Exceptional Explorers Play Space Debuts in Livingston

Visit this safe, fun, brand new play space in Livingston, New Jersey.

Livingston kids can travel the world without leaving their neighborhood, thanks to an innovative new play space that's debuted in northern New Jersey.

The brainchild of two creative cousins, Exceptional Explorers is the area's newest indoor play space. It's a uniquely designed indoor playground where kids from crawlers through elementary-school age can learn about global cultures and geography while sharpening their fine- and gross-motor skills. Area parents can appreciate the venue's attention to cleanliness and remote learning support, plus plans to offer enriching classes, and a new venue to celebrate milestone birthdays. 

How to Get an Egg into a Bottle: A Science Experiment with a Bit of Magic

Watch as the egg slides into the bottle!

Kids play both scientist and magician in this science experiment by performing the seemingly impossible feat of fitting an egg into a jar!

One of our 64 Easy Experiments for Kids, this eye-popping experiment can be completed by kids of various ages, but it will require adult supervision or a grown-up hand for a couple of the steps. It makes use of common items that you might already have on hand so it's easy to squeeze into a down moment at home with the kids. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to fit an egg into a bottle — a quick way to engage kids in a complete a science lesson.

7 Best Train Ride Day Trips To Take from Los Angeles

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner heads down the coast. Photo courtesy of Amtrak

One of the best parts about living in Los Angeles is getting out of Los Angeles. With an unending supply of beaches, mountains, deserts, and historic highways just a short distance away from the city, there’s always an excuse for a day trip. But what are the options if you’re looking to leave cars out of the equation and travel by train to your favorite SoCal destination? Here are a few of the best spots Angelenos can get to easily by rail and still be home by bedtime.

Virtual Field Trips to NYC's Coolest Kid Spots and Cultural Institutions

Miss the thrills? Enjoy Luna Park in Coney Island’s classic coasters from the comfort of home. Photo courtesy of  Luna Park

One of the significant perks of raising kids in New York City is the seemingly never-ending number of museums, zoos, aquariums, and other cultural institutions at your doorstep. While many of our favorite cultural spots have begun to reopen, things look a bit different. Whether you're having trouble snagging a ticket to your favorite venue or don't feel comfortable venturing out just yet, we've rounded up 16 virtual field trips to New York City's museums and kid-friendly haunts.

Many of these family-friendly New York City institutions typically welcome families and school groups with kid-friendly, educational programming. They've now shifted their offerings online, allowing visitors to enjoy the sights from home so, if you're looking to mix up your routine, cozy up in your PJs on the sofa and enjoy one of these virtual field trips.

NYC Delays Start of In-Person Learning For Most Students Yet Again

New York City is now taking a phased-in approach to hybrid learning.

New York City has changed its return to school plans yet again, delaying a return to in-person learning for most children. The city now plans to phase-in its hybrid learning plan. Hybrid learners were scheduled to return to classrooms beginning Monday, September 21.

Early education students in the DOE's 3K and pre-K programs, plus those in District 75 schools who have opted for hybrid learning, still return to the classroom beginning on that date. Students in elementary and K-8 schools return to buildings Tuesday, September 29, while those in middle and high schools, secondary schools, and transfer and adult education centers do not return until Thursday, October 1.

25 Things To Do in Newburyport and Plum Island with Kids

Take a walk  along the pretty Plum Island boardwalk. Photo by Christene S. /Flickr

History, culture, and miles of pristine coastline: Newburyport, Massachusetts, packs a lot of family fun opportunities in one charming package. Located just 45 minutes north of Boston, Newburyport is also a cinch to get to for those in the Northeast, and once there, kids and families can explore leafy hiking trails, uncrowded beaches, a bustling waterfront, and more. Toss in a visit to neighboring Plum Island, and a day trip or weekend trip to Newburyport feels like a true escape.

Read on for our 25 favorite things to do in Newburyport and Plum Island. While on the North Shore, check out these seafood restaurants, family-friendly beaches, or coastal winter fun ideas, depending on the season.

Find more great trips to take with the kids in our New England Family Travel Guide.

Find Family-Friendly Rental Apartments in NYC's Top Neighborhoods

Briar Hill sits on a 4-acre wooded site in Riverdale with a huge outdoor swimming pool.

Here's one thing NYC's lockdown has made abundantly clear to urban families: home is so important. And as the city continues to prioritize staying in and safely spending time outside, many moms and dads are looking for a little more square footage and super easy access to outdoor space. Bright airy apartments and spacious interiors, welcoming terraces and rooftops, open-air swimming pools and tennis courts, and nearby parks and playgrounds are all topping wish lists as 2020 wears on.

Our sponsor, father-and-son-founded Glenwood Management, has a reputation for catering to families with rental apartment buildings in popular kid-approved neighborhoods, large rental apartments with 2-4 bedrooms, and meaningful amenities like playrooms, rooftop gardens, pools, fitness centers, and parking. Not only can Glenwood help to narrow your search for a luxury apartment with its select properties across Manhattan and Riverdale, but the company is also seriously dedicated to the many New York City families and communities it serves. Glenwood has been a long-time supporter of a number of community-oriented organizations—from local public schools to hospitals—it's prioritizing green building to preserve resources, and it plants about 150,000 tulip bulbs around the city each and every year.

Whether you're totally ready to make a move or you're really just daydreaming about your crew's next destination, read on for snapshots of some of the much-loved New York City neighborhoods Glenwood serves, plus a few of its most family-friendly buildings!

15+ Homeschool Curriculum Programs for Learning At Home

Homeschooling in 2020? These programs simplify the process. Photo by the author

More and more families are looking into homeschool curriculum programs in the coronavirus era. But as you dive into the world of homeschooling, it readily becomes apparent that choosing a curriculum is no small task as there are just so many available.

We became a homeschooling family last year and can attest firsthand that curriculum choices come down to the individual learner. It can be a bit of a trial and error to find what works best for your family. One thing that can be especially helpful for families, especially those new to homeschooling, is to select a comprehensive curriculum that touches on all the subjects instead of picking and choosing each course curriculum individually. We've included below a number of comprehensive homeschool curriculum, but also a few top-notch specialty programs in reading, math, and science, as well as several faith-based options.

Find more at-home learning resources in our Back to School Guide and Virtual Learning and Fun Guide.

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