Homemade Butter Recipe (3 Easy Steps)

Homemade butter always tastes a little better.

Homemade butter is easy to make and requires nothing more than some heavy cream, a tightly lidded container, and a marble. It's fun to make, and kids love this at-home, rainy (or snowy) day project. We've made this homemade butter recipe several times, but really got into it during our covid-baking days. Give it a try! Not only does the butter taste fresher, you can evoke days of old without having to figure out how to make a butter churner. Plus, kids are super proud to serve butter they made by themselves.

Find more things to cook and create in our guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.

Gymnastics Classes for Kids on Long Island

Kids can learn agility while cultivating self-esteem and confidence at a Long Island gymnastics class.  Photo by rain0975 via Flickr

Gymnastics is a multidimensional sport that improves endurance, strength, and flexibility, as well as grace and poise. Few sports challenge participants in so many areas.

Gymnastics classes on Long Island can help a shy child learn to express him or herself in a whole new way. There are many class options available, from mommy-and-me programs for younger kids to beginner and advanced gymnastics instruction for older students.

For additional class suggestions, see our Classes and Enrichment Guide for Long Island Kids.

Brooklyn Youth Chorus Returns to In-Person Programming With Openings for Young Singers

Following a year of virtual programming, Brooklyn Youth Chorus returns to in-person classes and performances with online options.

After a year of virtual vocal classes and performances, Brooklyn Youth Chorus is back to in-person programming this fall, with plenty of safety precautions in place. Now in its 30th season, the Chorus offers world-class music training for ages 7 to 18 with an emphasis on healthy vocal development, music literacy, and group performance at all levels.

There’s no experience required to join the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, but a love of singing is an absolute must! If you’re interested in getting your music-lover involved, read on for class offerings, COVID-19 safety measures, and the lowdown on how to apply for the 2021/22 season.

Art Classes for Kids Near Westchester

Channel your child's inner Picasso at a Westchester art class. Photo by Monica Shulman Photography

Whether you’re in the “please don’t color on the walls” phase or your tween is serious about honing her painting skills, you’ll find a creative and enriching art class available in Westchester. The best part? There are classes for any and all interests—from painting and cartooning to clay-making and silk screening.

We’ve rounded up destinations in Westchester where kids can get creative. Have a writer or musician instead? We’ve got them covered too. Check out our full Classes Guide for even more picks.

The Best Playgrounds in Queens

A top Queens playground, Paul Raimonda Playground offers sprinklers, climbing, and shady seating. Photo by author

Although every pocket of Queens has a neighborhood playground, we’ve taken the time to scout the cream of the crop for NYC kids. Whether you're visiting from another borough or just want to explore a new-to-you-neighborhood, here are 12 of our favorite romping spots in Queens, from Astoria to the Rockaways. These parks offer clean, safe equipment with innovative and fun details that go beyond the jungle gyms of the past, like kid-sized Ferris wheels and super cool sprinklers.

Find more playgrounds across the five boroughs in our guide to NYC Parks & Playgrounds.

Our Favorite, Must-See September News & Openings for Kids

As of September 2, the nation actually has a National Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

As the national editor for Mommy Poppins, a lot of kids' stuff comes across my desk (well, kitchen table). I mean, a lot. And some of it is pretty ridiculous (like high heels for babies and diaper-changing gloves—really?). But one of the perks of the job is watching events and activities pile up in my inbox that I just can’t wait to do, see, and experience with my kids. Because that sense of discovery—of finding something that leads to new interests and passions for my kids—that’s what parenting is all about. And if I discover something that makes my life a little easier along the way...all the better!

Check out the stuff I’m super excited about in September 2021, and discover a few things that will make this month of back-to-school and pumpkin spice lattes even more fun for families.

Scale the Long Island Aquarium's New Treehouse Dubbed the Eye Opener

Challenge yourself on the rope bridge along the Eye Opener.

The Long Island Aquarium has opened a massive treehouse-like outdoor exhibit overlooking the bucolic Peconic River. The Eye Opener stands 60 feet tall and has five levels for visitors to explore. With a new seal pup and penguin chick, added animal encounters and more, Long Island's only aquarium is seeking to engage new and returning guests with innovative and engaging exhibits and activities.

Check our articles on petting zoos and nature centers for more local animal fun.

Best Atlanta Dance Classes for Kids: Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, and More

The highlight of Atlanta dance classes for kids is the elaborate recital production. Photo Mommy Poppins

Atlanta dance classes are great places for kids to let loose, train with skilled teachers, and make friends. From adult-child classes, where parents can dance in class with their children, to advanced dance classes, where children can perfect their form, Atlanta dance classes run the gamut of interests and skills. If your child isn't sure which type of dance he or she wants to try, don't worry —many Atlanta dance studios offer a variety of classes, including ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, contemporary, acro, and more so children have the option to try multiple genres and see which are their favorites. 

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