Is your child interested in exploring the "hows," "whys," and "what-ifs" of the world around them? STEM classes can be a wonderful children's activity to foster curiosity and help kids think critically and creatively. We've rounded up 14 STEM classes for kids in New Jersey, which offer instruction in coding, robotics, architecture, engineering, chess, and more.

For more kids' activities, be sure to check out our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in New Jersey.

One pandemic silver lining: At-home birthday party services have expanded their offerings and notched up the engagement factor for optimal birthday party fun. So, consider hosting your next soiree at home with the help of these birthday party pros.

Don't let the at-home birthday party setting fool you—you and your little one have plenty of options from which to choose. From drive-in style movie nights and mobile spas to pop-up glamping tents and backyard laser tag competitions, these at-home birthday party services give kids fabulous entertainment options in a comfortable setting.

All of the options below service all of Long Island. For more party planning help, check out our Long Island Party Guide.

When it's time to get your little ones toes wet, you want a trusted place to take swimming lessons. You may have a little fish or maybe a child who is scared around water. Either way, swimming lessons are important for teaching kids to be comfortable and safe at Connecticut's many pools, lakes, and beaches. There are many pools that offer Mommy and Me swim classes and ongoing skill-building lessons in the water. 

Still looking for splishy-splashy fun? We also have a list of Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks and Water Playgrounds in Connecticut.

Not sure what to do with your baby or toddler in Chicago after maternity leave is over or in the middle of a long cold winter? Looking for a class or lesson to take with your preschooler so you don't have to think of activities to entertain them constantly? Chicago parents can choose from dozens of Parent & Me classes and all of these Mommy & Me classes (and Daddy & Me classes, too!) focus on activities that babies and parents can do together to bond and spend some quality one-on-one time. With swim classes, yoga classes, dance classes, and outdoor activities, there are classes for every kind of family, baby, toddler, and parent to enjoy in the Chicago area.

Check our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in Chicago for more kids' activities and programs.

Hitting the dance floor is a great kids' activity that gets the body moving and the creativity flowing. Whether your tiny dancers want to bust a move at a hip hop class or twirl in tutus in ballet class, there's a perfect dance class for every style in the Boston area. Not sure what kind of dance class to start with? Try out a combo class to sample a variety of moves or give something international or acro/rock-n-roll a try. And if you're not ready to head inside the studio yet, many dance studios are offering virtual options, too.

From toddler movement with music sessions to more competitive dance classes that run all the way through teens, we've rounded up the best kids' programs in Boston and surrounding neighborhoods. Just grab those dancing shoes and read on to pick your kiddo's next dance class. And don't forget to check out our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in Boston for other great toddler classes and big kid classes in Boston.

Whether you’re doing an Alaska cruise or individual travel, costs can really add up on a family vacation, especially when traveling in Alaska. Luckily, if you know the area, there are actually plenty of fun and free things to do in Sitka and other SE Alaska cities, as well as affordable eats. 

My grandparents moved to Alaska when I was a tot, so even though I’m not a local, I’ve been visiting Haines and Juneau my whole life. It wasn't until I started bringing my own kids that we started exploring Alaska’s tourist attractions and also traveling as a family to other Alaska destinations. This summer we decided to visit Sitka.

While an escape to Pennsylvania’s Poconos often means quiet hikes in the woods, a swim in the Delaware, or maybe a ski down the slope, my family also relishes a trip to one of the Poconos water park resorts. We recently indulged in a long weekend at Camelback Resort and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Read on to find out what’s new at this Poconos resort and to hear all our best tips for a visit to Camelback with the kids.

Backpacks are probably among the most universal of school supplies, the item that gets the most use and suffers the most wear and tear. Finding the right backpack for school that will accommodate all of your child’s supplies—and that they’ll love carrying—requires a bit of research and a big stamp of approval from the student who has to lug their brand-new cool backpack around from home to class to afternoon extracurriculars.

So if you’re on the hunt for an extra cool backpack this year, we've done the homework for you, pulling together a list of our top 12 backpacks, drawing on many years of experience from our parent writers and readers. For more back-to-school tips, from perfect alarm clocks for the first day to school lunch ideas kids will actually eat, check out our Back-to-School Guide.