Time to buy some Badge Magic, because your scout's vest is about to get a whole lot more crowded. Whether you're a troop leader guiding the pack, or just a parent in charge of the next activity, these adventures (many of which are free or cheap) are great choices for inspiring a troop of boy or girl scouts. Don't mistake these for merely "fun patch" activities; these badges earned at locations throughout Los Angeles may even spark ideas for a future Gold Award or Eagle Scout project. And in the process, you may get to check another item off our LA Kids Bucket List.

If your kids are anything like my two bundles of non-napping energy, there are days when you just need to let them run free – but preferably within a confined indoor space. There are a few notable play areas that are perfect for tiring kids out on cold or wet days in New Haven County, in particular. Inexpensive and varied, each indoor play space has its own charm.  For more indoor fun check out our Connecticut Indoor Play Guide.

If you’re wishing for warm weather, channel some summer fun and head to an indoor swimming pool! While you might have to book an overnight to jump into one of the many hotel pools in Westchester—or head to a favorite indoor water park nearby—there are other spots that offer day passes that include indoor pool access. We've rounded up a few below.

Looking for even more winter activities? Check out our Winter Fun Guide—and be sure to sign up for our newsletters!

Mother Nature can often be a real thorn in the side to new parents in Philadelphia. Be it winter snow, spring rain, or summer heat, the weather often discourages getting out of the house with babies and toddlers. Visiting an indoor play space can rescue the little ones from cabin fever as well as offer parents a chance to socialize with other new moms and dads.

Parents in the city need to be a little more creative in finding indoor play areas, with fewer bouncehouse centers than in the suburbs. Mommy Poppins has a list of fun spots to drop-in with tots in and around Center City Philadelphia, including museums, gyms, and stores. 

Be sure to browse our directory for even more indoor fun ideas in the Philly area or our list of indoor play in Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties.

The Yankees and the Mets aren't the only ones stepping up to the plate this spring. Thousands of kids across the city are eagerly dusting off their cleats in anticipation of Little League season. As a proud, long-time baseball mom, I know parents are often surprised at just how early in the year you have to register to ensure your child can join them. If you want to get in the game this spring, the time to register for Little League Baseball programs in NYC is now.

Joining a Little League team can be fun for the entire family. Moms and dads volunteer to help manage the leagues, coach the teams, run the concession stands, and maintain the grounds. Since most leagues are nonprofits, registration fees are relatively affordable. Most cost less than $300 for the entire season, and that includes nifty uniforms. If that's still out of your range, some leagues offer financial assistance.

As temperatures hover around freezing and even trusty toys are getting tiresome, every parent is looking for fun winter activities that can help kids expend energy and get their sillies out indoors. Here are some of our favorite indoor play spaces where little and big kids can slide, climb, dodge, play pretend, and make friends—just as they might on their favorite outdoor playgrounds. Most are a drive outside city limits, but all have lots enough space and options for high-energy fun to make a day trip feel well worth it.

Looking for more ways to play inside? Try out a ninja warrior course or make a splash at an indoor pool. Our Boston Indoor Fun Guide is packed with even more ideas to making the most of cold or wet days.

Seismique, a 40,000-square-foot technologically driven interactive art museum is slated to open in West Houston later this year. And it's not just your run-of-the-mill interactive and immersive art museum - this permanent fixture will explore alien encounters, and will open its doors in Fall 2020.

To mark Black History Month, many of NYC's museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions offer programs to honor the history of African Americans. The month is filled with creative, meaningful ways to celebrate African American culture and life in New York City. From thought-provoking museum programs to live performances and poetry-filled outdoor experiences, here are 10 ways your family can commemorate Black History Month in NYC.