Immersive Slime Experience Sloomoo Institute Now Open in Houston

Sloomoo is inside of a colorful warehouse that's sectioned off into different sensory-slime experiences. Photo by Nan Ross

Sloomoo, billed as the “World’s #1 Slime Experience,” recently opened a new location in Houston–and you'll want to check it out if you have a kid that likes slime. The Marq-E Entertainment Center opening follows popular Sloomoo locations in New York, Atlanta, and Chicago. 

We recently had a chance to visit, and it was a big hit with our kids. We all loved playing with different textures of slime, and the kids enjoyed making personalized slime to bring home. 

Read on to get the scoop on this awesome new experience. Check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Houston Kids to find more fun places to play indoors. 

Free STEM Summer Camp from Girls Who Code Opens Registration 2024

High school girls (and non-binary kids) interested in computer science are encouraged to apply. Photo courtesy Girls Who Code

Looking for more than mindless hanging out and screen time for your teenage daughter this summer? Girls Who Code, a nonprofit that aims to increase the number of women in computer science fields, is once again offering its FREE summer immersion program for girls and non-binary kids entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. The 2- or 6-week STEM summer camp is completely virtual again this year, and accepting applications now.

Keep reading to find out who is eligible, how to apply, and when these Girls Who Code STEM summer programs are happening in 2024. Hurry, because the early application period for this FREE summer program is already open.

Find more STEM activities in our Science and Tech Guide for Kids, or check out more summer programs for teens and kids in our Camp Guide. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

50 Environmental Activities Kids Can Do at Home

Gardening with your kids is rewarding, results in stuff to eat, and is also great for the planet!

Climate change is going to continue to dominate conversations as our kids grow up. It can be scary and overwhelming to think about how the world will change due to the environmental crisis. Taking action can really help kids feel more in control and like a part of the environment around them.

From recycled crafts to eco-friendly swaps and more, we’ve gathered fun, educational, and impactful environmental activities that you can do at home.

For more green news and activities, check out our Earth Kids Guide to Green Activities for the Planet, and subscribe to our free Earth Kids newsletter to never miss an article.

Best Play Cafes in Brooklyn and Queens for Kids and Families

At Good Day Play Cafe, parents and caregivers can sit back in the cafe at still keep an eye on their kiddos in the play space. Photo by Louise Trapasso

Playtime and snack time seemingly go hand-in-hand at these kid-friendly play cafes, which give parents a moment to enjoy a cup of joe—and more—while little ones let loose. These play cafes in Brooklyn and Queens offer welcoming environments, great food, and a caffeine jolt, as well as dedicated, safe play areas for your kids. Several of them are play spaces first, and cafes second.

So turn your meal into a play date with a friend, or sit back and relax while your little one explores. Either way, you and your kids are sure to have a good time.

Check out our NYC Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide for more great family-friendly eateries, or our Play Spaces Guide for more romper rooms.

Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.

Many New Jersey restaurants offer themed and interactive dining experiences for the entire family, from knights and horses to model trains. So if you're looking for some fun along with your food, read on for more than a dozen restaurants in New Jersey that will make your next family meal a bit more magical.

Check out our Family-Friendly New Jersey Restaurant Guide for more ideas for kid-friendly restaurants, including places where kids eat free and more.

25 Must-Try Paczki Places for Chicago Kids

Paczki photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins

Know where to find the best packzi in Chicago? We do!

Some cities celebrate Mardi Gras, but here in Chicago, we celebrate Paczki Day! If you're new in town, Chicago is rich in Polish heritage, and in Poland, this day is celebrated with donut-like pastries filled with delectable jams, custards, or creams. More traditional fillings include prunes or poppy seeds, but some Chicago bakeries have upped their baking game by filling their paczki with more off-the-wall items like Oreos, S'mores, and even Dorito dust.

Whether for breakfast or a treat, your family can find a favorite paczki spot from our list of bakeries!

Be sure to check out our Chicago kid-friendly restaurant guide or our ultimate list of Chicago restaurants where kids eat for free if you need other places to grab a bite! 

iFly Indoor Skydiving Opens in Long Island City, Queens

iFly's new Queens location lets kids as young as age 3 take flight in its indoor skydiving tunnel.

Experience the sensation of indoor skydiving at iFly Long Island City. The popular adventure spot has opened its first indoor skydiving location in NYC and invites visitors to gear up for some high-flying family fun.

Read on for all the need-to-know info before you book your own indoor skydiving adventure, and find more action-packed outings, like the best extreme sports outings in NYC for kids, in our NYC Kids' Guide to Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones.

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