Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Galapagos Islands with Kids: A Family Vacation You'll Never Forget

Head across the Pacific Ocean to meet the amazing creatures of the Galapagos Islands.

If you're looking for the family vacation of a lifetime, consider a trip to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. One of the most beautiful and pristine natural landscapes in the world, the Galapagos Islands offer cruise adventures, breathtaking scenery, close encounters with sea turtles and other animals, and the chance to see flora and fauna that exists nowhere else.

The Galapagos Islands are also a great place for families to witness real conservation work in action and to learn about the revolutionary work of Charles Darwin. While getting to the Galapagos takes a little advance planning, it is is absolutely worth the effort to visit.

Read on to learn all about visiting the Galapagos Islands with kids, including how to get there, the various cruise options, and other tips and tricks. You'll find even more exciting places to visit, from sunny spots in the Caribbean to culture-filled European cities, in our International Travel Guide.

Cherry Blossoms and Cherry Blossom Festivals on Long Island

Cherry blossoms usher in the spring season at Old Westbury Gardens. Photo courtesy of the garden

Spring has arrived on Long Island, bringing with it a glorious burst of colorful cherry blossoms. These are perfect days to explore some of the area's family-friendly gardens and Long Island's excellent state parks, where displays of delicate pink cherry blossoms and a host of other springtime trees and flowers are in full bloom.

A visit to any one of the beautiful gardens or parks listed below lets your kids experience the vibrancy of the season and see the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Searching for more seasonal splendor? Check out our Spring Fun Guide for Long Island Kids. Or pile the kids in the car and set off on a family day trip to one of the many cherry blossom-filled parks in New York City.

Cherry Blossoms in NYC: Cherry Blossom Festivals and Where to See the Blooms

The Green-Wood Cemetery has gorgeous cherry blossoms and amazing views. Photo by Amy Nieporent

Viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms in New York City or attending a local cherry blossom festival is one of the most delightful rites of spring. In Japan, cherry blossom viewing is taken to almost religious heights. Blooming flowers are carefully watched, enjoyed, and celebrated. Traditional Sakura Hanami parties feature eating, drinking, and music.

There are many places to enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms in NYC this spring, and take note—the cherry blossoms are just beginning to burst to life. Here are the best places to see cherry blossoms and celebrate whith cherry blossom festivals in New York City this spring. Find more seasonal happenings in our NYC Kids' Guide to Spring Fun.

Top Indoor Birthday Party Places for Westchester Kids

Build birthday memories brick by brick at Legoland. Photo courtesy of Legoland

Indoor birthday party places in Westchester come in clutch when it isn't park or pool weather, and luckily for us, there's no shortage of places for Westchester kids to get their party on. 

Local venues offer parties centered around bouncing and trampolines, scaling rock walls, practicing yoga, racing go-carts, and more. 

We’ve put together a list of indoor birthday party places suitable for a variety of ages, from preschoolers to tweens and teens. Looking for even more options? Check out our full Party Planning Guide for Westchester Families.

NEW Dino Valley in LEGOLAND is Open for T-Rex-Sized Fun

Dino Valley means jurassic fun in LEGOLAND for kids of all ages.

LEGOLAND California just debuted a brand-new land within the park that's Jurassic and fantastic. Dino Valley immerses theme park visitors into the world of dinosaurs with new rides, interactive places to play, and dino-sized LEGO sculptures.

I took my sons (ages 5 and 7) and their best bud (age 6) to check out Dino Valley. In their words, it was the “best day of their lives.” If that isn’t a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is. 

Discover why LEGOLAND is a beloved Southern California theme park, expand your visit with other things to do with kids in Carlsbad, and find more thrills in our SoCal Theme and Water Parks Guide.  

Leu Gardens' Glass in Flight 2 Ascends to New Heights

Experience amazing outdoor sculptures of flying insects and birds at Leu Gardens.

Leu Gardens invites families to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of its Glass in Flight 2 exhibit, on display now through May 12, 2024. This mesmerizing outdoor attraction showcases 28 sculptures of flying insects and birds, skillfully crafted by renowned artist Alex Heveri. Using colorful glass and powerful steel, Heveri's innovative technique captures the essence of flight, set within the idyllic Leu Gardens.

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