Vanessa Leigh

Vanessa Leigh is a busy mom of three (including twins!), a Midwesterner turned East Coaster, and a chocolate enthusiast. She’s a copywriter specializing in Early Childhood and Motherhood, plus the creative force behind her Etsy shop. When she’s not writing or designing, you can find her indulging in dark chocolate peanut butter cookies at Levain Bakery. Connect with Vanessa at www.vanessaleighagency.com or browse her creations at MamaMagicByVanessa.etsy.com. She loves chatting with fellow parents—don’t hesitate to reach out!

Latest posts by Vanessa

40 Top Amusement Parks in the US for a Family Vacation

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Sat, 02/26/2022 - 11:20am

Young kids will love the Sesame Street-themed area at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

If you're looking for thrills and adventure for your next family vacation, consider a trip to one of the best amusement parks in the US. There are so many theme parks across the country to plan a vacation around. Some theme parks are located near gorgeous beaches or fun cities to explore. Others are destinations in and of themselves: With so many rides and attractions, you can spend a weekend or more in the parks and not run out of things to do.

We've scoured the country to find the best amusement parks in the US to visit on your next family vacation. Whether you're a thrill-seeking family eager to check out the highest roller coasters or you're just there for the funnel cake (that's me), we have just the amusement park for you. Our list includes popular theme parks in California, fun Orlando theme parks, and plenty in between.

Ready to book your next family vacation? Check out our handy Family Travel Guide and our guide to Family-Friendly Resorts and Hotels to help you plan your journey.

20 Easy Magic Tricks for Kids

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Tue, 02/15/2022 - 10:01am

Abracadabra! These videos teach kids how to do magic at home! Photo by Amina Filkins/Pexels

Abracadabra! Hocus-pocus! Open sesame! With these easy magic tricks, kids can learn to impress their friends with some sleight of hand stunts. If you have a little magician at home, look no further than these easy magic tricks for kids: After watching the video and practicing a bit, coins will disappear, spoons will bend, and glasses will levitate.

Learning how to do magic is not just for fun; like brainy puzzle games, magic tricks keep kids thinking while they play. These easy magic tricks can boost confidence, improve fine motor skills, and spark a child’s interest and engagement in science, games, and much more.

Check out our At-Home Guide of 100s of Activities for Kids for even more ways to learn through play—like these Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home.

Teens Can Apply Now for Summer Internships in Boston

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Sun, 01/23/2022 - 11:52am

Rising sophomores have the opportunity to join the STEAM team at the museum. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston

High school is a time of friendships, activities, milestones, and memories. It’s also a time that precedes important career and college plans. College applications can feel daunting, for teens and supportive family members alike, but one thing is for certain: on top of strong academics, test scores, and extracurricular activities, an internship in the “real world” is a terrific addition to show off leadership skills and initiative.

We’ve scoped out multiple summer internship programs and opportunities for your teen, and included as much info on application deadlines as possible. A summer 2022 internship is a great addition to any resume and college application—not only that, it's a terrific learning experience that can help shape a young person’s growth and future.

Check out our Tweens & Teens Guide to Boston for more local events and happenings.

Awesome Things That Opened in Boston This Year for Kids

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 11:00pm

The world-famous Boston Pops came back to Symphony Hall for the annual Holiday Pops concerts. Photo courtesy of Bso.org

As 2021 comes to a close and it’s time to start making New Years’ resolutions, it’s also a perfect time to look back and mark all of the new things that made the past year special. There have been delicious additions to Boston's culinary scene, including ice cream and donuts. Museums have had new exhibits and reopenings welcoming kids back to these important discovery spaces. And the joyful sounds of Symphony Hall are back with the Boston Pops holiday show. Our picks for best openings in 2021 brought a little magic to a challenging year.

Check our Boston holiday guide for terrific seasonal activities to close out the year.

Family-Friendly Bed and Breakfasts Near New York City for a Cozy Weekend Getaway

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Sun, 11/07/2021 - 1:45pm

The Art House Bed and Breakfast packs plenty of amenities into its small East Hampton footprint.

Snuggle up by a warm fire, enjoy a serene walk along beautiful Lake George, or travel back in time to the 1800s. Sounds like an inviting weekend getaway, right? These are just a few of the adventures families can experience at these resorts, lodges, and bed and breakfasts near New York City.

These family-friendly B&Bs make for a perfect weekend trip. Escape the hustle and bustle of home for a weekend away at one of these charming inns. Find more spots for your next weekend trip in our Guide to Weekend Getaways.

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

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 10:07am

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.

Family-Friendly Wineries and Cider Mills for a Fun Getaway Near NYC

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Mon, 09/13/2021 - 4:40pm

Enjoy a family-friendly winery visit at Harbes Vineyard in Mattituck.

It’s that time of year—there’s a hint of fall in the air. The leaves are on the brink of changing, and pumpkin flavors are already wafting through the air and filling store shelves. While apple picking outings might already be on your calendar, don't overlook a seasonal fall trip to a local winery, cider mill, or vineyard.

Fall is the perfect time to check out this different kind of harvest, and we've found nine cider mills, wineries, and vineyards near New York City that are happy to welcome you and your kids. We’ve organized these wineries and cider mills by the approximate distance from NYC, beginning with the closest sites. For more options, visit these spots in Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island. Be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide for more autumnal entertainment.

Riverside Park’s Best Playgrounds Ranked for Kids and Families to Enjoy

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 1:10pm

Hippo Playground is Riverside Park's top destination when it comes to playtime. Photo by Jody Mercier

Riverside Park is our family’s backyard and home to some of the best playgrounds in the city, but what's the best of the best in this four-mile stretch of nature that spans Manhattan's west side from 72nd Street to 158th Street? We set out to find out, and our parent-tested results are here. We've ranked the playgrounds of Riverside Park based on their amenities, accessibility, and how much family-friendly fun they inspire.

Once you've had your share of romping in Riverside, be sure to check out our rankings of the best playgrounds in Central Park, Prospect Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park, too.

Vanessa Leigh

Latest posts by Vanessa

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