Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids |

What You're Missing If You Don't Know Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Sun, 06/24/2018 - 6:27pm

Seeing a puppet show is not only one of the many fun things kids can do in Downtown LA, it's an experience that a child will remember for life. Here in LA we are lucky to have our local treasure, Bob Baker Marionette Theater, the oldest children’s theater in Los Angeles. Although the founder passed on a few years ago, the puppets carry on his legacy, walking, running, and dancing in front of their audience—and even reaching out to little audience members to pat heads and shake hands. Put your kid's iPad away, because this slice of LA history offers real interactivity that is sure to delight.

20 Summer Day Trips for Boston Kids and Families

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 06/24/2018 - 5:30pm

Summer is short, but the days can often feel endless. Although there are plenty of free and easy things to do in and around Boston, a day trip can often be the perfect diversion to break up a long week, with minimal time (and financial) commitment. Here are 20, fun-packed towns Boston families can reach in under two hours from city limits—and return home in the evening to their own beds.

Firework Displays to Celebrate the 4th of July in Philly, Suburbs, and at the Jersey Shore

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 06/24/2018 - 2:14pm

When you think of Philadelphia, many things come to mind: A mazing museums, soft pretzels, phenomenal theater productions, the world's first Certified Autism Center zoo, cheese steaks, and the winning Super Bowl Philadelphia Eagles. But, perhaps the City of Brotherly Love is best known for its historical connection to the birth of our great country. After all, Philadelphia was where the Declaration of Independence was signed, General Washington crossed the Delaware and made his famed camp at Valley Forge. So with such a passionate and impressive history, it's quite fitting to celebrate the good ol' U.S. of A.'s birthday with some fantastic firework displays throughout the Delaware Valley.

Gather along the Delaware River at either the Philly or Jersey side to see fireworks burst above the water. Party on the Parkway early, then sit back to see the firework show at night with the Art Museum as a backdrop. If your crew prefers the suburbs, there are plenty of options. Some include parades, while others boast live entertainment. Heading down to the shore? We have you covered with options at the beach.

No matter where you watch the fireworks, be sure to bring a blanket, lawn chair, and some snacks. Then, sit back and be mesmerized as the sky lights up - red, white, and blue. Happy Fourth!

25 Super-Fun Summer Day Trips for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Alison Reiser on Sun, 06/24/2018 - 2:00pm

We've got 25 ideas for NJ summer day trips your family can take without leaving the state—and many are low-cost. Whether it's gathering fresh fruit at a pick-your-own farm, swimming at the lake, hitting the Jersey Shore's beaches and boardwalk s, or visiting an amusement park, it's time to grab the camera and hit the road!

Need more inspiration? Check out our NJ Family Day Trip and Getaway Guide for even more ideas.

If it's too hot or rainy to head outside, look to our indoor guide and rainy day suggestions to keep the good times rolling.

100 Free Things to Do This Summer with Kids in New York City

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 06/24/2018 - 2:00pm

Summer is the season of FREE in NYC—and here it comes. There's no-cost fun everywhere you turn, from festivals, outdoor movies, and concerts, to kayaking and fireworks. With the public school break upon us, and the kids itching to play (and swim), we've rounded up FREE things for families to do every single day of summer vacation. Starting with Wednesday, June 27 and running all the way through Wednesday, September 5, 2018, we've compiled the best FREE things to do with kids in NYC all summer!

Of course, this list isn't comprehensive. There are literally hundreds of FREE fun events happening across our city this school break. You can find more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Summer Fun Guide, including beach day trips, FREE splash pads, and more. Check out our Events Calendar for more events.

Still searching for a summer camp for a week or two? Check out our NYC summer camp directory and guide.

4th of July Fireworks in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Sun, 06/24/2018 - 12:34pm

Here in Connecticut we love fireworks so much that the shows start as early as late June and continue throughout July! Kick off summer with a bang with our roundup of more than 40 (!) CT pyrotechnic displays in honor of Independence Day. As always before heading out, check the weather forecast and parking restrictions, especially at beaches. Some venues allow nonresidents to pay for parking on-site, but others require that passes be purchased in advance at a separate location.

50 Free Things to Do with Long Island Kids This Summer

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 06/24/2018 - 11:45am

Does the thought of a full summer vacation make you think of empty pockets?

In between camps, parties, sitters, and trips, the next two months can get costly. And for a family with more than one child, even a trip to the water park can add up. But summer doesn’t have to drain your wallet.

We have compiled a list of 50 FREE things families can do together. From outdoor concerts and movies, to museums, classes, and festivals, Long Island has something going on all summer long.

Check a few more things off your bucket list with our Summer Fun Guide. Feeling really ambitious? Here are 100 things to do with Long Island kids before they grow up. See our guide to FREE family activities on Long Island for even more inspiration.

50+ Free Things To Do This Summer for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sat, 06/23/2018 - 12:00pm

Summer is here, and while the end of school can be a relief, the new challenge is to keep the kids busy seven days a week! But filling those long days can get pricey—fast. Fear not: We’ve been hard at work identifying tons of FREE things to do with the kids that will keep them entertained all summer long—and we're not just talking about crafts. We found multi-cultural festivals, admission-free days, magic shows, outdoor yoga, astronomy nights, animal encounters, historical sites, and loads more.

Read on for 50+ of our favorites below, but also note that our Event Calendar is your BFF all season, because we keep adding to that frequently, so it’s always worth a gander. Want more that’s FREE? Bookmark our guide to year-round FREE things to do and sign up for our newsletters.

Top 10 North Carolina Beaches for Families

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Sat, 06/23/2018 - 11:00am

North Carolina is home to top notch colleges, bustling cities, fun towns tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, and some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Most of these beaches are a far cry from the bustling carnival-like atmosphere of the boardwalk towns in the Jersey Shore, and others take a bit more effort to get to than you might expect, but they’re definitely worth it. Wild horses, cute seaside towns, and a dose of southern charm make North Carolina a great beach destination for you and your family.

Keep reading for our top picks for family-friendly beaches in North Carolina.

Best Free NYC Swimming Pools for Toddlers and Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 06/22/2018 - 4:00pm

It's summertime and the livin' is easy—beaches, sprinklers, and awesome days at the playground. Oh the hard life of a New York City kid. And the NYC Parks Department is poised to open its outdoor pools on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, the day after public schools let out.

We've rounded up our picks for the best free pools in the city. These are all places we've visited personally, or have come highly recommended by families we know. The city hosts more than 50 outdoor pools this summer, so it will be hard not to find one you like. Time to get swimming!