99 Sensory Activities for Toddlers, Infants, and Kids of All Ages

Did you know a pillow fight is a great way to get proprioceptive input? Photo by Mommy Poppins

All kids can be affected by sensory processing issues, where certain situations and feelings just become overwhelming. Exposing kids to a variety of sensory activities in a calm, playful manner can alleviate some of these problems.

In that spirit, we've put together this list of 99 sensory activities for toddlers and babies up through big kids; in fact, they're even helpful for adults. My kids' school's occupational therapist once gave a seminar to parents on sensory balance and activities for maintaining a sensory-savvy schedule. I now realize my engine tends to run too low and I need to work harder at energizing myself throughout the day. I have incorporated some of these activities to keep my own energy up.

For more tips and sensory activities for kids of all ages, see our posts on Sensory Bin Ideas for Busy Toddlers, DIY Sensory Activities for Babies, and Sensory Savvy Snacks for Kids.

Guide to Visiting the Yale University Art Gallery with Kids

Among one of the top things to do with kids in New Haven, Connecticut is a visit to the Yale University art gallery. Right on the corner of York and Chapel streets, you’ll find a collection of more than 200,000 works of art, including Picassos, Van Goghs, and Monets, definitely in our list of the best museums. The best part, Yale offers a number of family-friendly guides and programs inviting you and your children of any age. to enjoy and learn about art. 

Fun Ways for Kids to Celebrate National Siblings Day 2022

Siblings are friends for life! Photo by Matthew Nighswander

Siblings can often seem like they're on an emotional roller coaster—best of friends one minute and at each other's throats the next. But no matter how much they may argue and fight, siblings also share a bond like no other. On National Siblings Day 2022, kids can celebrate that bond in some fun and special ways.

Each year, National Siblings Day is celebrated on April 10. National Siblings Day 2022 happens to fall on a weekend (a Sunday), so that means there's even more time to have fun! Though it may not rank up there with Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, or Halloween, your kiddos will surely enjoy showing each other how much they mean to each other.

Here are 10 fun ways for kids to celebrate National Siblings Day on April 10, 2022.

Act Fast to Claim a FREE Tree From NYRP

Register now to claim a FREE tree from NYRP's annual tree giveaway program, which returns after a pandemic-induced hiatus.

Spring has sprung in NYC. The daffodils are blooming, and it’s about time to soak in the beauty of the gorgeous cherry blossoms. It's also time to celebrate the return of the New York Restoration Project's (NYRP) popular FREE tree giveaway program. This year, 2,000 native species trees will be distributed to local NYC residents and the best part is, they're all FREE!

After a 2-year pandemic-induced pause, NYRP has reinstated its tree giveaway program and is distributing FREE trees across all five NYC boroughs. Read on for details on these green giveaways and learn how to complete the required registration to get your own arbor. Find more ideas for a greener planet in our new Earth Kids Guide.

12 Fun Spring Activities and Destinations at the Jersey Shore

Spring is a perfect time to make new friends at Jersey Shore Alpacas.

Summer unofficially starts at the Jersey Shore over Memorial Day weekend. That’s when the traffic and beach fees start, not to mention the parking headaches. If you're hoping to avoid that, take note: Springtime at the Jersey Shore is a real treat. Visitors are spared those hassles. So, whether you're searching for something to do on spring break or just a lovely spring weekend, take a ride down the Garden State Parkway or along Route 34 to check out one or more of these Jersey Shore treasures that are ripe for a spring day trip.

Be sure to bookmark our Jersey Shore Family Guide for all-season fun down on the Shore.

NYC Opens Applications For FREE Summer STEAM Programs

Choose from a wide range of STEAM programs during the STEAM Matters summer programs. Photo courtesy of the NYC DOE

New York City has opened applications for its Summer STEM Matters NYC program, which includes FREE STEAM summer camps for elementary school students and hands-on internships and classes for high schoolers. Don't delay: Applications for all programs are due Tuesday, April 19, 2022. The popular annual summer day camps are available to NYC kids entering kindergarten through ninth grade in September. Students entering grades 10-12 can apply for STEM courses and internships.

The programs occur at more than a dozen popular NYC institutions known for STEAM programming, including popular family-friendly spots like the Bronx Zoo, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum, the Queens Botanical Garden, and more museums, gardens, zoos, and maker spaces. Public, charter, and home school students in NYC may all apply.

Read on for all the details on the STEM Matters NYC program. Find more summer camps in New York City, including our picks for free and affordable summer camps, in our Summer Camp Guide and Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and neighborhood.

Where to go Hiking on Long Island: 11 Family-Friendly Hiking Trails to Explore

The Mashomack Preserve preserve has 11 miles of coastline and acres of creeks, woodlands, and fields. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Whether you're a family of expert outdoorsmen or are just looking for a relaxing nature walk with your little ones, Long Island is home to an abundance of family-friendly hiking trails. Not only do the local Long Island hiking trails offer a chance for exercise and quality time with your kids, but they also provide an opportunity to learn about Long Island's diverse natural landscape. From toddlers to teens, these hiking adventures offer all-ages fun for your family.

Find even more outdoor destinations to explore on Long Island in this list of 15 state parks worth visiting and bookmark our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island for more fun.

Brooklyn Magic Shop Delivers Magic Tricks, Classes, and More in Cobble Hill

At Brooklyn Magic Shop, kids can see—and participate in—a magic show or take classes and learn how to perform magic tricks on their own.

Kids (and adults!) love magic—whether it's attending magic shows, trying their hand at tricks, or learning the secrets behind the illusions, and New Yorkers have a new magic shop on the scene willing to teach them a few tricks. Located in the family-friendly enclave of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Magic Shop is dedicated to all things to magic.

Read on for our full review and learn why you need to take your budding magician to this cool new shop.

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