While it's good to know fun kid activities in your area, what happens when you travel out of state? Yelp's "Most Saved Kids Act...

While it's good to know fun kid activities in your area, what happens when you travel out of state? Yelp's "Most Saved Kids Activity List in Every State" can be a resourse for traveling families.

This newly unveiled Yelp list helps find fun activities to keep kids entertained and educated, whether at home or on the road. Yelp did a deep dive into what parents are eyeing and saving the most across every US state (and DC), including children’s museums and trampoline parks to mini golf and play cafes.

For families in my local New York area, Color Me Mine seems to be the top pick. Now I have to make plans to visit with my family.

To see your own state, along with the other states top kid activieiss, visit the Yelp article - www.yelp.com/article/most-saved-kids-activity-every-state

Yelp’s 2026 Play Trends List

Yelp’s report also pulled the trends that parents and kids can’t get enough of, including “STEAM time,” indoor play spaces (increasing 61,420% in searches on Yelp), and activities that boost creativity.

“STEAM time” is the new screen time

Families aren’t just looking for ways to burn energy — they’re saving places on Yelp that sneak in learning, like at Discovery Center of Idaho and Spark Imagination & Science Center in West Virginia.

The STEAM approach (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) blends hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, and educational play to foster critical thinking and creativity.

Indoor Play Spaces are Skyrocketing

From play cafes that cater to parents too, like Chirpy’s Play Cafe in Nebraska, to indoor trampoline parks like Shell We Bounce in Delaware, Yelp users are drawn to all-age and all-weather havens where little ones can run around while adults grab a coffee, answer a few emails, or chat with friends.

Searches on Yelp for “indoor playcenter” skyrocketed 61,420% and “play cafe” searches went up 27%, comparing 2025 to 2024.

Creative spots are climbing the charts

More families are searching for places where kids can paint and create. On Yelp, searches for “children’s art classes” rose 34% and “kids arts and crafts” went up 32%.

From painting pottery at Meg-Art Pottery Painting Studio & Espresso Bar in North Carolina to joining a handcraft workshop at The Craftsman & Apprentice in Colorado, craft-focused outings are now top of the bucket-list.

Yelp Mobile App

Planning a staycation, plotting a cross-country road trip, or just trying to survive a daycare-free Tuesday? To keep these spots handy, follow the Most Saved Kids Activity in Every State Collection in the Yelp app.

Don’t forget to tap the bookmark icon on any business that catches your eye to start building your own family-fun adventure list.

Learn more, visit - www.yelp.com

The FL!P CIRCUS 2025 national tour will stop in New York City including the BRONX (October 17 - November 4), QUEENS (November 7 - 25) and BR...

The FL!P CIRCUS 2025 national tour will stop in New York City including the BRONX (October 17 - November 4), QUEENS (November 7 - 25) and BROOKLYN (November 28 - December 14).

Note: I received media tickets for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

For the Queens location, The FL!P Circus has a promotion (Nov 7 - Nov 25) for 30% off tickets with code: FLIP30

When it stopped in Queens, I attended a show to enjoy all the thrills including

• The rope walking
• The doggie daredevil leaps
• The juggling
• The audience interactive moments
• and so much more

The FL!P Circus offers a lot for families to enjoy. Make sure to get tickets if you are in the Queens area! Or any of the other locations.

All-new acts, all-new excitement and all-new fun is coming to New York audiences! It will visit

• The Mall at Bay Plaza (200 Baychester Ave) in the Bronx from October 17 – November 4
• Forest Park (101 Forest Park Drive) in Queens from November 7 – 25
• McCarren Park (776 Lorimer St.) in Brooklyn from November 28 – December 14.

FLIP CIRCUS 2025

Created by the Vazquez family, this intimate big top experience has entertained audiences around the country with its high-energy, family-friendly, edge-of-your-seat production.

With only 800 seats, and none more than 50 feet from the ring, it’s an intimate experience where you feel as if you’re part of the action, and some will literally get pulled into it!

The 2025 show brings together an entirely new cast of stellar international human talent who are guaranteed to wow.

Led by charismatic Ringmaster Jan Vazquez, who, together with his sister, Carolina Vazquez, are fourth-generation performers presenting a daring act on the rolla bolla, pushing the boundaries of equilibrium and gravity.

Other performers include

• The multi-talented Bravuuri Troupe from Finland, who delight with their group skating, bike acrobatics and human pyramids.
• Mexico’s Luva Vazquez delights with her unique bounce-juggling prowess.
• Duo Fossett, from Hungary, present an incredibly challenging aerial pole act blending acrobatics and aerial arts in a totally unique way.
• Ethiopia’s Daniel Amera will astound with his incredible flexibility and power.
• Direct from Ukraine, the amazing Khrystyna presents a stupendous display of balance on the slack wire.
• The live FL!P Circus Band brings the grooves that keep the fun going from beginning to end.

Show times are 7:00pm on weekdays and 1:00pm, 4:00pm and 7:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets start at $17.23 (children) and $56.75 (adults) with senior/military/handicap and family pack discounts available. Tickets will also be available in person at the box office during each engagement.

For tickets and additional information, visit - www.FlipCircus.com

Guess who got a preview of the Disney Jr.'s Ariel Seaside Celebration Event happening this weekend at Battery Park. Of course I did! But...

Guess who got a preview of the Disney Jr.'s Ariel Seaside Celebration Event happening this weekend at Battery Park. Of course I did! But your family can attend also.

Note: I was invited as media to the event. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.


While I was mini cos-playing in purple and black as Ursula the sea witch from The Little Mermaid, I made sure to get a "makeover" with a spray paint face design.

But there's also options for the arms.


After that I met Mykal-Michelle Harris, voice star of Disney Jr’s Ariel. She was so sweet and full of energy.

While I didn't steal her voice, I did join her for a photo and tell her how excited I am that she's part of the series.


Then I was off to bubble things up, with some help from one of the staff members. The bubble area so fun and there's lots of bubble activities to enjoy there, but I had to get ready to dance.


I joined the dance party, which had live Caribbean music playing and interactive lessons where I learned different dance moves. Then Ariel came out and joined in the dancing!


After all that dancing it was time to visit the snack stations. Families can enjoy fruit blended drinks and snacks including patties and fruit cups.

I tasted it ALL and it's so delicious. They also have vegan options, water stations and juice boxes.

While these are just a highlight of the different areas I visited, there's so much more to enjoy for families including tickets for the kids to ride the Seaglass Carousel after!

Disney Jr. Ariel’s Seaside Celebration

Over the June 28th-30th weekend, Disney Jr. is celebrating the new series "Disney Jr.’s Ariel” with a FREE family-friendly event taking place on the two-acre Battery Woodland.

Friday, June 28 / 3PM-5PM
Saturday, June 29 / 10AM–5PM
Sunday, June 30 / 10AM–5PM

Advanced online reservations are best way (currently full), but families can also register in person and walk-ins are welcomed space permitting.

A few of the interactive activities includes

Caribbean-inspired music and dance parties
Ariel’s Mer-ling Makeovers (brought to you by Roku)
Ursula’s Bubble Apothecary
Flounder’s Underwater Treasure Hunt
Atlantica Palace Play Area from Just Play
And more!

Sorry no Character Meet-and-Greets at this experience.

Learn more, visit - www.eventbrite.com/e/disney-jr-presents-ariels-seaside-celebration-tickets

Did you know that Manhattan Fencing Center have trained Olympic medalist coaches available to teach kids from youth (ages 4-6) through teen...

Did you know that Manhattan Fencing Center have trained Olympic medalist coaches available to teach kids from youth (ages 4-6) through teens (13-16)?

To learn more, I took my teen son for a fencing lesson!

Note: I invited as media for a fencing session for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

We met with Saber Coach Serge Shachanin, who took my teen son into Manhattan Fencing Center sports floor for a mini personal lesson.

During the lesson my son learned how to properly pick and wear the fencing equipment, basic footwork and how to stand and move, then about how to pick a blade.

Then it was time for him to put everything into action. Serge engaged my son with back and forth fencing and blocking. While my son was nervous at first, Serge correction and encouragements' help my son gain confidence and put more action into his movements.

After the lesson, both my son and I was excited with what he learned in such a short time. We both agreed that long term lessons would be very cool.

While it's recommended that kids start fencing lesson while younger, even teens starting now can benefit from learning to fence with some extra coaching and effort.

Fencing can help kids develop good sportsmanship, instill self-discipline, achieve healthy body, get accepted to top universities and so much more.

Manhattan Fencing Center

Manhattan Fencing Center offers classes (and camp) for musketeers (ages 4-6), youth (7-12), teens (13-16), competitive and elite.

Clinics and camps are taught by elite coaching team consisting of National, International and Olympic coaches. Camps are offered for students age 5 and up of all ability levels. Camps are divided by weapon, age, experience and USFA rating.

Their classes are unique in that they are broken up by both age and skill, unlike most other fencing clubs where kids are grouped together all in one big class.

They offer small classes and extra personalized attention to fencers which results in the #1 saber rating in the country so far and top college placements.

Manhattan Fencing Center is known for its trained Olympic medalist coaches in foil and saber for children and adults.

Before they head off to the 2024 Olympics, all qualifiers, Elizabeth Tartakovsky, Feres Ferjani, Pascaul Di Tella, Colin Heathcock, and Maia Chamberlain were trained by MFC Founder, Yury Gelman and coach, Vladimir Lukashenko.

Manhattan Fencing Center has two locations, one in NYC and one recently opened in newest location in Englewood, NJ.

For more information, visit - www.manhattanfencing.com

This year solar eclipse on April 8 was an extra special phenomenon, in part because it included New York City area, but mostly because I was...

This year solar eclipse on April 8 was an extra special phenomenon, in part because it included New York City area, but mostly because I was able to experience it with my teen son at the American Museum of Natural History.

Note: While I paid for tickets into AMNH for this event, I sometimes work with the museum to highlight special programs. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

The AMNH hosted a Solar Eclipse Day, which included getting a pair eclipse glasses, along with family-friendly educational activities.

While we missed the activities, we did get our eclipse glasses and joined other families on the Arthur Ross Terrace.


Being on Arthur Ross Terrace gave us a clear amazing view as we watched the moon eclipse the sun. Even at 90 percent coverage, it was truly one of those rare life experiences.

Made more rare when I heard my teen said this was "cool" and later that he enjoyed sharing that moment with me. A truly phenomenal day.

Hopefully my son can see the next total solar eclipse in 2044, when he's 35 y/o with his teen child!

While Solar Eclipse Day is over, the still has lots of Spring and Summer events families can enjoy, including upcoming EarthFest Celebration.

EarthFest Celebration

To commemorate Earth Month, the American Museum of Natural History's "EarthFest Celebration" will happen on Saturday, April 27 with a full day of family-friendly activities and performances celebrating our planet.

Free with Museum admission, EarthFest will include hands-on science and art activities, engagements with Museum scientists, and a “bioblitz,” where participants will join scientists in Central Park to discover the amazing variety of local insects.

EarthFest Schedule and Activities

Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life

10 am–4 pm

In Search of Earth’s Secrets

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is an international marine research collaboration that explores Earth's history and dynamics. Learn about the real science that happens on the IODP ship through the pop-up science experiment “In Search of Earth’s Secrets.”

Our Earth’s Ecosystems

The Museum’s Science Visualization Group in collaboration with teams from Columbia University’s LEAP and Brown Institute have produced a smartphone-based augmented reality experience that will enable visitors in the Hall of Ocean Life to learn about the vital role that ocean ecosystems play in Earth’s climate system.

In addition to bringing some of the hall’s most beloved dioramas to life, the experience will demonstrate how animals help plants grow faster, slow the release of greenhouse gases, and store carbon in their bodies.

Microscopic Marvels: Exploring NYC's Urban Ecosystem (noon–3 pm)

Meet our tiny neighbors! Use a variety of microscopes to get a sparkling introduction to plankton swimming in NYC’s ponds and winged critters that glide on the breezes of our urban habitats.

Become Part of Nature with InHerBeauty (10 am–3 pm)

At this marine-themed station, attendees can immerse themselves in hair, makeup, and nail art, drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues and intricate patterns found in oceanic species.

EarthFest Myth-Busting Workshops From Climate Exchange and the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science

Engage with dynamic activities focused on climate science communication and improvisational theater. Using techniques from improv, role-playing, and other theater games, participate in hands-on exercises designed to foster understanding and action on climate issues.

Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

10 am–4 pm

Performance: Bees by Polyglot Theatre
10:30 am, noon, 2:15 pm, and 3:30 pm

Life-sized bees take over the Museum’s galleries, inviting children to explore their dynamic world through movement, sound, and play. This performance creates community through exploration and encourages young audiences to discover the fascinating life of these tiny insects.

Build Your Own Solar Car with Solar One

Curious about how solar power works? Join environmental STEM educator Solar One for a workshop to build your own solar car. Become a solar technician and install solar panels on your vehicle, which will move at different speeds depending on how the panel is positioned on the car.

City Nature Challenge: InsectBlitz

The City Nature Challenge invites participants to document urban biodiversity through citizen science, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world thriving amidst bustling cityscapes. This year, EarthFest is joining Team NYC to showcase the richness of our local insect species, celebrating the biodiversity thriving just outside the Museum.

Visit the Solomon Family Insectarium to explore local biodiversity, learn how to use iNaturalist, and practice taking photos of live insects in tanks. Then sign up for a 4 pm InsectBlitz excursion into Central Park and compete with other cities for the most observations!

Ask An Expert

Visit “Ask an Expert” stations, where you can engage with knowledgeable scientists and educators to satisfy your curiosity about the wonders of the Earth. Whether you have burning questions about mammalogy, biology, or geology, our experts are here to provide insightful answers.

BEEcome Part of the Hive

Join the hive by crafting your own antenna, wings, or bee stripes in this hands-on art-making activity! Find this station under the Gilder Center staircase, near the Museum shop.

Screening for Solar Rays

In this activity, learn about the importance of sunscreen through interactive experiments, like using UV rays and special camera lenses to reveal the invisible protection it provides while you’re having fun in the Sun.

Learn more, visit - www.amnh.org/calendar/earthfest

The exhibition "Grounded by Our Roots" opens April 3 in the Northwest Coast Hall’s at the American Museum of Natural History, and ...

The exhibition "Grounded by Our Roots" opens April 3 in the Northwest Coast Hall’s at the American Museum of Natural History, and will showcase Indigenous artists who draw inspiration from their cultural traditions.

Note: I was invited as media to this event. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

During a first look media preview, I meet with some of the Indigenous artists to learn about the stories behind their artwork and their individual creative Indigenous communities.

Each artist explained the materials, technique and cultural history behind their creative styles and how it applies to their specific artwork.

While each artist comes from a different Indigenous culture, they all want to honor their community, while bringing their artwork into a modern experience.

Eliot White-Hill Kwulasultun Interview

I spoke with Eliot White-Hill Kwulasultun about how he was able to blend ancient technique while using modern "supplies" for his artwork like Ancestors' Hands (2022): a cardboard sculpture made of a pizza box.

Eliot White-Hill Kwulasultun: I'm a pretty new artist. I only learned in the last few years since when I began practicing. And for me, when I first started learning about Salish design, I tried to go back to the oldest cases, which are often in museum collections like here.

So I studied the forms of it, the shapes, the visual language and it really opened my eyes to how there's a continuity from thousands of years ago to today.

Eliot White-Hill Kwulasultun: And then from there, As I started to immerse myself in it more, I found my own voice. I realized that it became a way to tell my own stories and to use my own voice.


Eliot White-Hill Kwulasultun: And so I'm inspired by my ancestors, but I'm also inspired by modern art. I'm inspired by episode of Japanese anime. And, I do a lot of graphic design as well.

It's always trying to think about how I can apply the visual language in a new way. We aren't constrained by what people think indigenous art should be.

Eliot White-Hill Kwulasultun: If people think we should be carving or we should be weaving, while we can absolutely do that, but we can do other things as well.

And I think it's really powerful and special for future generations to be seeing all the different ways that our art can be. So that's really one of the main motivates motivations for me.

Eliot White-Hill Kwulasultun (Snuneymuxw First Nation), an interdisciplinary artist who aims to “share our art and our teachings, and ensure that future generations will have that knowledge accessible to them”

• Ancestors' Hands (2022): a cardboard sculpture made of a pizza box that is part of a series centered around an archaeological dig that took place in Snuneymuxw First Nation (Vancouver Island) in the 1980s
• We Fell From the Sky / Together and Apart (2022): mixed media on birch panel that tells one of the creation stories of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, whose ancestors fell from the sky onto Te’tuxwtun
• Through the Spindle / Other Whorlds (2021): a serigraph that explores the concept of the sulsultun (spindle whorl), a sacred source of knowledge within the Coast Salish world

Grounded by Our Roots Exhibit

The exhibition is produced with guest curator Aliya Boubard, the curator of the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in Vancouver, who is Anishinaabe and a member of Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba.

The artists and works featured in the gallery include:


Nash’mene’ta’naht Atheana Picha (Kwantlen First Nation), whose work is “focused on learning traditional Coast Salish design language and studying Northwest Coast artwork with the introduction of different material practices”

• Split Serpent (2023): a serigraph on Stonehenge paper inspired by the artist’s effort to overcome a fear of snakes.
• Thunderbirds and Serpents (2022), a serigraph on Stonehenge paper whose design is a study in Coast Salish forms.
• Navigators (2022), a serigraph on Stonehenge paper, which the artist made after research into Nuu-chah-nulth and Coast Salish printmakers.
• Thunderbird’s Visit (2023), a cedar carving that is a reflection of Coast Salish spindle whorls, which are recognized as the “teachers” of contemporary Coast Salish visual design.

Hawilkwalał Rebecca Baker-Grenier (Kwakiuł, Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh), a fashion designer who debuted her first collection at New York Fashion Week in 2022 and sees “fashion as a living practice that is rooted in our art form, laws, and worldview”

• Held by Generations (2023/2024): a vest and skirt made from dentalium shells, ermine, glass beads, leather, and cotton that merge ancestral materials and designs with contemporary style as an outward representation of the artist’s identity

SGidGang.Xaal Shoshannah Greene (Haida), who studied hand-drawn animation before switching to classical and contemporary Haida formline and “love(s) to explore and play between the worlds of classical formline and contemporary mediums”

• Shines Like Gold (2022): an archival pigment print on cotton rag that is inspired by Haida argillite plates. This piece refers to the story of Nang Kilslaas (also known as Raven), after he has successfully stolen the light that was concealed.
• Nang Kilslaas and The First Xaaydas (2023): an illustration on cotton archival watercolor paper that is one of several pieces from the project Our Guiding Ways of Being, a series of traditional and contemporary stories focused on Haida beliefs and values

Alison Bremner Naxhshagheit (Tlingit), who works in woodcarving, painting, digital collage, among other media, “exploring the present-day Tlingit experience, each concept ultimately dictating the medium”

• Midnight at the Fireworks Stand (2022): an acrylic painting made on vintage and found wallpaper focused on Indigenous communities that are heavily affected by generational trauma inflicted from Western contact
• Church and State (2024): an acrylic painting on canvas born of frustration with the Supreme Court’s authority to govern Indigenous matters

Northwest Coast Hall Renovation

The Museum’s Northwest Coast Hall reopened in 2022 following a transformative renovation and reinterpretation in consultation with Indigenous communities from the Pacific Northwest Coast. As part of the revitalization, a rotating art gallery was created to showcase the continuity and transformation of Indigenous creative traditions.

Featuring exhibits that showcase the creativity, scholarship, and history of the living cultures of the Pacific Northwest, the Northwest Coast Hall focuses on the material culture of 10 Native Nations and language communities of the Pacific Northwest and presents more than 1,000 restored cultural items, enlivened with new interpretation developed with Consulting Curators from the Coast Salish, Gitxsan, Haida, Haíłzaqv, Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, Nuxalk, Tlingit, and Tsimshian communities.

The curator of the Northwest Coast Hall is Peter Whiteley, curator of North American Ethnology at the Museum, and the co-curator is Ḥaa’yuups, Nuu-chah-nulth scholar and cultural historian.

Learn more, visit - www.amnh.org/exhibitions/grounded-by-our-roots

In time for Black History Month, The Paley Center for Media new exhibit highlights National Geographic’s series Genius: MLK/X—Two Minds, One...

In time for Black History Month, The Paley Center for Media new exhibit highlights National Geographic’s series Genius: MLK/X—Two Minds, One Movement from February 1 through March 3, 2024.

Note: I received media tickets for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

I was invited to see the exhibit and decided to take along my teen son and his friend. While I've grown up learning about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, sadly these teen boys don't know as much as they should.

So visiting the exhibit helped both start a conversation about the "real" men the show is based on and how that history is still relevant for the black community today and in the future.

The boys were amazed by all the "history" they learned from the authentic costumes, props, and set pieces from the series, along with screening an episode of Genius: MLK/X.

ARTIFACTS

Get up close with posters, signs, newspapers, and personal items that marked the paths of these influential leaders. Watch video clips and historical archival footage to gain a deeper understanding of their contributions.

ORIGINAL COSTUMES

The exhibit will feature original costumes from the series, including iconic, period-accurate zoot suits, a Fruit of Islam uniform, watches, and hats.

SCREENINGS

Step into Paley's theater and immerse yourself in a curated selection of documentaries and interviews celebrating the incredible lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, as well as the premiere episode of Genius: MLK/X.

This Black History Month Experience Presented by Citi is based on the Emmy Award-winning anthology series on National Geographic and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.


Besides the exhibit, Paley Center also has another area with black history trivia and activities.

FAMILY FUN and TRIVIA

Family events and arts & crafts activities that aim to educate and inspire, or test your knowledge with interactive trivia game.

Browse through carefully selected MLK and Malcolm X books for both kids and adults in our library and explore curated shows related to the Civil Rights movement.


After all the educational lessons, the teens were rewarded with some gaming time at the PaleyGX Gaming Studio. I confess I also enjoyed some gaming time in the Virtual Reality (VR) lab, while the boys gamed together.

While we only visited these two activities, there's lots for families to do and see at The Paley Center Museum.

Learn more, visit - www.paleycenter.org

Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo opened with more than 5,000 carved, animal-themed pumpkins over a half-mile jack-o’-lantern trail, live pump...

Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo opened with more than 5,000 carved, animal-themed pumpkins over a half-mile jack-o’-lantern trail, live pumpkin carving demonstrations, games, festive fall treats, food trucks and fun for all ages.

Note: I received media tickets for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

Of course we made a visit to enjoy some of the family friendly activities. Walking around the Bronx Zoo at night is a unique experience and great memory for families.

And Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo offered lots of memory making moments including

Jack-o’-Lantern Trail

More then just a walk in the woods, this trail showed night time animals and shared facts about the animals and their activites. It was a nice switch from day time learning at the zoo and highlighted some noturnal animals families might have not visited before.

The trail, while not very long for those with small kids, does offer different sections and a few activities stops for families with older kids.

Live Pumpkin Carving

Seeing how shapes and designs can be craved into pumpkins was a treat. The demos offered a good view and gave a peek into the skill and work that goes into pumkin carving.

I wish this area was just a little bit bigger because it gets crowded and seeing everything can be limited. But if you get a good spot or come to another demo at a different time, it's worth it.

Family Games

If families wanted a break from the trail, there was different games to enjoy. The kids played played lots of different games including kahoot. But I admit, the adults enjoyed playing, as much as the kids.

While I highlited these 3 activites, the whole Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo experince is a fun night out for the familiy.

Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo

Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo is a new nighttime experience based on the theme “what animals do after dark.”

It is brought to life through intricately carved pumpkin sculptures and scenes, special lighting techniques, thematic music, and fall treats and activities before and after the trail.

This new experience will be perfect for families to spend the evening at the Bronx Zoo with activities such as photo-ops, pumpkin carving demonstrations, and fun seasonal outdoor games.

Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo will be Thursdays – Sundays, September 28th - October 29th, 6PM - 10PM. Last entry is at 9PM.

Tickets

Thursdays and Sundays: $34.95 for Adults 12 and up, and $24.95 for Children ages 3-12
Fridays and Saturdays: $36.95 for Adults 12 and up, and $26.95 for Children ages 3-12
Children under 3 are free.

Wildlife Conservation Society members will receive a 40% discount.

Boo at the Zoo

In addition to Pumpkin Nights, the Bronx Zoo will continue the tradition of Boo at the Zoo, which returns on Saturdays and Sundays, September 30th through October 29th, plus Monday, October 9th.

To learn more, visit - www.bronxzoo.com/pumpkinNights

While the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival was in Franklin Square, June 21 – August 13, 2023, we visited to see the returned 200-foot-l...

While the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival was in Franklin Square, June 21 – August 13, 2023, we visited to see the returned 200-foot-long dragon, along with never-before-seen giant lantern displays.

Note: I was invited as media to preview the exhibit. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.


We had an amazing time! Once again we were wowed by the mystical animals and planets lantern sculptures. But there was also so many non fantasy themes to enjoy seeing.


The flower bridge was one of the favorites. But we also enjoyed the plants and animals, especially the panda bears. The teens really had fun there.


This year some of the giant lighted artistic sculptures are interactive and added something fun for families with kids of all ages to do. Truth be told, lots of adults enjoyed the interactive also.


Besides the lanterns, we enjoyed watching the various Chinese cultural performances on stage. So much talent including a Jiu-Jitsu Acrobatics, Face Changers and Ribbon Dancing.


We also saw folk artists at various tables Aluminum Braiding, Inner-Bottle Painting and Lantern Painting. Such a treat to see how they make their crafts.

While this just highlights some of our time at The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, there's so many other activities for families to enjoy I didn't include here.

Make sure you visit and enjoy it all with your family.

Activities Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

In addition to the light installations, visitors can enjoy live cultural stage performances, see the choreographed fountain light show, taste Asian cuisine and American comfort food, drink a toast at the Dragon Beer Garden, and shop for Chinese folk artists’ crafts created on site as well as Festival-themed merchandise.

The lanterns are able to be viewed for free during daytime, while a ticket is required for nighttime entrance after 6 pm (no re-entry). The park will close daily at 5 pm to prepare for the nightly Festival. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

Tickets Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Friday and Saturday tickets (timed tickets required):

· $25 for adults
· $14 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
· $23 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)

Sunday through Thursday tickets:

· $22 for adults
· $14 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
· $20 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)

Combination tickets including Franklin Square attractions are available.

Attractions in Franklin Square

Philly Mini Golf: Putt around the city on this Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course. $13 adults/$11 children (3-12), guests 2 years of age and younger are FREE with paid accompanying guardian

Parx Liberty Carousel: A zebra, a lion, an eagle, horses and more! Hop on this spectacular all-American style carousel with hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones. $4 per person (adult or child), guests 2 years of age and younger are FREE with paid accompanying guardian

Playgrounds: Slides, swings, and spinners…bring the kids and enjoy two playgrounds! Open year-round and free.

Franklin Square Fountain Show: FREE choreographed “performances” of fountain jets dancing magically with dramatic lighting and music, both day and night. April 29 – October 31, with daily performances every 30 minutes from 12 pm until closing

SquareBurger: SquareBurger has a delicious menu operated by Cooperage. Food options include burgers, fries, and classic thick milkshakes including the legendary Original Cake Shake made with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets®. Hours vary by season, visit historicphiladelphia.org for schedule and full menu.

A portion of the proceeds from the Festival benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the non-profit that operates and manages Franklin Square, for the programming and care of this important public space and its many year-round free events.

Learn more, visit - www.phillychineselanternfestival.org

Now that the weather has started getting warmer, it's time for families to start planning outdoor activities. Note: I was invited a...

Now that the weather has started getting warmer, it's time for families to start planning outdoor activities.

Note: I was invited as media and received product samples for review purpose. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.

One location that offers a variety of family fun activities is Dreamworks Water Park in the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ.


To see some of the fun families can have there, I was invited for a full day experience, with access to our own at a private luxury skybox cabana, and a hands-on demo of summer ready products for families.

We first settled into our private skybox cabana which is AMAZING.


There's was a full living room with couchs, a TV and entertainment center, a private changing area and a mini kitchen area with a sink and mini fridge. We were able to change, leave our things and head out into the water park.

Our first stop was to see the products demo! Which were #gifted for us to try out while there and take home!

Products for Summer Family Fun

Monster Speakers

DNA Max ($179) Provides a sensational listening experience with brilliantly engineered technology in an extraordinary, portable design.

Blaster 3.0 ($299) a revolutionary portable boombox that delivers breathtaking sound, phenomenal bass, water resistance, and extraordinary battery life all in one lightweight, stunning design.

BlendJet 2

BlendJet’s newest accessories and designs including Disney and more. Serves up big blender power on the go.

It’s easy and convenient to use at home, at work, outdoors, on vacation or wherever the day takes you. Use with BlendJet JetPacks for juice bar quality smoothies and barista-worthy lattes at the touch of a button.

BeachTech Towels

BeachTech Towels made from recycled plastic, with sand wicking properties and built-in UV sensors in Nickelodeon designs (Spongebob, Avatar, Blue’s Clues, PawPatrol and more.

Folding to the size of a paperback book, these towels dry almost instantly - perfect for traveling.


After the demo, we quickly opened our BeachTech Towels and headed out for a day of water fun. And when I say the whole day, I truly meant it.


There's was so many areas for families to enjoy. One of the things I enjoyed about the Dreamworks Water Park is that there's rides for all ages of kids (and adults).

I confess the moms had just as much fun as the teen boys on the water rides. We did a few water rides just us moms and other water rides moms and son teams.


After a full day of water fun, we dried off quick and easy with our BeachTech Towels and folded them back into their carry bags.

Carrying four towels became so much easier and we plan to use our BeachTech Towels during more water activities!

If your family enjoys water parks but don't want to travel far, I highly recommend visiting Dreamworks Water Park in the American Dream Mall.

Dreamworks Water Park Deals

Splash & Save in April & May

Enjoy 30% off at DreamWorks Water Park this spring. Use code* SAVE30, Mon-Thu, April 17th - May 18th.

Spring Season Splash Pass

The new 2023 Spring Season Splash Pass is perfect for repeat visits! At $179, enjoy unlimited visits to DreamWorks Water Park throughout spring from April 17th – June 30th.

Spring Break Pass

Experience The Great Indoors at one great price—only $165. Save up to 25% on admission to two parks, plus get a $20 dining card to your choice of MrBeast Burger or Five Guys. Buy your passes now for April 1 – May 12.

Spring Break Pass

DreamWorks Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe for one low price. Choose to experience both parks in one day or across multiple days. Your choice!

Includes 1-day admission to DreamWorks Water Park, Includes 1-day admission to Nickelodeon Universe. Valid now through June 15, 2023; one-time use, blackout days may apply.

Learn more, visit - www.americandream.com