Is there any other city in the world where you can hike in nature and visit world class museums (not to mention the beach) all on the same day? This is why the premium paid for living in LA is steeper than these hikes! Los Angeles has some majestic mountains, but not all our trails are exhausting treks—there are loads of hikes in every nook and cranny of the city that are perfect for little legs (or beginner hikers of any age).

Get ready to discover your favorite new place to take even the smallest hiker in the family. If you’ve also got older kids or babies in strollers, we’ve outlined which hikes are just as fun for big kids and which are stroller (and dog) friendly. These LA hiking spots are kid-tested and whole family-approved, and are the ones that everyone will want to visit again and again.

From their perch guarding the entrance to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library, lions Patience and Fortitude bore witness to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and, not long after, the Great Depression. It was then that Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia named them to remind New Yorkers of qualities that would help see the city through the dark days ahead. The noble lions are a constant reminder of the countless ways the NYPL remains an invaluable resource for New Yorkers.

To help navigate the current pandemic, the library has ramped up its remote-learning resources with FREE offerings ranging from virtual homework help and storytimes to reading lists, learning aids, and other activities to engage learners of all ages and stages. Read on for details on six FREE NYPL programs families can stream right now.

We've got tons more remote-learning resources in our Homeschool and Online Learning Guide and fun ways to keep kids engaged and entertained in our Stay-at-Home Guide, too.

Ready to spoil your kid for their birthday? We love to make our kids feel special on their big day, and our readers have helped come up with dozens of completely FREE ways to show the birthday star how much they mean to us, from a "Yes" day to a special breakfast surprise. 

With a little bit of imagination—and this handy list for inspiration—your family might just create new traditions that don't involve forking over next month's rent with a pricey party. Most of these birthday party ideas work especially well during these days of continued social distancing and immediate-family-only celebrations. Check out our Birthday Party Guide for more ideas or find a virtual party entertainer on Poppins@Home.

The Hudson Valley is a great destination for weekends and day trips, offering beautiful nature, scenic hiking trails, outdoor activities, historic sites, and world-class art. When it comes to that last detail, Dia Beacon is our go-to destination.

The larger-than-life museum and exhibition space houses large-scale, post-modern artworks and installations on the banks of the Hudson River in the beautiful, family-friendly town of Beacon.

Located within a former industrial storage complex along the waterfront in Sunset Park, Industry City has evolved into a cultural and foodie hub. The eight formerly derelict, city-block-sized buildings, running from 33rd to 37th Streets between Second and Third Avenues, are now home to artist studios, workspaces, great shopping, art exhibitions, a chocolate factory, a Brooklyn Nets training facility, an international food hall, and even one of our favorite ice skating rinks.

It's the perfect spot for shoppers, food-lovers, and young families, offering a unique mix of tastes, sights, art, and family programming. While certain activities and businesses have closed in the current pandemic, there's still a great deal to see and do in Industry City. Its large outdoor areas are perfect for socially distanced get-togethers, too.

Read on for 17 ways to make the most of a trip to Industry City with kids.

If your kids are anything like most, their holiday wish lists were filled with requests for new toys. But now that your house is overflowing with new treasures, what do you do with all of the old ones or those that your child never even opened? Or all of the baby equipment that was gently—or never—used? Consider supporting one of these local charities accepting donations.

We've rounded up 11 local Long Island charities that could use your support. We always recommend checking current donation requirements. Many organizations only accept new, unused items.

For safety reasons, most charities do not accept cribs or car seats. However, many accept strollers, bouncers, and even baby care items such as diapers. Before dropping by, contact these local charities to make sure they haven't reached their donation limits. One other tip: Ask your school, local library, or church if they can use your second-hand items. Often, those institutions are willing to accept used toys and books from someone they know and trust.

Looking for more ways to help your community? There are plenty of local volunteer opportunities for kids and families.

We're excited to introduce a new place to find recipes on Mommy Poppins. Our brand-new Easy Recipes for Kids guide includes all sorts of simple baking projects like Hot Chocolate Bombs and Homemade Ice Cream, as well as weeknight dinner ideas, such as Trader Joe's Recipe Ideas.

We've also included plenty of snack ideas—handy for remote learning!—and even some sneaky science lessons in recipe form, such as growing rock candy.

It's not only safer to eat outside these days; it's more fun, too! Boston-area restaurants are getting creative by setting up igloos, domes, yurts, greenhouses, cozy private cabins, and other enclosed or socially distanced heated spaces to allow families to eat outside this winter. Be sure to call ahead or make reservations for these magical spaces before heading out for dinner, lunch, or brunch, since most restaurants are operating with capacity restrictions. 

Make an afternoon of it by pairing a visit to one of these kid-friendly restaurants with a winter day trip to a local park or farm. Our Boston Winter Fun Guide includes more ideas for keeping kids safe, warm, and entertained in the coming months.