Santa Returns to Macy's Santaland For In-Person Visitors in 2021

Santa is taking gift requests in person this holiday season at Macy's Santaland. Photo courtesy of Macy's

The first gift of the holiday season has arrived, and it's a big one: Santa Claus is landing his sleigh on 34th Street and again taking visits in-person at Macy's Santaland in the heart of NYC at Macy's Herald Square flagship store. If you want to share your wish list with him, though, take note: Reservations are required for all Santaland visits in 2021.

Read on for details on this trademark, must-do, only-in-NYC experience and mark your calendars: Macy's Santaland opens for the season on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Garvies Point Playground in Glen Cove Delights Kids of All Ages

Garvies Point Playground offers an expansive play area for children.

Nestled in the charming North Shore community of Glen Cove, the new Garvies Point Playground is destined to become a family favorite. You can’t miss the massive sail-shaped climbing tower, a nod to Long Island Sound, that acts as a backdrop. With all of the sights and sounds, you and your kids will love this place.

The playground is located on Dickson Street along the eastern side of Hempstead Bay and is part of a $1.3 billion, mixed-use development. The area has been completely revitalized from idle industrial lots to a vibrant place to live and play. 

Read on for our review, and see our guide to Long Island parks and playgrounds for more outdoor inspiration.   

Fun Family-Friendly Bike Rides in New Jersey

These local bike paths make for a great family-friendly outing.

Riding a bike is more than a childhood milestone. It develops a sense of balance, strengthens muscles, fosters an appreciation for the outdoors, and makes for wonderful family bonding time. Luckily for New Jersey families, there are tons of family-friendly bike paths throughout the state, from the Kittatinny Mountains to the Jersey Shore.

Read on for 15 family-friendly bike paths for a ride. If you prefer to travel on foot, check out these 12 easy hikes in NJ for families with small children.

20 Things To Do in West Adams with Kids: A Delightfully Family-Friendly Spot

Sprinkles or no sprinkles? Mateo’s Ice Cream and Fruit Bars has so many choices.

West Adams is one of the oldest neighborhoods in LA, and as you explore you can feel how right it is in culture, diversity, and history. But it can be tricky for visitors to locate the area’s “hot spots”—which is one of the reasons why those living here love it! Knowing where to find the perfect taco, the perfect gift, or the perfect park, still feels like insider information. You are very much in the middle of a giant city here, but rarely are your favorite spots overcrowded. I love the many family-friendly surprises that this urban, creative neighborhood holds!

Here are 20 spots (and a bonus at the end!) in the greater West Adams and Mid-City area that families are sure to love. For more places to explore in Los Angeles, check out our favorite neighborhood and city guides that help families uncover every great hidden place in LA.

10 Nature-Themed Playgrounds in NYC for a Fun Fall Romp

The Zucker Natural Play Area debuted its unique playground in 2013. Photo courtesy of the Prospect Park Alliance

In the concrete jungle of NYC, it’s easy to get swept up by the towering skyscrapers, busy streets, and loud city sounds. The best medicine—and what we probably all need a bit more of—is nature. With that in mind, we culled our knowledge of NYC parks and playgrounds to find the best nature-themed playgrounds for kids to re-connect with the great outdoors.

This list will have you and your kids romping in green spaces, climbing unique structures, and exploring natural wildlife areas, all without leaving the urban jungle. Take a deep breath, dive right in, and enjoy the fresh air! Find more fun places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds for NYC Kids.

12 Best Christmas Towns in New England

The Christmas City, Taunton, Massachusetts, has lit up its town green  for more than 100 years. Photo courtesy of City of Taunton Lighting of the Green, Facebook

Visiting a Christmas town or a Santa's village before Christmas is a great way to experience the magic of the season. While nothing beats the joy of watching your kids’ faces light up on Christmas morning as they run toward the tree, Christmas towns offer kids the chance to post their Dear Santa letter via official North Pole mail, help Santa feed his reindeer, or sing Christmas carols on a sleigh ride. Luckily, you don’t have to wait until late December for yuletide magic. New England has some of the top Christmas towns in the world, along with cities hosting famous light displays, charming Christmas festivals, and spirited parades that offer families cherished Christmastime experiences beginning as early as Thanksgiving week. 

To plan more fun in the region, see our New England Family Travel Guide. If you just can't wait for Christmas, watch one of our picks for the best kids Christmas movies

10 Scenic Train Rides in Florida for Every Family to Enjoy

Visitors can actually ride the exhibits at the Florida Railroad Museum, which hosts a variety of experiences throughout the year. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for a new way to tour the beautiful Sunshine State? Immerse yourself and your family in fun and adventure as you step aboard these Florida train rides. Whether you’re looking for a scenic day trip by train, a theme park train ride, or a special holiday train ride like The Polar Express, there are scenic train rides in Florida to please every age and interest. Train enthusiasts—both large and small—will love riding the rails on these Florida train rides.

And if you're looking for an easy, fast, and luxurious way to travel between West Palm Beach and Miami, check out our experience on the new South Florida Brightline train!

All Aboard a Polar Express Train Ride, Plus More Christmas Trains Near DC

Take a train ride with Santa aboard the Paradise Express. Photo courtesy of Strasburg Rail Road, Facebook

Nothing adds magic to the holiday season quite like a festive train ride. To help your family experience that magic, we've rounded up 12+ Christmas trains near DC, including several options for a Polar Express train ride. From trains that transport you to Christmas tree farms to those that bring classic Christmas stories to life, these Polar Express and Christmas trains near DC will make even your Grinchiest family member's heart grow three sizes. And all of them are within a three-hour drive from DC!

Check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids to help you plan more holiday fun this season, and get a jump on your holiday decorating by trying some of these 101 Christmas activities for kids. Santa will be here before you know it!

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