City Guide: 25 Places in Manhattan Kids Will Love
We are fortunate to live an hour outside of New York City and we take advantage of our close proximity as much as possible. There are so many family friendly places in the 22 square miles of New York City that our list could potentially go into the hundreds! For this week, however, we’ll stick with 25 places we have explored over the past decade, including a few spots that spill over into the Bronx. We’ll acknowledge some gaps in this list- the Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History are missing from this list- but we have not been to some very popular spots in over a decade (all the more reason to rerun ASAP!) For organizational purposes, we’ve listed sites by location, starting with the Financial District and working on our way up island through the Upper East and West Sides all the way to the Bronx (we had to include a couple of our favorite spots, which happen to in the Bronx- see #23-25)
8 Family Friendly Activities in Vail, Colorado with the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa
The town of Avon, Colorado is located at the base of Beaver Creek Village and Beaker Creek Ski Resort, 2.3 miles up the hill. Vail Village and adjacent Lionshead Village are located 10 miles east of Avon, less than 15 aways from Avon. Both Beaker Creek and Vail are known for their world class skiing in the winter and plenty of outdoor fun throughout the entire year.
After researching places to stop between our visits to Utah and South Dakota (we’re on a massive National Parks tour this summer), we decided to spend a few days exploring the beauty of the Vail area. When crowd sourcing places to stay the overwhelming choice of both friends and acquaintances was the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa, at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain in Avon.
10 Annual Family Traditions
Most people who know me know I am a BIG planner; even quarantined during a pandemic, I keep a calendar and a running list of future plans and activities. Many 2020 activities had to be cancelled or rescheduled, but I am sure we are collectively hoping 2021 will bring more opportunities for adventures. Chances are, lots of people will be eager to get out and start exploring again.
This week, we’re sharing a few of our favorite traditions in the hopes that they return for 2021. Several of these activities require reservations and tickets often sell out quickly, even in a few minutes, so mark your calendars and set an alarm to remind yourself! I’ve also included two NEW-to-us ideas for 2021:
10 Ways to Have Fun in the Berkshires in Massachusetts
The Berkshires, compromised of over 30 towns and villages, is located in the most western part of Massachusetts. It includes towns ranging from Sheffield and Great Barrington in the southern part of the state, bordering Connecticut, to the towns of Wiliamstown and North Adams in the northern part of the state, bordering Vermont. The region is popular year round for outdoor activities, performing arts venues, galleries, museums, and historic homes and landmarks. The Berkshires have been home well known figures such as authors Edith Wharton, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and activist W.E.B. DuBois. Dubbed the “Inland Newport” during the Gilded Age of the 20th century, the area became well known for its over 75 estates, in addition to its thriving farming industry. Today, there are many spots to learn about the important history of the area and many preserved outdoor spaces to enjoy nature all year long.
10 Gardens Kids Will Love at the Berkshire Botanical Garden
On a recent trip to the Berkshires, we made an impromptu stop on our way to the Berkshire Botanical Garden– and we’re so glad we did! It is now one of our favorite spots in the Berkshires and very family friendly. The 20+ acre garden is spread out over both sides of Route 102 and includes over 30 gardens, greenhouses, walks, and buildings for classes, workshops, and family events.
10 Ways to Explore Roger Williams Park in Providence, Rhode Island
When I was planning a trip to Providence, Rhode Island, the Roger Williams Zoo was at the top of my list of places to explore. My family recently enjoyed a few days exploring downtown Providence and you can read about our adventures here.
When we arrived at the Park, I realized the property encompasses way more than “just a zoo.” There are over 400 acres to explore and plenty of year round activities to stay active both indoors and outside. Check out the full map here and the updated calendar here.