Are your kids doing backflips off of the couch? Climbing the bookshelves? Mattress sledding down the stairs? There are several spots in Nassau and Suffolk counties that offer obstacle training, where your little ninja can test his or her balance, vaulting, tumbling, and more. So go ahead and let that daredevil of yours try out one of these classes or courses that will keep your walls scuff mark-free.

There's much more outdoor entertainment on Long Island, and you can find even more adventurous fun in our rundowns of Long Island theme parks, arcades and other indoor play spaces. Or use items from around your home to build your own indoor obstacle course. Of course, sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

Montessori preschools take a different approach to early childhood development, one which is focused on self-directed learning. Parents choose preschools that use the Montessori method for a variety of reasons, including the positive environment, self-directed curriculum, and individual attention each child receives. This laid-back and sunny approach to school is a great fit for the SoCal lifestyle, which must be why there are dozens of fabulous Montessori schools in Los Angeles. From the Valley to the South Bay, here are some of the most popular preschools in Los Angeles for Montessori learning.

For more great preschools in Los Angeles offering unique opportunities, like these dual-language and immersion programs, check out our Los Angeles Preschool Guide.

Looking for a memorable dinner experience, especially where your little one can let loose and just be a kid? Enjoy a meal and entertainment at these family-friendly Orlando dinner shows. From jousting knights to magic tricks, there are a variety of restaurants offering dinner and a show in Orlando that will keep kids (and adults) smiling throughout the meal.

This year, make your children’s holiday season spectacular with a visit to somewhere full of Christmas cheer—without leaving Texas. We may not always have real snow, but we have enough Santa's villlages and Christmas towns in Texas to celebrate in style.

Venture somewhere new and let your kids’ faces light up with the magical sights, tastes, and sounds of Christmas towns in Texas that go all-out to celebrate the season. Read on to find out more about the best Christmas towns in North, South, East, West, and Central Texas. These towns go all out to celebrate the season:the hardest part will be choosing the right one for your family.

For more holiday and Christmas ideas for kids, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Houston Families.

With their funky vibe, cool art scene, great parks, and the 606 trail, there’s no shortage of things to do in the sister neighborhoods of Bucktown and Wicker Park in Chicago. From the trail to the treats, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite kid-friendly places the whole family will enjoy. We’re talking some of the best burgers in town, one-of-a-kind murals, indoor play spaces, an elevated train trail, and more — all in one area of Chicago. 

Families with little ones that love the show Daniel Tiger know all too well the excitement a trolley and a “ding ding” can elicit. But the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor offers the perfect mix of education and fun each season and has something for kids of all ages, not just the preschool set. Autumn is an especially great time to visit the Trolley Museum because the trolleys—which you can ride as many times as you want—make a visit extra picturesque with fall colors passing outside the trolley windows. But there’s a lot to enjoy all year long.

For more train adventures, see our list of train rides your preschooler will love and find out what's along the Hartford line that will fill a day with adventure. Or, work your way through our list of 50 Fall Things to Do in Connecticut with Kids.

Brunch isn't just for adults anymore. There are plenty of fabulous brunch spots across Long Island where kids and families can indulge in delicious pancakes, fluffy eggs, and menus designed just for them.

From highchairs to kid-friendly cups to crayons at the table, these 12 brunch destinations in Nassau, Suffolk and the East End are designed to keep children happy while serving up some Instagram-worthy meals. And did we mention they're delicious, too?

While you're at it, check out our Long Island restaurant guide, where you can find (among other things) our favorite Long Island spots to enjoy tea with your little ones and restaurants where kids eat free.

Dr. Doolittle may have been able to walk with the animals and talk with the animals, but at these petting zoos near Los Angeles kids can feed, hug, and sometimes even ride the animals. Actually, petting zoo is too narrow a term for these rescue centers and urban farms, where kids can meet critters in closer quarters and even get their hands on them (gently, of course). These incredible animal encounters and petting zoos near Los Angeles have rescue animals, pony rides, animal feeding experiences, and more. Some offer birthday parties on-site or even parties that come to you.

To discover more places where kids can get up close and personal with animals in LA, check out our roundup of all the best zoos near Los Angeles, including insider tips for visiting our very own LA Zoo.