Did you know that there are Macaroni KID sites in all 50 US states and in Canada? That means that everywhere from California to the New York island and from the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters, there's sure to be a Macaroni KID site somewhere nearby. The sites are all run by local parents and highlight the best events and attractions for kids and families in their areas. That means you can find your family-friendly fun no matter where you find yourself! 

As a Macaroni KID Publisher, I learn about ALL SORTS of great events in my community (and share them on my calendar for local parents!) - like this Teddy Bear Sleepover at the Orange County Public Library in Hillsborough.  Photo by Samantha Earnhardt

Road Trips

In March I found myself driving across North Carolina and Tennessee (2 very long states!) to take my kiddos to visit relatives over Spring Break. My kids are 4 and 6 and FULL of energy, so I always plan at least one long stop (1-3 hours) for them to get out and run out all that road trip energy.

I checked the event calendars along my route, notably Macaroni KID Hickory and Macaroni KID Asheville - for ideas on what to do with my little balls of energy. I was able to take a successful 1-hour play break at Asheville's Carrier Park thanks to a helpful review from the local publisher.

Since this drive was a particularly long one, I actually made a second play break stop as well. A couple hours after leaving Asheville and crossing into Tennessee, I rolled into the parking lot of Muse Knoxville, a children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) museum, 5 minutes before they opened their doors for their once-monthly Free Family Play time. (I might have planned that!   ) I learned about this awesome (and did I mention FREE?!) event by checking out the Macaroni KID Knoxville, TN site. My kids played like crazy for the entire 2 hours they were open and then passed out in the car for the final leg of our journey. I'm happy to say that the pit stops were successful and helped me keep my sanity while my kids had fun and released their energy.

My kiddos playing until they dropped at Muse Knoxville | Photos by Samantha Earnhardt

Day Trips

Are you used to driving to the Triangle for all sorts of events and family-friendly fun? (I'm looking at you, Hillsborough & Mebane). Well - great news! Our neighbor site, Macaroni KID South Durham-Chapel Hill has got you covered with all the family-friendly fun from the Old Well to the Streets of Southpoint! That site's awesome publisher has also recently started the new Macaroni KID Durham to make sure that local families can stay in-the-know about everything going on across Durham - from the Museum of Life & Science to Duke Gardens and beyond!

Are you used to driving to the Triad for all sorts of events and family-friendly fun? (I'm looking at you, Burlington & Graham). Well - guess what - there's a Macaroni Kid Greensboro-High Point-Jamestown and a Macaroni KID Winston-Salem ready to give you some new ideas!

My little cutie enjoying Homestead Park in Chapel Hill | Photo by Samantha Earnhardt

No matter where you go, though, please always make sure to tell businesses that you heard about them and their awesome events through their local Macaroni KID. While the name might be national, the sites are run locally - and they are a FREE resource for parents everywhere thanks to the sponsorship of local businesses - businesses who understand how Macaroni KID benefits their communities!