, the writings of Frederick Douglass and the whitewashing of African history.
Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans
This heartwarming book tells the story of a New Orleans sanitation worker who would often dance down the streets along his route, inspiring other native New Orleanians to follow along. Find out how this humble man made a lasting impact in the aftermath of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
42 Is Not Just a Number: The Odyssey of Jackie Robinson, American Hero
Jackie Robinson was an all-star from a young age: in baseball, basketball, and football, he excelled. Jackie joined the Negro Leagues, setting records and impressing the manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1946, Jackie became the first African American EVER to play in MLB. He faced cruelty, protests, and violence. But he persisted: he displayed courage, determination, restraint, and an incredible ability to win the game. This detailed chapter book will help parents and kids to remember never to give up.
Written by President Barack Obama as a letter to his own daughters, this is the story of 13 key players in American history. From Jackie Robinson to Georgia O’Keefe to George Washington, Obama illustrates how his own children—and all kids—have these heroic traits in themselves. Uplifting and encouraging, your kids will gain an understanding of the history of the United States and know that “yes!” they can. Illustrated by Loren Long.
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Both a picture book and a biography, this intro to the life, times, and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a bestseller for a reason. Illustrated with stunning, lush pictures by Bryan Collier, author Doreen Rappaport has hit the sweet spot by telling the true history, making a book kids won’t want to put down.
Like the “I Am” series, the Little People, Big Dreams series explores amazing men and women of history, from artists to scientists to activists, teaching kids that one person can make a difference. This book covers the inspiring Maya Angelou’s journey, from a traumatic childhood to one of the world’s best-loved authors. If you thought you knew who Maya Angelou is, you are in for a treat: this book will leave you even more in awe than you already were. Written by Lisbeth Kaiser and illustrated by Leire Salaberria.
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist
Cynthia Levinson brings this true tale of the youngest known child to be arrested at a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama. Kids will cheer for Audrey, equality, and the rights of all children. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton.
What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors
Co-authored by NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, learn about 16 inventors who not only broke the color barrier but created some of the most widely used and extraordinary things in the world. From refrigerated trucks to the ice cream scoop to open-heart surgery, join Kareem and his team as you explore the history you use every day. Co-authored by Raymond Obstfeld and illustrated by Ben Boos and A.G. Ford.
You are never too young to learn about real-life heroes and Brad Meltzer’s “I Am” series proves it. I Am Rosa Parks shows kids how Rosa Parks dared to stand up for herself by staying seated and refusing to give up her seat. Not only will they learn about her courage and her role in helping to end bus segregation and fight for Civil Rights, but they will also be empowered with the idea that one person, one small act, can change the world. Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. Also in the collection are I Am Jackie Robinsonand I Am Martin Luther King Jr.
Loving vs. Virginia: A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case
This Black history book for older readers tells the story of a landmark civil rights case. Richard and Mildred Loving met in 1955 in Caroline County, Virginia, during a time when segregation, prejudice, injustice, and cruelty were the norm. They fell in love and their love was at the heart of the Supreme Court case that legalized marriages between races.
This historical fiction novel for young adults chronicles the story of the last African slaves brought illegally over the Atlantic to America in 1860. Their journey includes being hidden in swamplands near the Alabama River, being divided among plantations, and finally, creating a community called African Town, which still exists today. Told from the point of view of 14 different characters, this novel is a gripping tale of Black history.
Accessible adventures—everywhere to go in LA with grandparents in tow
When grandparents roll into town, it’s always good to have a list of fun outings they might enjoy doing with the whole family. Plus it’s a nifty excuse to play tourist in your very own city. From LA’s best museums (including some quirky museums we’re sure they’ve never seen before) to must-visit botanical gardens and savoring delicious global cuisine and more, there’s no shortage of thrilling things to do in the City of Angels. Check out why these crowd favorites—from the Original Farmer’s Market to the Natural History Museum—are our go-to spots including how accessible they are for those that aren’t as mobile as they used to be.
For a swell sampling of food to suit any taste, The Original Farmers Market is always a good bet when family comes to LA. Some of our fave restaurants include The Gumbo Pot for scrumptious Cajun cuisine, Pampas Grille for Brazilian BBQ, Sushi A Go Go for some of the freshest rolls in town, and Monsieur Marcel Bistro for French food that's très magnifique! No visit to the market would be complete without a double scoop from Bennett’s Ice Cream for dessert. Don't forget to swing by all the specialty shops on site that feature unique finds and fab LA souvenirs.
Accessibility Information for the Original Farmer's Market: The Market restaurant and shops are all located on the ground floor and accessible via wheelchair. Wheelchair service is also available—guests can request a wheelchair by visiting the Farmers Market Office or calling 323-933-9211.
If you find yourself close the ocean, take Nana and Pop Pop to the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades for ancient Greek and Roman art, peaceful gardens, a stunning reflecting pool and unforgettable views of the Pacific. Or if you’d rather head up into the hills, The Getty Center is another beautiful spot to check out. Located in Brentwood, the Getty Center features European art, modern architecture, breathtaking gardens and eye-popping views of LA. Admission is free at both locations and requires timed-entry reservations.
Accessibility Information for the Getty Villa: Accessible parking spaces are located in both Central and South garages and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Wheelchairs are available for free rental on a first-come, first-served basis in the Entry Pavilion. Free assisted listening devices (ALDs) are available for all tours and for the Orientation Theater and Villa Auditorium. Each ALD has an ear piece and a clip that can be attached to clothing.Free induction neck loops, which work with hearing aids that have a T-coil switch, are available free of charge at the Coat Check inside the Museum entrance.
Accessibility Information for the Getty Center: Accessible parking spaces are located on the entry level of the Main Parking Structure. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The computer-operated tram that takes visitors to the top of the hill is accessible for guests using wheelchairs. If using a wheelchair, board in an end car. To reach the tram, take the elevator in the parking structure up to level T1. The tram station is approximately 20 level feet from the elevator doors. Wheelchairs are available for free rental on a first-come, first-served basis at the Lower Tram Station above the parking structure and at the Coat Check Room in the Museum Entrance Hall.
As one of the world’s leading Jewish cultural institutions, the Skirball Cultural Center explores a dynamic array of literary, visual and performing arts from around the world. The permanent collections, as well as exhibitions that rotate throughout the year are always some of the most interesting in town. And the kids’ favorite area is of course Noah’s Ark—an interactive 8,000 sq. ft. wooden ark where little ones can play make believe, climb, build and explore—all while burning off excess energy. This should definitely be a stop on the grandparent tour. Advance reservations are required.
Accessibility Information for the Skirball Cultural Center: ADA accessible parking is located in the South Parking garage. The North and East Parking garages also include a limited number of ADA accessible spaces. The use of motorized wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility aids is permitted. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for check-out on a first-come, first-served basis at the lobby desk in the Main Entrance and at the security kiosk in the North Parking garage. If you are parking in the East Parking garage and require a wheelchair, please call (310) 440-4676 in advance so that a security guard may be ready to assist you upon your arrival. Built-in and portable assisted listening devices are available during public programs. Please inquire with the security guard upon your arrival for additional information.
Located in Griffith Park, The Autry Museum of the American West celebrates the diversity and history of the American West with over 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts from the American frontier. Through its paintings, sculptures, textiles, firearms, film memorabilia and other exquisite exhibitions, the Autry aims to connect our country’s past to the present and inspire our shared future.
Accessibility Information for the Autry Museum: Wheelchairs are now available to borrow.
Skip the bumper-to-bumper traffic and hop on the LA Metro to Exposition Park for a day of fun. There’s so much to see and do in this one area of town, including the California Science Center where Granny and Gramps can check out fabulous exhibitions and the Space Shuttle Endeavor, the Natural History Museum that showcases jaw-dropping dinos and butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion, and the California African American Museum that celebrates the cultural heritage of African Americans with a focus on California and the Western US. Also, don't forget to stop by the famed Exposition Park Rose Garden during your visit and take some Instagram-worthy photos.
Accessibility Information for NHM: Accessible parking is available in NHM car park. All exhibits are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with the exception of strollers inside the Butterfly and Spider Pavilion.
Accessibility Information for CAAM: Wheelchairs are available if needed. To book a wheelchair, or for any other needs, please contact iDesk@caamuseum.org or call 213.744.2084.
Accessibility Information for the California Science Center: The Science Center is about 0.2 miles from the Expo Park/USC Station Metro Line. Accessible parking spaces are available on levels 1, 2 and 3 of the Science Center parking lot, entered from 39th Street and Figueroa. Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard manual wheelchairs are available for free at the Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis for use inside the California Science Center. All exhibit spaces are wheelchair accessible. All levels are accessible by elevator or stairs.
LA Arboretum and Botanic Garden
The LA Arboretum and Botanic Garden features 127 acres of stunning gardens, breathtaking landscapes, historic structures and brightly colored peacocks roaming free throughout the area. The LA Arboretum opens at 9 a.m. if you and your house guests want to get an early start to the day and bypass the heat.
Accessibility Information for the LA Arboretum and Botanic Garden: Designated parking spots are located near the front entrance. The Arboretum’s roads are accessible and allow access to many of landscape areas. At this time, wheelchairs are not available to rent and the wheelchair lift, located at the Queen Anne Cottage, is currently closed for restoration.
Giddy up to Griffith Park for a day to remember. The pony rides are open to kiddos ages 1-14 and are cheap entertainment at just $5 a pop. Right next to the ponies, is the famous train at Griffith Park and Southern Railroad which takes riders over a picturesque 1-mile track, across a bridge, through a forest, and by an Old Western town. It’s consistently makes for a very entertaining afternoon.
Accessibility for the Griffith Park and Southern Railroad: Accessible parking is located on site. To ride the trains, one must be able to climb in and out of the train car.
Tucked away in the heart of Pasadena, the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden invites visitors to soak in its beauty over two lush acres. With Japanese style bridges, ponds, a 15 ft. waterfall, a stunning formal teahouse and beautiful trees swaying in the breeze, this is one of the most peaceful places in the Southland for sure. The garden is open on weekends only and advance registration is highly recommended.
Perched atop a hillside overlooking the Pacific, the Terranea Resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula is a must-see when you have grandparents in town. You don’t need to stay at the resort as a guest to enjoy an unforgettable meal with a view. There are several restaurants on the property that offer mind-blowing scenic views and delicious food, as well as a spa where you can treat your loved ones to a well-deserved facial or massage.
Accessibility Information for Terranea Resort: The hotel complies with ADA Guidelines.
With 207 acres of breathtaking beauty, the Huntington Library is absolutely one of our favorite spots in SoCal. The complex houses a library filled with rare books, a massive art gallery featuring some of the world’s most famous pieces of art, and the most gorgeous gardens you'll ever lay your peepers on. We especially love the Japanese Garden, Shakespeare Garden and Rose Garden that make you feel like you’ve been transported into a fairytale.
Accessibility Information for The Huntington: All buildings and most garden areas at The Huntington are accessible to visitors who require a physical accommodation. Wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors who require a physical accommodation are also welcome to bring their own motorized scooters, wheelchairs, or Segways. A color-coded map of the grounds is available online and in the Visitor's Guide when you arrive, showing steep areas. For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, assistive listening devices (ALD), sign language interpretation, and real-time captioning are available for all public events; please email or call 626-405-3549 at least ten days in advance of the event to make arrangements.
For some of the best culture that LA has to offer, look no further than the neighborhood of Miracle Mile. Known as Museum Row, the area on Wilshire Blvd. between Fairfax and La Brea, features some of the city’s most impressive museums. From the Petersen Automotive Museum, LACMA, the Page Museum and La Brea Tar Pits to the Craft Contemporary Museum and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, you could spend a day or many days toting the grandparents around this one area of town.
Accessibility Information for LACMA: The most convenient location to drop off a guest who may have trouble walking is on Wilshire Blvd. Handicap parking is available in both of LACMA’s parking lots—underground off Sixth St. (one block east of Fairfax Ave.) and above ground at the corner of Spaulding Ave. and Wilshire Blvd. All of the museum’s galleries are accessible by wheelchair. Wheelchairs are available at no additional expense from any the Ticket Offices.
Accessibility Information for La Brea Tar Pits: Accessible parking is available in La Brea Tar Pits car park. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be checked out at the Main Entrance.
Accessibility Information for the Academy of Motion Pictures: The Museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users and other visitors who need to avoid stairs. Visitors with disabilities may use mobility devices, including manual and electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other personal mobility devices (including Segways), provided that they are operated on the lowest speed setting. Manual wheelchairs may be checked out free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the Bag Check on Lower Level 1.
Accessibility Information for Petersen Automotive Museum: Parking for visitors with disabilities is provided on level P1.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of LA’s most iconic sites and one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world. The LA Philharmonic calls this beloved landmark home and presents the very best in classical jazz, contemporary music, world music, and jazz. The Music Center offers tours of the concert hall most days, as well as a variety of exhibits. To catch a show, be sure to check out the concert hall calendar.
Insider Tip: Don't miss a chance to walk through the Blue Ribbon Garden—and another hidden gem in LA—the Lillian Disney Memorial Fountain—Frank Gehry's tribute to Lillian Disney. It's comprised of a rose sculpture ensconced in 200 Delft porcelain vases and more than 10,000 tiles that were broken to create a quarter-of-a-million mosaic fragments.
Accessibility Information for Walt Disney Concert Hall: Seating areas for patrons in wheelchairs (and their companions) are available on all levels of Walt Disney Concert Hall. Ushers may not physically assist patrons wishing to transfer into theater seats. Music Center Guest Services representatives will assist patrons with mobility impairments by escorted wheelchair transport to and from the theater. Reservations are necessary. Please call 213 972 0777 at least 24 hours in advance. Wireless headsets are available free of charge at the Coat Check in the lobby. Complimentary large-print programs are available in the lobby at the Coat Check. Upon request, ushers will read program notes to patrons needing assistance.
For grandparents who are die-hard baseball fans, Dodger Stadium should be a top priority on the itinerary. Not only can you catch a game with the boys in blue, but you can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of Dodger Stadium where you get to walk down to the field, get an exclusive look at the 2020 World Series trophy and the rest of the trophy gallery from years past, pay a visit to Vin Scully’s press box and check out many other areas of the venue. Don't miss eating a Dodger Dog—one of the best hot dogs you can find in LA!
Accessibility Information for Dodger Stadium: Disabled parking spaces are located in parking lots B, G, N, & P. All stadium gates are available to accommodate persons using wheelchairs. Wheelchair seats are available in the following sections: Field Box MVP, Field Box, Infield Loge Box, Preferred Loge Box, Club and Top Deck.
A downtown mainstay since 1917, Grand Central Market is a wonderful place to take out of town visitors and picky eaters since they have just about any type of food you can imagine. With a long list of nationally acclaimed eateries to choose from, we have our top picks: Horse Thief for some of the best BBQ in the city, Fat and Flour for out of this world pies, Tacos Tumbras a Tomas for insanely great—you guessed it—tacos, Wexler’s Deli for incredible pastrami, China Café for consistently delish Chinese, Shiku for fab Korean delights, and The Donut Man for donuts that will make you forget all others.
As one of the most iconic observatories in the world, the Griffith Observatory is the perfect place to take visitors. Not only is it the best vantage point in the city for observing the Hollywood sign, but there are also tons of exciting exhibits to explore, telescopes to peer through and riveting live shows at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
Accessibility Information for the Griffith Observatory: Designated parking spaces are available in the Observatory’s front lot. Spaces are available on a first come, first served basis.
Known as the “birthplace of Los Angeles,” Olvera Street is a vibrant Mexican Marketplace founded in 1930 that has preserved the city as it once was. This historic block, located in DTLA, is filled with blooming bougainvillea, beautiful trees, a brick-lined pathway, old structures, painted stalls, street vendors, mariachi bands, cafes and restaurants. Many of the vendors selling wares on Olvera Street today are descendants of the marketplace's original vendors. It's always a place of colorful celebration, and historic walking tours are available most days as well.
Jumpstart your holiday season when you take the kids to see the best Christmas lights Atlanta has to offer
You can always tell the holidays are on the way when Christmas light displays start popping up around the city. A magical experience for kids of all ages, taking them to enjoy holiday lights is a cherished family tradition for many (just like cutting your own Christmas tree or riding a nearby Santa train). That’s why we’ve scoured the city in search of the best Christmas lights Atlanta can muster, so you can find high-voltage holiday cheer. Flip the switch on family fun when you head out in search of Atlanta holiday lights this year.
Here’s where to find stunning Christmas lights in Atlanta
The million-light display at the Botanical Garden can't be beat. Family favorites include the orchestral orbs (glowing balls that blink in time with holiday classics), the tricked-out train display, and the fire pits for roasting s’mores (while mom and dad drink a cocktail from the cash adult bar). Be sure to bring a stroller for little legs, and don't miss the incredible laser light display in the orchid house. Guests can expect new twists, including a display in the Anne Cox Chambers Garden by French artist, Cédric LeBorgne and oversized sculptures from the summer sensation, Origami in the Garden.
Insider Tip: Families will need to purchase timed tickets in advance (they sell out quickly). If you want to save on admission, attend on one of the 14 Value Nights.
Families can find this popular drive-thru display a new location this year. And even though it's not at Atlantic Station this year, you can expect to see the same kinds of LED-powered displays that left your whole family "ooh-ing" and "ahh-ing" as you made your way along the path in the past. Timed tickets ensure everyone has enough time to drive slowly through, taking it all in. Plan to grab yours in advance (you save $10 per carload if you do). Value nights are your best bang for your buck here.
Dates: Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Lakewood Amphitheatre 2002 Lakewood Way S.W. Atlanta Event details
3. Atlantic Station Christmas Lights - Celebration at the Station
Snow in Atlanta? You bet—when you head to Atlantic Station for the free nightly celebration that's all about spreading holiday cheer. The whole thing kicked off on November 19 with a tree lighting and holiday disco. But if you missed it, you can still bring the kids to see these towering Christmas lights, Atlanta families. They'll be on nightly as part of a light and snow show (we told you) that go along with a video. Pair it with a night of ice skating around the ribbon and you've got yourself a real holiday tradition in the making.
World of Illumination is back with a breathtaking drive-through Christmas light experience kids and families will love. Consider it the ultimate holiday activity for all ages—from tots to grandparents, and everyone, in between. Although families could enjoy this display last year at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, this year you can only find this dazzling show at Six Flags White Water in Marietta. Reindeer Road will feature millions of colorful lights and animated displays synchronized to holiday music. Plan to slowly make your way along the one-mile-long display in about 25-30 minutes—the perfect amount of time for families with small kids. They'll stay riveted so you can enjoy the show too.
Dates: Nov. 12, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Six Flags Whitewater 250 Cobb Pkwy. N. Marietta, GA Event details
5. IllumiNights: A Chinese Lantern Festival - Zoo Atlanta Christmas Lights
When it comes to Atlanta Christmas lights that never disappoint, add Zoo Atlanta's noteworthy lantern display to the list. Returning as an area favorite, IllumiNights is a nighttime lantern wonderland celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Stroll the Zoo after dark to be inspired by glowing, oversized animal lanterns—some up to 20 feet tall—depicting many of the planet's most charismatic creatures. Each lantern is made and hand-painted by Chinese artisans and will totally fascinate your family.
Synchronized lights set to your favorite holiday songs. It's the stuff Christmas dreams are made of, and it's what you'll find at this brand new drive through Atlanta Christmas light experience that opens on November 18. After you've gotten tickets, it's as simple as loading the kids in the car (holiday jammies are a must), with a mug of hot cocoa and a smile. then heading over to Coolray Field to take in this full sensory experience. You'll see one million LED lights in every direction—towering overhead, off in the distance—creating a memorable experience for your little angels. All that's left is the ride home, where they'll surely have visions of sugar plum faires dancing through their heads.
Dates: Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Coolray Field 2500 Buford Dr. Lawrenceville, GA Event details
7. Lakeside Lights at Margaritaville Lanier Islands
Go on a magical walk through an amazing light show set to festive seasonal music. Unlike your typical holiday light show, this one is a dazzling lighting extravaganza, and you can take a break along the way for cocktails, hot chocolate, and s'mores. But we think the kids will love it if you pair your light viewing with a trip to Snow Island, where the whole fam can go tubing, ice skating, and hop on some seriously fun carnival rides.
Dates: Nov. 19-27, 2022, plus Dec. 2, 2022-Jan. 16, 2023
There's a reason this display in Pine Mountain is considered one of the best in the world. With 10 million lights spread out over 2,500 acres this year—Fantasy in Lights' 30th—promises to be the best one yet. Families can walk or drive through the display, taking in all that holiday cheer along the way. If you ask us, this Christmas light experience is worth the 90 minute trek from Atlanta. Even if it's just to see this year's newest addition—Celebration Lake. It features 30 dancing trees, one for each year the display has been open. Don’t forget to hit the Christmas Village before you head back home. Filled with ornaments, treats, and the Big Guy himself (photos available), the kids will love the chance to stretch their legs and marinate in the merriment.
Holiday Lights are back at Brook Run Park, and this year's theme is Candy Land—talk about kid appeal! Starting December 1, families can walk through this display that features 85,000 twinkling lights shaped as ice cream cones, gumball machines, chocolate volcano cake, milkshakes, and more. There's even an ice cream truck you'll be able to walk through (anyone else thinking photo op?)
Insider Tip: This display goes live December 1st, when the mayor flips the switch at 6 p.m. Come early to enjoy hot cocoa, candy, and character appearances starting at 4 p.m.
Another walk-thru light display option for families with Littles who can't go too far, Stone Mountain decks the halls with millions of lights, and offers plenty of options for keeping the kids entertained—from taking a ride on the train (decorated for the holidays and rockin’ some jolly tunes) to taking in a visit with Santa, Rudolph, or the Bumble. Get there early and take a ride on Atlanta's only snow-covered slope. We're looking forward to the Christmas light show and fireworks finale at the end of the day. And the new Christmas Drone Show sounds simply amazing. Santa arrives each night by sleigh at the tree lighting.
Dates: Nov. 12, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA Event details
11. Lights of Life at Life University
Talk about some holiday spirit. This incredible light exhibit is a zero-profit event for Life University in Marietta that boasts the tallest Santa and his sleigh display in the Southeast. New displays are added yearly, and the entire arrangement is unique each year. Be sure to hit the petting zoo, train rides, pony rides, and visit with Santa before you leave, but you might want to wait until after driving-through the light exhibit to tell the littles. You won’t be able to keep them in the car, otherwise.
Experience all the warmth and charm of a Southern Family Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms! Take a lovely drive or hayride through more than a mile of beautiful Christmas lights. You only need to pay for one option, either the hayride or the drive thru. Experience a nativity (animals on Saturday) and meet the animals at the petting zoo. Getting chilly? Warm up by the fire and enjoy s’mores, funnel cakes, hot chocolate, and more from a convenient concession stands.
Tune your radio to 107.7 FM and prepare to rock around the Christmas tree. The display runs 6–10 pm nightly. This generous family hosts fundraisers year-round for their favorite charity, and the holiday season is no different. Donations of money, pet food, and supplies are accepted on behalf of Angels Among Us Animal Rescue.
With 1 million lights, this is the biggest residential Christmas lights display in Georgia. Nightly shows run from Sunday, November 27, through Sunday, January 1, 2023, from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. The family encourages visitors to park across the street at the Influencers Church and walk to see the lights. Also, please leave pets at home.
Location: 1510 Ben King Rd., Kennesaw, GA
15. Springfield Drive
What do Star Wars and Hanukkah have in common? Only one of the best inflatable and lights displays in Atlanta. And it isn't just one house. Head to Springfield Drive in Dunwoody to get a boost of Hanukkah spirit.
After Thanksgiving, you can cruise past this elaborate, annual display to see festive holiday lights, animations, and synchronization (turn your car radio to 101.9 FM to hear the music).
With more than 100,000 lights and a 35-foot Frosty the Snowman, this family decorates in super-size. Free to drive by or walk past, the Portwood family is collecting packs of new socks for ages 6-13 for the Paulding County Sheriff's Office. You'll find them with the lights on November 25-December 10, from Sunday through Thursday, 6–10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, from 6–11 p.m.
This Cumming neighborhood lights up its streets and homes in a spectacular way one night in December, raising money for local causes. This year's event date has yet to be released, but you can check Facebook or Instagram for updates. Hit it on the magical night of lights for a chance to see Santa, a live nativity scene, falling snow, and hot cocoa.
Location: Ashebrooke Subdivision in Cumming, GA. The nearest major intersection is at Kelly Mill Rd. and Bethleview.
"HOLIDAY MAGIC" is a free nightly Atlanta holiday light show, put on annually by the Woodruff family, featuring dancing Christmas lights, inflatables, and special effects synchronized to holiday music. With a history of doing a musical tribute to Prince, this may be the funkiest family light show around. The show will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving and run nightly from 6 p.m. to midnight through January.
This Stone Mountain family has been decorating their home for over 25 years with only the help of family, friends, and neighbors, and they’re proud to provide a “whole LOT of Christmas” each year. With a Christmas tree forest, snowflake lane, gingerbread land, North Pole Cafe, Disney section, nativity, and Santa, this family endeavor is big enough to inspire even the worst Grinch to string a light or two. Check hours of operation and details on their Facebook page when planning your trip. Admission is free, but donations are accepted for a charity of the family’s choice each year.
Location: 1833 Smokerise Summit, Stone Mountain, GA
For over 20 years, this family in Fayetteville has put on a Christmas light extravaganza, complete with an operating Ferris wheel and thousands of lights. There is no admission, visitors must remain in their vehicles for safety, and donations for March of Dimes and Toys for Tots are welcome. The Gaddy family keeps the lights on from Thanksgiving through January 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
This crowd-favorite private home has thousands of lights; you’ll want to put a trip to see it on your winter bucket list. The display will be nightly from Friday, November 20 through December 31, from 6 p.m.-10 pm. Please keep in mind that in the event of severe weather (wind, heavy rain, or snow), they may not have the display. Check their Facebook page by 4 p.m. daily for any weather-related changes.
In addition to the lights, the family holds an annual holiday food drive for the community food pantry at First Baptist Duluth. Drop your non-perishable items in the bin at the driveway's end.
This home display features over 70,000 commercial LED Christmas lights and will kick off on Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. Check their Facebook page for hours of operation and up-to-the-minute information. All donations from this show go to The Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter.
Location: 3699 Autumn Dr., Acworth, GA
Good to Know: Before heading out to see these neighborhood Christmas light displays, please check their Facebook pages and websites to make sure the show is running. We’ve linked them up to make it easy for you, since there’s nothing worse than disappointing kids who are eager to see a synchronized light show.
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.
After a rogue pitch, an Oklahoma batter comforts the Texas East pitcher to reassure him that he’s ok
In a recent Little League World Series Southwest Region Tournament game, Oklahoma and Texas East teams went head to head, trying to get a shot at World Series glory.
Just like the pros, sometimes a pitcher can lose control of the ball which ends up hitting a batter. In this game, Texas pitcher Kaiden Shelton hit Oklahoma batter Isaiah Jarvis in the head with a pitch right under the left ear flap. Jarvis’ helmet flew off and he fell to the ground which immediately made Shelton worry he had injured the batter.
Thankfully, Jarvis was ok and took his place at first base. But when he saw that Shelton was struggling, he tossed his helmet, called timeout and trotted over to the pitcher in an act that shows just how emotionally intelligent our kids are.
"Hey, you're doing just great"
Oklahoma little leaguer gets hit in the head and then comforts the pitcher who is shaken up afterward pic.twitter.com/hYYLiy511K
Normally, batters are none too pleased when they get beaned with a pitch so when Shelton saw Jarvis approaching, he braced himself. “I thought he was really hurt, but when he started walking up to me… it looked like he was better, but I thought he was going to throw a punch or something like that,” he tells Good Morning America.
“Hey, you’re doing just great,” Jarvis tells Shelton in the video. “Just throw strikes and take deep breaths.” Once Shelton’s teammates saw the act of compassion and sportsmanship, they too came over to the mound to offer encouragement.
Jarvis revealed to GMA that he and Shelton are actually friends and that in the end, “We’re all brothers. Baseball is just a game.”
While Texas East eventually went on to win the game and is headed to the World Series later this month, the true winners are everyone who witnessed this true act of compassion.
If you’re not a seasoned traveler to the Caribbean, you may be under the impression that no matter which island you choose to visit, you’ll likely have the same experience: white sand, sun, crystal blue waters. Aruba, an island in the Lesser Antilles of the region has all that, but many of its features make for a different kind of Caribbean getaway for families. We checked it out for ourselves and and the full scoop on the best things to do in Aruba with kids.
Mimi O’Connor
Aruba Is Near the Equator—and Dutch
Aruba is probably farther south than you think: it’s off the coast of Venezuela. Yes, that means a slightly longer flight (from New York it’s about four-and-a-half hours; from Miami, it’s under three) and a little more squirming and iPad time for the kids, but there’s a payoff. (See: “The Weather.”)
The official language of the island is Dutch (laws are in Dutch, school is taught in Dutch), but many residents also speak the native language of Papiamento, English and Spanish.
Mimi O’Connor
The Weather & Climate Are Probably Not What You Expect
Key point: Aruba’s location places it far outside the hurricane belt, so a major storm event is unlikely to force you to cancel your trip. In addition, the island does not experience a “rainy season,” which means there really isn’t a bad time to go. It’s essentially about 80 degrees all the time in Aruba, and while a lot of Caribbean islands are quite humid, the climate here is more arid. Think less tropical (like Florida); more desert, like Arizona. Cactuses abound. Mitigating the heat, however, are the near-constant tradewinds from the northeast. The breezes not only keep things cool but cause the trees, including Aruba’s iconic Divi Divi tree, to grow leaning southwest.
Tip: Aruba is about 12 degrees north of the equator, which means the sun is very strong. The result is that it’s very easy to get a bad sunburn here—even in the shade. Sunscreen is a must, and it should be labeled “reef-safe.”
Mimi O’Connor
Family Fun Beyond the Beach in Aruba: Caves, Ostriches and Aloe
A big reason to visit Aruba is all that sun, sand and surf (the last of which is clear blue and a perfect temperature for swimming). But when you’re ready to leave the beach, you have lots of options.
De Palm Island
Make a trip to De Palm Island for an all-inclusive day of fun. Admission ($95/kids; $119/adults) gets you six-hour access to a water park, thrilling water slides, a buffet and open bar, snorkeling equipment (with lessons), banana boat rides and three beaches with various shelters for shade. Additional experiences like “Sea Trek” ($49, ages eight and up) and “Snuba” ($39, ages eight and up) provide ways to be among the undersea creatures without the gear or certification required for actual SCUBA diving.
Mimi O’Connor
Visit Aruba’s Farms, Flora & Fauna Take your pick from the Aruba Ostrich Farm where you can meet, learn about and even feed the big birds; The Butterfly Farm (a similar experience to enclosed habitats in the U.S.; a single ticket gets you unlimited admission) or the farm and factory of Aruba Aloe. Aruba Aloe has a huge presence on the island (it’s everywhere) and during a quick tour at HQ you learn about the plant, how it is harvested and see the production and packing of products on the factory floor. Plus: huge fields filled with Aloe plants, a striking sight.
Heads up birdwatchers: Visit the Bubli Bird Sanctuary’s observation tower for a chance to see some of the 80 migratory birds that roost and breed here, including herons, egrets, gulls, ducks and skimmers.
Mimi O’Connor
Arikok National Park: Buckle Up for an Off-road Adventure A trip to Arikok National Park is a must. In addition to hundreds of cacti, the park’s features include super cool caves, with actual bats flitting around; a natural pool on the coast, where you can take a dip, and natural bridges formed from coral limestone. (The famous natural bridge on Aruba collapsed in 2005, but its smaller counterpart at the same location remains.) Be prepared for a bumpy ride to get to some spots; our guide from De Palm Tours was excellent, but it’s rugged terrain.
Mimi O’Connor
Take to the Water
Aside from taking a dip at the beach, you have lots of options when it comes to exploring the Caribbean Sea. De Palm Tours operates both semi-submarine and submarine tours, during which you can view the Arashi Coral Reef, sea life, the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean and World War II German freighter Antilla. (Passengers on the submarine Atlantic must be at least three feet tall and four years old.)
De Palm also offers excursions on the Palm Pleasure catamaran (shown above), including daytime snorkeling and sunset sails. (Sunset sails can have a reputation for morphing into a rowdy “booze cruise.” The one we took was festive but not a free-for-all, and had many families with small kids aboard.)
Mimi O’Connor
Where to Stay
If you’re headed to Aruba, chances are you are hoping to spend a fair amount of time near and at the beach. You’ll find two kinds of beachside resorts in Aruba: Low-rise and high-rise.
Low-Rise Choices
The low-rise properties (which true to the name, are only a few stories high), are found in Eagle Beach. This area tends to be favored by honeymooners and those looking for a quieter, more secluded stay. The Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is a popular choice, and it is, like many properties here, adults-only. Family-friendly options in this area include numerous timeshares and vacation rentals.
A Pool at the Hilton Aruba/ Mimi O’Connor
High-rise Choices
The high-rise resorts are located in Palm Beach, the more lively and glamorous area of the island. The advantage of staying in Palm Beach is that it is incredibly convenient. The main drag of J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, with shops, restaurants and nightlife is right outside your door. The Ritz-Carlton and The Hyatt Regency are among the major brands operating hotels here.
We stayed at the Hilton Aruba Resort and Casino, a chic but relaxed resort with a singular old-school cool pedigree. Originally opened in 1959 under the name the Aruba Caribbean Hotel, the property was the first luxury hotel in Aruba, sharing the white sands of Palm Beach with no one and ushering in a new era of tourism for the island. Nightly rates at Hilton Aruba start from $379/night and fluctuate seasonally.
Mimi O’Connor
Designed by celebrated hotel architect Morris Lapidus (Miami Beach’s famous Fontainebleau is also his work) the resort occupies 15 acres on the white sands of Palm Beach—the largest and widest stretch on the beach. Features include an airy and expansive lobby that beautifully blends indoor and outdoor space; the Sunset Grille, an excellent upscale steakhouse, and decor including oversized photos capturing at once the hotel’s groovy 1960s vibe and singular legacy. Cementing the property’s place in Aruba history is the fact that the official cocktail of the island, the “Aruba Ariba,” was in fact invented at a mixology competition held here. (A photo of the original recipe scrawled on a cocktail napkin in the hand of its creator Jocky Tromp is proudly displayed at one of the bars.)
The hotel offers lots of activities for kids and families (many of them included with your stay). Options include games like ping-pong, bocce and corn hole; cupcake decorating, beachside s’mores, and beach marble races. Kayaks can be rented for a reasonable $30/hour and the use of cruising bikes is complimentary. The resort has two pools with a gradual slope entrance (great for tiny swimmers) and there’s plenty of room—we never saw an over-crowded pool.
Mimi O’Connor
One of our favorite elements of the Hilton Aruba is the Bird Garden where almost a dozen rescued birds are cared for by a resident “Bird Whisperer.” Stop by the Bird Garden any time to say hello and read about the residents, or join the caretaker at 11 a.m. six days a week to learn about the birds and get a photo op. (FYI: Harmless iguanas and cute little lizards can also be spotted around the resort.)
Mimi O’Connor
Adults can indulge in a treatment at the serene eforea spa, which offers massages of all kinds, body scrubs, facials and beauty treatments. (Tip: hit “Spa Happy Hour” from 5-6 p.m. for a complimentary add-on treatment up to $25 or 10 percent off your service. Also: If you can, book your treatment with Albert.)
Grownups can also try their luck at the on-site Hilton Aruba Casino, a frequent stop on the World Series of Poker circuit.
On vacation but still need to get some work done? Live the dream and plug in on the beach at one of the hotel’s “Power Palapas,” where not only can you get power and wifi, but are also provided with a laptop cooling pad, a sunshade privacy cover and the hydrating beverage of your choice. (Reserve one for $49.)
Mimi O’Connor
Where to Eat
You can go casual or upscale here. Stroll down J.E. Irausquin Boulevard for lots of choices including Fisherman’s Hut (excellent seafood dishes al fresco and bites for kids), hit the Gelatissimo Bus for the island’s premier gelato and be sure to taste one of the island’s specialties, the Dutch pancake—which is more like a crepe and excellent for breakfast. We recommend Linda’s Dutch Pancakes or Diana’s Pancake Place.)
