30 Easy Paper Crafts for Kids

A coat of paint turns a simple plate into a work of art.

If there is one crafting material that you can never have enough of, it’s paper. We always keep a hefty supply of construction paper, card stock, tissue paper, paper plates, and toilet paper rolls in my house. When bedecked with a little glue, some colorful paint, and a few googly eyes, plain paper can be transformed into almost anything, from a fire breathing dragon to a sparkly unicorn. What's more, paper crafts are typically affordable, and are a great way to work on fine motor skills.

From a toilet paper roll monster to a construction paper crown, these 30 paper crafts will keep the whole family happily crafting all year long. Check out our list of 100 arts and crafts projects for more ideas for sparking creativity at home.

Spanish and Chinese Language Immersion Lead the Way at Avenues: The World School

At Avenues, kids spend 50% of their time learning in English and 50% learning in either Spanish or Mandarin Chinese, alternating each day.

There’s no better time to learn a second language than early childhood. And that's exactly why language immersion is front and center from nursery through 5th grade at Avenues: The World School, a popular Manhattan private school with campuses on three different continents.

Read on to find out how Avenues' innovative program—shaped by expert faculty with support from an in-house research and development team—builds bilingualism, global citizenship, and a love of learning from the very start.

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.

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