Want to take the kids ice skating? These family-friendly ice skating rinks in New York City are all outdoors and, sometimes, completely free
Nothing says winter like taking to the ice in an outdoor rink. And as we close out 2022, NYC has plenty of ice skating rinks to turn a frigid day into a fun—even magical!—experience. Skate with some amazing views, then grab a bite from a local food truck or warm up in a cozy booth with hot cocoa . . . the opportunities are endless! What’s even better: many on this list have free offerings, and a few can be visited without spending a dime. As winter comes through in full force, be sure to lace up and enjoy these outdoor New York City-based ice skating experiences with the whole family!
Reserve a skating slot to enjoy the classic 17,000 square foot pop-up rink at Bryant Park. The rink boasts free skating (skate and locker rentals require a fee, but you can bring your own skates), as well as a great views of the glamorous Christmas tree. Reservations to skate are required, and you can also rent out a Cozy Igloo or relax in the Curling Café for a post-skating wind-down. Don't miss out on the Winter Village vendors selling local and hand-crafted goods until January 2, then come back after the shops close for mayhem as the ice opens up to bumper cars.
Open through Mar. 5, 2023 Bryant Park, 5th Ave. Between 40th and 42nd Streets Midtown Online:bryantpark.org
The Rink at Brookfield Place
This rink, located at Brookfield Place, puts you right next to the water for an amazing view across the Hudson River. Sponsored by US Olympian medal winners Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov, this rink offers an upscale feel and environment for skaters. It can also be rented out for birthday parties, private and semi-private lessons, company outings, and other events.
Central Park's iconic rink is open only through the new year, making it a top destination for the holidays. Visit on special event days to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah, or stop by for a regular skating session for some fun on the ice to lively tunes. Special tickets are available for access to the heated Nordstrom Chill Lounge and RinkSide Igloos. The rink also hosts ice skating lessons, weekend hot chocolate tastings, as well as discounted prices on certain days with the goal of making the rink accessible to everyone. The rink’s location inside Central Park means that you’ll be surrounded by trees and nature as you take a break from the city.
This lesser-known ice skating spot in Central Park is completely free—as long as you have your own skates. The Conservatory Water pond is best known for its model boat racing. But when the ice gets to six inches in thickness, it’s opened up to ice skaters! You do have to bring your own skates and note that the ice isn’t prepped for skaters, so this one’s an option for experienced skaters. Call ahead to check if the ice is thick enough to skate on.
Open when weather permits East Side between 72nd and 75th Streets Central Park Online:centralpark.com
The Rink at Manhattan West
This boutique ice skating rink, like The Rink at Brookfield Place, has programs for adults and kids by Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov. This rink's location surrounded by skyscrapers and part of a very new building, makes it a bit of a hidden gem. Make this a full day out, and enjoy the nearby Hudson Yards area, where you can do some shopping, get a delectable meal, and check out some art installations.
Every New Yorker—and beyond—has probably heard of The Rink at Rockefeller Center. If you've never actually skated there, this is as good a time as any! Skate in the sunken ice skating rink, under the watchful eye of the famous bronze Prometheus statue and next to the city's largest and most extravagant Christmas tree. Private and group skating lessons are available, and you can often see special events and performances on and near the rink. If you’re more serious about skating, you can sign up for a season pass and enjoy unlimited skating, first dibs on special events, and a personal locker to use all season long.
Open through spring 2023 Rockefeller Plaza between 50th and 49th St. Midtown Online:rockefellercenter.com
Ice Rink at The Seaport
Spectacular skyline views make The Seaport's rink a special treat. Stop by in the afternoon to take in the glimmering Aurora installation, designed by Ithaca Studio. The Aurora brings the Northern Lights to NYC through over 4,000 overhead lights that flicker like starlight and dance to music during special performances. The outdoor rink at The Seaport is a free-admission rink, with fees charged only for skate rentals.
Open through Feb. 2023 89 South St., between Piers 16 & 17 Financial District Online:theseaport.nyc
Lakeside Rink is divided into two, one fully outdoor space and one covered rink. Public skating is done on the open-air rink, where you can skate under the stars in the evening, while hockey programs and skating lessons are conducted inside the covered portion of the rink. End a day of outdoor skating with a treat and a hot chocolate from the attached Bluestone Cafe and Bar.
When you skate at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, you're skating on science! That is, you're not skating on real ice but rather Glice, the synthetic alternative. This means the 3,000 square-foot covered outdoor rink can be kept warmer for the little ones. Tickets to ice skate include admission to the museum (unless you're participating in late skate, which takes place after museum exhibits have closed for the day), as well as the child-sized Winter Village. Here, kids can explore art from 16 local artists as well as five interactive playhouses designed by various artists.
Open through spring 2023 145 Brooklyn Ave. Crown Heights Online:brooklynkids.org
The 5/6 courtyard at Industry City transforms into an ice skating rink in the winter, with festive decor in the holiday season and twinkling lights criss-crossing the skies above for some excellent photo-ops. The petite, uncovered rink offers a festive and friendly vibe, and is just the right size for taking a few spins. Frying Pan Brooklyn will be bringing hot cocoa and treats to skaters through a pop-up outdoor bar. And when you're done skating, Industry City has plenty more to offer, from authentic Japanese meals and treats to an arcade and even axe-throwing lessons.
Open through spring 2023 51 35th St., Courtyard 5/6 Sunset Park Online:industrycity.com
The Vale Rink at The William Vale
For a Glice experience for the whole family, the Vale Rink is the place to go. The William Vale has once again transformed its 23rd-floor outdoor rooftop of the hotel into a skating rink. Skate on “Glice”—sustainable synthetic ice—as you take in the Manhattan skyline. For some after-skate coziness, check out Winter Village at Westlight, 12 private, heated chalets complete with cozy pillows where you can splurge on fondue.
Open through spring 2023 111 N. 12th St., 23rd Floor Williamsburg Online:thewilliamvale.com
WWII Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink at Clove Lakes Park
This memorial was opened as a tribute to war veterans, and is home to an outdoor rink in the fall and winter. Take a break in the snack bar, or head out to explore the park and its picturesque lakes and environment. The rink has options for lessons, corporate events, child birthday parties, and more.
Open through Mar. 26, 2023 Victory Blvd., west of Clove Rd. Staten Island Online:nycgovparks.org
Winter Village Rink on Governors Island
Governors Island is open year-round now, which gives it a chance to turn into a winter wonderland during the colder months. The island's 7,500 square-foot skating rink is open four days a week—Thursdays through Sundays—and offers free admission on Thursdays. And since they charge only $9 for skate rentals, that makes the Governors Island rink the most affordable option in NYC. After your stellar skating, you can grab a bite to eat from one of the island's rotating food vendors or explore what the rest of the place has to offer. The island is also open to (leashed) dogs in the winter, making it a great destination for the whole family—even its four-legged members!
Open through spring 2023 Governors Island Online:govisland.com
While we can’t always count on snow in the winter, we can count on an abundance of winter activities for Seattle families. Our advice? If you want to fit it all in, you better start soon. From ice skating and sledding to winter petting zoos and theater productions that are opening soon, our winter bucket list will keep you playing all season long.
1. Winter’s “it” sport is back! Glide into one of our favorite ice skating spots when you need a weekend plan. Psst! A few even have drop-in lessons for beginners.
3. Visit this border town filled with history, endless trails and a "hoppin’" beer scene.
4. When was the last time you and the kids really dug in at the Burke Museum? Learn about life in one cubic foot, a rad new exhibit that’ll be opening soon.
5. Petting zoos aren’t just for summer! These spots should keep your little animals lovers happy in the off-season.
9. We’re torn between a trip to Disco Vinnie’s House and the dueling piano lights up north. Not to worry, there's plenty of time to enjoy both before the New Year.
10. A weekend getaway. A cozy cabin. We’re right there with you!
13. Immerse your kiddos in daVinci’s world at MOHAI’s latest exhibit. Then play a few rounds of mini golf and explore South Lake Union while you’re there.
14. Walk in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark at the confluence of the world’s largest ocean and the West’s largest river. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed when you do.
18. Grab your train whistle and conductors hat then head south to the Washington State History Museum for the 25th Annual Model Train Festival. It’s sure to be off the rails!
25. Winter is an especially good time to visit the Seattle Aquarium. Watch divers in the Window on Washington, explore the touch tanks and make like Jacques Cousteau at the Underwater Dome. Psst! Put January 29 on you calendar for the Aquarium’s next winter beach walk.
Marie-Andrée Lemire
26. Looking for family event that’s a total slam dunk? Grab tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters when they make their way to the new Climate Pledge Arena in January.
38. New-to-you playgrounds are always in season. Just remember to bring a towel to dry off the slides and swings when visit!
39. Celebrate the Year of the Tiger when you go on a mysterious scavenger hunt south of the city. It starts around the Lunar New Year, February 1, 2022.
44. Plan a totally unplugged weekend getaway with the kids. No matter what the weather outside, these cozy tiny home cabins will make you feel at home.
It is said that in order to create a product, you first need to find a problem that needs fixing. Since parents are great at this (How many times have we thought, “There must be a better way?”), a number of dads have risen to the occasion with inventions that are genius solutions to problems or improvements to must-have parenting products. From crayon blocks to safer car seats, see our top dad-invented products below.
The story goes like this: avid skier turned new dad Drake Muson was excited to go out and play in the snow with his twins—until it came time to get the kids dressed. Like nearly every other parent out there, he thought “What goes on first? The coat and then the gloves? Or the gloves first, so the coat sleeves stay over the glove cuffs?” No matter what gloves he tried, he couldn’t find one that was actually easy to put on and stay on. So he created his own “thumbless” gloves made with super-warm material that comes with a thumb pocket and a big gauntlet to go over the puffiest coat. Plus, from tiger paws to penguins, Mittyz comes in a variety of fun colorful designs.
When Scott Morris put his adult sunglasses on a friend’s four-month-old while attending a baseball game, he realized that no one was making high-quality baby sunglasses and found his new mission in life. Not only did Scott created tyke-sized shades, but matching adult ones too! The glasses are just as fun as their name, which is a play on the classic rock, paper and scissors game. Ro-Sham-Bo Baby glasses are scientifically tested, certified safe, and each comes with a damage and lens replacement guarantee. And if you can’t decide on which ones to get, try out their five sizes at home for free for seven days.
A born entrepreneur, Brian Weisfeld’s first business venture was buying 95 pounds of gummy bears in grade school and hiring his friends to sell them! Now a father of two girls, he and fellow writer Nicole C. Kear created “The Startup Squad,” a book that shows entrepreneurship can empower young girls to develop important life skills, follow their passions and reach their potential, all while building true friendships. Your little girl will learn the tools of the trade from Weisfeld while being engaged by the story of four girls and their amazing lemonade stand. Meet natural leader Resa, detail-oriented Amelia, head of sales Harriet and problem-solver Didi. Sure, each of these girls could create their own lemonade stand, but watch what happens when they decide to work together. The Startup Squad also has a place where parents can submit their own mini-CEO for a feature on the website!
Flying with kids has never been an easy task, but the 3-in-1 product, Armrest Buddy aims to ease a few of the burdens. Created by James Thorn, Head of Design at Roamwild, an Arm Rest Buddy is a soft plush animal, blanket and travel pillow that slips right on top of a plane’s armrests. “We were on the way back from Spain, and my youngest refused to wear the travel neck pillow we bought for the trip. I spent most of the flight with my head in my hands—but the good news is it prompted me to come up with the Armrest Buddy,” says Thorn. But while the plane trip served as the inspiration for the product, the Armrest Buddy will go anywhere you do whether traveling by car, bus, coach, train or ferry. Each set comes with an ample-sized and soft blanket made from premium and hand-washable fabrics.
Okay, maybe this isn’t fair as we already featured Drake Muson, inventor of Mittyz, but his other product is just as great. Noggins are sun hats that will not only protect your little guys from the sun, but they are also easy to put on and will stay on. Designed in blue or pink camo print, Noggins come with a 50+ UPF rating and an oversized brim which helps to block out even more sun. The hats are equipped with safety-release buckles on the chin straps that adjust as your kids get older (no more pinches on the chin) and a mesh inner lining to help the kiddos stay cool. Then, Muson went full circle creating Winter Noggins that come in orange or pink tiger stripes and match the tiger stripe Mittyz.
While many babies delight when it comes to feeding time, Martin Hill noticed that his baby boy was pretty fussy when it was his turn to feed the baby. Hill knew the infant would calm down when was read to, but trying to hold a book, a bottle and a baby at the same time was quite a feat. To rectify that, he created The Beebo, a bottle holder that straps on, allowing parents to free up one hand—imagine the possibilities! Martin’s wife loved that she could now feed the baby and enjoy meals with the rest of the family—at the same time.
After one frazzled dad lectured his daughter on how traditional crayons are made from paraffin wax and how the colors are created from chemicals, his daughter said, “Then, why don’t you make crayons that are safe for kids and the environment?” And he did. Saving the planet one crayon at a time, Crayon Blocks are made from organic beeswax, are paraffin free, created with FDA-approved food-grade colors and are 100% biodegradable. Unlike traditional crayons that can snap in half easily, Crayon Blocks are made sturdy so they won’t break easily in little one’s hands. And they are made in the U.S.A. too!
Many dads consider diaper bags as a necessary evil. They're big, bulky and are often “cuter” than most dads want to carry around. That’s pretty much how Bill Lobe thought of them as well. As an avid hiker, Lobe knows only all too well how packing light can be a real advantage. “When my wife, Megan, and I had our first kid, I saw that giant diaper bag and freaked out. It just didn’t make sense to carry a bunch of stuff we didn’t need. I researched other options and couldn’t find any carrier that was compact and durable, so I decided to make my own.” More like a wallet than a diaper bag, the BratPack is just 8” x 5” when folded up. When opened, it becomes a mini changing station holding everything you need and can easily slip into a stroller or even a back pocket. The expandable elastic pockets can hold several diapers, wet clothes, pacifiers, etc. The BratPack is made from durable material in solid-colored designs used in high-end backpacks and is easy to clean.
When Jason and his wife Helen discovered that 70% more harmful UV rays can reach a child’s retinas than adults, they searched for suitable sunglasses for their son Brandon. Unfortunately, what they found were two types of shades: ones that were cheaply made or expensive ones from high-end designers who didn't know how to appropriately design for kids. So Jason created his own brand. Toucca Kids are designed to be both functional yet durable and are made with non-fading, hypoallergenic and eco-friendly acetate. Each pair is made with TAC polarized lenses, German-made OBE spring hinges and comfort-fit nose pads
While you might not have any trouble getting your kids to take a bath, for other families, the struggle is real. When Ray Phillips worked as a program director for a facility that treated children who had experienced trauma, he found that bath time was one of the most difficult events of the day. One child just couldn’t bear to be separated from this stuffed toy friend. So, Phillips modified the animal to hold a bar of soap and suddenly, bath time was fun once again. SoapSox are cuddly companions that kids can play with all day long and then join them in the tub later in the day. “A patented soap pocket transforms lovable SoapSox into sudsy washcloth—just add soap and scrub. It’s the way kids want to wash!” says Phillips.
It’s no surprise to learn that the inventor of GooseEgged has three very active children. One day, inspiration literally hit when Mike Ross’s son took a bad fall and came running with a very large bump on his forehead. “We tried everything—an ice pack in the shape of an animal, a plastic bag full of ice, even a bag of frozen peas—and there was no good solution!” says Ross. He spent months doing research and ended up with a genius product: GooseEgged ice packs feature fun cartoon characters, adjustable straps and a soft inside, which provide cool, comfortable relief while also allowing your kids to continue moving around. The ice packs are great for infants and toddlers who won’t sit still, and they can bring a slight smile to one who has a fever as well.
Australian dad James Dutton is the creator of Patch Strips—reinventing common, everyday bandages with ones made from bamboo. The reason? His son is allergic to some of the materials used to make traditional bandages. Today, Patch Strips offers a whole line of different adhesive bandages for a variety of needs using other natural products like aloe vera, charcoal and coconut oil. And since bamboo grows many times faster than trees, uses much less water, produces up to 35% more oxygen and doesn’t need pesticides or herbicides to grow, Patch Strips are “good for you, good for the planet.” “We take pride in using organic certified components—so you know it's only the good stuff!” says Dutton.
Becoming dad to baby Stella, “was the most amazing thing to happen to me,” says Crescent Womb founder, James Spencer. “With infants sleeping an average of 17 hours a day, a safe sleep environment is paramount. Unfortunately, all of the ‘safer’ options were too expensive for my budget as a college student, and none of them fully addressed my concerns with safe sleep. So I created something better.” By designing a sleep system that reduces the risks associated with early infancy, Spencer slept better too! Crescent Womb is designed to support your baby as if it were being held. The mesh sleep surface of its hammock-like design helps babies to self-soothe while increasing breathability and reducing the risk of over-heating and suffocation. Plus, Crescent Womb is portable, machine washable, and able to be attached to just about any crib.
“Make Every Arrival a Safe Arrival” is the motto for Safe Ride 4 Kids, creating safer car seats. Safe Ride 4 Kids was founded by Greg Durocher (along with his wife Annie)—a former fireman, paramedic and child passenger safety technician instructor. Together they have more than 25 years of car seat safety experience and have created two new ways to keep your precious cargo intact. First, the crash-tested Tummy Shield effectively minimizes the risk that the seat belt will intrude into a pregnant tummy during a crash or sudden braking incident. It can also make driving or riding in a vehicle much more comfortable for a pregnant mom. The second is the Ride Safer Travel Vest for kids age three and older and is a legal alternative to the booster seat and traditional car seat. The Ride Safer Travel Vest properly positions the vehicle’s seat belt on the child, lowers their center of gravity and, in the event of a crash, spreads the crash force across the vest instead of just the width of the seat belt like in a booster.
As a 2016 Toy of the Year Finalist, PlayTape, from the mind of Andy Musliner, can create roads and instantly. Just unroll, stick and drive! PlayTape sticks to any flat surface and is easy to tear by hand and reposition. It peels up without any residue and is recyclable, so cleaning up is easy. PlayTape is compatible with, and made-to-scale for, the most popular toy cars and trains on the market so you can use PlayTape with the toys you already have. Pop a roll of PlayTape and car in your kid’s pocket, and they’ll be set for hours!
Made By Dad: 67 Blueprints for Making Cool Stuff was written by Scott Bedford. It features tons of inventions and activities that dads can do and make with their kids, like a 3D Snakes and Ladders game, a remote action figure zip line, a paper steampunk balancing robot, a blazing paper volcano, a speedy rubber band rocket car reversible paper castle, “off the wall” sports drinks and more. Encouraging family bonding, interaction and loads of creativity, all of the activities vary in difficulty and come with step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations.
Designed by a parent for parents, the Airtushi aims to help busy on-the-go parents. It's the only inflatable high chair with a padded seat, sides, backrest and front bumper bar aiding in sitting development. Great for road trips or visiting grandma’s house, the Airtushi will fit any chair and features rigid sides preventing sideways toppling. It is suitable for any child age six months to three years of age, it's quick to inflate and it cleans up nicely. All of this, and it packs down very small and flat to slip easily in a stroller or diaper bag.
Believe it or not, someone has created a compact booster seat that can actually be stored in the glove compartment! Ten times smaller than a regular booster seat, Mifold meets or exceeds regulatory standards for booster seats and easily fits in a backpack, making it super easy and smart for vacation travel or when grandma needs to pick up your little guy at school. Jon Sumroy invented the Mifold when his own kids were small. “Our children were being driven everywhere by other people as well as ourselves,” says Sumroy. “Car safety is important to us and, we wanted to make sure that the kids always had the correct car seat, but we often found that booster seats were not available; especially when we were carpooling with other families. So, I thought, if I could make a booster that was really small and really tough, that could easily be taken everywhere, then our children would always be safe, no matter whose car they are in.”
As a father of two young boys, Adam Nelson knows the challenges of getting little ones to bed when it is still light out. “Having a bright light, even a regular nightlight, in a child's room inhibits teaching them that when it is dark, it is time for sleep, and when it is light, it’s time to get up,” says Nelson. His Good Nite Lite invention helps to trains kids to associate light with daytime activities and darkness with nighttime and rest. It does this by displaying easily recognized "Moon" and “Sun” caricatures, letting kids know that is time to wake up and that it's okay to get out of bed. During the day, the Good Nite Lite automatically shuts itself off to eliminate any distractions and to conserve energy.
According to the website, the Veer Cruiser is designed "for those who prefer to take the paths less traveled," a premium stroller strong enough to last from the firstborn to your last born. The brainchild of stroller expert Andrew Bowman, who saw parents struggling to push and pull kids and gear across hilly terrain, the Veer Cruiser is a baby carrier and portable bed for infants, a stroller for toddlers and a wagon for older kids—all in one. It features stain and fades resistant fabric sidewalls, expanding footwell, an adjustable handle height, performance handle grips, 3-point passenger harnesses, one-touch footbrake, front comfort suspension, large rugged knobby tires, rear-wheel fenders, one-hand folding and six cup holders! The only thing this bad boy won't do is change diapers.
The Dad Hoodie
courtesy The Dad Hoodie
For dads who shudder at the idea of lugging around a diaper bag, let alone one that was designed by women for women, you’ll love the concept behind The Dad Hoodie. Dad inventor Taylor Llewellyn came up with the idea of becoming a human diaper bag by fitting regular-looking hoodie with a mesh lining and various pockets to hold bottles, diapers, wet wipes as well as dad’s wallet and cell phone. “Over the shoulder diaper bags are constructed to survive natural disasters and shrapnel, with enough supplies for weeks. Most Dads only need to carry a few baby supplies to knock out that steady stream of errands,” says Llewellyn. The hoodies are quality sewn, come in navy or heather grey and look “normal.” Plus, you can even act like a secret agent dad with all of your secret compartments!
Spring break will be here before you know it, and booking a trip in advance will not only afford you the best rates and availability but also, you’ll have something to look forward to as you make your way through the chilly winter months. From beach vacations to urban escapes to mountain top romps in the sunshine, we’ve got you covered. Read on for vacation inspiration as well as for trends in travel for the new year.
Splurge on a Brand-New Resort in the Northern Maldives
courtesy Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
A splurge-worthy island adventure awaits you at the brand-new all-inclusive resort, which is also home to the largest kid’s club in the Maldives.
Play: The wraparound reef at the Emerald makes it easy for families to enjoy water sports like kayaking and kite surfing, and scuba enthusiasts can take advantage of the on-site Diving Centre, which is staffed by PADI-certified instructors. Kids ages 3-12 can spend time in the Dolphin Club. Spread out over 1500 square meters, there’s an outdoor playground with mini pool, a splash park, slides, climbing structures and even a kid-sized zip wire. Indoor activities are diverse and plentiful: cupcake making, movie nights, Zumba lessons, fruit cocktail mixology and more.
Sleep:
Eat: This is an all-inclusive resort, so there’s plenty of food and treats to be had at the signature buffet restaurantAqua, which offers menu items from all over the world including Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, vegetarian and even plant-based options. There are two concept restaurants worth sampling as well. The rainforest-inspired Amazònico is a fun dining experience for the whole family,Le Asiatique offers live cooking shows on a teppanyaki grill. If you’re down at the beach, theBeach Club Grill and Pool Bar has kid-friendly, to-go pizza and pasta, and for parents, be sure to try the grilled lobster and seafood platters.
Good to know: If you book now, you’ll receive 20% off the best available rate for a minimum of 7 night’s stay for a maximum of two adults and two children, applicable for all bookings received before 20th December 2020. Offer includes deluxe all-inclusive package, complimentary 60 minutes massage for two adults and 1 x in-room family breakfast. Terms and conditions apply.
The largest of the four Aspen-area ski mountains, Snowmass is one of the most family-friendly mountains with all kids skiing free up to age seven.
Play: This resort comes in at over 3,300 acres of terrain with 91 trails of groomies, halfpipes, terrain parks and more. Families flock here for their state-of-the-art Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, a gigantic childcare facility for kids ages eight weeks to four years old. With a nurse on staff and themed rooms, this is where your kids will get introduced to skiing. And, once your kids turn two, they’re welcome to enroll in Snowmass’ Cubs on Skis program, a mix of early childhood education and skiing based out of this nature-themed adventure center.
There's also the brand-new Snowmass Base Village Plaza, which opened in December 2018. Families will be able to ice skate, enjoy fire pits, pop-up activities and casual dining. Kids of all ages can also try their skills on the rock climbing wall that adorns the front of the new Limelight hotel built across from the plaza.
Good to Know: The Treehouse at Snowmass isn’t the only spot your kid will love. Pay a visit to nearby Buttermilk Mountain to experience The Hideout, a 7,500 square foot facility just for kids. Don’t blame your kids if they forget they’re in the mountains and get lost in The Hideout’s custom-designed play features like a lookout tower and interactive play room.
Take your brood to Northwest Costa Rica to revel in the warm weather and lush landscape, full of animals, markets, and family-friendly beach parties.
Play: Consider volunteering for one of the select Service Days while visiting Peninsula Papagayo, with an outreach program that benefits local school children. Visit Costa Rica, and you’ll be rewarded with big adventures that your family will remember and talk about for years to come.
Sleep:Peninsula Papagayo, home to the luxury Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica and Andaz Costa Rica Resort, is a private community spanning over 1,400 acres. Surrounded by Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll see thousands of protected plant species and hundreds of multi-hued bird and butterfly types.
Wander the Windy City - Chicago, IL
Wendy Altschuler
Play: Spring in Chicago is a lovely time to visit. From museums with activities designed with littles in mind to spring break kids’ camps at Lincoln Park Zoo and The Second City to baseball season to children’s theatre, the Windy City has much to offer families. Eat your way through Chicago’s neighborhoods, sampling diverse cuisine and fan favorites like Chicago-style hot dogs and deep dish pizza.
Sleep: Hotel Zachary, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is right across from the famous Wrigley Field as well as within walking distance to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Run around Gallagher Way, across the street from the hotel, go to a Chicago Cubs game, and hit some balls in Sluggers World Class Sports Bar’s batting cages.
Root for Your Home Team at Spring Training — FL or AZ
Daydreaming of hot dogs and Crackerjacks? Take your baseball-loving family on a memorable (and thematic) trip to see spring training in action. Catching a game at Arizona's Cactus League or Florida's Grapefruit League means you can root, root, root for your home team at smaller stadiums before Opening Day. To figure out which teams play where — and when — check out the Cactus League and Grapefruit League websites.
Play: Make sure all of your kiddos are baseball fans because Spring Training is all about the game. The major advantage to seeing teams play pre-season is that you get see games on a much smaller scale. In other words, better seats, cheaper tickets, and the opportunity to see your favorite players up close and personal.
Tip: Get there early, and be sure little ones bring their gloves and/or clean baseballs for scoring autographs
Sleep: Where you shack up depends on your favorite teams. Florida's spring training is spread across the state, with teams playing in four regions: Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, and the east coast between Jupiter and Port St. Lucie. If you’re Cactus League-bound, keep in mind that most games are played within a 40-mile radius of the Phoenix-Scottsdale area.
Eat: Pack a picnic! Most Spring Training stadiums offer (cheap!) lawn seats, so the whole family can spread out on the grass while keeping score of the game. The view isn't as good, but you may catch a glimpse of your favorite players as they head in and out of the stadium.
There’s more to these islands than bright azure water and fine white sand—travel here, and you’ll be rewarded with rich cultural experiences that come with the conveniences of the U.S. dollar and English language. When the kids return to school, they can tell their teachers that they traveled to where Christopher Columbus first hit land in the Americas and where pirates used to hide out within the 40 small islands and cays.
Play: Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay are the best for kids because of the calm waves and shallow water. Go snorkeling for an afternoon at Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef and see an array of colorful little fish and coral. Visit Little Water Cay, also called Iguana Island, and see loads of Rock Iguanas basking in the hot sand. Long Bay Beach is where you’ll see kiteboarders, a shipwreck marooned in the shallow water and beaches full of huge spiny conch shells. For a truly unique island experience, that you can’t find anywhere else, visit Potcake Place, a charity in Providenciales that rescues dogs and finds them forever homes. Volunteers can take a puppy for a walk in the morning and give them love and socialization—not to mention, fresh air and sunshine. Everything will be provided for your day out, and if you fall in love, you can adopt the puppy and bring her home.
Sleep: Ocean Club Resorts (Ocean Club and Ocean Club West), located on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, are perfect for families that want an affordable option with lots of choices. Plus, the pink umbrellas that line the beaches will be great backdrops for your family photos. The two properties are located 15 minutes from each other along the sand, and if you stay at one, you can play at both. Kids can take part in the interactive exploration game, Seafari Kids, where at check-in they’ll be given a kit that encourages them to find and identify indigenous plants and species that are located around the resorts—prizes are awarded for completing the adventure. Tip: Check out the Mangrove Tour.
Eat: Pop into Crackpot Kitchen, where Chef Nik will serve up authentic local Caribbean dishes, passed down from his father, Aulden “Smokey” Smith. Order family style and try a selection of favorites like the Salt Cay Fully Loaded Stew Conch or Smokey’s Loaded Peas and Grits and dine on the rooftop full of locals doing the same.
Island Serenity - Captiva and Sanibel Islands, FL
Wendy Altschuler
Sometimes less is more, and on Captiva and Sanibel Islands, where nothing is built higher than a palm tree and tchotchke shops are few and far between, your family will easily settle into a schedule that revolves around sunsets and searching for seashells. These islands are the sort of places where people laugh easily, wave at each other freely and collectively gasp at dolphin and manatee sightings.
Play: When you’ve explored your home-base beach enough, take a boat excursion with Captiva Cruises to Cayo Costa Island, a state park that is known for excellent shelling. In Sanibel, visit Gene’s Books, a fabulous store full of so many titles that they don’t all fit on the shelves. Kids can get lost in the children’s section, with stacks of books in every direction, which will make finding the perfect book an absolute adventure.
Sleep: Rest your head at the historic Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island, which is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pine Island Sound. You’ll have access to the beach as well as the marina while staying in one of the brightly colored cottages, named after the resort’s famous past visitors—Anne Morrow Lindbergh, J.N. “Ding” Darling, and Theodore Roosevelt have all stayed here. Borrow a free bicycle and take a ride into town, or paddle in a free kayak around the mangroves.
Eat: T2 Traders, located at The Village Shops on Periwinkle Way in Sanibel, has great sandwiches, flatbreads and salads. The location is ideal because you can do a little shopping afterward. On Captiva Island, be sure to visit the Bubble Room, where kitsch reigns supreme. Order a slice of their famous orange cake, try their bubble bread and bring your camera—you’ll want to walk around and take pictures of the interior. Tween Waters also has great restaurants, namely Old Captiva House, Crow’s Nest and the Oasis Pool Bar.
Enjoy Big Views at Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Kate Loweth
In 2019,Grand Canyon National Park celebrated the centennial. This park, full of colorful layers of geological wonders, cliff dwellings, animals, and even waterfalls, is something every family should see together.
Play: The folks at Austin Adventures appreciate history and geology and they will educate travelers about the natural history of the Grand Canyon while also acknowledging the cultural history of the native tribes that call this national park home. Adventuresome kids can hike around with an Austin Adventures’ day pack, which is full of national park keepsakes and treasures, inspiring kids to learn more and explore the park. The trip includes rafting, hiking and biking around the South Rim, Flagstaff, Williams, Prescott, Sedona and Coconino National Forest—what fun!
Sleep: Select trip dates are available for families for this six-day Grand Canyon Family Vacation Package with the expert guides at Austin Adventures. Accommodations include a wide variety of lodges and hotels over the week, including a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, located next to the train depot, one block from downtown Williams and historic Route 66.
Eat: Dining ranges from high-quality restaurants to picnic lunches to dinner made at a campfire—you’ll enjoy healthy food and snacks all along the way.
Sail the High Seas with the Disney Dream - Port Canaveral, FL
Courtesy Disney Cruise Line
Play, Sleep & Eat: Disney is synonymous with the feeling of wonder and treating your family to a Disney Cruise, aboard the Disney Dream, is an experience that your children will always remember. From live shows to thematic restaurants to luxe accommodations to swimming pools and waterslides, Disney goes big when it comes to magical fun. You’ll also notice the high quality of service, which is the bread and butter of the whole adventure. The ship will drop anchor in Castaway Cay, a private island reserved for guests to enjoy, and the Bahamas, creating extra opportunities for exploration. Find out more from our insider's guide here.
Denver sits one mile above sea level, giving the city its moniker. There is no shortage of things to do here for families and you can expect to have a panoramic view of the mountain ranges while exploring the parks, museums, and attractions.
Play: Visit the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Downtown Aquarium and take a ride on the Denver Trolley to learn about Denver’s gold rush history. Of course, there’s also the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, the Denver Art Museum and the Children’s Museum of Denver. Take a trip just outside of the city, and hike around Dinosaur Ridge at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre—you can see Allosaurus and Stegosaurus bones and touch real dinosaur footprints preserved in the sandstone. If a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is on your travel wish-list, and it should be, make sure you spend some time in Estes Park, the gateway to RMNP.
Sleep: One of the best places to stay is AC Hotel Denver Downtown, a stylish boutique hotel with top-notch staff that will help your family with anything you may need. The property is well-located, making it easy to get where you need to go on foot and, bonus, you’ll earn Marriott points with your stay. If you have Fido with you, the hotel is pet-friendly as well.
Eat: Enjoy outdoor dining at Corinne Restaurant and be sure to check out the views from the 54thirty alfresco rooftop, the highest one in the city. The AC Kitchen is a great breakfast option. Union Station has James Beard award-winning chefs, Jennifer Jasinski and Alex Seidel, at the helm of Stoic & Genuine, Ultreia and Mercantile (grab and go options also exist).
There’s so much to do in the consistently warm country of Panama, and with Panama City—the capital and largest city in the country—as your takeoff point, you’ll have access to popular landmarks and attractions.
Play: Don't miss a visit to the Panama Canal, a 50-mile waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, a feat that is one of the most difficult engineering projects ever completed. Kids will love watching the ships raise up in the canal and pass through Miraflores locks, bringing their cargo with them. Visit Casco Viejo “new Panama”, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Spanish colonial architecture, historic churches and plazas with boutiques, restaurants and colorful markets. Make time for a visit to the Sloth Sanctuary and the Gamboa Rainforest. Ride above the tree canopy in an aerial tram, where you may spot a white-faced capuchin monkey or hear the deep guttural sounds of a howler monkey.
Sleep: The Westin Playa Bonita, located only twenty minutes from Panama City and thirty minutes from the Miraflores Locks, is a great place to start your adventure. Romp around on Bonita Beach and cool off in the Pacific Ocean, hike in the nearby rainforests and swim in one of the three infinity pools. Free activities for kids are available every day. Kids can splash around in the Children’s Pool or parents can take kids out on a complimentary kayak.
Eat: Ocho y Media is a garden-style restaurant that serves global cuisine. Sit outside and enjoy the strung lights overhead while noshing on a slice of warm baked apple pie with vanilla ice cream. Karimar Restaurant serves up traditional Panamanian fare, by the symphonic sea—you won’t want to leave. Take advantage of The Westin Playa Bonita’s restaurants as well—there are six to choose from. For authentic Panamanian cuisine with kid-friendly entertainment, try Diablicos in the Casco Viejo district.
Resort Road Trip: If it's an all-inclusive experience you seek, head for the Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, which lies about two hours outside the city limits and is accessible by boat and car/shuttle service. With 12 pools (eight of them are for everyone), a kids' club with activities like overnight campouts and cookie making, this 400-acre resort has something for everyone. There's a playground, free bike rentals, a climbing wall, zip line and wildlife zoo, stables, a sports club that have both private lessons and camps like an aquatic camp or a soccer camp, two beach clubs, 10 restaurants and even a world-famous 18-hole golf course that is the crown jewel of PGA Latin America. Rooms are ample size, the smallest being 527 sq. feet, and there are five suits with connecting rooms and a half-bath in the living room. For multi-gen travel, consider one of the four-bedroom villas that line the pond.
Play: Numero uno on the list of best places to play in St. Louis no doubt goes to City Museum. It’s an all-ages, city-inspired fun house that will inspire you and get the creative juices flowing as you climb, burrow and snake your way through passageways and shafts. With no maps or any real sense of direction, you’re forced to explore, touch and interact with everything . . . and you’ll be glad you did. Plus, St. Louis boasts more free chief visitor attractions than anywhere else in America, outside of the nation’s capital that is. The Saint Louis Art Museum, Zoo, History Museum, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Citygarden and more are free of charge and perfect for families that want to see a lot, but not spend a lot.
Sleep: Located in the heart of all St. Louis has to offer, the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis makes a perfect home base for your family getaway. Mini road trippers will be greeted with a Radio Flyer wagon full of toys and a plate with their names written in chocolate and handmade solid chocolate arches standing tall alongside sprinkle-covered marshmallow treats.
Eat: University City and Delmar Loop is about 20 minutes northwest of St. Louis. Here, in this old streetcar suburb, you’ll find Blueberry Hill Pub and Restaurant for American cuisine and pop culture memorabilia, Fitz’s Restaurant and Bottling Company known for their delicious pub grub and house-made soda that churns out on a visible bottling line (a bottle a second!) and Blueprint Coffee with in-house roasted beans when you’re ready for a little caffeine jolt (don’t leave without grabbing a jar of their canned jelly for home).
Nestled between the world’s second-largest barrier reef and an expansive nature preserve lies the tiny fishing village of Puerto Morelos.
Play: Home to just 1,200 year-round residents, this quaint spot is merely 11 miles away from downtown Cancun. Fresh seafood restaurants line the beaches, and there’s live music on the weekends. Stroll down the dock over clear waters to view catamaran sailboats, wander and shop the charming avenues, burn off steam at the playground in the center square and admire the leaning lighthouse that has survived nearly one-hundred years of coastal storms. Book a snorkeling adventure with Lighthouse Tours. Their two-hour guided tour is easy even for young kids. A highlight for families is nearby Crococun, a local wildlife center filled with crocodiles, parrots, turtles, iguanas, spider monkeys and more. Each tour is guided by a biologist; kids will be able to hold a baby crocodile, feed deer and turtles, plus there’s picnic/playground area that’s perfect for fueling up after seeing all the animals.
Sleep:Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is a five-star resort that feels more like a home than a hotel. If you want a truly relaxing location for your mid-winter break, spring break or beyond, this is your answer. The resort is made up of all suite-style rooms, which means you have choices: You can book anything from a one-to three-bedroom suite that comes equipped with everything from a small kitchenette to a full kitchen/laundry with extra murphy beds in the living room. There’s even a four-bedroom presidential suite that sleeps up to 13 (ahem, multi-gen vacation). You can book your stay as an all-inclusive or as an a la carte, and here’s a huge perk: kids ages 12 and under stay for free. It doesn’t take much to keep yourself entertained here, and there’s a definite wellness vibe for those who like to be active. The Grand Residences has four pools (one is a lap pool), tennis courts with thrice-weekly clinics, bike rentals, and even the option to charter a sailboat for an extra charge.
Eat: When you tire of El Faro Grill and Flor de Canela at the Grand Residences, head for downtown Puerto Morelos. For an early lunch with access to docks, try Pelicanos for excellent nachos and ceviche. For dinner, we recommend Boquinete, one of the newest restaurants to line the beachfront of Puerto Morelos. The tacos are plentiful and fresh, as is the ceviche and reef fish. They have a beachfront, which can be helpful for parents with wiggly kids or be a memorable dining spot for an adults-only night.
Looking for a healthy dose of outdoor adventure on your spring break trip? Anakeetsa, an activity and nature center in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is the perfect destination for your family. Not only will you be able to take in the beauty of the nation’s most visited national park, but Anakeetsa is jam-packed with activities for visitors of all ages.
Play: You’ll have a hard time deciding what to tackle first at Anakeetsa, as the outdoor opportunities are endless. In addition to hiking and ziplining, kids will have a blast walking across connecting bridges, exploring treehouses, and trying their hand at gem mining. If you’re looking to get out and explore the area, there’s world-class skiing in nearby Ober, Ripley’s Aquarium, and a variety of entertainment shows.
Sleep: If you want to stay nearby, the Greystone Lodge offers spacious rooms (and free hot breakfast) on the river in downtown Gatlinburg. Cottages are also available at the Greystone for families who are looking for a little more space and privacy.
Eat: Stroll around and stop for a bite to eat in Firefly Village, which is nestled among the treetops in the heart of the Smokies. Depending on what you’re in the mood for—a quick bite or a hearty southern meal—there’s Pearl’s Pie in the Sky, which offers baked goods, ice cream, and (of course) pie; and the Anakeetsa Summit Smokehouse, where you’ll get a dose of mouth-watering barbecue.
Bring Your Brood to Bimini
Resorts World Bimini
One of the hottest destinations for 2020 is Bimini, a family-friendly island off of the Bahamas. You won’t have to travel far, as this island is only 50 miles off of the coast of Florida, but you’ll feel like you’re in a far-flung destination as soon as you poke your toes into the hot white sand and peer out onto the azure horizon.
Play: Taste Bimini Bread, made fresh in the colorful town; fill up on conch salad from one of the shacks along the beach, and learn about the culture from local Biminites. Chanel Ernest Hemingway, a resident of the island in the '30s, and go fishing or spend the day in the sea.
Sleep: The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, a luxury beachfront resort that caters to families. All guest rooms, designed with a contemporary aesthetic, have either a terrace or balcony. Suites are large in size and complete with high-quality amenities. You’ll have many choices for dining as the resort: The Tides, The Sushi Bar or the Oasis swim-up bar. Resorts World Bimini also has multiple swimming pools and access to Paradise Beach. For fun, take a golf cart to any of the island’s other beaches to explore a different landscape. Shop at Fisherman’s Village, a market along the marina. You’ll find that for your family, there’s plenty to do, see, and eat in Bimini.
For Great Scenery & Small Town Charm - Mammoth, CA
If you're not looking for warm weather just yet, Mammoth Mountain is the ultimate spring break destination for families who want to hit the slopes. And for those times when you just want to kick back and relax, Mammoth is packed with tons of restaurants, kids' activities, and even incredible natural hot springs in the Eastern Sierra.
Play: When you go to Mammoth, you go for the skiing. But even if your kids aren't up to speed on the slopes just yet, with the help of the lessons offered, they just might be by the time you leave. Here, patient pros will help guide the most novice of skiers in small group lessons, as well as kids and adults with disabilities in their Adaptive Ski School. In addition to the skiing, Mammoth has a ton more to offer in terms of winter sports, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and letting loose at Wooly's Tube Park and Snow Play, where kids of all ages will have a blast.
Sleep: For cozy accommodations after a day on the slopes, look to the splurge-worthy Sierra Nevada Resort, which has been a longtime local favorite. The 149-room hotel has a super rustic feel and almost all rooms are appointed for families (with heated bathroom floors and fireplaces!). There's also a shuttle that regularly runs from the hotel to the mountain lodges, as well as to the airport.
Eat: For nights when everyone is exhausted from playing in the snow, Sierra Nevada Resort's Rafters—and all of their local, organic produce—is a fantastic option. When you want to venture out, there are tons of restaurants featuring all sorts of fare to choose from, including Jimmy's Taverna for seafood lovers, Campo to satisfy your hankering for Italian, and The Stove for an unforgettable home-style breakfast.
Check Maui Off Your Bucket List
courtesy Hyatt Regency Maui
Maui offers many adventures for families, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or you want to toss in some intrepid experiences for good measure.
Play: Begin your trip at one of the world’s best aquariums, Maui Ocean Center, to get an idea of what you might see while snorkeling or during a boat cruise. Arrange for a luau experience to learn about the Hawaiian culture—most hotels can assist with planning. Take a family-friendly surfing lesson. Make time for a hike in Iao State Park, which is rich with history. Visit Maui Tropical Plantation and see a lush landscape full of fruits, produce, and flowers.
After touring the working farm, dine at The Mill House for a culinary experience like no other. Plan early, and see the sunrise at Haleakala National Park. Drive the Road to Hana to see rainforests, lava tubes, caves, waterfalls, and all of that jaw-dropping scenery that Maui is known for. Take lots of photographs—likely, one will make your holiday card for next year.
Sleep: The Hyatt Regency Maui's stunning oceanfront property has something for everyone. From swimming pools with water slides to penguin tours at the local wildlife center and even stargazing to the Regency Club, where for an added fee there are snacks, food and amenities all day long, this resort is ideal for your dream vacation.
Waterslide Heaven — Wisconsin Dells, WI
Wendy Altschuler
No sun? No problem. At Wisconsin Dells, every day is waterpark weather. A buzzing Midwestern tourist's destination that's located midway between Chicago and Minneapolis, Wisconsin Dells is the self-proclaimed "Waterpark Capital of the World" (21 waterparks and counting!)—and it's got a slew of indoor parks for when the weather isn't exactly bathing suit friendly.
Play: Families with wee ones will want to hit the Great Wolf Lodge or the Wilderness Resort, both of which cater to smaller visitors.
Note: You'll have to stay at these resorts to use their water parks.
Family tapped out on water? There are plenty of other options. Hop on the saddle for a trail ride at the Canyon Creek Riding Stable, speed across 6,000 feet of cables with Big Foot Ziplines (kids must be above 43 inches to zip), or give the kids a fun glimpse at the history of the circus at Circus World.
Sleep: There are so many choices when it comes to kid-centered lodging that it's hard to find a place that won't blow your kids’ minds. But the Great Wolf Lodge, the Kalahari Resort, and the Wilderness Resort top our list because of their sheer number of kid-friendly attractions (think arcades, mini-golf, kids crafts, theatrical shows, etc.) and the special attention both resorts pay to little ones.
Eat: Want your dinner delivered by miniature train? Head to Buffalo Phils, which serves up burgers and BBQ in a bustling Wild West-themed atmosphere. It's also under the same roof as Knuckleheads Bowling & Trampoline Park and right next door to the Outlets at the Dells (with over 75 shops!). It sounds like a play date to us.
Google "ranch vacations" and you’ll find a whole heap of ‘em. But the rustic-yet-luxe Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona tops our list because it’s open year-round and has loads of fun activities for little cowboys. Like horses? Your kids can spend all day at the kids club (activities for kids under four are available by request), where they’ll enjoy riding lessons, trail rides, arts and crafts and more. For folks who aren’t keen on giddying up in the saddle, there are other activities including yoga, swimming, fishing, hiking, and a spa.
Play: Besides the plethora of activities at the ranch, you can also venture out into the Tucson area and enjoy downhill skiing, golfing, cave exploring, shopping, and more.
Sleep: After a long day of activities on the ranch, you and your kids will be happy to nestle down in Tanque Verde's modern adobe casitas, all of which boast stretching views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
Note: In keeping with the rustic theme, there aren’t TVs in any of the rooms and the WiFi can be a bit spotty.
Eat: All-inclusive means you and your kids will get three meals a day of award-winning Southwestern cuisine. Want to dine in the Great Wide Open? Sign up for a breakfast ride and feast on blueberry pancakes and ranch-style eggs amid the cacti and tumbleweeds. On Wednesdays and Sundays, the ranch has “cowboy cookouts” that include a tasty barbecue buffet and live entertainment.
Take the Kids to Tuscany
Gabby Cullen
Italy, and more specifically, Tuscany, is famous not only for the Italian Renaissance but also for the countryside. Families can explore at their own pace, traveling from Siena, known for its medieval streets, to San Gimignano, where you can stroll cobblestone streets and order gelato in one of the squares. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is also fun to see, and kids will recognize it right away.
Play: Of course, Tuscany has kid-centered activities that any major city has: zoos, theme parks (Pinocchio Park is one), waterparks, and museums, but there is so much more to experience here with your family in tow. UNESCO has declared seven World Heritage Sites in Tuscany, there are amazing underground cave and grotto systems, 120 protected nature reserves, and families can learn how to make pecorino cheese in Cugusi, the area between Pienza and Montepulciano.
Sleep: Snuggled in the Serchio Valley, between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan Emilian Apennines, conveniently about an hour from Lucca, Florence, and Pisa, sits Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa. A stay here rewards families with easy access to medieval towns, market tours, onsite cooking lessons, an outdoor pool with mountain views.
Eat: It’s no surprise that Italians like to eat well and spending time with family is a big part of the culture. Dining out is part of the experience and kids are welcome—and celebrated—in eateries all over Tuscany. Further, many restaurants have gardens or lovely piazzas where it’s entirely appropriate for kids to run around and play while waiting for dinner to arrive. Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa has a wide variety of dining options as well—La Veranda has traditional favorites available or, better yet, arrange for a day with the chef. Shop in the local market and indulge in a private cooking lesson—you will eat your meal with pride having made it yourself. Kids can also join a cupcake making class and provide the dessert for your family table
Every year, theme parks around the country try to outdo each other with new rides and attractions. 2019 is no exception—you can look forward to new “lands” based on movies, new rides based on comic book characters, amazing expansions, a thrilling new flume ride and one new ride dedicated to one famous mouse. Scroll down to see where you’ll be able to get brand-new amusement park thrills next year.
There was a time when the most thrilling attraction at Disneyland was the Jungle Cruise (which by the way is still one of the park’s most popular attractions thank you very much) but technology has changed drastically over the years and with it brings amazing new adventures. Next summer, the park opens the much anticipated “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” This new 14-acre “land” will allow fans of all ages to transport to the plant of Batuu to get a sense of what it might be light to live as galactic travelers in a galaxy far, far away. Among the new attractions opening there are “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” where fans will be able to take control of the Millennium Falcon while on a secret mission. Also, your family can be a part of an epic battle between the First Order and the Resistance (including a face-off with Kylo Ren) on “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.”
Self-proclaimed as “The Thrill Capital of the South,” Six Flags Over Georgia is adding another thrill to its collection in the form of Pandemonium. Swirling around 15 stories above the ground, this ride will be the tallest swinging pendulum ride in the Southeast, and the ride will run up to 70 mph going higher and higher as it does. It will serve as the park’s new SteamPunk section of the park.
Found at: Legoland Florida Resort - Winter Haven, FL
One of the more unusual offerings opening up this year is “The LEGO Movie World” where kids can hop on board of a triple-decker couch and fight against a DUPLO alien invasion among other things. Based on the two LEGO movies (The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part) the new section of the part features “Emmet’s Triple Decker Flying Couch!” where the “flying theater” takes guests on a virtual ride under a full-down virtual screen. It is said to be the first attraction in the U.S. that embeds a 180-degree turn in the ride experience. Then there is “Unikitty’s Disco Drop” where the ride “swoops guests to the tiptop of Cloud Cuckoo Land, then drops, spins and bounces them back down to earth.” And finally, there is the “Battle of Bricksurg” where riders are challenged to stop the DUPLO aliens from invading and stealing LEGO bricks by spraying water at targets. The new LEGO Movie World is expected to open sometime in Spring of 2019.
Six Flags Great America is unveiling the triple threat Formula 1 racing car themed roller coaster Maxx Force later this year. Maxx Force will be the fastest launch roller coaster in North America (accelerating to 78 mph in less than two seconds!), the fastest inversion in the world with a Zero-G Roll more than 60 mph and the highest double inversion of any roller coaster in the world standing at 175 feet above the ground.
Knott’s Berry Farm first thrill ride was the iconic Timber Mountain Log Ride built in 1969. 40 years later the park in giving its other water ride a major renovation. Calico River Rapids (formerly known as Bigfoot Rapids) will be upgraded with new animatronics, themed show scenes, a new story and dynamic water effects and will open this summer. Riders can expect to encounter roaring rapids, indigenous wildlife and peculiar homesteaders twisting and turning through an “unexplored” river path.
The Lone Star Revolution rollercoaster will tower at 100 feet in the air and will be the world’s largest loop coaster (for the time being). This new coaster will take riders forward and backward on the gigantic loop before suspending them upside down for what we are sure will feel like an eternity before letting them go again. Seating for this new ride is unique too in that riders will ride facing each other.
Dollywood is going through huge growing pains bringing a whole new section to the park that focuses on young families: Wildwood Grove. This new area is being built with families in mind creating larger respite locations and more play areas. Just beyond a massive hollow trunk of a fallen tree, guests will find 11 new attractions including six new rides:
The Dragonflier: A suspended roller coaster that lets guests soar with a dragonfly as it dips and darts along the gushing geysers and lush landscape of Wildwood Grove.
Black Bear Trail: Hop on the back of a friendly bear for a unique trek through their natural habitat.
Sycamore Swing: A giant “leaf boat” that swings back and forth just like a falling leaf.
Treetop Tower: Seated inside giant acorns, guests are shot 40 feet in the air and spun around a tall oak tree before coming back to the ground.
The Mad Mockingbird: Tennessee’s state bird gives visitors a lift as it flies in a high-speed circle around a tall tree with riders controlling their experience.
Frogs and Fireflies: Kids hop on leapfrogging frogs as they chase fireflies and each other.
Six Flags is adding another first to the amusement park franchise with West Coast Racers, the world’s first racing launch coaster. The park’s 20th roller coaster comes with an incredibly clever concept: this ride will feature two side-by-side tracks with four individual high-speed launches. Riders will actually race each other coming remarkably close to one another on the way to the finish line. The race covers two complete laps, multiple airtime hills, extreme high-banked turns and “exhilarating over/under near misses!”
Found at: Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Orlando, FL
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will basically be getting a carbon copy of Disneyland’s new 14-acre “land” but will be opening a few months later in the fall. “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will allow fans of all ages to transport to the plant of Batuu to get a sense of what it might be light to live as galactic travelers in a galaxy far, far away. Among the new attractions opening there are “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” where fans will be able to take control of the Millennium Falcon while on a secret mission. Also, your family can be a part of an epic battle between the First Order and the Resistance (including a face-off with Kylo Ren) on “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.”
Six Flags New England is creating something different for the theme park chain with Cyborg. Inspired by the DC Comics superhero, the attraction is a 360-degree dark ride experience where the superhero invites guests to S.T.A.R, Labs to check out a new technological device. What could go wrong? Aha! Riders soon find that the lab has been hacked. Soon, riders will find themselves “spinning and whirling mercilessly” through the air while Cyborg fights to regain control of the machine.
Bucky the Beaver, Hootie the Owl and Bubba the Bear will all be on hand for the unveiling of Timber Town, a new space at Frontier City aimed at young thrill seekers with four new attractions including a rollercoaster, a spinning boat, leaping frogs and flying planes similar to Disney’s Dumbo ride. In addition, some of the older rides will be getting a facelift.
Found at: Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari – Jackson, NJ
Catch your kids making a fib? Threaten to take them on this ride. Looking suspiciously like the chain’s other ride, Pandemonium in Georgia, Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth beats it by two stories creating a spinning ride that swings up to 17 stories in the air and reaching speeds up to 75 mph. The massive pendulum propels 40 riders in counterclockwise circles with feet dangling from floorless seats as they whirl through the air.
“After a sudden commotion, a shrill voice hollers, ‘Trespassers! Y’all git outta here!’ A gun cocks and you high-tail it out. Your getaway vehicle? Carowinds’ newest thrill ride, Copperhead Strike” says the amusement park’s website. Copperhead Strike will be a double launch coaster that unlike other roller coasters, will stick close to the ground and shoot off from 0 to 42 mph in just 2.5 seconds. With passenger trains designed to look like 1930s coupes, the ride features a Jojo roll right out of the gate followed by a launch to a giant loop, a set of five inversions and more. Copperhead Strike will serve as the central element of the Blue Ridge Junction section of the park.
Found at: Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, TX
And yet another new spinning pendulum ride will be opening soon at Six Flags Fiesta Texas with The Joker: The Wild Card. Named after one of DC Comics biggest villains, The Joker Wild Card also reaches 17-stories tall (like Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth) but spins a little more out of control at a whopping 80 mph. The new ride will also serve as the park’s new DC Universe section and will entice guests to keep coming back as the park has announced that it will be adding winter weekends and holidays to its regular season.
Found at: Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Orlando, FL
Housed in the Chinese Theatre (where there former “The Great Movie Ride” was presented for many years) this new attraction is inspired by the new Mickey Mouse Shorts cartoons (with a decidedly different look for the little guy) and is one of the park’s most ambitious new attractions which is expected to open sometime this fall. Here, you’ll jump through a movie screen and become a part of a cartoon. The experience is considered “2D and a half” where no 3D glasses will be required and will feature a new tune to get stuck in your head days after you’ve ridden it. The ride is expected to open sometime in the fall of 2019.
Found at: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - Vallejo, CA
Ever popular, the eighth Batman: The Ride will rise at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom later this year. Boasting as northern California’s first 4D wing coaster, this rides promises a sensory overload experience as riders will literally flip head-over-heels, at least six times, during the duration of each ride.
Found at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, CA
Now that Jurassic Park has changed to Jurassic World, so has the theme park’s thrill ride. After an extensive remodel, the new ride will be “more immersive” and “technologically advanced” not to mention reimagined for theme park guests. It is said that every part of the former ride will be elevated to a new level. New to the story are never-before-seen dinosaurs, enhanced storytelling surrounded by a lush scenic design. Everything else though is hush-hush.
Known by some at “The Coaster Capital of Missouri,” Six Flags St. Louis is adding a whole different type of attraction this year based on Superman’s cousin. On board this oversized Ferris wheel, guests will soar almost seven stories high in the air while spinning and tilting in open-air vehicles.
Firebird will be an all-new floorless roller coaster soaring above Six Flags America. Seated in state-of-the-art floorless trains, the coaster will take riders through incredible twists, a jaw-dropping nine-story drop, two thrilling inversions, high-banked curves, corkscrew rolls and an incredible figure-eight finale.
Darien Lake will be renamed Six Flags Darien Lake next spring and along with the new name comes a new ride. The SkyScreamer will be sort of a like a swing ride that has been hoisted up 242 feet becoming the state’s largest attraction. At the top, riders will swing around in circles at 35 mph offering breathtaking views. That is if you aren’t too scared to open your eyes.
The kids need something to do and you’re looking for a few clever play ideas. More specifically, you need activities for kids that don’t just keep them busy but are packed with sensory experiences. That’s right, exploration is the name of the game with these imaginative ideas: Touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing all get a turn here! Scroll down to see our favorite ways to help kids make discoveries and explore with the Big 5.
You don’t need a freezing cold winter day to explore the frosty fun that ice can bring. Nope. Make your own cubes, adding a few drops of food coloring to the water. Sprinkle with sparkles or hide small waterproof toys inside. The kids can stack the cubes, paint with them or just glide then around in a plastic tub.
Fun activities for kids can take many shapes and forms. And a sensory table is an easy way to corral all kinds of different play. Fill the table with colorful rice, painted pasta, a muddy mix or this amazingly awesome water bead idea from Homegrown Friends. The key to sensory table play is encouraging exploration. Take a step back (while still supervising) and watch as your kid makes discoveries, explores and experiments.
Okay, okay, so slime is crazy-popular. And you’ve seen it just about everywhere. Well, there’s a reason for that. It’s got textures like you wouldn’t believe and can completely catch your child’s attention, drawing them into the awesomeness of the activity for more than two seconds. Make the slime-making just that much ‘more’ by adding glitter, crafts feathers, pieces of play clay or small waterproof toys. Not sure how to make slime? Get a rad recipe here.
Sometimes the kids don’t need activities that get them fired up. There’s something to be said for chilling out and relaxing—without using a screen to soothe. Check out the glittery, rainbowy, super-colorful calm down bottles from Little Bins for Little Hands.
Painting is a sensory exploration that usually covers sight and sometimes touch. Well, this one goes a step, or a few, farther and lets your child paint with sound and smell. Remember those popping, fizzing candies that you chugged during your own youth? This activity from Mini Monets and Mommies turns the candy into paints that make noise and give off a super-sweet smell.
Play ideas don’t need to be overly complicated or fussy. A rainbow of colorful rice is a standout sensory play activity. Add in a counting and memory/recall extension, like this one from Hands On As We Grow, and you have a recipe for learning on more than one level.
Shaving cream as a play idea? Yep. You may use the fluffy white stuff in a completely different way, but your child sees (and touches and smells) the cream as something that’s pure sensory fun. Spreading it around on a tray or in the sink is enough to keep a tot busy for an entire afternoon. Add in glitter, powdered tempera paint or even a powdered fruit drink mix to make a puffy finger paint that sparkles, shines and makes magnificent magic.
Have a playdough afternoon.
Amber Guetebier
Playdough. Th original sensory play material you didn’t even know was a sensory material. If you opt for buying some from the store, it’ll be all about the touchy-feely aspect. If you make your own batch at home, add a scent or sparkles to give a couple of the other senses a workout, too. For the ultimate playdough recipe, click here.
Whether you’ve got a mouthy baby or a kid who loves to snack and play, edible play time is the best time. We love this jello play idea from the fabulous Meri Cherry. If you're looking for more, this collection of edible art ideas is worth a nibble.
For an afternoon of completely contained play (win, win!) with your little one, opt for a sensory bag. You can fill it with all sorts of neat odds and ends, sparkles and textures. For the best of the best, see our top picks here.
No time? Pick a quick activity.
Imagine CM
Sensory play doesn’t have to involve an elaborate setup and tons of time. There are plenty of quick activities and games you can play with your kids for a sensory workout. Ideas include dancing with scarves, making a window collage with contact paper, heading outside for a nature walk and more. Dayna of Lemon Lime Adventures has a great list of 30 easy options. Take a peek here.
We've never met a kid who didn't love the light. From shadows on the wall to glow sticks, kids can see and explore in so many different ways. One of our favorites is from Anna from The Imagination Tree. Her easy DIY light box is the perfect tool for your little explorers—from colored tiles to sand drawing, the possibilities are endless! Click here to see the tutorial.
Take advantage of the fact that planning a nose-centric play session is usually pretty easy and always interesting. Take a look at our ideas and sniff out what you’ll need to get started.
Sensory play comes in all shapes and forms, but your baby will need a special set up that includes safe supplies and gear. Lucky for you we’ve got the scoop on the best ideas for sensory play with baby: Edible sensory trays, pin boards, brightly lit bottles—it’s all here.
Try seasonal sensory play.
Red Barn Blog
Each season brings its own unique sights, sounds, smells, touches and tastes. Spring brings flowers, Easter, and gardens; Fall brings leaves, harvest produce, Halloween fun and more. Click here for the best spring ideas, and here for fall fun.
A snow-based play session can be a blast, especially if you live in a region that doesn’t see the flaky white stuff very often. One of our favorite projects is sensory snow, but there are other options: a snowman play dough station, melting snowman slime, erupting snow powder and more. Click here to see the whole list.
Water tables are a great addition to play time, and it’s possible to give them a whole new meaning with just a few extra supplies. Take a peek at our favorite water table sensory play ideas here and get started. Hint: Many of these ideas don’t include water!
You love sensory play, but you don’t love how much stuff you need to make it happen. Consider setting up an activity that requires three ingredients/supplies or less. From colored cloud dough to cardboard box coloring and yup, even shaving cream painting, it’s simple to help your kids engage their senses.
What’s your favorite sensory play? Share with us in the comments below!
