The Slime Factory at Menlo Park Mall Is Messy Fun for NJ Kids

The Slime Factory experience includes time to play in a giant vat of green slime!

Got slime-obsessed kids at home? Love a good DIY arts and crafts project? If so, run don't walk to Menlo Park Mall in Edison, where New Jersey's first (and the nation's third) The Slime Factory, Powered by Maddie Rae recently opened. 

Maddie Rae is probably a familiar name to slime fans. The 14-year-old Instagram celebrity and entrepreneur from Connecticut has a propriety line of Slime Glue sold nationwide. Her products are used at The Slime Factory "lab," where slime lovers can enjoy a unique sensory experience and make-and-take their very own gooey creations. After hearing lots of great things about The Slime Factory, my daughter and I recently scheduled a visit to see what all the buzz was about.

Top Things to Do at Hudson Yards With NYC Kids

Midtown West's Hudson Yards neighborhood offers tons of new places to snap a photo, play, shop, and eat.

Hudson Yards, the new towering development on Midtown Manhattan's far west side, is a new neighborhood that seemingly sprang to life overnight, bringing with it places to play, eat, and explore. The Vessel and The Edge have become top NYC attractions, while the area offers parks, culture and great eats too. Whether you view Hudson Yards as a tourist trap, a marvel of urban planning and engineering, or somewhere in the middle, we've rounded up the top 10 fun things to do in this new neighborhood with kids.

Disneyland Prices Go Up, But SoCal Residents Can Still Get Their Deal—For Now

Photo Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort

Everyone's talking about the new prices at Disneyland. It's understandable; the new 2020 Disneyland ticket prices released today reflect an increase of 3% to 13%, depending on the ticket or pass type. Annual passholders are bound to do some hard thinking about whether the Mouse House remains an affordable annual expense. More than a few people probably woke up this morning and kicked themselves that they didn't buy tickets yesterday. But here's the good news: if you're a SoCal resident, you can still get a great Disneyland deal at yesterday's price—if you act fast.

Chicago Auto Show

Activity Date: 
Repeats every day until Mon Feb 19 2024.
Saturday, February 10, 2024 Various times
Sunday, February 11, 2024 Various times
Monday, February 12, 2024 Various times
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 Various times
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Various times
Thursday, February 15, 2024 Various times
Friday, February 16, 2024 Various times
Saturday, February 17, 2024 Various times
Sunday, February 18, 2024 Various times
Monday, February 19, 2024 Various times
Event Info
Cost: 
Adults: $17; Seniors 62 and older: $12; Children 7-12: $12; Children 6 and under: Free (when accompanied by a paying adult)
Recommended Age: 
All ages
Editor's Pick: 
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Area/Neighborhood: 

Sleepaway Camps in New England with Short Sessions for First-Timers

Waterfront activities are a favorite at Awosting. Photo courtesy of Camp Awosting

Going to sleepaway camp is a rite of passage for many kids in Boston, Connecticut, and the rest of New England. But the idea of being away from home for more than a few weeks can be a deal breaker for many kids, especially if they're on the younger side or tend to have separation anxiety. Luckily, many overnight camps offer one- or two-week (or even shorter) sessions that are specially designed to introduce children to the independence and kid bonding of sleepaway without forcing them to "stick it out" for longer than they may be ready to handle.

Established on shorelines and lakefronts across six states, we've rounded up popular overnight summer camps with first-timer-focused starter sessions for children 6 to 12 years old. The only catch may be if you're not sure you can part with your kiddo for more than a night. (Trust me—you can!)

Look to our complete camp directory for more ideas on summer enrichment for kids in Boston and Connecticut.

How to Hire a Baby Night Nurse for Your Newborn

A baby night nurse can help get baby on a sleep schedule so parents can bond with the newest addition to their family. Photo by Mommy Poppins

When her baby was just three weeks old, Rachel Beckerman's maternity leave was up, and she returned to work part-time. Her husband had already returned to his full-time job. Sleep-deprived and juggling two demanding careers while caring for a newborn, the Manhattan couple was desperate for help. "We needed to be able to function in our jobs during the day," Beckerman said. "We needed someone to help with night feedings. And as first-time parents, we also needed help learning some of the baby basics."

Enter the baby night nurse or nighttime nanny. 

Spanish, French and More: Foreign-Language Classes for Kids on Long Island

Early Childhood teachers and students at All About Spanish in North Bellmore.

Learning a second (or third) language can be hugely beneficial to kids. Research has shown that language learning can not only improve memory and problem-solving skills, but can also help with multitasking and improve academic performance. Not to mention that being able to communicate in multiple languages will help kids navigate our increasingly diverse communities, workplaces, and schools.

If you have less than fond memories of sitting through high school Spanish or French classes, don't fret. There are a number of schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties that offer classes—including mommy/daddy-and-me—to expose your child to a new world of words and phrases in a fun learning environment. It's easier for babies and young children to master another language than it is for teens and adults. Learning with your child can be a bonding experience and something that you can share for years to come.

Depending on the school, classes are offered in levels from beginners to advanced. Prices for classes vary by school; contact each directly for costs.

And be sure to look at our classes and enrichment guide for more ways to learn what your kids might enjoy. 

Baby and Toddler Classes in Queens: Movement, Art, and More Options

Move, dance, and play at Raising Astoria's Creative Movement class for ages 2-4.

If you're searching for engaging baby and toddler classes in Queens, the diverse and ever-changing NYC borough offers plenty of parent-and-me options for the littlest ones, including music, art, movement, sports, and even science. 

We've rounded up 13 of the most popular and unique baby and toddler classes in Queens, including an outdoor nature program and an infant movement session. If you call Queens home, check out these classes to find one that works for you (or your caretaker) and your child. Don't forget to check out our round-up of drop-in play spaces in this family-friendly borough.

Need more inspiration? Check out our NYC Baby Guide or directory of classes across NYC.

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