La Cañada Flintridge​'s Descanso Gardens stands out as one of the best botanical gardens in LA, and in a city renowned for natural beauty, that's really saying something. Sure the paved and unpaved trails for little wanderers to explore and 150 acres that bloom continuously in winter, spring, summer, and fall contribute to making it great. But what makes it extra magical are the millions of hidden treasures for kids of all ages to discover, as well as the seasonal events and unique programming throughout the year.

Discover what makes Descanso Gardens such a special place for kids—and get some insider tips to making the most of every visit.

What's new at the Santa Barbara Zoo? Families across the city have missed everything about our local zoos with closures this winter (especially Zoo Lights at the LA Zoo). That’s why the news that in the summer of 2021 something new and special is coming to the Santa Barbara Zoo is so very welcome. They’re roaring back, bigger and better than ever before, giving LA kids and families yet another reason to visit the zoo … a trip to the Outback of Australia, with no passport required, just a simple zip up the 101.

Mitigation efforts to fight COVID-19 were put into place throughout Pennsylvania in mid-December, closing indoor locations including museums. Most of those restrictions now have been lifted and our favorite spots are beginning to reopen.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up some locations that are open or plan to open soon. Because restrictions and policies change quickly, be sure to check directly with each venue before visiting. Guests still must wear masks and maintain social distancing at all locations. Many offer timed tickets that must be purchased in advance. So find your masks, grab some hand sanitizer, and explore our list.

Snow in Texas? Say it ain't so! While us Houstonians are used to mild winters that rival most other states autumn season, there are places in Texas that actually do get a little dusting of snow during the colder months. If your winter bucket list includes seeing snow within our great state, then rest assured that you can make it happen! All it takes is a little weekend road trip spent driving to higher elevation and the right timing and your kids can indulge in snowball fights and snow angels during the day and hot chocolate by the fire at night. 

Where in Texas, you might ask? We've rounded up 6 areas of the state that offer the perfect little snow-filled weekend getaway.

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.