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.

The Rocks at Harbor Way in Boston: A New Park Where the Trees Sing

Kids of every age will enjoy a visit to hear the the Singing Trees at The Rocks at Harbor Way. Photo courtesy of Catherine Aillon

The Rocks at Harbor Way is a new urban oasis in Boston with a mix of new age, modern aesthetics, and a nod to the city's maritime history with its wooden boardwalk. This new park in Boston's seaport features Singing Trees and giant boulders for climbing, and is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. Read on to find out why this new park has us singing its praises.

For more great spots where kids can play, visit our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Boston.

13 Coolest Places in NYC to Take Photos of Your Kids

Wave Hill's sprawling lawns and panoramic vistas make for an excellent photo-op uptown.

Not to brag, but New York City is pretty darn photogenic. The glittering buildings, the amazing public art, the bright blue rivers, the buzzing neighborhood streets...It might just be the coolest family photo studio on Earth. No wonder you can hardly turn a corner in this town without running into a movie shoot.

Whether you're looking for the perfect backdrop for a family photo as the holidays approach or just looking up your Instagram game, we've rounded up a list of the best spots in the city to take pics of your kids. But of course, it's not just about getting that perfect shot—it's about having a perfect NYC memory, too. Each of these spots is also a great family destination in its own right, with playgrounds, parks, and museums to explore.

Editors' Picks: Our 10 Favorite Things This Month

This has genuinely helped my restless girl sleep. Win! Photo courtesy of bearaby.com

The holidays approach as visions of Christmas gifts, supply chain problems, Thanksgiving travel, early Hanukkah planning, and more all fight for real estate in the forefront of our minds this November. So the things we are loving this month are an interesting mix of new items we’re stocking up on for the holidays, new entertainment that will keep everyone from toddlers to Grandpa entranced at Thanksgiving gatherings, and a couple of products that just make life easier. Read on to find out what the Mommy Poppins editors are obsessed with this month.

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