Need to find a playground near you with shade for a hot summer day in NYC? These shady playgrounds in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens offer a break from the sun but no shortage of fun.

While kids can always cool off in NYC's many sprinklers, there's no reason for us parents to get stuck baking in the heat. A few NYC playgrounds are known to offer exceptional amounts of shade—Hippo Playground in Riverside Park and Discovery Playground in Fort Washington Park come to mind—but we asked our readers if they knew of any super-shady playgrounds in New York City, and they came through with several great suggestions.

Yes, I was a masking tape mom, too. But when an order of quality, convenient personalized name stickers and kids clothing labels from Mabel’s Labels appeared in my mailbox for my two young daughters—covered in unicorns and rainbows, no less—I was a very quick convert.

Created by four mothers who were tired of digging through the lost and found bin, Mabel’s Labels are durable, waterproof, laundry-safe, microwave-safe, and adorably customizable with dozens of designs. Specially made to fit kids’ most-used (and most-lost) school items, you’ll find labels for backpacks, lunch bags, shoes, sports gear, and water bottles—plus options for the daycare and preschool crowd, like pacifier and baby bottle stickers. You can even shop by occasion to find the best labels to fit your needs, or snag combo label packs like “Little Kid School Combo” and “School Uniform Label Pack.” Yeah, they get it.

There’s nothing like the comfort of your own home when it comes to hosting your kid’s birthday party. Sure, you have to clean up, but you’re in control, and you don't have to worry about sharing a space with other parties. And, since the cost of an at-home party tends to be lower, it's the perfect opportunity to splurge on a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the party to you.

We've rounded up top New Jersey entertainers for your next bash. From costumed characters to magicians, balloon twisters, and face painters—even ponies and lizards—these party entertainers make house calls to delight your birthday kid and pint-sized party guests.

Find more ideas in our NJ Birthday Party Guide.

The historic town of Kensington, Maryland may be best known for its downtown Antique Row, but it is also a wonderful place to explore with kids. Located about 30 minutes from Washington, DC (just north of Chevy Chase), this Victorian-era town has stayed true to its historic feel and has avoided overdevelopment. From charming shops and restaurants to beautiful parks and playgrounds, you can easily spend a day in Kensington, Maryland with your family and find plenty to do.

We all know what Philly is like in the summer—hot. A large part of surviving is going in search of water.

Like the people who throw them, birthday parties have evolved. Grandma might point out that she managed just fine without puppies and ponies, but that doesn't mean we have to. The truth is that a good party entertainer can make a budget party in the backyard or local park feel like the event of the season. If you're that mom who's never at a loss to entertain a dozen 8-year-olds, our hats are off to you (and please contact us about writing a party piece!); for everyone else, here are 20+ party entertainment companies who bring the party to your house, and we think they really take the (birthday) cake!

Having a playground in your neighborhood is ideal. It’s a nice break from playing in your own yard and a great place to meet up for playdates. But going to the same playground over and over can get tiresome for adventurous kids. Luckily several special playgrounds near Boston are worth packing up the snacks and strollers and getting in the car. Here are 12 of the best that are ready to host your kids’ summer adventures.

Looking for more incredible playgrounds near Boston? We've rounded up our favorite theme playgrounds, brain-boosting playgrounds, and the Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Boston.