Explore Fort Tejon: Civil War History Right near Los Angeles

Explore the adobe barracks at Fort Tejon. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Most kids learn about California history by visiting the gorgeous California Missions that dot the Southland. However, you don't have to hop a flight to Gettysburg for some Civil War-era history. An easy day trip from LA is Fort Tejon State Park, where visitors get a look at a day in the life of a 19th-century soldier from the time of the Civil War. It's a unique and fascinating glimpse of lesser-known local history. So pack a picnic and head over the Grapevine to explore this hidden historic gem.

The Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Returns to Jones Beach for 2021 Season

The Magic of Lights ushers in holiday spirit with gorgeous twinkling light displays. Photo by Emily Maw Hood

The luminescent holiday light show Magic of Lights returns to Jones Beach State Park this winter. Guests can enjoy holiday cheer from the comfort of their toasty cars as the spectacular display unfolds along a 2½-mile drive-thru route, illuminating the skies and bringing smiles to all those who visit.

Read on for all the details on this now-annual holiday favorite, plus tips on how to score early-bird pricing. There's also three other lantern shows to illuminate Long Island this holiday season. For more seasonal fun, check out our Long Island events calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.

The La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum: Have a Historic Visit with Kids

The La Brea Tar Pits are one of the  most famous fossil discovery spots in the world.

Exploring the La Brea Tar Pits is one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles with kids of all ages. But did you know that there's also an incredible museum just a few yards from the famous tar lake? The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits gives an inside look at the city's prehistoric past and explains why that sticky black tar is seeping up all over the Miracle Mile. With a small footprint compared to the Natural History Museum or California Science Center, the Page Museum is easy to explore in a day—in fact, you'll have plenty of time to check out other sites along LA's "Museum Row," like the brand new Academy Museum.

Here's a detailed look at highlights of the La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum, plus tips on where to eat, where to park, and what to explore in the area.

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near DC for Kids and Families

The popular Sculpture Garden Ice Rink returns November 19, 2021. Photo courtesy of The National Gallery of Art, Sculpture Garden

On a beautiful winter day, what could be more enjoyable than skating around on a fresh sheet of ice? In 2022, skaters will have plenty of options for ice skating near DC, from rinks that are part of special holiday events to outdoor ice skating rinks near DC that stay open all winter long.

Weather permitting, outdoor ice skating rinks near DC generally open in mid to late November and close in February or March. Many of them also host special skating events, so check the websites for more information. Otherwise, lace up your skates and enjoy ice skating near DC at one of these great rinks. For more fun things to do near DC this winter—from the best ski resorts near DC to the best places to go snow tubing near DC—check out out Winter Activities Guide for DC Kids.&

25 Fun Things To Do with Atlanta Teens and Tweens

Atlanta teens love Puttshack for raising the coolness factor at mini golf.

Raising Atlanta teens and tweens, compared to little ones, has a lot of benefits; besides getting a full night of sleep, you no longer need to change diapers, tie shoes, or swaddle (hopefully). As these teens in Atlanta participate in sports and school activities, it’s rewarding to watch their personalities and skills develop. They may even start performing chores around the house (hopefully)! On the flip side, these same wonderful kids begin asserting their independence, and parents eventually realize they may not be the center of their teen's world anymore.

Welcome to the tween and teen years! Although teens' behavior is completely normal, finding family activities can prove challenging. Let our guide of exploring Atlanta with teens help you find new and exciting things to do together in the area while keeping the bonds with your Atlanta teens strong.

Top Places to Host Your Child's First Orlando Birthday Party

Orlando Science Center’s all-inclusive party packages are designed to take the hassle out of planning your child’s party.

First birthdays are a big milestone, especially for parents who persevered through those difficult first 12 months of life. It’s no wonder parents want to go all out to celebrate the occasion. But planning a first Orlando birthday party can add a lot of undue stress, so why not choose a venue that can alleviate some of the tasks involved in party planning? We’ve rounded up some wonderful Orlando birthday party venues perfect for hosting a first birthday party in Orlando.

In addition to the venues below, local playgrounds and splash pads are also very popular party options for first birthday parties. For a complete list of all the great ways to celebrate birthdays locally, check out our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in Orlando.

25 Things To Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama with Kids

The white sand is perfect for sandcastles at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Photo courtesy of  Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Tourism

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama are the perfect places to take kids on a beach vacation. Nestled along Alabama's Gulf Coast, this family destination is bursting with a ton of water activities, can't-miss attractions, and an unending amount of tasty treats. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama have been popular for years among those from Southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida; however, the appeal of its white, sandy beaches and family-friendly vibes now attracts visitors from across the country.

Visiting the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach isn't like taking any other beach vacation. Besides the pristine, soft sands of the beach, visitors can also head to the back bays of the area, perfectly suited for fishing, kayaking, observing coastal wildlife, and other outdoor adventures. Kids love exploring the back bays and surrounding trails, discovering the natural habitat of this diverse ecosystem. In fact, if you really have an outdoorsy child, think about camping for a few nights in the area.

No matter what your family's interests are, we promise everyone will enjoy their trip to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Be sure to check out our Family Travel Guide for more fun family vacation ideas!

Do You Have What it Takes to Tackle City Climb NYC's Newest Sky-High Attraction?

Visitors ages 13+ can tackle City Climb, the highest outdoor skyscraper climbing course in the world, at Edge New York beginning Tuesday, November 9.

New Yorkers are pretty fearless, and one local attraction is aiming to capitalize on that, debuting a brand new, heart-stopping attraction. City Climb, from the team behind Edge, Hudson Yards' eye-popping observation deck allows visitors to climb to the precipice of 30 Hudson Yards before peering out over the building's facade in a thrilling, gravity-defying, open-air attraction, with nothing but 1,200+ feet of open-air between you and the ground below.

Think you—or your teen—has what it takes to conquer City Climb? Read on for all the terrifying details.

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