When it comes to birthday parties, my daughter might want to dream big. However, the reality is our living space is quite small.  

Fortunately for her, she has a mom who loves to host creative parties; who likes the challenge of figuring out how to make small spaces work no matter what idea she comes up with. These five themes are big on imagination, even if you are short on space. Most of these activities can take place in one room and be personalized to appeal to boys and girls of a variety of ages. 

Find more tips on hosting a kid's birthday party in a small city apartment, from keeping the favors simple to curating the guest list.

The Whaling Museum & Education Center in Cold Spring Harbor is another family-friendly museum that lets Long Island kids have fun and learn at the same time. Kids are engaged in the museum's interactive exhibits—from taking a whiff of cooked whale blubber to climbing into a bunk bed and experiencing a whaling ship’s tight living quarters—as they explore Long Island’s rich maritime history.

Kids have boundless energy and idealist hearts, which makes them perfect volunteers. But it can be tricky to find giving opportunities open to the whole family. As any parent who’s tried to vacuum or bake cookies in the presence of a young child knows, little kids really, really want to help out, but making sure their efforts aren't counterproductive requires masterful delegation—or even creation—of tasks they can handle independently. Not surprisingly, many volunteer organizations limit involvement to kids who are in their pre-teens or older. Boston, luckily, is home to several organizations and activities designed with families and young kids in mind. If the community spirit of the marathon and Earth Day has you and your kids feeling inspired, read on for ways to give back.

It's hard to believe a place like this even exists.  The Vintage Radio and Television Museum in Windsor will transport you backwards in time all the way to the 1800's. At this jam-packed museum, you will find yourself reminiscing about the technology of your own youth as well as decades before. Your kids will be amazed by the televisions of the 1950's, the radios of the 1940's, and even the quirky ways we used to call each other on a phone...with a cord. For more fun family museum suggestions check out our Museum Guide. 

While tequila and margaritas may have become staples for Cinco de Mayo parties everywhere, this hasn't always been the case. In fact, May 5 actually has a lot of rich cultural heritage, dating all the way back to 1862 when the Mexican Army proved victorious over the French at the Battle of Puebla. Over the years, the day has become a great source of Mexican pride... and also a good excuse for people to get together and fiesta. 

Whether it's a morning spent exploring the holiday's history at the Children's Museum or diving into a Mexican feast and enjoying live music at one of this year's kid-friendly celebrations, we challenge you to bring back some of that cultural awareness this year... and have some good, old-fashioned family fun in the process. 

Yes, the beaches are beautiful in the Hamptons and North Fork, but sooner or later, your family is going to be looking for something else to do this summer. For a change of pace and a chance for your kids to brush up on their golf and baseball bat swings, or just get out of the sun, we’ve rounded up a list of family-friendly mini golf courses, batting cages and indoor fun like arcades out east.

Most places have snack bars and some offer other amenities such as boat rentals so you can make a whole day of it.

For more fun activities on the east end, be sure to check out our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork and our listing of kayak, canoe, and paddle board rental places. And when your family is ready to hit the beach again, we found the best beaches for families on Long Island. Have fun!

With all of the amazing bakeries in New Jersey, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding a cake for your kid’s birthday bash. But which ones are a cut above? We cake-tested our way across northern New Jersey (somebody had to do it!) to find show-stopping sweets that take the cake!

Whether you want ice cream, gluten-free goodies, or a 3-D replica of your child’s favorite TV show character, there’s something for everyone in this delicious roundup of northern NJ bakeries and bakers. You can find even more party-planning info in our NJ Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas Guide. 

At-home delivery is a total game-changer for busy moms. From school supplies to groceries, if it arrives at the front door with no kid schlepping required, it's a win for parents everywhere, right? But FabFitFun is the subscription box you didn't know you needed on your doorstep (and it's way more exciting than number two pencils and skim milk).

Every three months, FabFitFun drops off a haul of full-size fashion, beauty, fitness, and lifestyle products, like date night-worthy eye shadow palettes, healthy energy-fueling snacks, and travel mugs because... coffee. And since it's so hard for moms to find time to shop, deal hunt, and most importantly, take care of them themselves, this membership is an easy, affordable, and seriously fun way to treat yourself. You're always busy buying thoughtful gifts for just about everyone else, so isn't it about time you put yourself at the top of the list with a one-time membership that'll have you feeling like it's your birthday four more times a year? I think so!

This season's spring box doesn't disappoint, but it looks like it'll sell out fast -- especially since each box always has a value over $200 but only costs $49.99! Watch our unboxing video or read on to see what mom-approved items are in this season's stash, then use the code "POPPINS" to get $10 off your first box at fabfitfun.com.