Having birthday party entertainers come to your home is a great way to host your kiddo's friends without the hassle of dragging everything to a (potentially pricey) birthday party venue. And, even if you're just throwing a small backyard bash, you can still go big on the entertainment! The Chicago birthday party entertainers, artists, and rentals below will give your kid's home birthday party a little something extra. 

Fire truck rentals, video game trucks, magicians, puppets, princesses, special game setups... Chicago has it all. And if you're up to the challenge of baking the cake yourself, we've got 10 great birthday cake ideas here.

For more great birthday party ideas, check out our lists for our favorite birthday party locations, virtual party ideas, and more. 

A growing number of Westchester and Hudson Valley parents are enrolling their preschoolers in foreign-language programs to expose them to a second language early on. 

Given the growing interest, we've rounded up this list of bilingual preschools in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Many of these schools also offer after-school and summer programs as well as cultural education activities to reinforce the lessons.

For even more education options for your toddler, check out our Schools and Preschools Guide for Westchester Kids. 

Preschoolers' little minds are constantly expanding, and it's a great time to naturally introduce a second language. Not only are there multiple school options on Long Island, but multiple language options.

Read on for a list of Long Island's bilingual and immersion preschools in Nassau and Suffolk counties

Want more options? Check out our guide to Preschools on Long Island. 

After a summer of expensive entertainment, we could all use this list of free and cheap after-school classes in NYC for kids!

The school year is barreling toward us, and that means it's (past) time to start thinking about after-school classes in NYC, too. Families looking for reasonably priced, enriching, and even free after-school programs for kids in New York City have plenty to choose from. There are tons of after-school programs for sports, arts, academics, and other classes to choose from. With offerings in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Harlem, and more, you're bound to find a great inexpensive or free after-school program for your kids, no matter their ages, interests, or address.

We've rounded up 15 local organizations offering free or cheap after-school classes in NYC for kids, tweens, and teens throughout the five boroughs. If you're looking for more options, see our New York City Classes for Kids Guide and use our directory to search for programs by age, interest, and neighborhood.

We rounded up New Jersey's best indoor family fun centers where toddlers, kids, and teens can burn off some energy. These spots are perfect places to bring the kids when it's too hot, cold, or rainy to be outside. 

Whether you're into trampolines, laser tag, or play mazes, we've got something for everyone on this list.

Check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids for more great indoor play spots. 

With the upcoming start of fall, Philly families have a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the surroundings in what is clearly the most colorful season of the year. All across the region, scarecrow competitions, autumnal exhibits, and outdoor adventures allow visitors to embrace the season. Whether by way of garden, train, river, or mountainous vista, there are lots of great family-friendly fall day trip options in the Philadelphia area! 

For more ideas to fill your fall days as a family, check out our Guide to Fall Fun in Philly.

Every time we post a poll or suggestions question on our Instagram and Facebook pages, one name keeps popping up: Imaginology Kids. 

Where’s the best place for a kids' birthday party? Imaginology Kids. Where is a great place to send the kids to summer day camp? Imaginology Kids. Where is a great spot for free play during the week? Imaginology Kids. I’ve seen it so many times that I knew I had to visit with my crew. And what a visit it was! I'm breaking down everything you need to know about one of the coolest playspaces for kids in Los Angeles.

Check out our list of recommendations if you are looking for other great indoor spaces to play, the best playspaces in LA, and museums for kids in LA.