When it comes to creativity, my girls are always testing the limits. They've rarely met a craft material they don't want to work with, but we often clash over the messes left behind. That's what made a trip to Shot of Art NYC a perfect all-ages outing.

Over a two-hour session, we spun, dripped, and splashed paint everywhere from our canvases to the walls, ceiling, floor, and even (accidentally) my camera. We left with huge smiles on our faces, some cool new artwork, and inspiration to keep creating. Even better: We left the mess all behind!

Want to have your own creative playdate at Shot of Art NYC? Read on for the inside scoop on this art-and-graffiti-inspired studio and find more creative places to play on our list of the best arts and craft classes in NYC for kids.

Here's a question we would have never thought to ask 25 years ago: Should kids learn cursive writing?

In a world that increasingly relies on technology, there's no question that kids can—and should—learn to type on a keyboard. But after some internal debate among the Mommy Poppins team, we wanted to know: Do parents still want their kids to learn how to write in cursive?

The answer to our highly scientific social media poll is an overwhelming yes! About 90% of parents responding said they do think kids should learn cursive writing. About 8% didn't care, and only 2% didn't think it was necessary anymore.

Here's what our readers said about why they think cursive writing should still be taught in schools, as well as some tips on teaching kids how to write in cursive. Stay on top of other hot parenting topics with our Mommy Poppins Parenting Guide, which includes everything from types of parenting styles to parenting tips from dads.

From catching a free movie screening to creating an animation cel to experiencing winning an Oscar, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a great spot for kids to explore the wide world of cinema.

As an LA native who grew up in an “industry” family, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has long been on my bucket list. With kid-focused exhibitions, drop-in workshops, and weekly movie screenings, the Museum Row gem welcomes visitors of all ages–and with free tickets for those under 17, a family trip is that much more appealing. Sensory-friendly hours and screenings make it especially accessible.

While there’s certainly something for everyone at the Academy Museum, some exhibitions and attractions do skew towards more grown-up cinephiles. So, read on for my rundown of the most fun and engaging family attractions and a list of tips to review before booking your tickets.

Climate anxiety is real! Climate change and environmental disasters have become part of the world our kids are growing up in, and a pretty scary part. One way to help kids understand both the issues and how they can actually affect change is to start a conversation in an entertaining way.

From flicks with nature themes to climate change documentaries, these environmental films will get kids thinking, talking, and interested. Grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and dive into a world of eco-friendly entertainment.

If you’re looking for even more movies to watch with your budding cinephile, why not check out our list of the 75 best movies for kids? Or, if these movies and shows inspire them to take action, check out our Earth Kids Guide, packed with ways kids can help save the planet.

Hudson River Park has no shortage of places to play, but there's always room for more. And so it is that Pier 26—already an educational wonderland—is home to a brand-new playground.

A pair of colorful, larger-than-life sturgeon beckon local kids and passersby to stop and romp. Go inside these whimsical sea creatures with us and find more fun places to play in our NYC Kids' Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

There are tons of great birthday party spots across New Jersey that cater to preschoolers and toddlers, since big-kid birthday party places can be a bit too grown-up for this age group. 

Read on for a list of cool play spaces, play cafes, and kiddie gyms that specialize in birthday party celebrations for the 6-and-under set. Find even more ideas for birthday party fun in our Guide to Birthday Parties in New Jersey.