Boo at the Zoo Returns to Bronx Zoo for 2020 Halloween Season

Boo at the Zoo is a fun, safe, and festive way for kids to celebrate Halloween.  Photo by Ally Noel

Mask up and grab your costumes because Boo at the Zoo returns to the Bronx Zoo this October, bringing with it plenty of Halloween fun for New York City kids.

The event officially kicks off Thursday, October 1, but the required timed-entry tickets are already on sale. Read on for more details on one of our annual favorites that gives us hope Halloween isn't canceled here.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Faces Big Changes in 2020

Expect to see plenty of Herald Square backgrounds as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade stages a made-for-TV special solely around its flagship store. Photo by Kent Miller Studios/courtesy of Macy's

Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day Parade is facing some major changes in 2020. In this age of social distancing, gone is the crowd-drawing 2.5-mile parade route, replaced instead by a made-for-TV spectacle that aims to capture the magic of this annual holiday tradition, while eliminating in-person spectators and reducing the number of performers.

While the parade won't make its annual march through the city streets, where it can draw 3 million spectators to city sidewalks, television spectators can expect to see many of its usual trappings and trimmings on display, including the larger-than-life balloons, over-the-top floats, and big-name performers. Some performances are set to be filmed in advance, though the majority of the production still goes on live on Thanksgiving morning. 

The changes were announced following Mayor Bill de Blasio's assertion that the parade would go "virtual" in 2020 during his daily press briefing on Monday, September 14.

How to Make a Mask Lanyard or Chain So Your Kids Stop Losing Them!

This DIY project for kids is right on-trend for 2020 back to school!

Between mask breaks, outdoor play, lunchtime, and snack time, our kids take their masks on and off at least a couple dozen times a day. Each time the masks come off of their face, there is the potential for it to get trampled on the ground, shoved in the bottom of a backpack, or lost and never to be seen again. These handy DIY beaded and ribbon mask chains will allow your kid to keep their mask safe and easy to access.

As we all embark on the weirdest school year ever, adding one of these DIY mask chains to your back to school supplies list might just be essential. It's also just a fun at-home family activity that works those fine motor and design skills. 

Best Private Swimming Classes and Swim Schools for LA Kids

Photo courtesy of LA Surf and Swim

Time for swimming lessons? Group swim classes at a local YMCA or community pool can vary widely in quality (even within a single facility), so we’re here to tell you where Angelenos who are serious about getting the job done keep their kids afloat—and it doesn't have to cost a mint. Private and semi-private swim lessons don't necessarily require a private pool, and they do get kids on the fast track to independent swimming. Several popular swim instructors and schools make use of public pools or swing deals with private pool owners to make private instruction accessible to everyone. Check out the great options below for getting kids safe in the water.

COVID-19 info: Note that as of the publish date, indoor pool facilities are not open in LA County, so lessons are only available outdoors or over the county line. The swim schools below are able to function within those parameters; swim schools that are closed during the pandemic are not listed.

Find more ideas for classes, tutoring, pod support, and homework help at our online Back-to-School Fair, going on now!

10 Favorite NJ Parks and Reservations with Fun for Kids

Explore the easy trails at Eagle Rock Reservation and you might just find something new. Photo by Judith San Pedro Belmonte

Looking for fresh air and family adventure? Head out to explore one of New Jersey's "reservations" — forested nature preserves that are like mini state parks. Hidden along river banks and tucked into woodlands, these New Jersey parks are ideal for family hikes, picnics, and biking. You can bring binoculars to spy on colorful birds or wear boots to let the kids muck around with turtles and frogs.

Most reservations have marked trails, education and nature centers, playgrounds, and restroom facilities, while others are a bit more rugged, with "carry in/carry out" policies—meaning not even trash cans are provided.

We've rounded up 10 New Jersey reservations with a variety of offerings. Read on to find the best spot for your next outdoor adventure! 

Best Beach Walks for a Long Island Family Adventure

Nickerson Beach might be mall, but it's beauty speaks for itself whether you visit during the summer surf, or for an offseason beach walk.

Beach season may have gotten an extension in 2020, but Long Islanders know the best time to visit the beach is long after the out-of-towners have packed up and returned home. In fact, a beach walk could be just what you need to recharge in any season. We've rounded up 11 of the best Long Island beach walks for families to explore. Beyond beautiful scenery, these sandy shores offer some fun extras, from lighthouses to playgrounds, boardwalks, and more. So, put on some comfy shoes, gather up the kids, and hit the sand to enjoy some of our favorite beaches with a peaceful stroll.

Don't forget to pack a picnic, and bring some shovels and pails. It's always sandcastle season. Find more shore-inspired fun in our Beaches, Pools, and Water Playgrounds Guide.

29 (Mostly FREE) Learning Resources, Apps, and Games for Kids

These free online classes and educational resources are perfect for homeschoolers and homework help.

There are countless websites and apps that can supplement kids' school curriculum through interactive games and other resources.

From museum tours and National Geographic deep dives to coding classes and reading apps, we've rounded up some of our favorite—and mostly completely FREE— online learning resources for kids. We've included options for preschoolers, elementary-age kids, middle school, and even high schoolers.  

Find more online classes, games, and resources in our Virtual and Online Guide for Families, or after school learning is done, have hands-on fun with the boredom busters in our Kids Crafts and Activities Guide.

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